1996 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 1996 Nissan 240sx problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Nissan 240SX 1996, several common problems have been reported:
- Loss of Power and Rough Idle: Owners have experienced issues with loss of power, rough idling, and performance degradation. This could be attributed to various factors such as vacuum leaks, ignition problems, or issues with components like the mass airflow sensor.
- Paint Problems and Rust: The Nissan 200SX Second Generation, which includes the 240SX, is known to have common body problems related to paint peeling and rust. These issues can affect the aesthetics and structural integrity of the vehicle if not addressed in a timely manner.
- Drivetrain Components: The 200SX is recognized for its strong performance and modifiability, but due to many cars being driven hard, thorough checks of driveline components are essential to ensure everything is in good condition. Neglecting these checks can lead to drivetrain issues over time.
- Corrosion: A thorough inspection for corrosion is crucial for the Nissan 200SX/Silvia S14 models. Common areas to check include the front and rear wheel arches, wheel wells, suspension struts, and sills. Addressing any signs of rust promptly is vital to prevent structural damage.
- Mechanical Wear: Components like ball bearing turbochargers and other mechanical parts may experience wear and tear over time, especially in high-performance models with over 300bhp. Maintenance costs for such high-performance variants can be significantly higher due to the stress these components endure.
By addressing these common problems proactively and ensuring regular maintenance and inspections, owners of the Nissan 240SX 1996 can mitigate these issues and maintain the performance and condition of their vehicles.
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.
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.
How much is a 1996 Nissan 240SX worth?
Used 1996 Nissan 240SX Pricing
| Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (nat'l average) | |
|---|---|---|
| Coupe 2D | $20,563 | $3,599 |
| SE Coupe 2D | $23,454 | $4,183 |
1996 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:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Air bags problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Nissan 240sx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1996 Nissan 240sx complaints
The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Nissan 240sx.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-12-07
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING NORMALLY TO SCHOOL ALONG WITH MY BROTHER AND I NOTICED THAT THERE'S A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GAS INSIDE THE CAR DURING DRIVING. I STOPPED AT A SAFE PLACE TO CHECK AND I NOTICE THAT THERE'S GAS DRIPPING SLOWLY UNDER THE GAS TANK. IT STILL LEAKS AND IT SEEMS TO BE CONTINUING TO LEAK A LITTLE MORE. PARTS FOR THIS REPAIR ARE ESTIMATE TO $400+ EXCLUDING LABOR, AS THE GAS TANK IS ALSO LOCATED QUITE BEHIND LOADS OF SUSPENSION PARTS FOR THE REAR. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-10-01
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: PLEASE REFER TO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (NTB98-001) WHEN ROUNDING A CURVE OR GOING OVER A DIP IN THE ROAD, AT 40 MILES PER HOUR THE CAR STARTING WOBBLING AND SWAYING AND YOU THINK IT IS GOING TO FLIP OVER. IT IS VERY SCARY. THE WOBBLE IS NOT INDUCED BY THE STEERING WHEEL, IT JUST HAPPENS. THERE IS NO REAL WARNING. I BELIEVE IT IS THE REAR LINK ARM BUSHINGS. THERE ARE NUMEROUS STORIES FROM OTHERS PERTAINING TO THIS SAME PROBLEM ON THE WEB SITE (TOPIX.NET) SEARCH PATHFINDER PROBLEMS. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN A MUST FIX FOR MANY AND IT IS VERY SCARY AND COULD BE VERY VERY DANGEROUS IF IT HAPPENED AT HIGHER SPEEDS. IT WOULD DEFINATELY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND/OR CRASH.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-16
- VIN: JN1AS44DXTW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: DT: THERE WAS A SPLIT IN THE SEAM OF THE GAS TANK. THE SMELL OF GAS WAS STRONG IN THE GARAGE. THIS HAD BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT A WEEK. THE CONSUMER NOTICED A SPOT ON THE DRIVEWAY AND SUSPECTED THAT IT WAS GAS. THE CONSUMER'S HUSBAND HAD TAKEN A PIECE OF TISSUE AND DIPPED IT INTO THE SPOT AND DETERMINED IT WAS GASOLINE ON THE SPOT WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE DAY BEFORE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND DISCOVERED A SPLIT IN THE SEAM OF A GAS TANK THE COST WOULD BE $1,200 TO FIX IT. THE CONSUMER FELT THAT SHE SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO SAID THEY WOULD NOT PAY BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. NO REPAIRS OR CORRECTIONS HAD BEEN MADE. *AK (11/22/05) *SC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-27
- VIN: 1N4AB41DXTC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: NO ACCELERATION WITH AIR CONDITIONER ON. O2 SENSOR REPLACED, IS THAT NORMAL. BRAKES GOING OUT AFTER RECENTLY HAVING THEM FIXED, WHY? *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-28
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: IF THE AIR CONDITION WAS ON WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE ENGINE SURGED AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD. *JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-02
- VIN: JN1AS44D3TW
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: BRIDGESTONE TURANZA T SIZE P20555R16, REPLACEMENT TIRES ON A NISSAN, 240SX, 1996. VEHICLE WAS WOBBLING. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THE DEALER STATED THAT LEFT FRONT TIRES BELT HAD SEPARATED. *AK BRIDGESTONE TURANZAT, DOT NUMBER Y78KPVB397. *SLC
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-01
- Crash: 1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE TREAD SEPARATED ON TWO INSTANCES. ONE DID DAMAGE TO REAR OF CAR. ALMOST HAD ACCIDENT AS RESULT. *AK (TIRESIZE: 175/70/14)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 175/70/14 )
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN STATED THAT HE HAS IDENTIFIED CAUSE OF NISSAN AIR BAG MODULAR FAILURE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-01
- VIN: 1N6SD16S7TC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND CONTINED BLINKING UNTIL REPAIRED.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1N4BB42D7TC
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: TRUNCK LATCH FAILED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-01
- VIN: 1N4AB41DOTC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIRBAG SENSOR FAILED.
