Most common 1997 Nissan 240SX problems
Share of the 6 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Nissan 240SX complaints by model year
Best 240SX years: 1997, 1996. Years to avoid: 1995. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1997 Nissan 240SX:
Incorrect child safety seat tether ancho
See resume for details.
What 1997 Nissan 240SX owners say
Air bags
My car (1997 Nissan 240 sx) being driven by my son was in an accident where the car was totaled by impact. None of the airbags deployed but yet the light came on saying they did. If they had my son May not have suffered from a serious concussion which we're about to go to the hospital the 2nd time for nor the neck sprain that he did. I've e-mailed Nissan to see if I can get an answer as to why the airbags did not deploy when the light indicates they did but I've not heard back from them yet.
Consumer stated that when hit at 45mph in the front center of the vehicle the air bag did not deploy causing minor injuries to the consumer. Dealer notified. Ts
1997 Nissan 240SX engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 19 / 26 / 22 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Nissan 240SX a good car?
Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 240SX rates better than average: 73% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 240SX at the same age. It is one of the best 240SX years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Nissan 240SX?
The air bags — 3 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the lights (1) and wheels & tires (1).
How many recalls does the 1997 Nissan 240SX have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 Nissan 240SX. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Nissan 240SX?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1997 and 1996. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995. See the full Nissan 240SX years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Nissan 240SX problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 103,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.