1996 Nissan 200SX
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Nissan › 200SX › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Nissan 200SX. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1996 Nissan 200SX. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
37 complaints3 involved a crash1 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 nissan 200sx. the vehicle would not shift gears or exceed 20 mph. the dealer stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. the vehicle IS currently being repaired by the dealer. the current and failure mileages were 92,000.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
Wiper arm linkage pops off as described in the recall section, both wipers become non-functional. local nissan dealer will not honor the recall, stating that my car does not have the defective part - no record of this recall being performed linked to this vin. *tr
- Suspension
Entering a right turn on a clover leaf the car made a sudden sideways movement. I was traveling about 20 mph and was forced to the shoulder. Initial roadside inspection found left rear tire touching left rear fender well. Car was taken by flatbed carrier from roadside. Upon further examination…
Entering a right turn on a clover leaf the car made a sudden sideways movement. I was traveling about 20 mph and was forced to the shoulder. Initial roadside inspection found left rear tire touching left rear fender well. Car was taken by flatbed carrier from roadside. Upon further examination found that the bracket that connects the rear left trailing-link arm to the rear axle had separated from the chassis. Nissan dealership inspected car and bracket and found that the bracket was not welded to the chassis with the correct amount of spot welds. In fact, six to seven spot welds were missed compared to the right side. Nissan has refused to repair this quite obvious manufacturers defect account high mileage and unknown maintenance records on car. I wonder if robot missed other welds on other cars? *tr
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
Dt*: the contact stated the wiper arm linkage disengaged without warning, while the windshield washer/wipers were activated. the vehicle was not inspected by a dealer. there was a nhtsa recall, # 98v093000, regarding the windshield washer/wiper arm linkage. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin. the manufacturer was contacted.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
I own a 1996 nissan 200sx with . I purchased the car in late summer of 2005. On july 5 2006 my son was driving the car in a rain storm and the wipers stopped functioning. The next day he asked me to look at the car and I discovered the windshield wiper linkage had failed at the ball joint where the…
I own a 1996 nissan 200sx with . I purchased the car in late summer of 2005. On july 5 2006 my son was driving the car in a rain storm and the wipers stopped functioning. The next day he asked me to look at the car and I discovered the windshield wiper linkage had failed at the ball joint where the connecting rod from the motor joins the pivot rod for the wiper blades. I did a little research and discovered this problem was previously reported in nhtsa recall 98v093000. I contacted my local nissan dealer and I was told my vin had no outstanding recalls. I called nissan corp. And was told the same thing. However, nissan IS going to pull the archives on my vehicle to see if it has been serviced for this recall. This process will take several days. Even if this car was previously serviced for recall 98v093000, whatever fix was done obviously wasn't sufficient because the problem recurred. I consider this a serious problem because it could have caused a traffic accident. If my vin number turns out not to be part of the original recall group then I believe nissan should be required to expand the list of vehicles covered by this recall. *jb
- Tires › Tread/belt
My witness who drove with me checked the tire pressure before we left because we were driving over 150 miles. We were driving from almost apache junction,az to sierra vista az. To pick my 7 year old son from his mothers. We got outside of casa grande going the speed limit, we heard a loud noise and…
My witness who drove with me checked the tire pressure before we left because we were driving over 150 miles. We were driving from almost apache junction,az to sierra vista az. To pick my 7 year old son from his mothers. We got outside of casa grande going the speed limit, we heard a loud noise and felt something hit the side of the car. Come to find out the tread completely peeled off and when it peeled off it did $2000 of damaged to my passenger side of the car. Even though the tread peeled off there was still air in the tire, so we drove to a tire place and got a spare tire in eloy, az. I filed a complaint with cooper tires and they denied me saying that the tread came off do to under inflation and to repair plugs. This IS false my witness checked my inflation in the tires before we left and he use to work at a at goodyear tires. Until this day they still deny me. I am not giving up because the gave me a defected tire. *Jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Dt: the contact stated driver's side windshield wiper does not work. The passenger side windshield wiper will work intermittently. There was no forewarning prior to the wipers not working. There was recall 98v093000. He contacted the dealer, they stated it was too old of a recall in their database. *Ak
- Power train › Clutch assembly › Pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
Manual transmission clutch cable failed, unable to change gears while driving. this condition was intermittent and happened three times before dealer was able to diagnose and repair. as a result of failure, car was unable to downshift which led to vehicular lack of control. local nissan dealer…
Manual transmission clutch cable failed, unable to change gears while driving. this condition was intermittent and happened three times before dealer was able to diagnose and repair. as a result of failure, car was unable to downshift which led to vehicular lack of control. local nissan dealer finally was able to diagnose the problem and replace the entire clutch cable assembly. unkown of old part IS available for inspection.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
