1991 Nissan Pickup

Introduction: The 1991 Nissan Pickup (also known as the D21 Hardbody) is a compact pickup truck known for its durability and off-road capabilities. Available engine options include a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and a 3.0-liter V6, while transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 3-speed or 4-speed automatic. The 2.4-liter engine produces 106 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.0-liter V6 produces 143 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Despite its popularity, the 1991 Nissan Pickup has several known issues.

Engine

2.4-liter Inline-4

• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling or ticking noises, reduced power, and possible engine failure
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, and white smoke from the exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0-liter V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks and loss of coolant
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Distributor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, stalling, and difficulty starting
  • Solution: Replace distributor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Shift Linkage Issues:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises
  • Solution: Adjust or replace shift linkage
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Clutch Master Cylinder Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clutch pedal feels spongy, difficulty shifting gears
  • Solution: Replace clutch master cylinder
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

3-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Fluid Leaks:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaks and loss of fluid
  • Solution: Repair or replace leaking seals or gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Solenoid Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, rough shifting
  • Solution: Replace solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic

• Overdrive Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Overdrive gear not engaging
  • Solution: Repair or replace overdrive solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Shudder:
  • Description/Symptoms: Vibration during acceleration
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Lower Ball Joint Wear:
  • Description/Symptoms: Knocking or clunking noises from the front suspension, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Leaf Spring Sag:
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, reduced load capacity
  • Solution: Replace or add leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Starter Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine won’t crank or cranks slowly
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust Prone:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust on body panels, frame, and exhaust components
  • Solution: Regular maintenance, rust prevention, and repairs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on severity
  • Recalls: None Found
• Tailgate Cable Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Tailgate not staying open
  • Solution: Replace tailgate cable
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Window Regulator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows not working
  • Solution: Replace window regulator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard Cracking:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks on the dashboard
  • Solution: Replace dashboard or cover cracks
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary: The 1991 Nissan Pickup has several notable issues, including engine problems (timing chain tensioner failure, head gasket failure), transmission issues (shift linkage issues, solenoid failures), suspension issues (ball joint wear, leaf spring sag), electrical issues (starter failure, alternator failure), and exterior and interior issues (rust, tailgate cable failure, window regulator failure, dashboard cracking). While some of these issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be more severe and costly, such as engine and transmission failures. Regular maintenance and repairs can help mitigate these issues and prolong the life of the vehicle.