Thinking about buying a used Nissan Fairlady Z (2002–2021) in New Zealand? We've documented 17 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.
17
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$500–$1,600
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Nissan Fairlady Z faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01VVEL Variable Valve Lift Actuator Failure
CriticalCommonEngine $2,000–$5,500 to fix
The VQ37VHR engine uses Nissan's Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) system on the intake camshafts. The VVEL actuator motor and its worm-gear drive mechanism are prone to wear and failure, particularly in high-mileage or irregularly maintained examples. Failure causes the engine to enter limp mode with severely reduced power, a rough lumpy idle, and a cluster of P1800-series fault codes. Actuator replacement requires removal of the cam cover and in severe cases major disassembly. Parts alone can exceed $1,500 NZD. This is the single most significant documented mechanical fault of the VQ37VHR platform.
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
Scan for fault codes before test driving — P1800-series codes are diagnostic of VVEL failure. Test idle quality with the engine fully warm; a good VQ37VHR idles smoothly at approximately 650-750 RPM. Apply very light throttle from a standstill and feel for hesitation. 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 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?”
EngineCritical
SuspensionCritical
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
SuspensionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
BrakesMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMinor
TransmissionMinor
TransmissionMinor
EngineMinor
15 more documented faults on the Nissan Fairlady Z
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 17 documented faults for the Nissan Fairlady Z, the recurring problem areas are engine, suspension, and transmission. A Nissan Fairlady Z 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 Fairlady Z?
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We've catalogued 17 known faults for the Nissan Fairlady Z, 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 Fairlady Z?
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Most single repairs on the Nissan Fairlady Z fall between $500–$1,600 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 17 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 Fairlady Z?
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Yes. A Nissan Fairlady Z 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.