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-12
- VIN: JN1AS44DXTW
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND PARKED ON A INCLINE AND PASSENGERS GETTING INTO THE REAR SEAT, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DID NOT KEEP THE VEHICLE SECURE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. *AK *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN APPLYING THE ABS BRAKES, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-01
- Crash: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN APPLYING THE ABS BRAKES, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *AK
Negative 1996 Nissan 240sx car reviews
Positive 1996 Nissan 240sx car reviews
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I've had my car for a little over 4 years now and I absolutely love it! It's been modified quite a bit since I first got it, with a Japanese SR20det motor that's boosted to 14 lbs and producing around 300 hp at the wheels. I've also lowered it by 2 inches and replaced several parts with lightweight carbon fiber pieces. Whenever I take it out for a spin, I always get people checking it out and complimenting it.
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my car. I bought it a year ago and it's been great! I haven't had any breakdowns since I bought it, which is amazing. When I first got it, the car was in pretty bad shape, but if you can find one in good condition, it's definitely worth the 4-6k they go for. The MPG is actually a lot higher than what's listed - I get around 23-26 in the city and around 30 on the highway, even when I'm not driving under 2k RPM. The car handles corners like a dream and the best part is that it's RWD! If you invest in a VSLD, it's a ton of fun to drive in the rain and even better on pavement. Thanks for listening to my story!
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It sounds like you have a really awesome car! I love how it handles sharp turns, although it can be a bit scary starting off fast on wet roads. It's great to hear that you've had it for almost 2 years now with no problems and it's still in great running condition. I can imagine that finding and affording some of the 240 parts might be a bit of a challenge, but overall it looks fantastic both inside and out. Thanks for sharing your experience with this awesome vehicle!
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I bought this car (SE version) new in '95. Loved it! It had manual transmission, great handling, and nice pickup. All in all, it was a fantastic sports car. I would have loved to keep it, but unfortunately, my ex won it. She traded it in for a Honda truck. I guess everyone has different tastes.
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160,000 miles and still ticking! I'm so glad to hear that you've never owned a more reliable car.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Nissan 240sx problems:
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 ...
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Jan 13, 2008 ... i hve a 96 240sx and never had any of thse problems. Top. User avatar. E7-S14: Posts ...
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Oct 19, 2002 ... I think thats pretty impressive. :cool: My car is for sale, click here for info 1996 Nissan 240sx SE.
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Hi, I've been an owner of 3 nissan 240sx's (a 90 fastback, first car I learned to work on, a '91 Fastback, did a little work to, and my '95 240 ...
Common RB problems. Fixes and advice! | Nissan 240SX Forums
Aug 30, 2011 ... The automatic transmission TPS will have two connections for two plugs. The standard should only have one. One of these plugs is the WOT switch ...
Other years of Nissan 240sx
Are you having problems with your 1996 Nissan 240sx?
Ward Brown 2024-10-29
Congratulations on your new car! I remember how excited I was when I got my first car too. It sounds like you did your research and made a great choice with the 240sx. The acceleration is impressive for a car with only 160 hp and 155 lbs of torque, and the RWD makes it even more fun to drive. I can understand why you would want more power, and getting those Silvia engines from Japan sounds like a great idea. Enjoy your new ride!
Adam Feest 2024-09-27
I have owned various cars in the past, but unfortunately, the engines in these particular models have been the most challenging to deal with. Both myself and my family have experienced issues ranging from fuel pumps to injectors, exhausts to brake calipers. It can be frustrating at times, but I remain hopeful that these issues will be resolved soon.