1991 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".
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Common 1991 Nissan 240sx problems
The Nissan 240SX, particularly the 1991 model, is known for several common problems that car owners frequently report. One of the most prevalent issues is related to the valve clearance. Nine people have reported this problem, indicating that it is a significant concern for 240SX owners. Valve clearance refers to the space between the valve and the rocker arm, which allows the valve to move freely and avoid contact with the rocker arm. If the valve clearance is not adjusted correctly, it can lead to various engine problems, including poor performance, increased fuel consumption, and even engine damage.
Another common problem with the 1991 Nissan 240SX is related to the power window system, specifically the driver-side window. This issue can manifest as a window that is stuck in the down position, making it difficult to operate the window and affecting the overall functionality of the car. The root cause of this problem can be a faulty window regulator, motor, switch, or a bad ground. A detailed investigation and testing of these components are necessary to diagnose and fix the problem.
The 240SX is also known for its susceptibility to rust, particularly in areas such as the frame, wheel wells, engine bay, and other parts of the car that are exposed to salt and moisture. This problem is more prevalent in regions with harsh winter conditions, where salt is used to melt ice on the roads. Rust can weaken the car's structure, compromise its safety, and reduce its value. Therefore, regular inspection and maintenance of the car's rust-prone areas are essential to prevent rust-related problems.
In addition to these common problems, the 240SX can also experience issues with its clutch and transmission, particularly in high-mileage cars. The clutch may wear out and require replacement, and the transmission fluid may need to be changed to maintain the car's performance and longevity.
In summary, the Nissan 240SX, while a popular and enjoyable car to own, is not without its common problems. These include issues with valve clearance, power windows, rust, and the clutch and transmission. Regular maintenance, inspection, and timely repairs can help prevent these problems and ensure the car's optimal performance and longevity.
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 does the 1991 240SX have?
2.4 L KA24DE I4
First generation (S13; 1989–1994)
| First generation (S13) | |
|---|---|
| Body style | 2-door coupé 3-door hatchback 2-door convertible |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.4 L KA24E I4 (gasoline) 2.4 L KA24DE I4 (gasoline) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
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.
1991 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:
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Nissan 240sx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1991 Nissan 240sx complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Nissan 240sx.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-04-01
- VIN: JN1MS36P7MW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 1991 NISSAN 240 SX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS INOPERABLE. HE CONTACTED A LOCAL DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY BOTH DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-12
- VIN: JN1M536P2MW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ON COLD START-UP, BLACK SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST. *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE LAP BELT UNBUCKLES WHEN PRESSURE IS APPLIED SUCH AS HARD BRAKING WHERE THERE IS STRESS PLACED ON THE COUPLING. *MJS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-15
- VIN: JN1MS34P0MW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: NEED ALL INJECTORS TO BE REPLACED...WAS INFORMED THAT LEAKY INJECTORS MAY CAUSE FIRE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-19
- VIN: JN1MS3O6POM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION UNEXPECTEDLY STOPPED WORKING WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. NO ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES RESULTED, BUT THIS COULD EASILY HAVE OCCURRED UNDER DIFFERENT CIRCMSTANCES. WHEN I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A KNOWLEDGEABLE TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP, THE CHIEF MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THERE IS A KNOWN DESIGN FLAW IN THIS TRANSMISSION. IN FACT, HE HAD REBUILT MANY OF THESE AND KNEW HOW TO "MODIFY" THE UNIT TO PREVENT FURTHER PROBLEMS. MY QUESTION: DOESN'T THE MANUFACTURER HAVE SOME RESPONSIBILITY HERE? I AM IN THE PROCESS OF CONTACTING NISSAN AND WILL AWAIT THEIR FORMAL RESPONSE. IN THE MEANTIME, CAN YOU HELP ME GET THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED? I AM CONVINCED THERE ARE MANY MORE CONSUMERS OUT THERE DRIVING THESE VEHICLES WHO ARE AT RISK. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION WAS WASHED AND NOW TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF 1ST. VEHICLE HAS SAT FOR OVER A WEEK AND STILL WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF LOW WHEN IT IS IN DRIVE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-12
