1990 Nissan 240sx problems
The Nissan 240SX is a sports compact car that was introduced to the North American market by Nissan in 1989 for the 1990 model year. It replaced the outgoing 200SX (S12) model. Most of the 240SXs were equipped with the 2.4-liter inline 4 engine (KA24E from 1989 to 1990 and KA24DE from 1990 to 1998). The KA24E had single overhead cams and the KA24DE had dual overhead cams. Two distinct generations of the 240SX, the S13 (1989–1994) the S14 (1994-1998) were produced, based on the Nissan S platform.
The 240SX is closely related to other S platform based vehicles, such as the Japanese-market Silvia and 180SX, and the European-market 200SX. Although their names are similar, the 240SX is unrelated to the 240Z or the 280ZX.
The 240SX is known for its popularity within drifting and tuner culture. However, due to the popularity of the S-chassis in drifting and related competitions, prices for vehicles and parts have greatly increased due to higher demand. This problem is sometimes known as "drift tax".
Social links
Common 1990 Nissan 240sx problems
Based on the sources provided, here are the common problems with the 1990 Nissan 240SX as reported by owners:
- Stuttering and Chugging: Some owners have experienced the car stuttering and chugging occasionally, which can lead to temporary performance issues. This could be related to fuel delivery issues, ignition problems, or air intake concerns.
- Difficulty in Finding Parts: Another common problem reported by owners is the challenge of finding parts for the 1990 Nissan 240SX. This can be a frustrating issue for car owners looking to maintain or repair their vehicles.
These problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance, thorough diagnostics, and potentially seeking professional help to address specific issues with the 1990 Nissan 240SX.
Can a 240SX be reliable?
The Nissan 240SX is one of the most reliable compact sports cars of the 90s. It comes with extremely simple mechanics and bulletproof engines. This can prove useful, especially for first-time builders who require more reliability than power and complexity.
What engine is in the 1990 240SX?
2.4-liter inline 4 engine
Most of the 240SXs were equipped with the 2.4-liter inline 4 engine (KA24E from 1989 to 1990 and KA24DE from 1990 to 1998).
Is a Nissan 240SX illegal?
The Nissan Silvia S14 is not legal in the United States. The S14s are completely legal; Nissan sold them in the United States. Yes, the S14 240SX are completely legal, but no real Silvias, not quite the same car. Importing a car into the U.S. is a task, but the Golden State poses obstacles even for American cars.
What is so special about 240SX?
Its ideal weight distribution
Experts, both real and aspirational, will quibble over it, but the 240SX is generally regarded as having a near-perfect weight distribution for drifting, at 55:45, front-to-back. This is especially true of the JDM 180SX with its lighter aluminum engine block.
1990 Nissan 240sx car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Nissan 240sx problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seats problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Nissan 240sx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1990 Nissan 240sx
The NHTSA has received 47 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Nissan 240sx. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1990 Nissan 240sx vehicles.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-09-08
- VIN: JN1HS36P4LW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 NISSAN 240SX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 95V103002 (SEAT BELTS). THE CONTACT WAS EXPERIENCING A FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE DEALER WOULD NOT HONOR THE RECALL AND WANTED TO CHARGE THE CONTACT FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-03-01
- VIN: JN1HS36P5LW
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE FACTORY BREAK BOOSTERS ON NISSAN 240SX MODEL YEARS 1989-1998 LEAK AND DRIP BREAK FLUID ONTO THE FRAME RAIL, EATING AWAY THE RUST PREVENTIVE COATING. THIS ALLOWS THE ELEMENTS TO CONTACT BARE METAL, OXIDIZING IT AND BOTH WEAKENING THE STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE AND POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE BREAKS TO FAIL.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-03
- VIN: JN1HS36PXLW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: I HAVE PURCHASED THIS AUTO APRIL 20, 2005. I DROVE IT FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS. THEN AN OVERPOWERING ODOR OF GASOLINE EMITTED IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. UPON INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THERE WAS GASOLINE LEAKING FROM THE FUEL RAIL. I HAVE HAD THE O-RINGS AND INSULATORS REPLACED ON ALL FOUR FUEL INJECTORS AND THE LEAK IS STILL PRESENT. IT SEEMS THAT I MUST NOW REPLACE THE INJECTORS. IN CHECKING FOR POSSIBLE RECALLS, I HAVE NOTICED THERE WERE SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS MADE REFERRING TO THE FUEL SYSTEM ON THESE MODELS, AND THAT NISSAN WOULD NOT RECALL THE 240 SX EVEN THOUGH THE EXACT SAME DESIGN IS USED IN THE FOUR CYLINDER ENGINE AS THE SIX CYLINDER MODELS THAT THEY DID RECALL. !!! WHY NOT THE 240 SX, NISSAN????? I INTEND TO KEEP ALL OLD PARTS THAT ARE REPLACED.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-15
- VIN: JN1HS36P4LW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: SMELLED BAD GAS ODOR. TOOK TO REPAIR SHOP AND SAID 3 OUT OF 4 INJECTORS WERE LEAKING, VERY DANGEROUS. REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. NOW I AM READING ABOUT RECALL # 95I006000--NEVER NOTIFIED. WILL NISSAN REFUND OR CREDIT ME FOR COST SINCE THIS WAS IMMEDIATE DANGER PROBLEM. WILL PROVIDE PROOF OF SERVICE AND COST.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-06
