1991 Nissan D21

1991 Nissan D21

The 1991 Nissan D21 is a compact pickup truck available in a variety of configurations, including single cab, extended cab, and crew cab. It was offered with a range of engine and transmission options, including a 2.4-liter inline-four with a 5-speed manual transmission, a 3.0-liter V6 with a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic transmission, a 2.5-liter turbodiesel inline-four with a 5-speed manual transmission, and a 2.8-liter inline-four with a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic transmission.

People like the Nissan D21 for its affordable price, rugged design, and reliable performance. However, it is known to have some issues.

Engine

2.4-liter inline-four

• Blown head gasket: Symptoms include white smoke from the exhaust, overheating, and coolant loss. The solution is to replace the head gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $1500+
• Intake manifold gasket failure: Symptoms include vacuum leaks and rough idling. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Timing chain tensioner failure: Symptoms include excessive engine noise and reduced power. The solution is to replace the timing chain tensioner. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600

3.0-liter V6

• Valve cover gasket leak: Symptoms include oil leaks from the valve covers. The solution is to replace the valve cover gaskets. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Intake manifold gasket failure: Symptoms include vacuum leaks and rough idling. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Coolant leak from the water pump: Symptoms include overheating and coolant loss. The solution is to replace the water pump. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

2.5-liter turbodiesel inline-four

• Fuel injection pump failure: Symptoms include difficulty starting, rough idling, and reduced power. The solution is to replace the fuel injection pump. Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1200+
• Turbocharger failure: Symptoms include loss of power, excessive smoke from the exhaust, and whistling sounds. The solution is to replace the turbocharger. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $1500+
• Glow plug failure: Symptoms include difficulty starting in cold weather. The solution is to replace the glow plugs. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

2.8-liter inline-four

• Blown head gasket: Symptoms include white smoke from the exhaust, overheating, and coolant loss. The solution is to replace the head gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $1500+
• Timing chain tensioner failure: Symptoms include excessive engine noise and reduced power. The solution is to replace the timing chain tensioner. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600

Transmission

5-speed manual transmission

• Clutch failure: Symptoms include slipping or chattering when shifting gears. The solution is to replace the clutch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
• Synchronizer failure: Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears. The solution is to replace the synchronizers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
• Transmission fluid leak: Symptoms include low transmission fluid levels and difficulty shifting gears. The solution is to replace the leaking seals or gaskets. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

4-speed automatic transmission

• Torque converter failure: Symptoms include shuddering or slipping when shifting gears. The solution is to replace the torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1200+
• Solenoid failure: Symptoms include erratic shifting and difficulty shifting gears. The solution is to replace the faulty solenoid. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Transmission fluid leak: Symptoms include low transmission fluid levels and difficulty shifting gears. The solution is to replace the leaking seals or gaskets. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Suspension

• Front suspension wear: Symptoms include clunking or rattling noises, uneven tire wear, and poor handling. The solution is to replace the worn suspension components, such as ball joints, tie rods, and sway bar links. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
• Rear suspension wear: Symptoms include sagging rear end, poor handling, and uneven tire wear. The solution is to replace the worn suspension components, such as leaf springs, shocks, and U-bolts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800

Electrical

• Alternator failure: Symptoms include dim headlights, difficulty starting, and a dead battery. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
• Starter failure: Symptoms include difficulty starting the engine. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Battery failure: Symptoms include difficulty starting the engine and a dead battery. The solution is to replace the battery. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Exterior

• Rust: Symptoms include bubbling or peeling paint and visible rust. The solution is to repair or replace the rusted areas. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
• Dent. can be caused by accidents or impacts.

Interior

• Broken window regulators.: Symptoms include difficulty rolling up or down the windows. The solution is to replace the window regulator motor or the switch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Summary

The 1991 Nissan D21 is a reliable and affordable truck but is known for some common issues. The most severe issues are blown head gaskets, fuel injection pump failure, and turbocharger failure. However, most of the issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix. Overall, the 1991 Nissan D21 is a good choice for a budget-minded truck buyer who is willing to put in some time and effort to maintain it.