Nissan with round headlights at the rear: a complete guide to models and their features

Round taillights are one of the most memorable car design details. Nissan, which has become the hallmark of several legendary models of the brand. This stylistic element not only gave the cars a unique look, but also ensured excellent visibility on the road, which was especially important in an era when LED technology was not yet so widespread. Today, such headlights are associated with retro style, but at one time they were at the peak of innovation.

If you are looking Nissan with round headlights at the rear, then most likely you are interested in models from the 80s, 90s or early 2000s. These cars are still in demand among collectors, tuners and simply connoisseurs of classic design. In this article we will look at which models Nissan equipped with such headlights, their technical characteristics, pros and cons, and we will also give advice on selection and operation.

Which Nissan models had round taillights?

Not all cars Nissan could boast round taillights - this element was typical for certain lines, mainly SUVs and some sedans. Below we list the most famous models that were remembered precisely thanks to this design decision.

• 🔹 Nissan Pathfinder (R50, 1986–1995) - the first generation of the legendary SUV, where round headlights became part of the aggressive appearance.
• 🔹 Nissan Terrano (WD21, 1986–1996) - close relative Pathfinder, but with more compact dimensions and unique details.
• 🔹 Nissan Hardbody (D21, 1986–1997) - a pickup truck that in some modifications received round taillights.
• 🔹 Nissan Safari (Y60, 1988–1997) - a full-size SUV, where round headlights were combined with a massive body.
• 🔹 Nissan Patrol (Y60, 1987–1997) is an iconic body-on-frame SUV, which in some versions was equipped with round rear lights.

It is especially worth highlighting Pathfinder R50 And Terrano WD21 — these are the models most often associated with round headlights. Interestingly, the design may have varied slightly in different markets: for example, in Europe and Japan, the headlights may have been slightly modified to meet local safety standards.

Technical features of round taillights

Round taillights on cars Nissan were not just a design decision - they had a number of technical features that affected safety and operation. Here are the key points:

• 💡 Lamp type: Most models used halogen lamps P21/5W (for brake lights and clearances) and PY21W (for direction indicators).
• 🔧 Construction: The headlights were mounted on rubber seals, which prevented moisture from entering, but over time the seals could dry out.
• 🔄 Replacement: To access the lamps, it was necessary to remove the trunk trim or open a special hatch (depending on the model).
• 🛡️ Protection: On some versions (for example, Patrol Y60) the headlights were covered with a metal grill to protect against mechanical damage.

One of the problems with round headlights was their prone to fogging due to leaky seals. This is especially true for vehicles operated in high humidity conditions or after a long period of inactivity. The solution is to regularly check the seals and use silicone grease to restore them.

Model	Type of lamps (stop/marker)	Lamp type (rotation)	Mounting features
Pathfinder R50	P21/5W	PY21W	Access through trunk, 3 mounting bolts
Terrano WD21	P21/5W	PY21W	Hatch in casing, rubber seal
Hardbody D21	1157 (two-pin)	1156	Snap fastening, common corrosion problems
Patrol Y60	P21/5W	PY21W	Metal protection, access from outside

⚠️ Attention: When replacing bulbs in round headlights Nissan Do not touch the glass of a halogen lamp with bare hands - grease marks lead to local overheating and shorten the service life. Use gloves or a cloth.

Advantages and disadvantages of round taillights

Round taillights are not only style, but also a compromise between design and functionality. Let's look at their pros and cons.

Benefits:

• 🎨 Unique design: They make the car stand out from others, especially in retro style.
• 🔦 Good light output: The shape and position of the lamps provide a wide viewing angle.
• 🛠️ Easy to repair: Bulbs and sockets are standardized and easy to find and replace.
• 💰 Low cost of spare parts: Compared to modern LED units, halogen lamps and headlight housings are cheaper.

Disadvantages:

• 🌧️ Tendency to fog: The problem of many old Nissan - requires regular maintenance.
• 🔧 Fastening corrosion: Metal parts will rust over time, especially in high humidity environments.
• 🚗 Limited compatibility: Not all round headlights are interchangeable between models, even if they look the same.
• 💡 Outdated lighting technology: Halogen lamps are less bright and durable than modern LED lamps.

If you are planning tuning or restoration, keep in mind that round headlights can be upgraded: for example, install LED lamps with a base P21/5W, but this requires modifications to the electrical wiring and may cause problems with the traffic police (in some countries such changes are not certified).

How to distinguish original headlights from fakes?

Market of spare parts for retro cars Nissan filled with fakes, especially when it comes to recognizable elements like the round taillights. Here are a few signs that will help you avoid buying a low-quality copy:

• 🔍 Marking: Original headlights are engraved with the catalog number (eg 26010-4M000 for Pathfinder R50).
• 🧲 Magnetic test: The body of the original headlight should not be magnetic - fakes are often made of cheap metal.
• 🔦 Glass quality: The original glass is thicker and has no bubbles or distortions.
• 🛠️ Fastenings: Original headlights use brass or stainless steel bolts rather than cheap metal.

Also note reflector color and brightness: for original headlights it is uniform, without abrasions or traces of oxidation. Counterfeits often have a dull or uneven reflective layer, which reduces light output.

⚠️ Attention: Counterfeit headlights may not meet safety standards (eg. ECE R6 or DOT). Their use may lead to problems during inspection.

How to check headlights for leaks?