- VIN: JN1HS36P6LW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 3 OF 4 FUEL INJECTORS LEAKING AND FUEL REGULATORS NEEDS REPLACEMENT. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL INJECTOR HAS LEAKED FUEL DUE TO FUEL RAIL. VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED THREE TIMES. THIS PART IS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL INJECTORS HAVE LEAKED FUEL DUE TO THE FUEL RAIL. VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED THREE TIMES. PARTS ARE ON A NATIONAL BACK ORDER. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-01
- VIN: JN1HS36P6LW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL INJECTOR IS LEAKING AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEM YET DUE TO LEAKING FUEL INJECTORS. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK *TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: GN1HS36B3LW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THERE IS A NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. TIMING CHAIN HAS MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JN1HS36P2LW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL INJECTORS LEAKING SAME AS RECALL 951006000. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN1HS36P9LW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GAS LEAKING FROM FUEL INJECTORS, OTHER OWNERS WITH SAME PROBLEM, IS IT RECALLED?*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-15
- VIN: JN1HS36P7LW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE SAFTEY BUTTON ON THE IGNITION THAT YOU USUALLY HAS TO BE PUSHED IN TO GET THE KEY OUT KEEPS GETTING STUCK. THEREFORE I'M NOT ABLE TO GET MY KEY OUT. THE PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 5 OR 6 TIMES ALREADY AND TO RESOLVE IT, I HAVE TO REMOVE THE PLATE THAT COVERS THE IGNITION AND BUTTON AND PRESS IT A CERTAIN WAY. I HAVE BEEN STUCK AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS, NOT BEING ABLE TO LEAVE MY CAR, DUE TO THE FACT THAT I CAN'T GET MY KEY OUT. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD FALL UNDER THE MANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBILITY AND NOT THE CUSTOMERS. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-01
- VIN: JN1HS36P5LW
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE METAL BACKING IN THE DRIVERS SEAT IS STARTING TO PROTRUDE THROUGH THE SEAT MATERIAL AND INTO THE DRIVERS BACK.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN1HS34P9LW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,TIRES
- Summary: WAS COMING TO A LIGHT, TOOK FOOT OFF GAS, AND RPMS DROPPED TO 1800. WHEN TAKEN VEHICLE OUT OF GEAR, RPMS WOULD JUMP UP OVER 1800 & THEN SLOWLY DECREASE. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP 5 OR 6 TIMES FOR PROBLEM. MECHANIC NOT ABLE TO RESOLVE PROBLEM. FRONT TIRES WOULD HAVE NO GRIP. CAR WOULD KEEP ROLLING DUE TO BACK WHEEL PUSHING. *AK *ML
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN1HS34P9LW
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE ENGINE IDLE CONTROL FAILS WHILE ON THE ROAD, NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF IDLE PROBLEMS. YH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN1HS36P3LW
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: MASTER CYLINDER LEAKING. *ET
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN1HS36P3LW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL INJECTORS LEAKING. *ET
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN1HS36P3LW
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: MASTER CYLINDER LEAKING. *ET
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN1HS36P3LW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL INJECTORS LEAKING. *ET
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL INJECTORS ARE LEAKING WHICH CAUSES A POTENTIAL FOR VEHICLE TO IGNITE AND CATCH FIRE. DEALER HAS SEEN VEHICLE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE FLUID CAUSED THE SEALS TO FAIL, RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKE POWER. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-03
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER CAN SMELL GAS WITHIN THE VEHICLE, AND ALL FOUR OF FUEL INJECTORS HAVE TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THERE IS A NOISE COMING FROM THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN1HS36P7LW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THERE IS A STRONG SCENT OF GASOLINE FROM THE VEHICLE AFTER IT RUNS AT HIGHER SPEEDS (55+ MPH). I ALSO NOTICED SOME "LIQUID" AROUND THE ENGINE. IT SEEMS TO BE GASOLINE. I KNOW THAT NISSANS IN THE HAVE HAD FAILURES OF THE FUEL INJECTIONS, AND I DON'T REALLY WANT TO DRIVE MY CAR TOO MUCH BECAUSE I'M AFRAID THAT A FIRE MIGHT BREAK OUT. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-11
- VIN: JN1HS36P2LW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE INTERNAL SEALS IN THE FUEL INJECTORS ARE LEAKING GAS ONTO THE ENGINE. NISSAN SAID TO REPLACE THE EXTERNAL SEALS, THAT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. NOW THEY SAY THAT THE LEAKING INJECTORS ARE NOT A SAFTY ISSUE, AND WILL NOT REPLACE THEM. I DO NOT WANT MY CAR TO BURN LIKE A 300ZX. I HAVE TALKED WITH A NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT OWN 240'S AND A GOOD NUMBER OF THEM HAVE OR HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-01
- VIN: JN1HS36P0LW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE PROBLEM IS A SAFETY ISSUE, CONCERNING THE FUEL INJECTORS OF 1989-90 NISSAN 240SX'S. I, ALONG WITH MANY OTHERS, HAVE EXPERIENCED EXTERNAL FUEL INJECTOR LEAKS. ~100,000 MILES, THE FUEL INJECTORS WILL DEVELOP EXTERNAL LEAKS AT THE TOP OF THE INJECTORS. LEAKING ON TOP OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD. IF NOT RESOLVED, THIS LEAK IS DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE. I HAVE CONTACTED MY DEALER AND NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS, THEY FAILED TO BELIEVE IT WAS A MECHANICAL DEFECT. ACCORDING TO SEVERAL PRESTIGEOUS SOURCES, FUEL INJECTORS ARE NEVER SUPPOSED TO LEAK EXTERNALLY -- UNLESS DEFECTIVE. I HAVE PAID FOR (4) NEW INJECTORS AND INSTALLED THEM, THE CAR IS FULLY OPERABLE. I KEPT THE FAULTY INJECTORS FOR FURTHER EVIDENCE IN CORRESPONDANCE WITH THIS CLAIM. THANK YOU. *AK
