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Nissan2002–2021 Critical issues documented

Nissan 370Z: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Nissan 370Z (2002–2021) in Australia? We've documented 16 known faults for this model spanning engine, suspension, transmission, and brakes. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Nissan 370Z

  • Money owing
  • Written off
  • Accident claims
  • Odometer history

An Australian plate goes to the A$17.90 Vehicle Check: money owing, write-off, stolen and rego. Full History adds past kms, accident claims and market value from A$24.99. The free fault check for this model needs the generation and engine, pick them below.

16

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

≈A$370–3,220

Typical repair

5

Systems covered

Which Nissan 370Z are you looking at?

2 generation variants documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Which engine is in it? These cover every year of this model.

3.5L petrol (VQ35-DE)· 3.5 litre petrol3.7L petrol (VQ37-VHR)· 3.7 litre petrol

Start your free check on this Nissan 370Z

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

Nissan 370ZEngine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the 370Z came with 2, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

Free. The paid plate check is separate, and stays optional.

Can't confirm for this car

Nissan 370Z

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

matched on no vehicle context

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Nissan 370Z before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    Scan for fault codes before test driving — P1800-series codes are diagnostic of VVEL failure.

    See why

    VVEL actuator or circuit failure causing limp mode (3.7 VQ37VHR, Z34 2009-2021)

    The 3.7 VQ37VHR in the Z34 uses Nissan's VVEL variable valve lift system, driven by an electric actuator motor. A fault in the actuator, its relay or its wiring sets codes such as P1090 or P1091 and drops the engine into a severe limp mode, with revs held close to idle and very little power. Several cases trace back to the relay or wiring rather than the actuator itself, so these should be checked before an actuator is replaced. Ask whether the car has ever gone into limp mode and have it scanned for stored codes.

    What you would notice

    • Sudden severe loss of power — engine enters limp mode with very restricted revs
    • Rough lumpy idle as if misfiring, particularly at light throttle
    • Check engine light with P1800, P1802, P1804, or related VVEL fault codes
    • Hesitation and stumble when pulling away from rest under light throttle
    • VDC or traction control warning lights illuminating alongside the check engine light

    Typically ≈A$1,840–5,060 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Watch for: Clunking or knocking from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps, pot holes or during parking manoeuvres.

    See why

    Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

    The Z33 and Z34 front suspension uses pressed-in ball joints in the lower control arms. Road grit, moisture and the high cornering loads generated by the stiff suspension geometry accelerate wear of the ball joint socket and bearing surface. As clearance increases the joint develops axial play, which allows the knuckle to move unpredictably under braking and cornering loads — a safety-critical failure mode. In advanced cases the joint can separate, resulting in immediate loss of steering and wheel collapse; many roadworthy inspection failures on higher-mileage Z33s cite front ball joint play as the rejection reason.

    What you would notice

    • Clunking or knocking from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps, pot holes or during parking manoeuvres
    • Steering wander or vague on-centre feel that worsens on uneven road surfaces
    • Uneven front tyre wear, particularly feathering of the inner shoulder

    Typically ≈A$460–1,470 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Check oil level and condition on the dipstick, look for smoke on startup and revving, and inspect the PCV system and exhaust tips for oil residue.

    See why

    VQ35/VQ37 high oil consumption at high km

    Both the Z33 VQ35 and Z34 VQ37 V6 are known to consume oil, particularly beyond 120,000km, due to piston ring and PCV wear. Owners often top up between services, and low oil accelerates bearing wear.

    What you would notice

    • Oil level low between services
    • Blue smoke on hard acceleration
    • Oil light flicker on cornering when low
    • Fouled spark plugs

    Typically ≈A$280–5,520 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Watch for: Metallic rattling or slapping from the front of the engine on cold start that diminishes after 5–15 seconds of running.

    See why

    VQ35DE/VQ37VHR Timing Chain Primary and Secondary Tensioner Rattle

    The VQ35DE uses a three-chain layout: one primary chain driving an intermediate shaft, and two secondary chains feeding each camshaft bank. The hydraulic tensioners, particularly the secondary units, lose oil pressure after cold soaks because the check valves allow oil to drain back to the sump overnight. On the VQ37VHR the arrangement is similar, and tensioner oil galleries are narrow enough that marginal oil viscosity or extended drain intervals starve the tensioner pistons, allowing chain slack to slap the plastic guide rails. Prolonged operation in this condition wears the guides, which can shed debris into the sump and eventually allow chain jump or guide rail breakage.