Driver side windshield wiper arm ball joint failed resulting in the inoperability of the driver side windshield wiper. According to the nhtsa website, there IS a recall for this specific problem. Nissan says this problem IS vin number specific and my vin number IS not included in the recall. My car…
Driver side windshield wiper arm ball joint failed resulting in the inoperability of the driver side windshield wiper. According to the nhtsa website, there IS a recall for this specific problem. Nissan says this problem IS vin number specific and my vin number IS not included in the recall. My car has this very specific problem and we believe that it should be covered under the recall. The recall covers several years (1995 to 1998) of the manufacture of the car and mine IS a 1996. About 500,000 of these cars were covered under the recall, why not mine? We almost lost control of the car in a rainstorm which could have killed us at the legal speed of 65 mph at the time of failure.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Vehicle was parked for 4 or 5 hours. Owner heard a loud pop but ignored it because he resided close to the interstate. Minutes later, the owner heard another pop sound and went to investigate. Owner found the vehicle engulfed in flames . The fire department said that the fire started under the driver's side underneath the hood. *ak *tt *nm
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
Wipers stopped working while driving my vehicle in the first day of snow during very bad whether conditions. took the car to nissan, a 49.99 fee just to look at the car. left and went somewhere else were they made me aware of a recall on the problem and to go back to nissan for the repair which…
Wipers stopped working while driving my vehicle in the first day of snow during very bad whether conditions. took the car to nissan, a 49.99 fee just to look at the car. left and went somewhere else were they made me aware of a recall on the problem and to go back to nissan for the repair which should be free of charge. after I returned to nissan the service representative made me aware that there was a recall on the problem, however only for certain cars of the same make and model but within a certain vin number range based on the manufacturer. in short, even thought it IS the same problem on the same make and model car it was not cover. furthermore, the sale representative made a phone call to nissan to check and they would no something on friday november 26, 2004. I in dangerous and unsafe conditions was left to try to drive the car home. after I returned home, I called the nissan number listed on the recall (1-800-647-7261) and spoke with erica. erica created a file on this complaint and also informed me that my car was not covered even though a recall was issued on the same make and model car but not the vin number. at this point I informed her that I would be contacting the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline as instructed in the recall anyway, she stated that this was no something that she wanted me to do that in short, that I could just wait until the whether was dry and clear and go and pay for the repairs needed for my car. *nm
- Air bags › Frontal
Air bag light flashes constantly. Dlr says srs computer has failed and will cost $600.00 to repair. Dlr should pay for this item as it IS safety and has been reported several times by different owners. On some the airbag has deployed for no reason. *jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Consumer noticed that while using windshield wipers and without any indication wipers would pause intermittently. *Ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
While driving the windshield wipers failed to work. There was a recall campaign, but the consumer vehicle was not on recall. However, consumer IS requesting an explanation and reimbursement from the manufacturer. *yh
- Air bags › Frontal
Rearend collision with 2000 dodge p/u. Injuries include concussion, facial and chest bruises, three broken bones on right foot. Air bags did not deploy. *ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
Consumer purchased a new uniroyal p175/65r14 ww unir as tire on 10-13-2001 and states that the tire was defective with a damaged belt, consumer IS expecting a full refund. *slc
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Suspension › Rear · Unknown or other
This car has been nothing but a diaster for us since we drove it off the lot on march 18, 1996. within the first six months of owning the car the water pump blew up while we were driving it, then the car kept locking up while driving it about four times and all times we kept bringing it back to…
This car has been nothing but a diaster for us since we drove it off the lot on march 18, 1996. within the first six months of owning the car the water pump blew up while we were driving it, then the car kept locking up while driving it about four times and all times we kept bringing it back to the nissan dealer. we asked to give the car back cause it was a lemon to us but they did not accept and we have had major problems with this car ever since. this car IS a piece of junk, it IS in good condition by looking at it you would think it was new. to many mechanical problems. I will never in my life by another nissan. we still own it and would like to get rid of it. we had to refinace it cause the payments for it was toooo high. I wish we could be reimbursed. everyone we know even knows the trouble we have had with this car. I tried calling the original place where we bought it to tell them all the problems and no one never called me back. it has been hectic with this car. it has been sitting inour driveway for the past seven months. IS there anyway you can help us??? the engine went out one day when my husband went out to go to work one day. we have had to replace the waterpump three times, the ac compressor went out too early and had to get disconnected cause it cost too much to get fixed. this car IS a heart ache and we can't afford to get anymore work done to it. now it needs shocks. it IS one thing after another. I can get proof from friends and family stating that we have spent most of our time getting this car fixed than driving it. we have had to get loans to get it fixed and can't afford it no more.
