1990 Nissan 240SX Problems
- Complaints
- 43filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 163,630miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl RWD · 18 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1990 Nissan 240SX (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 43 consumer complaints for the 1990 Nissan 240SX. The part named most often is fuel system, with 21 complaints (49% of the total), followed by seat belts (5) and engine cooling (4). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 163,630 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 1 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 20 technical service bulletins for this model year. Seat belts complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the buckle assembly and 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system21 49%
- Seat belts5 12%
- Engine cooling4 9.3%
- Seats4 9.3%
- Brakes3 7.0%
- Steering2 4.7%
- Body and structure2 4.7%
- Vehicle speed control2 4.7%
- Electrical system1 2.3%
- Suspension1 2.3%
Also reported: Tires (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10120938, filed 2005-05, 163,630 milesSeat belts: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10904813, filed 2016-09Engine cooling: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #857363, filed 2000-02Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 78,155 and 170,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1990 Nissan 240SX. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 240SX · coupe | not rated | 5 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1990 Nissan 240SX version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 240SX RWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
| 240SX RWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 95V103002May 24, 1995Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Nissan 240SX 1989–1991, Sentra 1987–1991, Pathfinder 1988–1991 +6 more
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.
Recall details for the 1990 Nissan 240SX → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- RQ99021Fuel leaks from fuel injectorsClosed · Nov 2, 1999
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 20 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023Electrical system. SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid…
- 10239060Jun 16, 2023Electrical system. 12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V…
- 10235707Apr 27, 2023Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10235710Apr 17, 2023Electrical system. INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232658Feb 27, 2023Body and structure, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232656Feb 27, 2023Body and structure, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232657Feb 22, 2023Wheels. WHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232652Feb 22, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10206391Dec 7, 2021Suspension. STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Nissan 240SX
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 6 | 56,500 | 0 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 1996 | 8 | 46,500 | 0 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 1995 | 60 | 117,281 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 10 | 140,000 | 0 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 1992 | 7 | — | 0 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 9 | 143,000 | 1 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 1990 | 43 | 163,630 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 36 | 128,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Nissan 240SX model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1990 Nissan 240SX have?
NHTSA recorded 43 consumer complaints for the 1990 Nissan 240SX as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1990 Nissan 240SX is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 21 complaints (49% of the total), followed by seat belts with 5.
Has the 1990 Nissan 240SX been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1990 Nissan 240SX get?
The EPA rates the 1990 Nissan 240SX (240SX, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 18 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1990 Nissan 240SX reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 163,630 miles and the middle half falls between 78,155 and 170,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.