    What you would notice

    • Metallic rattling or slapping from the front of the engine on cold start that diminishes after 5–15 seconds of running
    • Persistent ticking or chain slap at idle that worsens when oil is low or degraded
    • Variable valve timing fault codes P0010, P0011 or P0021 with associated loss of mid-range power

    Typically ≈A$1,660–5,060 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Test drive at steady highway speeds (80–110 km/h) under light throttle load to reproduce the shudder.

    See why

    Z34 7-Speed Automatic Torque Converter Clutch Shudder

    The Z34 fitted with the JATCO 7-speed automatic (7AT) uses a lock-up torque converter clutch that engages at light throttle cruising speeds to improve fuel economy. The friction material and ATF formulation proved marginally compatible, causing the clutch to oscillate between slip and lock states rather than maintaining steady engagement — a phenomenon felt as a repetitive shudder through the drivetrain. Nissan issued a service procedure specifying a transmission fluid drain and fill with Nissan Matic-S or equivalent to address friction surface conditioning; however, vehicles with high mileage or where the fluid was never changed may have worn friction material requiring torque converter replacement.

    What you would notice

    • Rhythmic vibration or shudder felt through the seat and drivetrain at 80–110 km/h under light throttle, typically between 1500–2200 rpm
    • Shudder disappears immediately when throttle is increased or released fully, consistent with torque converter clutch modulation
    • Transmission fault codes P0740 or P0741 stored in some cases alongside perceived shudder

    Typically ≈A$320–3,680 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Check clutch fluid reservoir level, test pedal firmness and engagement point, and look for fluid leaks at the master cylinder and gearbox bellhousing.

    See why

    Clutch master/slave cylinder failure

    The 370Z 6-speed manual suffers hydraulic clutch master and slave (concentric) cylinder failures, causing a spongy or dropping clutch pedal and difficulty selecting gears. Common failure point on higher-km cars.

    What you would notice

    • Clutch pedal goes soft or sinks to floor
    • Difficulty engaging first or reverse
    • Loss of clutch fluid
    • Grinding when shifting

    Typically ≈A$370–1,660 to put right.

All 16 documented issues

Everything researched for the Nissan 370Z. Tap an area to open it.

2 rated critical
Depends on which engine this Nissan 370Z has: 16 issuesEach of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling12

01VVEL actuator or circuit failure causing limp mode (3.7 VQ37VHR, Z34 2009-2021)

Scan for fault codes before test driving — P1800-series codes are diagnostic of VVEL failure.petrol2009–2021Engine
CommonEngine ≈A$1,840–5,060 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 3.7 VQ37VHR in the Z34 uses Nissan's VVEL variable valve lift system, driven by an electric actuator motor. A fault in the actuator, its relay or its wiring sets codes such as P1090 or P1091 and drops the engine into a severe limp mode, with revs held close to idle and very little power. Several cases trace back to the relay or wiring rather than the actuator itself, so these should be checked before an actuator is replaced. Ask whether the car has ever gone into limp mode and have it scanned for stored codes.

Symptoms to notice

  • Sudden severe loss of power — engine enters limp mode with very restricted revs
  • Rough lumpy idle as if misfiring, particularly at light throttle
  • Check engine light with P1800, P1802, P1804, or related VVEL fault codes
  • Hesitation and stumble when pulling away from rest under light throttle
  • VDC or traction control warning lights illuminating alongside the check engine light

What to check

  1. Scan for fault codes before test driving — P1800-series codes are diagnostic of VVEL failure.
  2. Test idle quality with the engine fully warm; a good VQ37VHR idles smoothly at approximately 650-750 RPM.
  3. Apply very light throttle from a standstill and feel for hesitation.
  4. Request service history with confirmed oil change intervals — dirty oil accelerates VVEL mechanism wear.

Where to look: VVEL actuator assembly on the intake camshaft of each cylinder bank, beneath the cam covers

Ask the seller

  • “Has the car ever entered limp mode or shown P1800-series fault codes?”
  • “Has the VVEL actuator or any variable valve timing component been replaced?”
  • “Can you provide service records confirming regular oil changes?”

