Nissan

350Z (Z33)

2003-2008 · Sports Car ยท 2 engines
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.9)
645 NHTSA Complaints
5 Recalls
6 Fire Reports
27 Crash Reports
Includes data from: 350Z350Z ROADSTER
๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

Nissan 350Z Unidentified Engine

โŒ Avoid (1.9)
156 complaints 26.0 per year
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

wheels tires
47
transmission
43
suspension
34
safety systems
12
fuel system
10

Known Issues

Wheels & Tires Issues (47 complaints)
Transmission Issues (43 complaints)
Suspension Issues (34 complaints)

VQ35DE

3.5L 6-cyl
โŒ Avoid (1.1)
489 complaints 81.5 per year Gasoline
4 fire reports 1 fatality
View details

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Nissan 350Z regardless of engine variant.

Wheels & Tires Issues (153 complaints)
wheels_tires critical
Suspension Issues (147 complaints)
suspension critical
Transmission Issues (133 complaints)
transmission critical
Engine Issues (102 complaints)
engine critical
Safety Systems Issues (86 complaints)
safety_systems critical

Recalls (5)

11E024000Jun 23, 2011serious
Powertrain

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.

08V521000Jul 9, 2008serious
Air Bags

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).

06E049000May 23, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

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.

05V555000Dec 12, 2005serious
Fuel System

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FUEL FILLER HOSE MAY CRACK AND RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE HOSE WHILE REFUELING.

03V455000Nov 16, 2003serious
Engine & Cooling

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z problems?

The 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z has accumulated 645 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Wheels & Tires, Suspension, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Nissan 350Z engine is most reliable?

The 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.5L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z a good used car?

The 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 645 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z have?

The 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z has 645 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z?

There are 5 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2003-2008 Nissan 350Z vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Nissan 350Z?

Before buying a used Nissan 350Z, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Wheels & Tires, Suspension, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or 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: 2026-05-23.

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