RoadVitals

1986 Nissan 300ZX

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
59
Latest Apr 18, 2013
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Nov 1, 1995
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
37
4 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 59 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1986 Nissan 300ZX, most frequently naming the fuel system, driver assistance and engine categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 3 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

Nov 1, 1995
686,649 units potentially affected
The defect: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES OF AFFECTED VEHICLES WHICH COULD LEAK.
The risk: FUEL LEAKS IN THE ENGINE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: NISSAN DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

Jul 6, 1987
183,519 units potentially affected
The defect: UNINTENDED ACCELERATION MAY OCCUR, FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN SHIFTING FROM THE PARK POSITION.
The risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The remedy: INSTALL A SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM WHICH PREVENTS THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER FROM BEING MOVED FROM THE PARK POSITION UNLESS THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA94018ClosedEngineering Analysis

FUEL INJECTOR ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE

Opened Jun 23, 1994
Closed Nov 8, 1995

AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS CLOSING REPORT IS INCLUDED IN THE PUBLIC FILE.SERVICE CAMPAIGN 95I-006.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEMLed to recall 95I006000
PE94018ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

Opened Feb 22, 1994
Closed Jun 23, 1994

There is no summary currently available

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Fuel system
Filed Apr 18, 2013

NISSAN IS DECLINING TO HONOR A RECALL FOR FUEL INJECTORS THAT WAS ISSUED ON ALL 1986 NISSANS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10508671
Incident
Apr 18, 2013
Mileage
163,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Mar 28, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 NISSAN 300ZX (NA) EQUIPPED WITH LANDSAIL TIRES (NA), SIZE 205/65/R15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER AND DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, HE WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND IT SPUN OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. AFTER DIAGNOSIS, THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE DESIGN OF THE TIRE MAY BE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WAS APPROXIMATELY 186,000 ON THE VEHICLE AND 7,000 ON THE TIRES. THE VIN AND DOT NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10504806
Incident
Feb 28, 2013
Mileage
186,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jan 22, 2011

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION ON APRIL 9,2010. NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 95I006000. THIS WAS AND IS THE ONLY RECALL THAT I HAVE RECEIVED SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE THAT WAS BOUGHT FROM GIES NISSAN OF CORTLANDT MANOR, NY BACK IN 1989. THE VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY SOLD FROM NEWBURGH NISSAN OF NEWBURG NY. THE VEHICLE IS DOING EXACTLY WHAT THE CAMPAIGN DESCRIBES. THE VEHICLE IS LEAKING GAS FROM THE INJECTORS. THE VEHICLE IS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORST. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY CAN NOT PERFORM THE RECALL DUE TO PARTS AVAILABILITY. THEY TOLD ME THAT I CAN FIND THE PARTS AFTER MARKET PRODUCED AND THEY WOULD NEGOTIATE PAYMENT REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE PARTS BUT COST OF LABOR WAS MY RESPONSIBILITY, THIS WAS ALSO TOLD TO ME BY NISSAN CONSUMERS AFFAIRS SERVICE OF NORTH AMERICA THE REGIONAL DIRECTORS NAME THAT I SPOKE TO ONLY WOULD GIVE ME HIS FIRST NAME "MIKE". I WAS ABLE TO LOCATED THE PARTS WHICH ARE AVAILABLE THRU NISSAN. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT IT SHOULD BE MY RESPONSIBILITY TO HANDLE THIS WHEN THIS WAS A NATIONAL RECALL. ALSO A NOTE, THIS VEHICLE IS STORED IN MY HOME IN A GARAGE BELOW THE LIVING QUARTERS. THE DEFECT CAUSES FIRE IN THE VEHICLE. NISSAN CORP CUSTOMER SERVICE IS GIVING ME A RUN AROUND, THE DEALERS HAVE STATED THAT THEY WOULD PERFORM THE RECALL IF THE PARTS WERE MADE AVAILABLE. PLEASE GIVE ME SOME ASSISTANCE WITH THIS MATTER BEFORE THIS VEHICLE BURNS ALONG WITH HOPEFULLY NOT A MORE SERIOUS SITUATION. SECOND NOTE THIS VEHICLE UP UNTIL THIS PAST YEAR WAS ONLY USED O ABOUT FIVE TIMES A YEAR AND ALWAYS GARAGE KEPT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED TO BE USED MORE OFTEN IS WHEN THE SMELL OF GAS HAS GOT WORST. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT DUE TO THIS FUEL PROBLEM THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS NYS EMISSIONS NOR SAFETY INSPECTIONS.[XXX] NISSAN CLAIM #[XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10378251
Incident
May 10, 2010
Engine
Filed May 1, 2009

CAR RUNS HOT EVEN THOUGH I HAVE REPLACED FAN CLUTCH, WATER PUMP,THERMOSTAT, CHANGED HOSES, GASKETS. STILL CAR GET HOT AFTER RUNNING ONLY FOR 20 MIN. RADIATOR EMPTIES BUT OVERFLOW IS FULL. NO LEAKS FROM UNDER CAR. IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED BY NISSAN. ALSO SLIPS OUT OF 2ND GEAR WITHOUT WARNING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10267414
Incident
Jul 1, 2005
Fuel system
Filed Oct 31, 2007
Fire reported

