1990 Nissan 240Sx

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 43 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel system. It has been recalled 1 time.

Most common 1990 Nissan 240Sx problems

19 of the 43 complaints (44%) are about the fuel system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Injectors · fuel system9
010
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System · fuel system8
010
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine4
000
Structure › Body · body and frame2
000
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System2
101
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder · brakes2
000
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner2
000
Seats2
000
Seat Belts2
000
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control · throttle and acceleration1
000

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly95V103002
Filed May 24, 19952,730,462 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

All 1 campaign on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Seat Belts
Filed Sep 8, 2016CA

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 › Body
Filed Mar 23, 2016MO

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 › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail
Filed May 15, 2005163,630 milesNY

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 › Fuel Injection System
Filed Apr 12, 2004170,000 milesCA

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 › Fuel Injection System › Injectors
Filed Jan 11, 200478,155 milesNJ

3 OF 4 FUEL INJECTORS LEAKING AND FUEL REGULATORS NEEDS REPLACEMENT. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Filed Jun 4, 2002CA

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 › Fuel Injection System
Filed May 6, 2002CA

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 › Fuel Injection System › Injectors
Filed Apr 11, 2002CA

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 › Engine
Filed Mar 12, 2002NJ

WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THERE IS A NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. TIMING CHAIN HAS MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › InjectorsFire
Filed Feb 26, 2002GA

FUEL INJECTORS LEAKING SAME AS RECALL 951006000. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Filed Feb 24, 2002NJ

GAS LEAKING FROM FUEL INJECTORS, OTHER OWNERS WITH SAME PROBLEM, IS IT RECALLED?*AK

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Jun 8, 2000NY

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
Filed May 19, 2000GA

THE METAL BACKING IN THE DRIVERS SEAT IS STARTING TO PROTRUDE THROUGH THE SEAT MATERIAL AND INTO THE DRIVERS BACK.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 22, 2000KS

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 › Cruise Control
Filed Feb 22, 2000KS

THE ENGINE IDLE CONTROL FAILS WHILE ON THE ROAD, NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF IDLE PROBLEMS. YH

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder
Filed Feb 3, 2000IL

MASTER CYLINDER LEAKING. *ET

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Injectors
Filed Dec 8, 1999CA

FUEL INJECTORS ARE LEAKING WHICH CAUSES A POTENTIAL FOR VEHICLE TO IGNITE AND CATCH FIRE. DEALER HAS SEEN VEHICLE. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Oct 26, 1999GA

BRAKE FLUID CAUSED THE SEALS TO FAIL, RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKE POWER. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Filed Jul 19, 1999FL

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 › Fuel Injection System
Filed Apr 8, 1999CA

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 › Fuel Injection System › Injectors
Filed Apr 1, 1999FL

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 › Fuel Injection System › Injectors
Filed Mar 25, 1999CA

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

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Injectors
Filed Mar 21, 1999CA

FRONT TWO FUEL INJECTORS ARE LEAKING, ALLOWING GASOLINE TO ACCUMULATE ON TOP OF ENGINE BLOCK, POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 24, 1999NY

THE TIMING CHAIN ADJUSTMENT GUIDES FAILED, RECALL ON 1989 MODELS AND A TECHNICAL BULLETIN ON THE 1990, HOWEVER VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jan 20, 1999CA

TIMING CHAIN GUIDE AND TENSIONER FAILED. NISSAN KNEW ABOUT PROBLEM AND HAD FIX IN 2/89 AND REPAIRED 89 MODELS, YET CONTINUED TO PUT FAULTY COMPONENTS IN 90 MODELS WITHOUT OFFERING TO REPAIR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Injectors
Filed Dec 15, 1998CA

FUEL INJECTORS LEAKING, RECALL ON THE NISSAN 6 CYL VEHICLE HOWEVER CONSUMER HAS 4 CYL AND NOT INCLUDED.

Seat Belts
Filed Dec 11, 1998NY

WHEN GETTING INTO THE VEHICLE AND TRYING TO USE THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT, THE SEAT BELT WILL KEEP GETTING JAMMED AND THE CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO USE THE SEAT BELT. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection SystemFire
Filed Dec 8, 1998CA

