The collision killed Cara A. Lee, 20, of Santa Ana, who was the front passenger in Nguyen's car. She was pronounced dead at the scene, Costa Mesa police Lt. Bryan Glass said.
Nguyen was taken to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana with minor injuries, authorities said. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and was released from custody at the hospital.
Gustavo A. Vega, 22, of Costa Mesa, driver of the Toyota truck, was arrested at the scene of the collision.
Vega was booked at the Orange County Jail on suspicion of murder, vehicular manslaughter, felony DUI, felony injury hit-and-run and possession of a controlled substance, Glass said.