1997 Nissan Pickup

The 1997 Nissan Pickup is a mid-size pickup truck that was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 2.4-liter inline-four that made 143 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque, while the optional engine was a 3.3-liter V6 that made 170 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual, a 4-speed automatic, and a 5-speed automatic.

Despite its popularity, the 1997 Nissan Pickup has been known for a number of issues. These issues range from minor annoyances to major mechanical failures.

Engine 2.4L L4

• Head gasket failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include overheating, white or milky oil, and coolant loss. The solution is to replace the head gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing a vacuum leak. Symptoms include rough idling, loss of power, and increased fuel consumption. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500+
• Timing chain tensioner failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, loss of power, and eventually engine failure. The solution is to replace the timing chain tensioner. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $700+
• Valve cover gasket leak: The valve cover gasket can fail, causing oil to leak. Symptoms include leaking oil, a burning smell, and decreased oil levels. The solution is to replace the valve cover gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $300+

3.3L V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing a vacuum leak. Symptoms include rough idling, loss of power, and increased fuel consumption. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500+
• Timing chain tensioner failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, loss of power, and eventually engine failure. The solution is to replace the timing chain tensioner. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $700+
• Valve cover gasket leak: The valve cover gasket can fail, causing oil to leak. Symptoms include leaking oil, a burning smell, and decreased oil levels. The solution is to replace the valve cover gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $300+

Transmission

5-speed Manual

• Clutch failure: The clutch can fail, causing the transmission to slip or not engage. Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, a burning smell, and decreased power. The solution is to replace the clutch. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $800+
• Transmission mount failure: The transmission mount can fail, causing the transmission to move around excessively. Symptoms include vibration, noise, and difficulty shifting gears. The solution is to replace the transmission mount. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $300+

4-speed Automatic

• Transmission fluid leak: The transmission fluid can leak from the pan, lines, or seals. Symptoms include low transmission fluid levels, slipping gears, and overheating. The solution is to repair the leak and replace the transmission fluid. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $500+
• Torque converter failure: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to slip or not engage. Symptoms include loss of power, slipping gears, and overheating. The solution is to replace the torque converter. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $1,500+

5-speed Automatic

• Transmission fluid leak: The transmission fluid can leak from the pan, lines, or seals. Symptoms include low transmission fluid levels, slipping gears, and overheating. The solution is to repair the leak and replace the transmission fluid. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $500+
• Torque converter failure: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to slip or not engage. Symptoms include loss of power, slipping gears, and overheating. The solution is to replace the torque converter. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $1,500+

Suspension

• Front suspension: The front suspension can wear out, causing the vehicle to ride rough and handle poorly. Symptoms include clunking noises, vibration, and uneven tire wear. The solution is to replace the worn suspension components. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Rear suspension: The rear suspension can wear out, causing the vehicle to ride rough and handle poorly. Symptoms include clunking noises, vibration, and uneven tire wear. The solution is to replace the worn suspension components. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+

Electrical

• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to not charge. Symptoms include dim headlights, flickering lights, and a dead battery. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500+
• Starter failure: The starter can fail, preventing the engine from starting. Symptoms include no noise when the key is turned, clicking noises, and a grinding noise. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
• Battery failure: The battery can fail, preventing the vehicle from starting. Symptoms include a dead battery, dim headlights, and flickering lights. The solution is to replace the battery. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+

Exterior

• Rust: The body of the vehicle can rust, especially in areas that are exposed to salt or moisture. Symptoms include rust spots, holes in the body, and peeling paint. The solution is to repair the rust and prevent it from spreading. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $2,000+
• Paint: The paint on the vehicle can fade or peel over time. This is especially common in vehicles that are exposed to the sun or other harsh elements. The solution is to repaint