The Nissan 240SX spans 1989–2001 with 10 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1995, 1990, 1989 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1999, 2000, 2001. It delivers up to 22 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Nissan 240SX is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1989 to 2001 across multiple generations.
How to read a Nissan 240SX VIN — every digit explained
Every Nissan 240SX carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Nissan and the country it was built in (real Nissan codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this 240SX.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- USA1N4 · 1N6 · 5BZ · 5N1
- Mexico3N1 · 3N6 · 3N8 · 3PC
- JapanJN1 · JN6 · JN8
- UKSJK
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your 240SX, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Nissan 240SX have?
The Nissan 240SX has 10 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1989–2001. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1995 Nissan 240SX recalls 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:brake Fluid Low Warning: Lamp
What's wrong. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WILL NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER DROPS SUFFICIENTLY TO ACTIVATE THE LOW LEVEL SWITCH DUE TO AN IMPROPERLY WIRED DIODE, REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Risk. CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THERE WOULD BE NO INDICATION TO THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE THAT BRAKE FLUID WAS LOW. LOW BRAKE FLUID CAN BE CAUSED BY A LEAK IN THE SYSTEM WHICH MAY RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKES AND AN ACCIDENT.
Fix. DEALERS WILL CORRECT THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT FOR THE BRAKE WARNING SYSTEM SO THAT THE WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE WHEN THE LOW LEVEL SWITCH IS ACTIVATED.
1991 Nissan 240SX recalls 1
Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix. 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.
1990 Nissan 240SX recalls 1
Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix. 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.
1989 Nissan 240SX recalls 1
Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix. 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.
Best and worst years for the Nissan 240SX
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 13 tracked years, the worst years are 1995, 1990, 1989 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1999, 2000, 2001.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 240SX | Fuel System | Avoid | |
| 1990 240SX | Fuel System | Avoid | |
| 1991 240SX | Seat Belts | Average | |
| 1992 240SX | Suspension | Average | |
| 1993 240SX | Electrical System | Average | |
| 1994 240SX | Structure | Average | |
| 1995 240SX | Fuel System | Avoid | |
| 1996 240SX | Service Brakes | Average | |
| 1997 240SX | Air Bags | Average | |
| 1998 240SX | Service Brakes | Average | |
| 1999 240SX | — | Best | |
| 2000 240SX | — | Best | |
| 2001 240SX | — | Best |
What are the most common Nissan 240SX problems?
The most-reported Nissan 240SX problems are Other (5 reports), Seats (8 reports) and Tires (11 reports) — out of 235 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Nissan 240SX specifications & dimensions
The 2001 Nissan 240SX. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Nissan 240SX window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Nissan 240SX cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the 240SX holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 94 cu ft of passenger volume and 14 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Nissan 240SX tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Nissan 240SX get?
The Nissan 240SX returns up to 22 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $3,500/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1998 Nissan 240SX (2.4L 4-cyl) gets 22 mpg combined and costs about $3,500/yr to fuel, emitting 404 g/mi CO₂ — about $6,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 240SX | 20 | 25 | $3,500 | 404 | — | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 1997 240SX | 19 | 26 | $3,500 | 404 | — | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 1996 240SX | 19 | 26 | $3,500 | 404 | — | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 1995 240SX | 19 | 26 | $3,500 | 404 | — | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 1994 240SX | 18 | 23 | $3,850 | 444 | — | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 1993 240SX | 19 | 26 | $3,500 | 404 | — | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 1992 240SX | 19 | 25 | $3,650 | 423 | — | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 1991 240SX | 19 | 26 | $3,500 | 404 | — | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 1990 240SX | 18 | 23 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 1989 240SX | 18 | 23 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 2.4L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the 240SX stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this 240SX's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Nissan 240SX have? Power & range
The Nissan 240SX is offered with 1 powertrain — 2.4L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 2.4L · 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | RWD | Premium |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Nissan 240SX cost to own?
A used Nissan 240SX sells for a median of about $19,800 for a 1996 — most listed between $14,000 and $19,800, from 28 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 240SX | $14,000–$19,800 | 3 | |
| 1995 240SX | $12,000–$14,900 | 25 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a 240SX is worth today, or browse used-market prices across all models.
A Nissan 240SX tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this 240SX loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $17,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the 240SX ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Nissan 240SX safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the 240SX yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Nissan 240SX last?
A well-maintained Nissan 240SX typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Nissan 240SX’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this 240SX’s VIN free →All Nissan 240SX model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Nissan 240SX — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 240SX | 0 | — | |
| 2000 240SX | 0 | — | |
| 1999 240SX | 0 | — | |
| 1998 240SX | 1 recall | — | |
| 1997 240SX | 1 recall | — | |
| 1996 240SX | 1 recall | — | |
| 1995 240SX | 1 recall | — | |
| 1994 240SX | 1 recall | — | |
| 1993 240SX | 1 recall | — | |
| 1992 240SX | 1 recall | — | |
| 1991 240SX | 1 recall | — | |
| 1990 240SX | 1 recall | — | |
| 1989 240SX | 1 recall | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the 240SX?
By owner-complaint volume, 1995, 1990, 1989 drew the most reports. 1999, 2000, 2001 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the 240SX have?
10 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1989–2001. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the 240SX get?
Up to 22 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a 240SX last?
A well-maintained 240SX typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the 240SX reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the 240SX is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Nissan 240SX warranty?
New Nissan models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Nissan dealer.
Where is the Nissan 240SX made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your 240SX's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Nissan may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the 240SX have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.