TALKED TO NISSAN USA ABOUT 1986 NISSAN 300ZX, FUEL INJECTOR AND RELATED HOSES LEAKING. THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE NEAREST NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND THEY WOULD REPLACE THE FUEL INFECTOR AND HOSES AS PART OF THE RECALL ID #95I006000 - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. I TOOK THE CAR TO TOWN CENTER NISSAN AND WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE OF APPROXIMATELY $3,000 FOR REPAIRS. NISSAN NORTH AMERICA TOLD THE SHOP NOT TO DO THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THE ESTIMATE WAS FOR MORE THAN THE VALUE OF THE CAR. NISSAN NORTH AMERICA THEN TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD PAY ME THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THE CAR. NOW THEY REFUSE TO DO THIS. MY CAR IS STILL AT THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP WITH NO RESOLUTION. SUPERVISOR AT NISSAN NORTH AMERICA DOES NOT RETURN CALLS AND HER MAIL BOX HAS BEEN FULL FOR OVER 10 DAYS SO WE CANNOT LEAVE A VOICE MAIL MESSAGE - WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO? *TR

NHTSA ID
10207548
Incident
Oct 3, 2007
Interior & seats
Filed Nov 3, 2004
Fire reported

WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD AND ALL THE ELECTRICAL LIGHTS FAILED TO COME ON. THE DRIVER SMELL SMOKE COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER . THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. NO INJURIES. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED AND DEEMED IT TOTALED THE INSPECTOR INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE FIRE STARTED FROM THE UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD. *JB *SC

NHTSA ID
10094233
Incident
Sep 23, 2004
Fuel system
Filed Apr 21, 2004

CALL NISSAN NUMBER LISTED ON THE RECALL AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR LEAKING FUEL INJECTOR REPLACEMENT FOR MY VIN. THE RECALL LISTED ON YOUR WEB SITE REFERS TO ALL Z CARS 84-89. IS THE RECALL NOT LONGER VALID. IT APPEARS THEY ARE NO LONGER CONCERNED ABOUT THE FIRE RISK TO MY CAR. VIN NUMBER [XXX] 86 NISSAN 300 ZX NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 95I006000 MAKE: NISSAN MODEL: 300ZX YEAR: 1986 CAUSING FAULT : FLOODS,LEAKS RESULTING FAULT : FIRE, FLUID,ELECTRICAL,GAS(LPG),GASOLINE,OTHER COMPONENT: FUEL:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM MANUFACTURER: NISSAN MOTORS CORPORATION YEAR OF RECALL: 1995 TYPE OF REPORT: VEHICLE IMPROVEMENT POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 1 SUMMARY: NISSAN DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. SYSTEM: FUEL; FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERALREGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THEAGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES OFAFFECTED VEHICLES WHICH COULD LEAK.CONSEQUENCE OF PROBLEM: FUEL LEAKS IN THE ENGINE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.NOTE: NISSAN HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT SERVICE CAMPAIGN TOREPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES WITHOUT CHARGE. OWNERS CAN CONTACTNISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

NHTSA ID
10067560
Incident
Apr 21, 2004
Mileage
153,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 29, 2002
Fire reported1 injury reported

THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BURST INTO FLAMES AFTER I PULLED INTO A STORE RECALL CAMPAIGN #95I006000 WAS COMPLIED WITH THOUGH I HAVE NOT TOUCHED ANYTHING.(ANY REPAIRS MADE) I CAN CLEARLY SEE FUEL SHOOT OUT OF THE HOSE BETWEEN THE INJECTOR SUPPLY TUBES. THIS FIRE DID NOT THIS SPLIT AS CAN BE SEEN BY THE BURN PATTERN..ANY INFORMATION FOR MY COURSE OF ACTION WOULD BE APPRECIATED. DT

NHTSA ID
769043
Incident
Oct 15, 2002

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

NTB-09-101

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

NISSAN: TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) WARNING LIGHT ON/FLASHING. NO MODELS OR MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE UPDATED ON 08-11-2011. *KB

NTB-09-129

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

NISSAN: VENT CONTROL VALVE REPLACEMENT. WHEN REPLACING THE EVAP CANISTER VENT CONTROL VALVE FOR REASON: USE THE ONE LISTED ON PAGE 2; FOR VENT CONTROL VALVE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE, REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE SECTION OF THE ELECTRONIC SERVICE MANUALS (ESM; WHEN INSTALLING THE NEW VALVE, DO NOT ADD ANY LUBE TO ITS O RING; FOR FRONTIER (D40 SERIES) ONLY, INSTALL THE PROTECTOR LISTED IN PARTS INFORMATION. *PE INCLUDES 2005-09 FRONTIER. UPDATED 12/8/10. *PE

NTB-09-030

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

NISSAN: THE 12 VOLT BATTERY IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND IS REQUIRED TO STAY CONNECTED WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO VEHICLE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS/CAUTIONS. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Nissan 300ZX by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
1996200
1995400
1994400
1993120037.9
1992300
1991120033.8
1990190039.3
1989911
1988251265.2
1987282372.0
1986Viewing592270.8
1985752271.7
1984425476.2
1983103
1982003
1981001
1980001
1979000

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.