02VQ35/VQ37 high oil consumption at high km

Check oil level and condition on the dipstick, look for smoke on startup and revving, and inspect the PCV system and exhaust tips for oil residue.petrol2003–2021Engine
CommonEngine ≈A$280–5,520 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Both the Z33 VQ35 and Z34 VQ37 V6 are known to consume oil, particularly beyond 120,000km, due to piston ring and PCV wear. Owners often top up between services, and low oil accelerates bearing wear.

Symptoms to notice

  • Oil level low between services
  • Blue smoke on hard acceleration
  • Oil light flicker on cornering when low
  • Fouled spark plugs

What to check

Check oil level and condition on the dipstick, look for smoke on startup and revving, and inspect the PCV system and exhaust tips for oil residue.

Where to look: Engine bay, V6 engine

Parts involved: PCV / oil separator.

Ask the seller

  • “How much oil does it use between services?”
  • “Has oil consumption ever been measured or investigated?”

03VQ35DE/VQ37VHR Timing Chain Primary and Secondary Tensioner Rattle

Watch for: Metallic rattling or slapping from the front of the engine on cold start that diminishes after 5–15 seconds of running.petrol2002–2008EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

04VQ37VHR High-Mileage Valve Stem Seal Oil Consumption

Cold-start the engine from fully cold and observe the exhaust pipe for blue smoke during the first 30-60 seconds.petrol2009–2021Engine
OccasionalEngine ≈A$2,300–4,600 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

At higher mileages — typically over 120,000 km — the VQ37VHR engine develops significant oil consumption due to deteriorating valve stem seals and valve guide wear. Oil is drawn into the combustion chambers past the stems, producing blue smoke on cold startup and during overrun, and causing fouled spark plugs. The repair requires cylinder head removal on both banks to replace seals, making it a substantial labour job requiring engine access from above.

Symptoms to notice

  • Blue-grey smoke from the exhaust on cold start that clears after warm-up
  • Blue smoke on engine overrun when lifting off the throttle at speed
  • Oil consumption exceeding 500 ml per 1,000 km
  • Oil-wet or fouled spark plugs on inspection
  • Oil level dropping noticeably between standard service intervals

What to check

  1. Cold-start the engine from fully cold and observe the exhaust pipe for blue smoke during the first 30-60 seconds.
  2. Check the current oil level and ask when oil was last topped up or changed.
  3. Inspect accessible spark plugs for oily deposits.
  4. Ask specifically about oil consumption history.

Where to look: Valve stem seals in both cylinder heads, bank 1 and bank 2

Parts involved: Cylinder head.

Ask the seller

  • “How much oil does the car consume between services?”
  • “Have you noticed any smoke from the exhaust on startup?”
  • “When were the spark plugs last replaced and what did they look like?”

056-speed manual 3rd/4th gear synchro wear

Test all gears including quick 2-3-4 upshifts cold and warm, feeling for baulking or crunching, and ask about gearbox oil change history.petrol2009–2021Transmission
OccasionalTransmission ≈A$1,380–4,140 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 370Z 6MT is prone to synchro wear on 3rd and 4th gears, producing a crunch or baulk when shifting, especially when cold or shifted quickly. Aggravated by track use and worn gearbox oil.

Symptoms to notice

  • Crunch shifting into 3rd or 4th
  • Notchy shifts when cold
  • Grinding under quick upshifts
  • Improvement after gearbox oil change

What to check

Test all gears including quick 2-3-4 upshifts cold and warm, feeling for baulking or crunching, and ask about gearbox oil change history.

Where to look: Manual gearbox

Ask the seller

  • “Does it crunch into any gear, especially 3rd or 4th?”
  • “Has the car been tracked or used competitively?”

06Oil gallery gasket failure causing low oil pressure (3.7 VQ37VHR)

Ask whether the oil gallery gaskets behind the timing cover have been replaced with the revised metal type and ask for the invoice.petrol2008–2012Engine
OccasionalEngine ≈A$1,660–4,140 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Oil gallery gasket failure is a known issue on the 3.7 VQ37VHR V6 in the Z34 370Z. Two paper type gaskets behind the timing cover seal the oil galleries that feed the timing chain and variable valve timing; on earlier engines they can break down and leak internally, so oil pressure falls with no external leak. The usual signs are codes P0011 and P0021, limp mode and low hot idle oil pressure, and driving on with low pressure can damage the camshafts or the whole engine. There is no recall; Nissan revised the gasket to a metal backed type around 2012, so ask whether the revised gaskets have been fitted.

