350Z (Z33)
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
VQ35DE
3.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Nissan 350Z Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Nissan 350Z, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z
On a used 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the wheels and tires (153), the suspension (147) and the transmission and drivetrain (133). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Measure the tread on all four tires, read the date codes and look at each wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 153 owner complaints on the 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z about the wheels and tires.
- Drive over a speed bump and a rough patch at 15 to 20 mph with the radio off.Safety. NHTSA has 147 owner complaints on the 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z about the suspension.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 133 owner complaints on the 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z about the transmission and drivetrain.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 111 owner complaints on the 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z about the engine.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 86 owner complaints on the 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
Recalls (5)
ZF SERVICE IS RECALL CERTAIN CLUTCH KIT ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBER SX: K70358-01, SHIPPED TO WHOLESALERS AS SERVICE PARTS BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2010, AND MARCH 8, 2011. THESE SERVICE PARTS ARE INTENDED FOR USE ON MODEL YEAR 2003-2006 NISSAN 350Z AND INFINITI G35 VEHICLES. THE SX: K70358-01 CLUTCH KIT CONTAINS AN OVERSIZED CLUTCH DISC.
NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CONTROL UNITS. A VARISTOR IN THE OCS CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN INTERRUPTION OF SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU).
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 NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FUEL FILLER HOSE MAY CRACK AND RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE HOSE WHILE REFUELING.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF FLUX RESIDUE DURING THE SOLDERING PROCESS.
Alternatives in Sports Car
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z complaints?
Owners have filed 645 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z. The systems they name most often are the wheels and tires, the suspension and the transmission.
Is the 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 645 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z have?
NHTSA has 645 owner complaints on file for the 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls covering some 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Nissan 350Z?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the wheels and tires, the suspension and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the 350Z have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 645 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.