1992 Nissan Tsuru

Vehicle Introduction

The 1992 Nissan Tsuru is a compact sedan available with two engine options and two transmission options. The 1.6-liter GA16DE engine produces 110 horsepower and 109 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.0-liter SR20DE engine produces 140 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Tsuru is known for its reliability and affordability, but it has some common issues that owners should be aware of.

Engine Issues

• GA16DE Engine:
  • Head gasket failure: Symptoms include white smoke from the exhaust, overheating, and coolant loss. Solution: Replace the head gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Timing belt failure: Symptoms include a sudden loss of power and a loud noise from the engine. Solution: Replace the timing belt and tensioner. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• SR20DE Engine:
  • Valve cover gasket leak: Symptoms include oil leaking from the valve cover area. Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Oil pump failure: Symptoms include low oil pressure and a knocking noise from the engine. Solution: Replace the oil pump. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Transmission Issues

• 5-Speed Manual Transmission:
  • Synchro wear: Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, especially into 2nd and 3rd gear. Solution: Replace the synchros. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• 4-Speed Automatic Transmission:
  • Transmission slipping: Symptoms include the transmission slipping out of gear or failing to engage. Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+

Suspension Issues

• Strut failure: Symptoms include a clunking noise from the front of the vehicle, uneven tire wear, and reduced handling. Solution: Replace the struts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Ball joint failure: Symptoms include a clunking or rattling noise from the front of the vehicle, reduced steering stability, and uneven tire wear. Solution: Replace the ball joints. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Electrical Issues

• Alternator failure: Symptoms include dim headlights, flickering lights, and a dead battery. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Starter failure: Symptoms include difficulty starting the vehicle or a grinding noise when starting. Solution: Replace the starter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Exterior Issues

• Door handle failure: Symptoms include difficulty opening the door or the door handle falling off. Solution: Replace the door handle. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Interior Issues

• Dashboard cracking: Symptoms include cracks in the dashboard material. Solution: Replace the dashboard. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Power window failure: Symptoms include the power windows not working or only working intermittently. Solution: Repair or replace the power window motor or switch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Summary

Overall, the 1992 Nissan Tsuru is a reliable and affordable vehicle, but it does have some common issues that owners should be aware of. The most severe issues are related to the engine, such as head gasket failure and timing belt failure, which can be expensive to repair. The transmission issues are typically less severe and less expensive to fix. The suspension and electrical issues are also relatively minor and inexpensive to repair.