Symptoms to notice

  • Check engine light with P0011 and P0021
  • Limp mode, engine will not rev freely
  • Low oil pressure warning at hot idle
  • Unsteady or hunting idle when warm
  • Rattle from the timing chain area

What to check

Ask whether the oil gallery gaskets behind the timing cover have been replaced with the revised metal type and ask for the invoice. With the engine fully warm, watch the dash for a low oil pressure light at idle and listen for timing chain rattle or a lumpy, hunting idle. On the test drive note any check engine light or a car that feels flat and will not rev freely (limp mode). If a workshop inspection is possible: scan for P0011 and P0021 and fit a mechanical oil pressure gauge to compare hot idle pressure with the workshop manual figure.

Where to look: Front of engine, behind the timing chain cover

Parts involved: Timing chain.

Ask the seller

  • “Have the oil gallery gaskets been replaced, and with the revised metal type?”
  • “Has the car ever shown P0011 or P0021 or gone into limp mode?”
  • “Has the oil pressure ever been tested with a gauge?”

07Z34 7-Speed Automatic Torque Converter Clutch Shudder

Test drive at steady highway speeds (80–110 km/h) under light throttle load to reproduce the shudder.petrol2008 onwardTransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

08Manual Transmission Clutch Pressure Plate Cracking

Watch for: Clutch shudder or judder during engagement, especially from a standing start, that worsens as the clutch heats up.petrol2002 onwardTransmission
OccasionalTransmission ≈A$1,380–3,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 6-speed manual Z33 and Z34 use a single-disc clutch assembly where the pressure plate diaphragm spring fingers and the pressure ring itself are subject to thermal stress cracking under hard use. The factory clutch is calibrated for street loads, and repeated high-rpm launches or track sessions generate heat that exceeds the pressure plate's thermal tolerance, causing fatigue cracks to develop at the diaphragm spring fulcrum ring. Cracked pressure plates produce increasingly erratic engagement as the clamping load becomes uneven, and in severe cases the pressure ring or a diaphragm finger can fracture and damage the flywheel, bell housing or gearbox input shaft bearing.

Symptoms to notice

  • Clutch shudder or judder during engagement, especially from a standing start, that worsens as the clutch heats up
  • Vibration through the gearstick and floor pan when the clutch is partially released, distinct from engine vibration
  • Difficulty modulating the bite point precisely, with engagement becoming binary (in or out) rather than progressive

What to check

Watch for: Clutch shudder or judder during engagement, especially from a standing start, that worsens as the clutch heats up. If a workshop inspection is possible: Test for clutch shudder or judder during slow, smooth engagement from rest — a healthy clutch engages cleanly; check for a high or inconsistent bite point that changes when the clutch is hot versus cold; remove the gearbox if shudder is confirmed to inspect the pressure plate diaphragm spring fingers for cracks or uneven wear; inspect the flywheel face for heat-check cracking or heavy scoring indicating prolonged slippage; verify the release bearing moves freely on the input shaft collar.

Where to look: Clutch bellhousing between engine and 6-speed gearbox; pressure plate bolted to the flywheel

Parts involved: Clutch.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the vehicle been used on a track or for regular hard launches?”
  • “Is there any shudder or vibration through the clutch pedal when pulling away?”
  • “Has the clutch been replaced, and if so, what brand and specification was fitted?”

09Clutch master/slave cylinder failure

Check clutch fluid reservoir level, test pedal firmness and engagement point, and look for fluid leaks at the master cylinder and gearbox bellhousing.petrol2009–2021Transmission
CommonTransmission ≈A$370–1,660 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 370Z 6-speed manual suffers hydraulic clutch master and slave (concentric) cylinder failures, causing a spongy or dropping clutch pedal and difficulty selecting gears. Common failure point on higher-km cars.

Symptoms to notice

  • Clutch pedal goes soft or sinks to floor
  • Difficulty engaging first or reverse
  • Loss of clutch fluid
  • Grinding when shifting

What to check

Check clutch fluid reservoir level, test pedal firmness and engagement point, and look for fluid leaks at the master cylinder and gearbox bellhousing.

