VehicleVerdict

1990 Nissan 240SX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 51 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.4 times the median 240SX year — the 1990 model ranks #2 of 13 240SX years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 1 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 45% of all reports (23 of 51), far ahead of brakes at 5.

51

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

1

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other 240SX years?

240SX NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 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, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 240SX years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Nissan 240SX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System2345%
Brakes510%
Seat Belts510%
Seats48%
Engine48%
Speed Control24%
Steering24%
Body & Structure24%
Transmission12%
Suspension12%
Electrical System12%
Tires & Wheels12%

Does the 1990 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.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 10, 1998 · fire

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

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

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

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · March 4, 1996 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

1990 Nissan 240SX — common questions

Is the 1990 Nissan 240SX reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 51 complaints put the 1990 model at #2 of 13 240SX years. It is one of the 240SX years to avoid.

What are the most common 1990 240SX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (23 complaints), brakes (5 complaints), seat belts (5 complaints).

Does the 1990 Nissan 240SX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1990 Nissan 240SX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 Nissan 240SX under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations 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.