VehicleVerdict

1989 Nissan 240SX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 46 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.8 times the median 240SX year — the 1989 model ranks #3 of 13 240SX years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (11), seat belts (7), and engine (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

46

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other 240SX years?

240SX NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted76 complaints1983: 1 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 46 complaints1990: 51 complaints1991: 9 complaints1992: 14 complaints1993: 20 complaints1994: 5 complaints1995: 76 complaints1996: 8 complaints1997: 7 complaints1998: 1 complaints
240SX NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 240SX years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Nissan 240SX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1124%
Seat Belts715%
Engine613%
Speed Control511%
Steering49%
Electrical System49%
Brakes37%
Visibility & Wipers37%
Child Seat12%
Transmission12%
Lighting12%

Does the 1989 Nissan 240SX have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

95V103002Seat BeltsMay 24, 1995 · 2,730,462 units

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“FUEL INJECTORS ON CYLINDERS 1 AND 2 DEVELOPED FUEL EXTERNAL FUEL LEAKS. THIS WAS NOT THE SEALS AS THEY WERE REPLACED AND HAD NO EFFECT ON THE LEAK. INJECTOR REPLACEMENT @ $100 EACH SOLVED THE PROBLEM. POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 1, 1998

“WHEN I WAS DRIVING MY CAR THE ELECTRONIC SEAT BELT WENT FORWARD, WHICH BASICALLY MEANS IM UNBUCKLED AND IT WONT GO BACK TO THE BUCKLED POSITION FOR SOME REASON. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · April 30, 2012

“THERE WAS A RECALL IN 1989 FOR A TIMING CHAIN GUIDE, LATER AFTER THE RECALL WAS DONE THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSS POWER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 29, 1995

1989 Nissan 240SX — common questions

Is the 1989 Nissan 240SX reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 46 complaints put the 1989 model at #3 of 13 240SX years. It is one of the 240SX years to avoid.

What are the most common 1989 240SX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (11 complaints), seat belts (7 complaints), engine (6 complaints).

Does the 1989 Nissan 240SX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 Nissan 240SX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 Nissan 240SX under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Nissan 240SX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 240SX years to avoid are 1995, 1990, 1989. The cleanest record among 240SX years belongs to 1988.

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.