- VIN: JN1M536B0MW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BOTH SEAT BELTS IN THE FRONT WILL NOT RETRACT. UPON PUTTING THE BELT ON THE BELT, IT WILL NOT RETRACT AROUND THE FRONT PASSENGER OR DRIVER. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN1MS34P8MW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOES NOT GO BACK AND FORTH. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-01
- VIN: JN1MS36P9MW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WARPED FLYWHEEL CAUSED RELEASE BEARINGS/CLUTCH TO FAIL PREMATURELY. *DSH
1991 Nissan 240sx recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1991 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 1991 Nissan 240sx car reviews
Positive 1991 Nissan 240sx car reviews
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I have dreamed of owning a 240SX for years. Recently, I was given the car without a motor, but I managed to find a used, low mileage engine for $800. I installed the motor myself and the car is now a dream come true. It only needs a few more modifications to become an Auto-Cross racer. The handling is superb and the torquey truck motor pulls things along nicely. Some people have complained about its performance in bad weather, but I have had no issues as long as I respect the abilities of this car. If 155 horsepower is not enough for you, you can send it to a performance shop for an engine swap (SR20DET, from the Japanese version) and get a stout 220HP with room to breathe. It's definitely a winner!
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I've been driving this car for 14 years and it has been great! The only issue I had was with the transmission, but it was quickly fixed. I would have kept it longer if it had airbags, but it's time for an upgrade. I really love my little Nissan!
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I love this car! It sounds like you've put a lot of work into it and made some great modifications. It must be really fun to drive and it's great that your friends enjoy it too. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
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This car is awesome! I'm at 260,000km and I'm just replacing the clutch. I have a leak in the rear power steering line (it's a hicas), but I love the car. I had a 99 Mustang GT and this feels cooler to drive, although I miss the power. I would definitely recommend one.
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I love this car! It has been with me for a long time and has been very reliable. I have driven it for 153K miles and have only had to replace the starter. I have not had to replace anything else, including belts, hoses, pumps, gaskets, CV joints, and even the clutch! The only things that have been replaced are the brake pads (with the same rotors), battery, tires, exhaust (now with Borla), and light bulbs. This car is amazing and if you take care of it, it will reward you with a fun and reliable ride. I have heard about transmission issues, but I believe that is due to driver abuse. If you are patient and gentle with the 1st to 2nd shift, it will not break on you. Also, if you avoid slamming the doors, the windows will not break either. I have noticed a spot of rust in the wheel well and the paint is looking faded, but other than that, it is still great!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 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 ...
Idle Problem(common to 240's) | Nissan 240SX Forums
Dec 20, 2002 ... Hey there guys, I am new here to the forums. Sorry if this question has been asked a lot. I have a 1991 240sx with no mods, yet. Here is the ...
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 ...
Common RB problems. Fixes and advice! | Nissan 240SX Forums
Aug 30, 2011 ... ... issues!! Happy fixing!!! See less See more. 1991 S13 Build in progress. I beleive in sideways. I don't do burnouts, I mark my territory. Save ...
Other years of Nissan 240sx
Are you having problems with your 1991 Nissan 240sx?
Rowland Kerluke 2024-08-06
The car is great! It's fun, sporty, and has a nice interior. While it may lack power and aftermarket parts, it definitely has potential.
Augustus Walker 2024-05-09
This is a great car overall, but there seems to be an issue with the spoiler. Nissan bolted the spoilers on, which unfortunately can lead to rust. I have noticed that many of these cars have rust on the spoiler. When I brought this up to the dealer, they suggested that it was due to lifting the hatchback by the spoiler, but I take great care of my cars and would never do that. Even if I did, there is no place on the hatchback to lift it up unless you have very skinny fingers. Despite this issue, I still love my car. It is a joy to drive and has been incredibly reliable, even with 124,000 miles on it.