1992 Nissan D21

Introduction

The 1992 Nissan D21 is a compact pickup truck that was available with two engine options: a 2.4-liter inline-four or a 3.0-liter V6. Both engines could be paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. The D21 was popular for its affordability, reliability, and off-road capabilities. However, it has some common issues that owners should be aware of.

Engine

2.4-liter Inline-Four

• Blown Head Gasket
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the engine, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Rattle
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, especially at startup
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0-liter V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the engine, overheating
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• EGR Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, poor fuel economy, check engine light
  • Solution: Replace the EGR valve
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

• Grinding Gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noise
  • Solution: Replace the clutch or transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shift Linkage Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, loose shift knob
  • Solution: Replace the shift linkage
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Four-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Slipping Gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping gears, lack of power
  • Solution: Rebuild the transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission overheating, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Broken leaf springs, sagging suspension
  • Solution: Replace the leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise when turning, loose steering
  • Solution: Replace the ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim lights, difficulty starting, dead battery
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, clicking noise
  • Solution: Replace the starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Body panels rusting, especially on the bed and fenders
  • Solution: Treat the rust or replace the affected panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of the rust
  • Recalls: None Found
• Tailgate Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Unable to open the tailgate
  • Solution: Replace the tailgate handle
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Dashboard cracking, especially on the passenger side
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Covers Ripping
  • Description/Symptoms: Rips and tears in the seat covers
  • Solution: Replace the seat covers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1992 Nissan D21 is a reliable and affordable pickup truck, but it has some common issues that can be costly to repair. The most serious issues include blown head gaskets, timing chain rattle, and transmission problems. While these issues can be severe, they are relatively uncommon. Overall, the D21 is a good choice for those who are looking for a durable and capable pickup truck.