- Air bags
Air bag light flashes. Dealer says air bag will not deploy and computer module IS bad with a replacement cost to us (the owner) of $600. there IS no explanation why this would go bad. dealer says they sometimes go bad. this IS a safety issue and we believe that it should be repaired at no cost to the consumer.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
Consumer was traveling about 60mph on highway and noticed that brakes were grinding. Also, when she put vehicle in reverse vehicle would jerk and make a roaring noise. dealership was aware of problem. *Ak *jb
- Tires › Sidewall
Set of 4 tires were bought as replacement to vehicle, after 13500 miles of use a large buldge was observed on right front tire sidewall, dealer replaced tire at no cost(firestone ft70c size p175/65r14 8/S m+s). nlm
- Air bags › Frontal
While driving at about 45mph, both driver's side and passenger's side airbags deployed without reason or warning. Driver suffered injuries. Dlr has not seen. *Ak
- Parking brake › Conventional
Ongoing problem with emergency brake would freeze up when engaged at 33 degree or lower. Unable to move until weather get warmer. Dealer notified and nothing could be done to correct the problem. *ak
- Air bags
Srs control unit failed without any reason. car was not in motion, and had not been involved in any accident of any kind at any time. after vehicle was started, the red airbag warning light remained illuminated. dealer replace the srs control unit for $595 (installed.) how reliable are these units? can it be depended upon in the event of an accident?o
- Vehicle speed control
While driving vehicle accelerates unexpectedly and idles high. Occupant has to press the brakes hard in order to stop vehicle. dealer cannot determine the cause of the problem, unable to duplicate it. *ak *ML
- Air bags › Frontal
While driving 30mph suddenly air bags deployed for no reason. Prior to deployment, air bag light was flickering on/off. *ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10243708DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10239062SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid the risk of death or severe personal injury, do not directly spray Silicone-based lubricant or grease, or inadvertently overspray Silicone-based lubricant or grease onto any interior electrical components. These types of lubricants can be detrimental to the proper operation of electrical components.
- 1023906012 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V battery testing. These recommendations are expected to promote uniformity during the connection process, therefore reducing the number of incorrect Test with DCA and Replace results. HINT: If 12 volt batteries are allowed to discharge for a prolonged period of time, battery life may be drastically reduced. This condition may lead to premature battery replacement and customer dissatisfaction. IMPORTANT: CPX-900 is now an accepted testing tool to use along with or in place of the DSS-5000 CPX-900 operating instructions are found at: https://nissancpx900.midtronics.com/ DSS-5000 operating instructions are found at: https://nissandss5000.midtronics.com/ DCA-8000 is now a required testing tool to be used for all warranty replacement decisions. The DCA-8000 is also a more efficient charger than previously available, and will charge any available 12 volt lead acid battery safely and accurately as long as all precautions and inputs are made correctly. The DCA-8000 operating instructions are found at: https://nissandca8000.midtronics.com/
- 10235710INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10235707VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232658REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232657WHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232656WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232652DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10206391STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10192305SERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safely is included in the "RESTRAINTS" section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for each vehicle. IMPORTANT: Turn the ignition switch OFF, disconnect both battery terminals, and wait at least 3 minutes before performing any service on the SRS. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192233Nissan Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory Alloy wheels, along with their finish coating (clear, chrome, titanium, etc.), are specifically developed to achieve Nissan design and performance standards. These Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory wheels are subjected to testing to ensure they meet Nissan's standards. Nissan Original Equipment Alloy or Genuine Accessory wheels subjected to aftermarket chroming may no longer continue to meet these standards and may be seriously damaged. Therefore, Nissan most strongly discourages, and recommends that these wheels NEVER be subjected to, aftermarket chroming. See this bulletinfor further detail.
