1998 Nissan 240sx problems
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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 1998 Nissan 240sx problems
The Nissan 240SX, particularly the 1998 model, is known for several common problems that owners have reported over the years. One of the most common issues is with the fuel injectors, which are prone to clogging due to the use of low-quality fuel. This can lead to decreased engine performance and fuel efficiency, and can be resolved by replacing the stock injectors with upgraded aftermarket versions or performing regular maintenance.
Another common problem with the 1998 Nissan 240SX is with the power steering system. Many drivers have reported a whining noise coming from the power steering pump, particularly at low speeds. This is attributed to a failing power steering pump or low power steering fluid levels. Regular inspection and replacement of worn power steering components can help prevent this issue.
The air conditioning system is also known to cause problems in the 1998 Nissan 240SX. Many drivers have reported a lack of cool air coming from the vents, which is attributed to a failing air conditioning compressor. Replacing the stock compressor with an upgraded aftermarket version can help prevent this issue.
Rust is another common problem with the 1998 Nissan 240SX, particularly around the wheel arches and rocker panels. Regular rust inspection and prevention measures, such as applying rust inhibitors or sealing the affected areas, can help prevent the issue from becoming more severe.
Finally, the timing chain tensioners in the 1998 Nissan 240SX are known to go bad, causing a rattling noise. This can be resolved by replacing the tensioners with upgraded aftermarket versions.
In summary, the 1998 Nissan 240SX is a stylish and fun sports coupe, but it does have its share of common issues. By staying on top of fuel injector maintenance, power steering maintenance, air conditioning upgrades, rust prevention, and timing chain tensioner upgrades, owners can enjoy their S14 for years to come.
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.
Why is the Nissan 240SX illegal?
Why is this car illegal in the United States: This particular vehicle was declared illegal because it did not meet federal safety and pollution standards and it had a right-hand steering column, similar to cars in England.
How much are 240SX worth today?
A: The average price of a Nissan 240SX - S14 is $16,753.
What is 240SX known for?
The 240SX is a popular car in the sport of drifting due to its long wheelbase, low cost, ample power, light weight, well-balanced chassis and abundant aftermarket support.
1998 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
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Nissan 240sx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Nissan 240sx complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Nissan 240sx.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-07
- VIN: JN1A244D7WW
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING AND UPON DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL BRAKES LOCKED UP. ALSO, A VERY LOUD NOISE WAS COMING FROM BRAKES. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER NOTED THAT MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING FLUID WHICH HAS CAUSED BRAKES TO BECOME INOPERABLE. DEALER AWAITING PARTS. *AK
Positive 1998 Nissan 240sx car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 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 ...
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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 Problems with S14 | Nissan 240SX Forums
Oct 19, 2002 ... What common problems exist with the S14? Clutch? Drivetrain? Engine? Suspension? I'm consindering selling my VR-4 to buy an S14 then do an ...

How reliable is a Nissan 240SX? - Quora
Dec 20, 2018 ... Quite reliable. Both the US models with the 2.4 Liter (KA24DE) or the Japanese models with the 2.0 Liter Turbo (SR20DET) are very good and ...
Power window problems | Nissan 240SX Forums
May 27, 2007 ... "That is very extremely true!" S13 KA24DE Engine ... must be a common problem mine only doesnt ... S14 240SX (95-98) · chadi Sep 4, 2007 · power ...
Reyes Jakubowski 2025-02-11
I love my 240! It's the best car out there and I wouldn't trade it for anything. My friends have sport compacts, but the 240 beats them all. With some investment in suspension and performance upgrades, you'll fall in love with your car. It performs great in turns and the stock KA24DE engine is strong and perfect for upgrades. The car is very sought after and people always admire it since you don't see 240's very often.
Titus Stroman 2025-02-03
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!
Lance Pfannerstill 2025-01-12
I love this car! My mom bought it in '96 and I took it over in '03. It's the best car you could ever have. Even with 155k on it, I'm just now having to do repairs. Everyone knows me by my little red car and I get lots of stares when I drive it. It's so much fun to drive and handles great. I do agree with everyone saying to be careful when it rains - you have to know how to handle it.
Macey Yost 2025-01-10
I had the opportunity to purchase one of these amazing cars right after high school and it's been the best first car if you're into cars. It handles great stock, but put a new suspension under it and you will keep up with or beat most cars in the corners, provided you know what you're doing. The torque is more than most 4 cyl can dream of, and it has a nice powerband up to 5500. Though a set of cams can fix this rather nicely. All in all, I love my 240 and although I have tried to sell her 4 times, I just can never do it. It's a great car and I'm saddened that people didn't buy more of them when they were new so Nissan would have kept building them.
Merritt Considine 2025-01-10
Great car! It's a shame the motor went at 155K, but overall it seems like a well-made vehicle. I really wish Nissan had continued the 240sx/silvia line past 99' with the S15 and made it available in the US.