According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1990 Nissan 240SX has 3 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Frame Rail and Strut Tower Rust Corrosion ($400-$3,500 repair) and Rear Subframe and Strut Tower Rust ($200-$2,000 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $200 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 1989-1998 Nissan 240SX, s13 and S14 chassis are highly prone to rust at the frame rails, particularly where the front strut towers meet the frame rails, and at the rear subframe mounting points. Salt-belt cars frequently show structural corrosion that compromises suspension geometry and crash safety. Rust often hides behind undercoating and only becomes visible after the rail has perforated.
Common Symptoms
Visible rust at strut tower-to-frame rail junction
Perforated frame rails near rear subframe mounts
Bubbling paint on lower body panels
Rust holes in floor pans
Loose or rattling suspension
How to Fix
Cut out and weld in replacement metal at affected sections. Install frame rail reinforcement plates (Xcessive Manufacturing and similar) for prevention or repair backing. Strip undercoating to inspect fully. Apply cavity wax and modern undercoating after repair. Severely rusted shells are not economically repairable.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 1990-1998 Nissan 240SX, the Nissan 240SX is highly susceptible to body rust, particularly in the rear quarter panels, rear fender wells, door bottoms, rear hatch/trunk area, and rocker panels. The S13 (1989-1994) is more rust-prone than the S14 (1995-1998) due to thinner body panels and less corrosion protection. Rust in the rear quarters can compromise structural integrity. The increasing value of 240SXs as drift and enthusiast cars has made rust repair and prevention more worthwhile, but finding rust-free examples is increasingly difficult.
Common Symptoms
Bubbling paint on rear quarter panels
Rust holes in fender wells
Door bottom rust and perforation
Rear hatch or trunk area corrosion
Rocker panel rust and structural weakness
How to Fix
Inspect the car on a lift and remove trunk/hatch trim, rear interior panels, splash liners, side skirts, and rocker trim to probe common rust areas from both sides of the metal; use a pick/hammer and measure how far corrosion extends into the inner wheelhouse, rocker reinforcement, hatch lip, and rear quarter seams. Surface rust can be wire-wheeled or media-blasted, treated with rust converter, epoxy-primed, seam-sealed, painted, and then protected with cavity wax/undercoating, but any perforation or soft metal should be cut out and replaced with welded patch panels or donor/OEM sheet metal, especially in the rear quarters, rocker panels, and hatch surround. Expect roughly $300-$1,000 per area for minor localized repair, $1,500-$4,000+ per side for proper quarter/rocker metal replacement and paintwork, and substantially more if structural rust has spread into inner supports or suspension mounting areas. After repair, clear drain holes, replace missing liners/weatherstrips, and apply annual rustproofing to slow recurrence.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date
On the 1990-1998 Nissan 240SX 2.4L KA24DE I4, the 240SX's rear subframe and strut towers corrode severely in rust-belt states. The rear subframe mounting points can rot to the point where the subframe separates from the unibody — an extremely dangerous condition. Rear strut towers also develop cracks and perforation from rust. Since the 240SX is popular for drifting, the additional stress from aggressive driving accelerates structural failure in rusted areas.
Common Symptoms
Visible rust on rear subframe and strut towers
Clunking from rear suspension
Rear alignment won't hold settings
Rear end feels loose or wandering
Visible cracks at strut tower bases
How to Fix
Inspect rear subframe mounting points and strut towers annually. Surface rust can be treated with a wire wheel and rust converter. Structural rust requires professional welding — reinforcement plates welded over the subframe mounting points ($300-$800 at a fabrication shop). Strut tower reinforcement plates/braces ($100-$200) add strength. For severe cases, a clean rear subframe from a southern/western car may be needed.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
NoteBefore buying ANY 240SX in the rust belt, check the rear subframe mounting points with a flashlight and screwdriver. If those mounting points are rotten, the car is unsafe and the repair exceeds the car's value. Many have died from rear subframe separation during drifting.
Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date
⚠️NHTSA Recalls1 recall
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP
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."
Campaign #94V13500025/07/1994
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1990-1990 Nissan 240SX has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Frame Rail and Strut Tower Rust Corrosion, Rear Subframe and Strut Tower Rust, Body and Chassis Rust (Fenders, Quarter Panels, Hatch). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Nissan 240SX reliable?
The 1990-1990 Nissan 240SX has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Frame Rail and Strut Tower Rust Corrosion and Rear Subframe and Strut Tower Rust. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Nissan 240SX problems?
Repair costs for known Nissan 240SX issues range from $200 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Frame Rail and Strut Tower Rust Corrosion, typically costs $400-$3,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1989-1998 Nissan 240SX Frame Rail and Strut Tower Rust Corrosion?
S13 and S14 chassis are highly prone to rust at the frame rails, particularly where the front strut towers meet the frame rails, and at the rear subframe mounting points. Salt-belt cars frequently show structural corrosion that compromises suspension geometry and crash safety. Ru… Repairs typically run $400-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 1990-1998 Nissan 240SX Rear Subframe and Strut Tower Rust?
The 240SX's rear subframe and strut towers corrode severely in rust-belt states. The rear subframe mounting points can rot to the point where the subframe separates from the unibody — an extremely dangerous condition. Rear strut towers also develop cracks and perforation from rus… Repairs typically run $200-$2,000. Severity: high.
What is the 1990-1998 Nissan 240SX Body and Chassis Rust (Fenders, Quarter Panels, Hatch)?
The Nissan 240SX is highly susceptible to body rust, particularly in the rear quarter panels, rear fender wells, door bottoms, rear hatch/trunk area, and rocker panels. The S13 (1989-1994) is more rust-prone than the S14 (1995-1998) due to thinner body panels and less corrosion p… Repairs typically run $300-$3,000. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