Where to look: Clutch master cylinder at firewall and slave cylinder inside bellhousing

Parts involved: Clutch.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the clutch master or slave cylinder been replaced?”
  • “Does the clutch pedal feel firm and consistent?”

10Rear LSD Fluid Degradation and Differential Chatter

Perform a slow full-lock U-turn in a large car park and listen for chattering from the rear axle.petrol2009–2021Transmission
CommonTransmission ≈A$140–460 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 370Z Sport and NISMO variants carry a factory mechanical limited-slip differential whose friction modifier additives degrade with heat cycling and mileage. Degraded fluid causes the characteristic LSD chatter during low-speed tight-radius turning as the clutch packs bind rather than slip smoothly. The differential fluid is frequently overlooked as owners assume a lifetime fill — it is not. Correct-spec fluid with friction modifier additive resolves chatter in all but severely worn differentials.

Symptoms to notice

  • Chattering, juddering, or clunking from the rear axle during slow full-lock turns
  • Driveline shudder when pulling away from rest in a tight turning manoeuvre
  • Symptoms more pronounced when cold, diminish after sustained driving
  • Vibration potentially confused with driveshaft or CV joint noise

What to check

  1. Perform a slow full-lock U-turn in a large car park and listen for chattering from the rear axle.
  2. Inspect the differential drain and fill plug areas for evidence of recent fluid service.
  3. Check for differential fluid change intervals in service records.

Where to look: Rear differential unit, limited-slip clutch pack assembly at the rear axle centre

Parts involved: Differential.

Ask the seller

  • “When was the rear differential fluid last changed?”
  • “Does the car chatter or shudder from the rear during tight low-speed turns?”
  • “Has the car been used on track or driven competitively?”

11Clutch pedal not returning (Z34 370Z 6-speed manual)

Sit in the driver's seat and depress the clutch pedal slowly while listening for creaking or clicking.petrol2009–2013Transmission
CommonTransmission ≈A$180–460 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

On 2009 to 2013 Z34 370Z 6-speed manuals the clutch pedal can stay down instead of returning, usually after hard driving when the clutch fluid gets hot. Nissan bulletin SB-10051926-2342 fixes it by replacing the clutch fluid with a high temperature fluid. Press the clutch repeatedly on the test drive, especially after a hard run, and check that the pedal comes all the way back every time.

Symptoms to notice

  • Creaking, clicking, or knocking from the clutch pedal area when pressed or released
  • Lateral wobble in the clutch pedal
  • Imprecise or vague clutch bite point feel
  • Noise emanating from the pedal box area beneath the dashboard

What to check

  1. Sit in the driver's seat and depress the clutch pedal slowly while listening for creaking or clicking.
  2. Push the pedal pad sideways and check for lateral play — the pedal should not wobble side-to-side at all.
  3. Inspect the pivot pin area behind the pedal if accessible.

Where to look: Clutch pedal pivot assembly behind the driver footwell lower dashboard panel

Parts involved: Clutch.

Ask the seller

  • “Does the clutch pedal creak or click when pressed?”
  • “Has the pedal pivot pin or bushing ever been replaced?”
  • “Is there any side-to-side wobble in the clutch pedal?”

12SynchroRev Match Throttle Body Carbon Buildup and Idle Drift

Let the engine reach full operating temperature and observe idle speed — normal warm idle is 650-750 RPM.petrol2009–2021Engine
CommonEngine ≈A$180–410 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 370Z manual's SynchroRev Match (SRM) system uses the electronic throttle body to blip the engine on downshifts, automating heel-toe technique. The throttle butterfly valve accumulates carbon deposits from crankcase blow-by gases over time, causing the valve to stick at partially open positions. This produces an elevated or unstable warm idle (typically 900-1,500 RPM instead of the normal 650-750 RPM), erratic blip behaviour during SRM operation, and prolonged rough warm-up idle. Resolution requires throttle body cleaning followed by an ECU idle relearn procedure.

Symptoms to notice

  • Idle speed elevated above normal when fully warm (over 900 RPM)
  • Idle hunting — RPM fluctuates irregularly at warm idle
  • Erratic, excessive, or uncontrolled engine blip during SynchroRev Match downshift
  • Extended rough idle period on cold start before settling

What to check

  1. Let the engine reach full operating temperature and observe idle speed — normal warm idle is 650-750 RPM.
  2. Note SRM operation during a test drive downshift sequence — an over-enthusiastic or poorly controlled blip indicates throttle body stiction.
  3. Ask about the last throttle body service.

