The 1997 Nissan 240SX is a coupe from Japan. Below are the specifications, open safety recalls and NHTSA data available for this specific model year. Decode a 1997 240SX VIN to see the exact trim, engine and equipment for one particular vehicle.
Overview
The Nissan 240SX is a rear-wheel-drive coupe and hatchback sold in the U.S. from 1989 to 1998, powered by the 2.4-liter KA24 four-cylinder. It is popular in the tuner community, so many examples have been modified.
Specifications at a glance
Basic build info
Model year
1997
Make
Nissan
Model
240SX
Body
Coupe
Country of origin
Japan
Model-year-exact trim, engine and equipment vary by VIN. Decode the specific VIN above to confirm.
Fuel Economy (1997 Nissan 240SX)
19
City MPG
24
Highway MPG
21
Combined MPG
Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA).
NHTSA safety ratings
—
Overall
—
Frontal
—
Side
—
Rollover
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Real-world pricing & specs — 1997 Nissan 240SX
The 1997 Nissan 240SX launched at a median MSRP of $0.
Original MSRP
$0
Source: aggregated from the Car Features & MSRP dataset (sample: 0 trim configurations).
NHTSA safety recalls — 1997 Nissan 240SX
0
Open NHTSA recall campaigns found in our latest check for the 1997 240SX. Recall status changes over time and is tracked per-VIN — decode the specific VIN above to confirm.
Common problems to check on this generation
Modified examples dominate the market - check for engine swaps and rebuilt titles
Rust in strut towers and frame rails
Worn suspension and steering components on drifted examples
Applies to the model line as a whole; the 1997 model year may have specific TSBs, always verify by VIN.
Owner-reported problems — 1997 240SX
14
owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this year/make/model. Complaints are self-reported by owners and are separate from formal recalls.
Most-reported problem areas:
SUSPENSION — 3 reports
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — 2 reports
TIRES — 2 reports
VISIBILITY — 12/13/2004
I WAS DRIVING MY 1997 NISSIAN SENTRA TO WORK IN THE MORNING AND WAS APPOARCHING THE GUARD GATE. PUSHED THE SWITCH TO ROLLED DOWN THE PASSENGER AND DRIVE SIDE AUTOMATIC WINDOWS. SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY. PULL OVER ON THE SIDE THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. RAN UP TO THE GUARD GATE AND OBTAINED A FIRE EXTERISHER. TURNED TO THE CAR AND SAW A TWO TO FOUR INCH FLAME COMING OUT OF THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY. I PUT OUT THE FIRE. CHECKED THE FUSE BLOCK FOR A BLOWN FUSE AND THERE WAS NO
⚠ Fire reported.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — 11/12/2011
THERE IS A LEAK FROM THE TOP OF MY 1997 NISSAN 240SX'S FUEL TANK THAT SEEMED TO SPRING UP FOR NO APPARENT REASON. FROM WHAT I'VE RESEARCHED, THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM FOR OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE AND IS NOT EASILY FIXED. I AM PETITIONING FOR THIS TO BE A MANDATORY REPAIR FOR NISSAN, AS THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO FAULTY CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS. *TR
STRUCTURE — 09/29/2005
DRIVING SLOWLY IN PATHFINDER 4X4 '97 HIT POT HOLE. SPOT WELDS ON FRAME TO INNER FENDER BROKE LOOSE. ONE FOOT LONG SEAM SPLIT 3 INCHES WIDE VIEWED FROM THE LEFT FRONT STRUT. COST $1,500 TO WELD AND BRACE. PROFESSIONAL SAID PATHFINDERS NOTORIOUS FOR THIS WEAKNESS. STEERING COLUMN JAMMED FROM FAILURE WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED HEAD-ON FATALITY INTO ONCOMING VEHICLE. SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN FOR A M/V PURPORTED TO BE AN ATV! MY EXPERIENCE IN ACCIDENTS STEMS FROM BOSTON POLICE OFFICER'S ACCIDENT REPORTS F
Ask a specific question about this year and model. Our editors review every submission and publish answers with sources on this page — typical response time is 2-5 business days.
Related guides for 1997 Nissan 240SX owners & buyers
Values vary by trim, mileage, condition and region. Check Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds and NADA/J.D. Power for a range, see our guide comparing them — and pair with 5–10 local listings for your exact year and mileage.
What common problems should I watch for on a 1997 240SX?
Segment-wide issues like brake and suspension wear are the norm at this age; model-specific issues vary by generation. Review the "common problems" section above, check NHTSA complaints and TSBs for the specific year, and get an independent inspection focused on those areas.
Sources on this page:NHTSA vPIC (specifications),
NHTSA Recalls,
NHTSA NCAP (safety),
EPA FuelEconomy.gov (MPG),
NHTSA Complaints, SAE J2012 (OBD-II standard). VinSpecs is an independent service, not affiliated with Nissan or any government agency.