Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 1988 Nissan 200SX — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
8
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
4
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 5 | 63% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 1 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 13% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 13% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES OF AFFECTED VEHICLES WHICH COULD LEAK.
Consequence
FUEL LEAKS IN THE ENGINE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
NISSAN DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
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.
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BECAUSE A FUEL ODOR WAS PRESENT WHICH WAS COMING FROM THE FUEL INJECTORS, THE CONSUMER MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE VEHICLE REPAIRED BUT PRIOR TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED, THE CONSUMER WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN…”
“VEHICLE WAS PARKED, CONSUMER SAT IN DRIVER SEAT, SEAT BOTTOM DETACHED FROM BOTTOM OF VEHICLE AND CONSUMER WAS THROWN BACKWARD. CONSUMER STATED LEFT FRONT ANCHOR BROKE, VEHICLE AT DEALER AT THIS TIME. CONSUMER NOT INJURED. *SLC ”
The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1988 Nissan 200SX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 200SX years to avoid are 1995, 1996. The cleanest record among 200SX years belongs to 1999.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.