Where to look: Throttle body on the intake manifold, electronic butterfly valve and position sensor

Ask the seller

  • “Has the throttle body ever been cleaned?”
  • “Does the idle seem high or unsteady when fully warm?”
  • “Are the SynchroRev Match blips ever erratic or overly aggressive?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior3

01Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

Watch for: Clunking or knocking from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps, pot holes or during parking manoeuvres.2002 onwardSuspension
CommonSuspension ≈A$460–1,470 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Z33 and Z34 front suspension uses pressed-in ball joints in the lower control arms. Road grit, moisture and the high cornering loads generated by the stiff suspension geometry accelerate wear of the ball joint socket and bearing surface. As clearance increases the joint develops axial play, which allows the knuckle to move unpredictably under braking and cornering loads — a safety-critical failure mode. In advanced cases the joint can separate, resulting in immediate loss of steering and wheel collapse; many roadworthy inspection failures on higher-mileage Z33s cite front ball joint play as the rejection reason.

The front wheel of a car splayed outward with the lower control arm hanging down after a ball joint separation.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A separated lower ball joint: the control arm has dropped and the wheel has splayed out under the guard.

Elfix · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunking or knocking from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps, pot holes or during parking manoeuvres
  • Steering wander or vague on-centre feel that worsens on uneven road surfaces
  • Uneven front tyre wear, particularly feathering of the inner shoulder

What to check

Watch for: Clunking or knocking from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps, pot holes or during parking manoeuvres. If a workshop inspection is possible: Lift the vehicle on a hoist and grasp the wheel at 6 and 12 o'clock to check for vertical play in the ball joint; use a pry bar under the wheel to load the joint and check for movement exceeding 1 mm; inspect the ball joint boot for tears or grease extrusion; check the lower arm itself for cracks or deformation near the ball joint housing; confirm boot integrity as a torn boot accelerates joint wear significantly.

Where to look: Front suspension, lower control arm pivot to steering knuckle, one each side

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

  • “When did the vehicle last pass a roadworthy, and were any suspension items flagged?”
  • “Is there any clunking from the front end over bumps?”
  • “Have the lower control arms or ball joints ever been replaced?”

02Rear Multi-Link Suspension Bush Collapse

The Z33 and Z34 rear suspension is a sophisticated five-link independent layout with rubber-bonded bushes at each arm pivot point.2002 onwardSuspension
CommonSuspension ≈A$830–3,220 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Z33 and Z34 rear suspension is a sophisticated five-link independent layout with rubber-bonded bushes at each arm pivot point. The toe-link and inner lateral link bushes are particularly vulnerable to degradation because they carry high longitudinal loads and are positioned close to hot exhaust components in the tunnel area. As the rubber compounds harden, crack or debond from the outer sleeve, the arms lose their intended geometry compliance and the rear axle develops uncontrolled toe changes under braking and acceleration. The result is a rear end that feels nervous or loose on corner exit, and the failure is frequently misdiagnosed as shock absorber wear before alignment data reveals the root cause.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rear instability or darting sensation at motorway speed, particularly when changing lanes or on road camber changes
  • Clunking from the rear suspension over sharp bumps, distinct from shock absorber noise
  • Rapid inside-edge wear on rear tyres caused by continuous toe-out under load

What to check

Place the vehicle on a four-wheel alignment rack and measure dynamic toe change — more than 0.15 degrees of toe-out change under simulated braking load indicates bush collapse; inspect each rear arm pivot visually for cracked rubber, oil contamination or bush migration out of its housing; grasp each rear arm and attempt to move it laterally and longitudinally by hand to detect excessive compliance; check the toe-link adjusters for corrosion seizure which prevents correct toe setting.

Where to look: Rear suspension subframe area; toe link, inner and outer lateral link bush pivot points, both sides

Parts involved: Shock absorber / strut.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the rear suspension or any rear arms been replaced or refurbished?”
  • “Is there any instability or darting sensation at higher speeds?”
  • “When were the rear tyres last replaced, and what was the wear pattern?”