Place the headlight in a container of warm water (not hot!) and watch for bubbles to appear. If they are, the seal is broken and the headlight will fog up.

Tuning and modernization of round taillights

Many owners Nissan with round headlights they want to modernize them without losing the original design. Here are some popular tuning options:

• 💡 Installation of LED lamps: Lamps with base P21/5W or 1157 give brighter light, but require modifications to the electrical wiring (resistors or CAN buses to avoid errors on the dashboard).
• 🔄 Complete replacement with LED blocks: There are ready-made round headlights with LED matrices, but they are expensive and may not be suitable for mounting.
• 🎨 Tinting or painting: You can darken the headlight glass with a special film or paint, but this will reduce the light transmittance.
• 🛡️ Protective grilles: Installing metal or plastic grilles prevents damage to the glass when driving off-road.

If you decide to install LED lamps, please note that they may interfere with radio due to built-in drivers. To avoid this, use lamps with a metal body and shielded wiring.

For those who want to keep the original look but improve functionality, there is an option restoration of old headlights:

1. Disassembling and cleaning the housing from dirt and oxidation.
2. Polishing glass with special pastes (for example, 3M).
3. Replacing seals with silicone ones.
4. Painting the inside of the reflector in the original color (usually chrome or silver).

Where to buy spare parts and accessories for round headlights?

Search for original or high-quality analogues of round taillights for Nissan can be a difficult task, especially when it comes to rare models. Here are some verified sources:

• 🌍 Foreign online stores:
  • eBay — large selection of used and new headlights, but high delivery costs.
  • Amazon — there are universal LED solutions, but original spare parts are rare.
  • Yahoo! Japan Auctions - the best choice for Japanese models, but an intermediary is required for purchase.
• 🏬 Local showdowns:
  • Specialized dismantling of retro cars (for example, in Moscow or St. Petersburg).
  • Groups on social networks where they sell used spare parts for Nissan.
• 🏭 Manufacturers of analogues:
  • TYC — produces high-quality analogues for many models.
  • Depo - a budget option, but quality varies.

When buying used headlights, be sure to check their condition: ask the seller about the presence of cracks, fogging and the functionality of all lamps. If you buy new analogues, pay attention to reviews about a specific model - some Chinese manufacturers skimp on materials, and the headlights begin to leak after a year of use.

⚠️ Attention: When ordering headlights from Japan, please note that they may be designed for left-hand traffic. In this case, the light beam of the brake lights will be directed incorrectly for right-hand drive.

Tips for use and care

Round taillights Nissan require regular maintenance, especially if the car is used in difficult conditions. Here are some tips to help extend their life:

• 🧽 Cleaning: Wash your headlights regularly with a soft cloth and car shampoo. Do not use abrasives - they will scratch the glass.
• 🔧 Checking the seals: Once every six months, inspect the rubber seals for cracks. If necessary, lubricate them with silicone grease.
• 💡 Replacing lamps: Change the lamps in pairs, even if only one has burned out - this will ensure an even glow.
• 🚗 Moisture protection: If your headlights start to fog up, place a bag of silica gel inside (for example, from a new shoe box).

If you often drive off-road, install additional protection on your headlights - a metal or plastic grille. This will protect the glass from chips and cracks. It is also recommended to periodically check the contacts in the lamp sockets: oxidation can lead to flickering or complete failure of the headlights.

In winter, pay special attention to clearing snow and ice from your headlights. Do not use scrapers - it is better to let the ice melt on its own or use special defrosting sprays.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Can round headlights from a Pathfinder R50 be installed on a Terrano WD21?

No, despite the external similarity, the fastenings and connectors for these models are different. Terrano WD21 has more compact headlights with a different socket arrangement. However, there are universal adapters, but they require modifications to the body.

Which lamps are better to choose for round headlights: halogen or LED?

Depends on your goals:

• 🔹 Halogen - cheaper, easier to install, meets standards.
• 🔹 LED - brighter, more durable, but may require modifications to the electrical wiring and are not always legal.

For daily use, it is better to choose high-quality halogen lamps (for example, Osram Night Breaker), and leave LED for show cars.

How to deal with fogging of round headlights?

There are several ways:

1. Warm up the headlights with a hairdryer (carefully so as not to melt the plastic).
2. Replace the seals with new silicone ones.
3. Drill a small hole (2–3 mm) in the bottom of the headlight for ventilation, then cover it with a mesh.
4. Use special anti-fog sprays (for example, Sonax).

If the fogging is strong and constant, the headlight housing is most likely cracked, in which case it will have to be replaced.

Where can I find original round headlights for Nissan Patrol Y60?

Original headlights for Patrol Y60 They are rare, but you can look for them:

• 🔹 At Japanese auctions (Yahoo! Japan Auctions).
• 🔹 In owner groups Patrol on social networks (for example, VKontakte or Facebook).
• 🔹 From official dealers Nissan (sometimes there are stocks of old spare parts left).

The average price of used original headlights is from 15,000 to 30,000 rubles per pair.

Can round headlights be painted a different color?

Yes, but with reservations:

• 🔹 You can use a special tinting film (but it will reduce the brightness of the light).
• 🔹 You can only paint the inside of the case (not the glass!), otherwise the light transmittance will deteriorate.
• 🔹 In some countries, tinted headlights are prohibited by law (for example, in Russia according to GOST).

To temporarily change the color, you can use removable acrylic overlays.