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Nissan 240sx Problems

The Nissan 240SX was a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe produced from 1989-1998, becoming an icon in the drifting and tuning community. With 476 complaints and 6 fatalities, it showed typical reliability for a 1990s Japanese sports car. The KA24DE engine proved durable and modification-friendly. Remaining stock examples are increasingly rare and valuable.

476
Total Complaints
0
Total Recalls
11
Model Years
6
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

1995
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

1983 1991 1994

Common Problem Categories

Fuel System, Gasoline 106
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 48
Seat Belts 44
Engine And Engine Cooling 36
Air Bags 36

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
1998 2 0 0 0 Good
1997 14 0 6 0 Good
1996 16 0 6 0 Good
1995 152 0 28 4 Avoid
1994 10 0 0 0 Good
1993 40 0 2 0 Average
1992 28 0 2 2 Average
1991 18 0 0 0 Good
1990 102 0 4 4 Below Average
1989 92 0 6 6 Below Average
1983 2 0 0 0 Good

Nissan 240sx Years to Avoid

The 1995 240SX accumulated the highest complaint volume, with engine and transmission issues leading concerns. The 1995-1998 S14 models had more reported problems than earlier S13 versions. Some 1995 models experienced timing chain tensioner failures. The automatic transmission was weak in all years and should be avoided. Oil consumption increased on higher-mileage KA24 engines. The 1993-1994 models during the generation change also showed elevated concerns.

Best Nissan 240sx Years

The 1993 240SX S13 represents the final year of that refined platform before the S14 transition. The 1989-1991 models are simple and reliable if unmolested examples can be found. For S14 buyers, 1997-1998 show fewer complaints than 1995-1996. A stock, well-maintained example from any year commands premium prices today.

Frequently Asked Questions