03Brake Caliper Guide Pin Seizure

Watch for: Vehicle pulling to one side under moderate or heavy braking, with the pull becoming more pronounced as the brakes heat up.2002 onwardBrakes
CommonBrakes ≈A$230–1,100 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The front and rear brake calipers on the Z33 and Z34 use sliding guide pins that allow the caliper body to float and apply equal clamping force to both brake pads. In Australia's coastal and wet-road environment, road salt and water ingress corrode the guide pin bores in the caliper bracket, causing the pins to seize in position. A seized guide pin prevents the outboard pad from releasing fully after brake application, creating continuous rotor contact that causes accelerated pad and rotor wear, elevated brake fluid temperatures, and progressive braking pull toward the seized side. Rear calipers are disproportionately affected because they also incorporate the electric park brake mechanism, which further complicates disassembly.

Symptoms to notice

  • Vehicle pulling to one side under moderate or heavy braking, with the pull becoming more pronounced as the brakes heat up
  • One wheel noticeably hotter than the other after normal driving, accompanied by a faint burning smell from that corner
  • Uneven brake pad wear with the outboard pad on one corner worn significantly more than the inboard pad on the same caliper

What to check

Watch for: Vehicle pulling to one side under moderate or heavy braking, with the pull becoming more pronounced as the brakes heat up. If a workshop inspection is possible: After a normal test drive, carefully approach each wheel and check for uneven heat — a seized caliper will make the affected wheel significantly hotter than its pair; remove the wheels and check that each caliper slides freely on its pins by pushing the caliper body parallel to the rotor face; inspect the rubber guide pin boots for tears or swelling which allow moisture into the bore; measure pad thickness on inboard versus outboard positions — a greater than 3 mm difference between sides indicates a floating issue; check rotor faces for uneven blue heat discolouration or lip on one side only.

Where to look: Front and rear brake caliper slide pin bores in the caliper mounting bracket, one upper and one lower pin per caliper

Parts involved: Brake disc and pads.

Ask the seller

  • “Does the vehicle pull to one side when braking?”
  • “Have the brake calipers been serviced or replaced recently?”
  • “Is there any smell of burning from one corner of the car after driving?”
Fluid leaks1

01Rear differential pinion/cover oil seepage

The Z34 370Z rear diff commonly weeps oil from the pinion seal and diff cover gasket, worsened by hard driving and heat cycling.petrol2009–2021Fluid Leaks
CommonFluid Leaks ≈A$230–830 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Z34 370Z rear diff commonly weeps oil from the pinion seal and diff cover gasket, worsened by hard driving and heat cycling. Left unchecked it can lower diff oil level and cause bearing whine.

Symptoms to notice

  • Oily film on rear diff housing
  • Fresh oil drips under rear centre
  • Faint gear whine at speed
  • Burning oil smell after a spirited drive

What to check

Inspect the rear differential pinion seal and cover for wet oil film, check diff oil level and look for drips on the underbody and exhaust heat shields.

Where to look: Rear differential housing, under centre-rear of vehicle

Parts involved: Differential.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the rear diff oil ever been changed or topped up?”
  • “Is there any whine from the rear at highway speed?”

Nissan 370Z faults in detail

Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

VQ35DE/VQ37VHR Timing Chain Primary and Secondary Tensioner RattleMajor · EngineZ34 7-Speed Automatic Torque Converter Clutch ShudderMajor · Transmission

Other Nissan models

Nissan Patrol48 documented faultsNissan Navara47 documented faultsNissan X-Trail47 documented faultsNissan Fairlady Z16 documented faultsNissan Presage14 documented faultsNissan Wingroad14 documented faults

Nissan 370Z buyer questions

Is the Nissan 370Z reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 16 documented faults for the Nissan 370Z, the recurring problem areas are engine, suspension, and transmission. A Nissan 370Z with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.

What are the most common problems with a used Nissan 370Z?

We've catalogued 16 known faults for the Nissan 370Z, covering engine, suspension, and transmission. All 16 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Nissan 370Z?

Most single repairs on the Nissan 370Z fall between ≈A$370–3,220 at independent-workshop rates (an approximate guide in Australian dollars). Some of the 16 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Nissan 370Z?

Yes. A Nissan 370Z inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection with AI photo analysis from A$28.90, far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page. For a big purchase, a mechanic's pre-purchase inspection on the car you settle on is still worth it.