- 10192217If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe has been chosen as the approved tool for rotor resurfacing. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe can be ordered from TECH-MATE at 1-800-662-2001. - ProCut technical support or service can be obtained by calling 1-800-543-6618. NOTE: Brake rotors may need to be resurfaced during routine brake repair or for brake "judder" incidents. - Brake judder: A brake pedal pulsation and/or steering wheel shimmy when braking that occurs when there is too much thickness variation of the brake rotors (see NTB00-033). See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192216SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a. Brake Noise: A squeak, squeal, clunk, or groan that occurs when the brakes are applied or released. b. Brake Judder: A vibration that can be felt in the vehicle, steering wheel or brake pedal when the brakes are applied. c. Pedal Feel: The effort needed to operate the brakes is too high or too low. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Verify the condition by road testing the vehicle with the customer. 2. Determine the specific brake incident based on the description in the Service Information above. 3. Follow the appropriate repair procedure(s), listed on the following pages, for your specific incident. See this bulletin for further details.
- 10192192As part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked. - The SRT is used to indicate whether the engine control module (ECM) has completed self diagnosis of major emissions systems and components. - In these instances the State may require completion of the SRT before permitting the emissions inspection to proceed. Refer to this Bulletin for further details.
- 10192145SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty. - A strut or shock absorber that has slight oil seepage, a condition which is considered normal, does not affect strut/shock absorber operation or performance, and does not require replacement. - A strut or shock absorber that should be replaced due to rod resistance/noise issues. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10188377STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10177222VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN A/T SHIFT LOCK BUTTON REPLACEMENT Service Campaign ID # P7138 is no longer active. Repair orders opened after this bulletins published date are no longer eligible for reimbursement under Campaign ID # P7138. Discard all previous versions of NTB97-064.
- 10176255Expiration Notification Automatic Transmission (A/T) Shift Lock Button Replacement Dealer Announcement ***** Campaign Summary***** In 1997, Nissan launched a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 1996 Model Year Nissan Sentra (B14), 1996 Model Year Nissan 200SX (B14), and 1996-1997 Model Year Nissan 240SX (S14) vehicles equipped with Automatic Transmissions (A/T) to replace the shift lock button, spring and add lubricant. Parts specified for this campaign are no longer available through Nissan. This customer service campaign and customer reimbursement for these repairs are no longer available. ***** What Dealers Should Do ***** 1. Service Comm will deactivate P7138 on any unrepaired VINs on May 14, 2020. No further dealer action is required.
- 10051767Nissan: lock/unlock request button on outside handle does not respond.
- 10032506Nissan: vent control valve replacement. When replacing the evap canister vent control valve for reason: use the one listed on page 2; for vent control valve replacement procedure, refer to the appropriate section of the electronic service manuals (esm; when installing the new valve, do not add any lube to its o ring; for frontier (D40 series) only, install the protector listed in parts information. Includes 2005-09 frontier. Updated 12/8/10.
- 10031305Nissan: tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light on/flashing. No models or model years listed. Updated on 08-11-2011.
- 10030165Nissan: the 12 volt battery IS an important part of the vehicle electrical system and IS required to stay connected when the engine IS running. To prevent damage to vehicle electronic components follow the instructions/cautions. No model years listed.
- 10025522Nissan: srs precautions during service;improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the srs, can lead to a serious injury or death caused by unintentional activation of the srs on all nissan models with the srs systems. Updated 2/21/14.
- 10017473Front seat belt latch plate retaining button missing.
- 10003515Front seat belt latch plate retaining button missing.
- 6092407Voluntary safety recall campaign for potential of water entering wiper arm linkage ball joint, resulting gradual wear inside the joint and causing the wipers to stop working while they are being used which could result in an accident.
- 632164Subject regarding revised throttle position sensor (tps) adjustment procedure.
- 631971Information on nissan revised tps adjustment procdure. *Slc
- 631766Information regarding essential tool: throttle position sensor test connector. *Slc
- 629210Seat belt latch plate retaining button missing.
- 607942Vehicles within certain vin ranges may exhibit a horn that activates randomly.
- 607626Concerns with the front seat belt latch plate stopper button missing.
- 604411Vehicle within various vin ranges may exhibit misfire or running roughly due to spark plug wire(s).
- 603937A revised service procedure for the engine front cover / timing chain has been adopted for the ga16de.
- 602818Vehicles may exhibit a malfunction indicator light on with dtcs p0120, p0510, p0731, p0732 or p0733 with no driveability incidents.
- 601717Information regarding instrument panel inspection after passenger air bag activation.
- 52172Shift release button replacement.
- 52171Diagnostic procedure for p0731, p0732 & p0733 (a/t signals) with no driveability incidents.
- 51295If a vehicle experiences a mil "on" and dtc p0505 stored in the electronic control module- due to a reverse in polarity of the iacv-aac valve power source, normal operation of the iacv-aac valve may be affected causing the mil to activate.
Every Nissan 200SX model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.