1996 Nissan 200SX
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 6 |
| 1986 | 11 |
| 1987 | 13 |
| 1988 | 8 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1995 | 51 |
| 1996 | 37 |
| 1997 | 16 |
| 1998 | 18 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2001 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
24% of complaints: air bags — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20020920
WHILE AT A STOP VEHICLE WAS HIT IN THE REAR BY A DODGE VAN. THIS CAUSED VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF VEHICLE IN FRONT, WHICH WAS ALSO STOPPED. THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.
NHTSA ODI report, 19971009
DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON FRONTAL IMPACT, VEHICLE REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE PULLING OUT OF WHERE PARKED WITH NO LIGHTS ON. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960620
14% of complaints: visibility — 5 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: visibility — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20021119
8% of complaints: air bags — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
ON FIVE OCCASIONS THE ENGINE LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT KEPT COMING ON . *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960930
5% of complaints: tires — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 98V093000 — check if this car was fixed
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 N
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.
Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Nissan 200SX — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V093000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1996 Nissan 200SX reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Nissan 200SX?
The most-reported component is air bags:frontal, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Nissan 200SX have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.