VehicleVerdict

1998 Nissan 200SX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 28 complaints on file for the 1998 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.

28

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other 200SX years?

200SX NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted65 complaints1980: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 8 complaints1986: 14 complaints1987: 14 complaints1988: 8 complaints1989: 2 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 1 complaints1995: 65 complaints1996: 44 complaints1997: 18 complaints1998: 28 complaints1999: 0 complaints2001: 5 complaints
200SX NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 200SX years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Nissan 200SX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine518%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)414%
Transmission414%
Visibility & Wipers311%
Electrical System311%
Airbags27%
Brakes27%
Suspension27%
Tires & Wheels27%
Steering14%

Does the 1998 Nissan 200SX have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

98V093000Visibility & WipersMay 5, 1998 · 512,387 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. WATER CAN ENTER AND DISPLACE THE GREASE IN THE WIPER ARM LINKAGE BALL JOINT WHERE THE WIPER LINKAGE ATTACHES TO THE WIPER MOTOR LINKAGE.

Consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN GRADUAL WEAR OVER A PERIOD OF TIME INSIDE THE JOINT THAT COULD LEAD TO THE SEPARATION OF THE WIPER LINKAGE ASSEMBLY FROM THE WIPER MOTOR LINKAGE AT THE BALL JOINT. A LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPER FUNCTION CAN RESULT IN THIS SEPARATION OCCURS.

Remedy

TO PREVENT GREASE FROM BEING WASHED OUT OF THE JOINT, THE DEALERS WILL MODIFY BY ADDING A WATER DIVERSION SEAL THAT WILL PREVENT WATER FROM ENTERING THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE BALL JOINT AREA.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“NAR 04/01/2003. THE CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE HER VEHICLE TOWED TWICE BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT START. WHEN EVER THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE SERVICE NO PROBLEMS WERE FOUND REGARDING THE VEHICLE NOT STARTING. ON ONE OCCASION THE DEALER LOCATED A CRACKED BELT. THE STUD/NUT WAS REPLACED ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 1, 2001

“SINCE THE SECOND TIME THE CLUTCH CABLE WAS BROKE TILL NOW, THE CAR STILL SIT IN THE GARAGE OF ELLIS BROOKS(DEALER). THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURE CAN NOT FIND ANY REPLACEMENT PARTS(#30770-9B410). AND THEY REFUSE TO GIVE ANY RENTAL CAR. I TRIED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURE AND DEALER MANY TIMES, BUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Climate Control (A/C & Heat) · April 13, 2000

“SINCE THE SECOND TIME THE CLUTCH CABLE WAS BROKE TILL NOW, THE CAR STILL SIT IN THE GARAGE OF ELLIS BROOKS(DEALER). THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURE CAN NOT FIND ANY REPLACEMENT PARTS(#30770-9B410). AND THEY REFUSE TO GIVE ANY RENTAL CAR. I TRIED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURE AND DEALER MANY TIMES, BUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 13, 2000

“WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD COME ON AND GO OFF ON THEIR OWN. THE DEALER WAS AWARE THE PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR NEEDED REPLACEMENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 24, 2005

“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES BEFORE PARKING VEHICLE, IMMEDIATELY AFTER ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF COSUMER BEGAN TO NOTICE SMOKE, FIRST WHITE SMOKE. CONSUMER THEN STARTED ENGINE AND BACKED VEHICLE OUT OF GARAGE. SHORTLY AFTER, FLAMES BEGAN UNDER HOOD. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. ONE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 19, 1999 · fire

1998 Nissan 200SX — common questions

Is the 1998 Nissan 200SX reliable?

The record is thin — 28 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1998 200SX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (5 complaints), climate control (a/c & heat) (4 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).

Does the 1998 Nissan 200SX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Nissan 200SX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan 200SX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 200SX years to avoid are 1995, 1996. The cleanest record among 200SX years belongs to 1999.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.