Nissan 350Z known problems: a buyer's checklist

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What should I check before buying a Nissan 350Z?

Short answer: It depends on the year. Run the VIN for open recalls first. On a 2005-2006 manual (Rev-up engine), watch oil use and ask about NTB07-088 history. On a 2007-2008 car (VQ35HR), test hot oil pressure with a mechanical gauge. On any car, check the clutch fluid and pedal on 2003-2006 manuals, look for oil or cracks at the rear diff bushings, test every gear, and run every window.

Guide · 11 sources · Facts as of 2026-10-28

The checklist at a glance

Facts as of 2026-10-28. Each row summarizes a known-problem entry linked further down this page; the confidence tier of each entry is shown there.

AreaLook or listen forYears
Open recallsCrank and cam sensors (stalling, no-start); fuel filler hose leak; passenger occupant sensor2003; 2003-2004; 2007-2008
Rev-up oil useLow oil between changes; no record of NTB07-088 checks2005 Track and 35th Anniversary manual; 2006 manual
VQ35HR oil gallery gasketsP0011 or P0021 with no other fault; low hot oil pressure on a gauge2007-2008
Clutch hydraulicsRust-colored or black fluid; pedal slow to return or sticking when hot; slipping2003-2006 manual
Rear diff bushingsOil residue or cracks at the diff mounts; wheel hop; knock on clutch take-up2003-2008
GearboxAny trouble in any gear, hot or cold (owner reports only)2003
WindowsGlass rises then drops back, or auto-up does not work after motor or glass work2003-2008

1. Recalls: run the VIN first

Three NHTSA recalls cover the 350Z. On 2003 cars, solder joints on the crank and cam position sensor boards can crack from heat, causing a check-engine light, reduced power, stalling or a no-start (03V-455); dealers replace the sensors. On 2003-2004 cars the fuel filler hose can crack and leak (05V-555). On 2007-2008 coupes and Roadsters, a part in the passenger seat occupant sensor can be out of spec and wrongly switch off the passenger airbag (08V-521).

Coverage is by VIN and many cars have already had the work done, so check the VIN with NHTSA's recall lookup. No Takata inflator recall came back for the 350Z in our searches.

2. 2005-2006 manual cars: Rev-up oil use

Nissan bulletin NTB07-088 covers low engine oil level on 2005 Track and 35th Anniversary manual cars and 2006 manual cars with the Rev-up engine. Under it, the dealer measured oil consumption and replaced the engine if it failed. Owners blame the Rev-up piston ring design, one reported losing 1-2 quarts every couple of weeks, and not every Rev-up engine is affected.

On one of these cars, check the dipstick, ask whether the engine was tested or replaced under the bulletin, and keep checking oil at every fill-up. The bulletin dates from 2007, so whether it still helps depends on warranty status.

3. 2007-2008 cars: test VQ35HR oil pressure

On the VQ35HR, gaskets on the cam timing oil gallery covers inside the timing chain case can leak and drop oil pressure while the oil light stays off. A clue is a cam timing code such as P0011 or P0021 with no other fault, though those codes have other causes too.

Test with a mechanical gauge on hot oil. The 2007 service manual's minimum is 14 psi at idle and 43 psi at 2,000 rpm with oil at 80 °C; one repair shop uses 12 / 44 psi on 90-100 °C oil. If pressure is low, the fix means removing the front chain case and primary chain to replace the gaskets. A shop says Nissan revised the gasket in 2013.

4. Drivetrain: clutch, diff bushings and gearbox

Clutch hydraulics on 2003-2006 manual cars: one repair shop says moisture corrodes the hose joints and rust circulates in the fluid, and the internal slave cylinder can leak onto the clutch. Look at the fluid color, and check whether the pedal returns slowly or sticks when hot. The fix is new hydraulic parts and fresh fluid; if the slave leaked, the clutch may need replacing too. This is one shop's account, so it is rated Reported.

Rear diff bushings: the same shop says the three oil-filled factory bushings dry out and crack with age or hard launches. Look for oil residue or cracks at the diff mounts, and note wheel hop or a knock when the clutch engages. Replacement (often polyurethane) means dropping the diff.

On 2003 cars one owner reports gearbox trouble, which no other source we read confirms. Test every gear, hot and cold, and ask for gearbox history.

5. Windows: the small stuff

Owners report that after a new window motor or glass, the window rises about an inch then drops back, or auto-up stops working, because the motor's travel limits need to be re-learned. Use the reset procedure in the service manual for your year; owners say the 2008 procedure differs from 2003-2004. This is community-reported only.

Related known problems

FAQ

Which 350Z years burn oil?

Nissan's bulletin NTB07-088 covers low oil level on 2005 Track and 35th Anniversary manual cars and 2006 manual cars (the Rev-up engine). Not every one is affected, so check the dipstick and ask for the car's bulletin history.

How do I check a 2007-2008 350Z for the oil gallery gasket problem?

Fit a mechanical oil pressure gauge with the oil hot. The 2007 service manual's minimum is 14 psi at idle and 43 psi at 2,000 rpm at 80 °C; one shop uses 12 / 44 psi on hotter oil.

What recalls does the 350Z have?

NHTSA lists a 2003 crank and cam sensor recall, a 2003-2004 fuel filler hose recall and a 2007-2008 passenger occupant sensor recall. Check the VIN with NHTSA's lookup.

Keep exploring

Sources

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