Nissan

240SX

Subcompact Cars · model years 1989 to 1998

See all 19 240SX trims All Nissan cars

The verdict

Best year: 1998. complaints: 1, below this model's typical 8; recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file.

Worst year: 1990. complaints: 43, about 5.4x this model's typical 8; recalls: 1, this model typically has none on file.

Year by year

Year by year summary for the Nissan 240SX
Year	Trims	MPG	Fuel cost	Recalls	Complaints	Top complaints
1989	2Gas	20	$3,350	no data	no data	no data
no complaint or recall data on file for 1989
1990	2Gas	20	$3,100	1	43	FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 43%, SEAT BELTS 11%, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9%
complaints: 43, about 5.4x this model's typical 8 recalls: 1, this model typically has none on file deaths reported in NHTSA complaints: 2 injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 1 complaints reporting a fire: 2 Score: 0 of 100, where higher is better.
1991	2Gas	21.5	$3,575	1	9	SEAT BELTS 44%, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 22%, POWER TRAIN 22%
complaints: 9, above this model's typical 8 recalls: 1, this model typically has none on file Score: 66 of 100, where higher is better.
1992	2Gas	20.5	$3,750	0	7	ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 18%, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 18%, TIRES 18%
complaints: 7, below this model's typical 8 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file complaints reporting a fire: 1 Score: 77 of 100, where higher is better.
1993	2Gas	21	$3,675	0	10	ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18%, SEAT BELTS 12%, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 12%
complaints: 10, above this model's typical 8 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file deaths reported in NHTSA complaints: 1 injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 1 Score: 56 of 100, where higher is better.
1994	1Gas	20	$3,850	0	2	STRUCTURE 40%, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 20%, INTERIOR LIGHTING 20%
complaints: 2, below this model's typical 4 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 88 of 100, where higher is better.
1995	2Gas	21	$3,675	1	60	AIR BAGS 21%, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 20%, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 11%
complaints: 60, about 7.5x this model's typical 8 recalls: 1, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 5 complaints reporting a fire: 2 Score: 20 of 100, where higher is better.
1996	2Gas	21	$3,675	0	8	FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 25%, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 25%, TIRES 25%
complaints: 8, in line with this model's typical 8 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 80 of 100, where higher is better.
1997	2Gas	21.5	$3,575	0	6	AIR BAGS 43%, EQUIPMENT 14%, EXTERIOR LIGHTING 14%
complaints: 6, below this model's typical 8 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 84 of 100, where higher is better.
1998	2Gas	21.5	$3,575	0	1	SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 100%
complaints: 1, below this model's typical 8 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 93 of 100, where higher is better.

How the numbers moved

Combined MPG, median1989: 20 to 1998: 21.5

Owner complaints1990: 43 to 1998: 1

How we score each year

We compare each year of the Nissan 240SX to the model's own typical numbers, not to other cars. A year reads solid when its recalls, owner complaints, and federal investigations sit at or below what is typical for this model, mixed when some of those numbers run above typical, and avoid when they run far above it. Deaths, reported fires, and an NHTSA advisory to park outside count against a year no matter what this model's baseline looks like.

A year is scored only when NHTSA has both complaint and recall counts for it. Complaint data often lags for the newest years, so a recent year can read not enough data even while its recall count already shows in the table. When the history is too thin, we say not enough data instead of guessing. Service bulletins are routine maintenance guidance from the manufacturer and do not lower a year's score.

Scores run 0 to 100, higher is better. Recall, complaint, and investigation figures come from NHTSA records. Fuel economy, fuel cost, and horsepower figures come from the EPA, shown as the median across the year's trims.

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.