1990 Nissan 240sx recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1990 Nissan 240sx.
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
- Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE.
Negative 1990 Nissan 240sx car reviews
Positive 1990 Nissan 240sx car reviews
-
I love my car! Even though it has over 120,000 miles, it has been incredibly reliable. I drive almost 1000 miles a week and it handles like a dream. The car looks great and is relatively fast. It has been just as reliable as any Honda or Toyota that I've ever owned. Sadly, I have to sell it to make way for a baby, but I'm already considering buying another Nissan for my next vehicle.
-
I've had this car for a year now and it's been an absolute blast to drive. It's a real head-turner and everywhere I go, people recognize it because they don't make them anymore. To me, it's a special car and up to this point, I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's been my first car since I started driving and I love the fact that, despite its age, it still performs just as well as it did when it was new.
-
Hey there! I just wanted to share my experience with my car. I was lucky enough to find a great deal on a car with only 56,000 miles for under 3k! However, I did notice that the stock airbox wasn't performing as well as I had hoped, especially over 3000 RPM's. Luckily, I was able to fix this issue by installing a K&N FIPK intake. The car now corners really well, and adding a strut bar only made it better. I truly believe that this car has a lot of potential. With just a few thousand dollars invested in the right places, a 240sxcould could easily become one of the fastest cars on the road!
-
Hi there! I noticed that you've had your vehicle for 8 years now and I'm so glad to hear that you haven't had any problems with it. It sounds like it's the perfect car for cruising down the highway in the summertime!
-
This was your first car. You love the feel of a rear-wheel-drive car and the stick shift makes it fun to drive. Although it isn't the fastest thing in the world, it does hold its own. It was never meant for more than one passenger. The paint is faded and peeling, and the interior is ripping, but the car is, after all, sixteen years old. Mechanical problems have been minimal and easily and inexpensively fixed.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Nissan 240sx problems:
List of Common 240sx Problems;list them here! - Nissan Forum ...
Aug 16, 2009 ... Re: List of Common 240sx Problems;list them here! (Mangid) ... Completely non working cigarette lighter that falls the f*** out (need to get that ...
Hoping to get on that 240sx hype. What common problems should i ...
Aug 18, 2015 ... Over the last year or so, as i've immersed myself in the JDM car culture, i've found myself coming back to the S13 fastback as one of my ...
Common 240sx problems? - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX ...
May 14, 2013 ... Previous owner and future owner, usually both are problems. And rust, bushings, high mileage motors, power steering leaking, vacuum lines ...
Idle Problem(common to 240's) | Nissan 240SX Forums
Dec 20, 2002 ... My TPS is acting up and sounds similar to what you are describing. Just another place to look if you haven't fixed it yet. James. 1990 240sx ...
Common S13 problems? | Nissan Forum
Jan 10, 2003 ... im helping my little brother buy a S13 hatch and was just wondering what the common problems of a high mileage S13 are? for example, b13 ...
Other years of Nissan 240sx
Are you having problems with your 1990 Nissan 240sx?
Coty VonRueden 2024-10-28
I have owned my 240sx for 2 years now and have not experienced any major engine problems, only minor electrical issues which were expected, such as the alternator and starter. During my ownership, I have made several upgrades to the car, including a centerforce clutch, kyb rear struts, injen air intake, sumitomo tires, and a sports exhaust with the 2 resonators removed, resulting in a very loud 4-cylinder engine. Although I have encountered a small fuel leak from 2 of the fuel injectors, I am still very proud of my 240. The rear-wheel drive has made this car incredibly enjoyable to drive.
Edgardo Breitenberg 2024-05-01
The car has had some issues, including a broken plastic gear in a window regulator that cost $175 to fix. The automatic transmission also seems somewhat fragile. However, with some modifications for handling and performance, it can be a fun car to drive. The 91' (DOHC) Manual Coupe is a good option to consider, as the 90 model has SOHC and the fastbacks are heavier. The SR Swap has received many positive reviews. It is worth noting that aftermarket parts can be overpriced, of bad quality, or scarce. Upgrading to 17