Thinking about buying a used Nissan 350Z (2002–2021) in New Zealand? We've documented 13 known faults for this model spanning engine, suspension, transmission, and fluid leaks. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
13
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$500–$1,200
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Nissan 350Z faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01VQ35DE Secondary Timing Chain Stretch
CriticalCommonEngine $1,800–$3,200 to fix
The VQ35DE (2002-2006, pre-HR) uses secondary timing chains linking the primary chain to the exhaust camshafts. These secondary chains are prone to stretch under the dual-overhead-cam load, particularly with irregular oil change intervals. Stretched chains cause cam timing retardation, triggering P0011/P0021 cam position sensor fault codes and loss of power. If left unattended the chain can jump a tooth or fail catastrophically. The VQ35HR (2006-2009) redesigned the secondary chain routing and largely resolved this.
Symptoms to notice
P0011 or P0021 camshaft position timing fault codes
Rough idle, loss of power, poor throttle response
Engine rattle that persists beyond cold-start warm-up period
Reduced fuel economy
What to check
Scan for camshaft position timing codes before test drive. Request oil change history — neglected intervals are the primary cause. Listen for persistent chain noise after full warm-up. A borescope through the oil filler cap can reveal sludge indicating poor maintenance.
Where to look: Secondary timing chains at rear of each cylinder bank, inside valve covers
Ask the seller
“Has the timing chain or guides ever been replaced?”
“Can you show me a full oil change service history?”
“Have any engine fault codes been cleared recently?”
02VQ35 Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leaks
MinorVery commonFluid Leaks $400–$750 to fix
The VQ35 engine uses four valve covers (two per bank on the DOHC layout). The cork-and-rubber gaskets harden and crack with age, producing oil leaks that run down onto exhaust manifolds and the bell housing. Leaks are near-universal on unmaintained high-mileage examples. The upper and lower covers each have separate gaskets. Labour is moderate as covers require intake plenum removal on some variants.
Symptoms to notice
Oily residue on tops and sides of engine block
Burning oil smell from exhaust manifold area under load
Oil contamination on bell housing or transmission casing
Visible wet staining along valve cover mating faces
What to check
Inspect both cylinder banks along the valve cover mating faces with a torch. Check the bell housing area for oil contamination (can indicate clutch contamination on manuals). Look for dried oil baked onto exhaust manifolds indicating older long-standing leaks.
Where to look: Both cylinder bank valve covers, upper and lower mating faces to the cylinder head
Ask the seller
“Have the valve cover gaskets been replaced?”
“Is there any oil visible on the clutch bell housing?”
“Is there a burning oil smell when the engine is hot?”
SuspensionCritical
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
SuspensionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
BrakesMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMinor
TransmissionMinor
TransmissionMinor
11 more documented faults on the Nissan 350Z
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 13 documented faults for the Nissan 350Z, the recurring problem areas are engine, suspension, and transmission. A Nissan 350Z 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 350Z?
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We've catalogued 13 known faults for the Nissan 350Z, covering engine, suspension, and transmission. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Nissan 350Z?
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Most single repairs on the Nissan 350Z fall between $500–$1,200 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 13 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 350Z?
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Yes. A Nissan 350Z 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 plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.