1996 Nissan 240SX

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Fuel system, gasoline2
2. Service brakes, hydraulic2
3. Tires2
4. Engine and engine cooling1
5. Parking brake1

Latest complaints

• Mar 4, 2011CA
  Fuel system, gasoline
  I was driving normally to school along with my brother and I noticed that there's a very strong smell of gas inside the car during driving. I stopped at a safe place to check and I notice that there's gas dripping slowly under the gas tank. it still leaks and it seems to be continuing to leak a…

  I was driving normally to school along with my brother and I noticed that there's a very strong smell of gas inside the car during driving. I stopped at a safe place to check and I notice that there's gas dripping slowly under the gas tank. it still leaks and it seems to be continuing to leak a little more. parts for this repair are estimate to $400+ excluding labor, as the gas tank IS also located quite behind loads of suspension parts for the rear. *tr

• Sep 22, 2005VA48,000 mi
  Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
  Dt: there was a split in the seam of the gas tank. the smell of gas was strong in the garage. this had been going on for about a week. the consumer noticed a spot on the driveway and suspected that it was gas. the consumer's husband had taken a piece of tissue and dipped it into the spot and…

  Dt: there was a split in the seam of the gas tank. the smell of gas was strong in the garage. this had been going on for about a week. the consumer noticed a spot on the driveway and suspected that it was gas. the consumer's husband had taken a piece of tissue and dipped it into the spot and determined it was gasoline on the spot where the vehicle was parked the day before. the vehicle was driven to a nissan dealership for further inspection. they inspected the vehicle, and discovered a split in the seam of a gas tank the cost would be $1,200 to fix it. the consumer felt that she should not be responsible for the repairs. the consumer contacted the manufacturer, who said they would not pay because the vehicle was not under warranty. no repairs or corrections had been made. *ak (11/22/05) *sc

• Apr 14, 2003TX45,000 mi
  Engine and engine cooling › Engine

  If the air condition was on when the vehicle came to a complete stop, the engine surged and the vehicle lurched forward. *jb

• Sep 4, 2001TX
  Tires › Tread/belt

  Bridgestone turanza t size p20555r16, replacement tires on a nissan, 240sx, 1996. vehicle was wobbling. consumer took vehicle to dealer, and the dealer stated that left front tires belt had separated. *ak bridgestone turanzat, dot number y78kpvb397. *slc

• Jun 19, 2001ALCrash
  Tires › Tread/belt

  Tire tread separated on two instances. one did damage to rear of car. almost had accident as result. *Ak (tiresize: 175/70/14)( dot number: tire size: 175/70/14 )

• Oct 16, 1997NY
  Parking brake › Conventional

  While the vehicle was turned off and parked on a incline and passengers getting into the rear seat, the emergency brake did not keep the vehicle secure, causing the vehicle to roll into the middle of the road. *ak *slc

• Mar 19, 1997CACrash
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

  When applying the ABS brakes, the pedal went to the floor and the brakes failed to stop the vehicle, causing an accident. *ak

• Jan 13, 1997CACrash
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

  When applying the ABS brakes, the pedal went to the floor and the brakes failed to stop the vehicle, causing an accident. *ak

Defect investigations

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.

• Incorrect child safety seat tether ancho

  SQ98007Opened May 4, 1998Closed May 22, 1998

  See resume for details.

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.
• 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.
• 607626Concerns with the front seat belt latch plate stopper button missing.
• 602818Vehicles may exhibit a malfunction indicator light on with dtcs p0120, p0510, p0731, p0732 or p0733 with no driveability incidents.
• 602422Vehicles built before jn1as445 - vw101217 may exhibit a malfunction indicator lamp on with evaporative emission system diagnostic trouble code(s) stored.
• 602419Exhibitting poor or no a/c cooling due to low pressure hose cracking.
• 601728Vehicles exhibiting a mil 'on' with one or more of the below dtcs stored, the cause may be insect nest(s) in the evaporative ( evap ) emission control system.
• 601717Information regarding instrument panel inspection after passenger air bag activation.
• 600973Vehicles exhibit a mil 'on' with one or more of the below dtcs stored.
• 600628Vehicles built before jn1as445 - vw101217 may exhibit a malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with evaporative emission system diagnostic trouble code (dtc(s) stored.
• 52171Diagnostic procedure for p0731, p0732 & p0733 (a/t signals) with no driveability incidents.
• 52100Front exhaust tube cracked.

Every Nissan 240SX model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.