NISSAN CORPORATION IS AWARE OF THE FUEL INJECTOR DEFECT. ACCORDING TO FUTURE NISSAN IS ROSEVILLE, CA. NISSAN CORPORATION HAS WARRANTIED THE FUEL INJECTORS IN A SELECT NUMBER OF MODELS AND CYLINDER TYPES. THE 240SX WITH 6 CYLINDERS HAS BEEN WARRANTIED, HOWEVER MY 4 CYLINDER MODEL WHICH HAS THE EXACT SOME FUEL INJECTORS WHICH THE EXACT SAME SEAL BREAKDOWN PROBLEM HAS BEEN CHOSEN BY NISSAN NOT TO WARRANTY. HOW IS IT THAT A COMPANY WHICH IS AWARE OF FUEL INJECTOR BREAKDOWN CAN WARRANTY ONE MODEL WITH THE SAME INJECTORS AND NOT ANOTHER? ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THE FUEL INJECTOR LEAKING IS CAUSED BY THE GASOLINE SOLD IN CALIFORNIA BREAKING DOWN THE SEALS. WHEN THE SEALS BREAK DOWN, THE GASOLINE LEAKS ALL OVER THE MANIFOLD CAUSING FIRES. I WANT TO HAVE MY CARS FUEL INJECTORS WARRANTIED BY NISSAN CORPORATION SINCE THEY HAVE THE EXACT SAME PART WHICH ARE WARRANTIED IN OTHER NISSAN MODES, INCLUDING 6 CYLINDER 240SX. I HAD TO WAIT 1 MONTH TO HAVE MY 240SX FIXED SINCE THERE IS SUCH A BACKLOG DUE TO THIS SERIOUS MALADY OF SEAL BREAKDOWN. NISSAN OWES ME $500 TO CORRECT THEIR DEFECTIVE FUEL INJECTORS. *MJS

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Filed Nov 14, 1998CA

THE 1989 NISSAN 300ZX WAS RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I AS WELL AS MANY OTHER CAR OWNERS WITH A 89-90 240SX ARE HAVING (ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THAT IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON PROBLEMS, AND USUALLY PEOPLE REPLACE ALL FOUR AT ONCE, WHICH NORMALLY WOULD BE EXTREMELY RARE, BUT ON A 240 SX IS VERY COMMON.) I WAS WANTING TO KNOW WHY THE 89-90 240SX WAS NOT RECALLED TO FIX THIS VERY COMMON PROBLEM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder
Filed Dec 27, 1996VA

TOOK CAR TO REPAIR SHOP FOR THE MASTER CYLINDER, THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE FUEL INJECTORS ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Filed Dec 27, 1996CT

CONSUMER IS SECOND OWNER OF THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL INJECTORS ARE LEAKING, RECALL # 95I006000. *AK

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Filed Dec 10, 1996CA

BOLT HOLDING SEATBACK TO SEAT BOTTOM BROKE LOOSE, CAUSING SEATBACK TO RECLINE IN AN UNSAFE POSITION. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Dec 5, 1996NY

ENGINE HIGH IDLE, APPROXIMATELY4000 RPMS. BOTH INCIDENTS OCCURRED DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, DIAGNOSTIC SCREENING DIDNT IDENTIFY PROBLEM. *AK

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System
Filed Oct 18, 1996NY

POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILED.

Suspension › Front › Shock Absorber
Filed May 30, 1996VA

LEFT FRONT SHOCK TOWER FAILED. *DH

Seat Belts › Front › Webbing
Filed May 22, 1996OH

DRIVER'S SHOULDER HARNESS COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE, DRIVER CAN ONLY USE LAP BELT WHILE DRIVING; DOES NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION. *AK

Structure › Body
Filed May 21, 1996FL

DESIGN OF REAR SPOILER CAUSES WATER TO STAY UNDERNEATH, CAUSING BOLTS TO RUST/BREAK. *DH

Seats
Filed Apr 16, 1996CA

DRIVER SIDE SEAT TRACK ANCHORS, CAUSING THE SEAT TO FALL BACKWARDS IN RECLINING POSITIONS WHILE DRIVING. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Injectors
Filed Apr 5, 1996CA

THE FUEL INJECTERS ARE LEAKING AND A GASOLINE SMELL IS ALWAYS PRESENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist SystemCrash1 injured1 killed
Filed Mar 26, 1996MD

STRUCK ON PASSENGER SIDE; VEHICLE SLIDES SIDEWAYS STRIKING TREE, FLIPPED OVER ON DRIVER SIDE, DRIVER THROWN HALF WAY OUT OF WINDOW; VEHICLE CRUSHED DRIVER

Seat Belts › Front › RetractorCrash1 killed
Filed Mar 25, 1996MD

SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN DRIVER UPON IMPACT, DRIVER THROWN HALF WAY OUT OF WINDOW; VEHICLE CRUSHED DRIVER, RESULTING IN A FATALITY. *AK

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Filed Jun 9, 1995VA

DRIVER SEAT BACK IS RECLINING BACKWARD EXCESSIVELY. TT

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Filed Feb 28, 1995MI

MODEL 522. PIECE OF PLASTIC BROKE OFF RELEASE BUTTON AND FELL INTO LATCH. TT

All 43 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1995
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
19981000Routine
19976000Routine
19968000Routine
199560120Routine
19942000Routine
199310001Fatalities reported
19927010Routine
19919100Routine
1990 — this page43122Fatalities reported

Compare every 240Sx year →

Reading this record

2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 24, 1995. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.