Silvia (S13 / S14 / S15)

1988-2002 / Coupe / Japan

All Silvia (S13 / S14 / S15) problems All workshop issues

Minor Body

Pop-Up Headlight Motor Failure (S13 180SX)

Symptoms

One or both pop-up headlights fail to open, open partially, or open at different speeds.

Cause

The pop-up headlight mechanism uses electric motors and a linkage system. The motors wear with age, and the pivot points seize from corrosion. Water ingress into the motor housing accelerates failure.

Fix

Lubricate the pivot points and linkage with white lithium grease.

If the motor has failed, replacement motors are available from wreckers ($100-200 each) or aftermarket suppliers.

Some owners convert to fixed headlight conversions for simplicity.

Cost mentioned in fix

$100-200 each

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// More Silvia (S13 / S14 / S15) problems

Other known issues

Common Body

Rear Quarter Panel Rust

Bubbling paint, perforation, and structural corrosion behind the rear wheels.

Common Body

Sill Corrosion

Rust visible on the sills (rocker panels), starting as bubbles and progressing to holes.

Critical Engine

Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear (SR20DET/SR20DE)

Rattling or clattering from the front of the engine, most pronounced on cold start. The noise may diminish when warm but persist at idle. In severe cases, the engine loses power, runs rough, or misfires.

Common Engine

Turbo Oil Seal Failure (SR20DET)

Blue smoke from the exhaust, particularly on boost or on deceleration (overrun). Oil consumption increases. Oil residue visible in the intercooler piping.

Common Engine

Boost Leaks

Sluggish boost response, reduced power, the car feels slow despite the turbo appearing to spool.

Common Engine

Idle Air Control Valve (IACV) Failure

Erratic idle speed, the RPM hunts up and down between 500 and 1,500 rpm. The engine may stall at traffic lights or when coming to a stop.

View all 17 Silvia (S13 / S14 / S15) problems