RoadVitals

1987 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.
28
Latest Dec 16, 2004
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.
3
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.
20
0 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 28 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1987 Nissan 300ZX, most frequently naming the fuel system, electrical and brakes categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 3 NHTSA investigations name it; and 4 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

  • Fuel system1864.3%
  • Electrical621.4%
  • Brakes13.6%
  • Engine13.6%
  • Seat belts13.6%
  • Transmission13.6%

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
95I006000

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
87V098000

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
EA92018ClosedEngineering Analysis

HEATER CORE FAILURE

Opened Jun 2, 1992
Closed Apr 2, 1993

There is no summary currently available

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 28
Fuel system
Filed Dec 16, 2004

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED CONSUMER NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. SMELLED GASOLINE COMING FROM THE REAR. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED.*AK

NHTSA ID
10105002
Incident
Dec 12, 2004
Fuel system
Filed Dec 13, 2004

I HAVE A STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING FROM MY ENGINE THROUGH MY VENTS, AND INTO THE INTERIOR OF MY CAR. I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM OF MY CAR (1987 NISSAN 300ZX). I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF NISSAN IS STILL ABLE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ID
10102894
Incident
Dec 13, 2004
Electrical
Filed Mar 9, 2004
Fire reported

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. *AK

NHTSA ID
10061700
Incident
Mar 3, 2004
Mileage
150,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed May 24, 2003

MAKE: NISSAN MODEL: 300ZX TURBO YEAR: 1987 RECALL NUMBER: 95I006000 AFTER RECENTLY PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE, I LEARNED ABOUT A MAJOR SAFETY RECALL BY NISSAN IN WHICH ALL 84-89 NISSAN 300ZX'S HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, WHICH RESULTS IN THE CARS CATCHING FIRE. I IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT IT TO SHOWCASE NISSAN, IN BOURNE MASSACHUSETTS (508-759-4400) TO HAVE THE RECALL WORK PERFORMED. THEY CHECKED MY VIN NUMBER, AND AFTER CONFIRMING THAT MY CAR WAS COVERED UNDER THAT RECALL WE SET AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE WORK PERFORMED. A FEW DAYS AFTER DROPPING THE CAR OFF I CALLED THEM TO FIND OUT THE STATUS. I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE WRITER THAT MY CAR HAS HAD THE MOTOR REPLACED AND THE MOTOR THAT IS IN IT HAS TOP-FEED INJECTORS WHICH ARE NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. I FOUND THIS ODD SINCE ALL THE YEARS OF THE MOTOR THAT ARE IN MY CAR (VG30ET) HAVE THIS PROBLEM, AND ARE COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY. SO I CALLED THE NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER TO ASK THEM WHY MY CAR WOULDN'T BE COVERED. THE PERSON I SPOKE WITH TOLD ME HE WOULD HAVE TO LOOK INTO IT AND GIVE ME A CALL BACK AFTER HE SPOKE WITH SHOWCASE NISSAN. LATER THAT DAY HE CALLED ME, CONFIRMING WHAT THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME ABOUT MY TYPE OF INJECTORS NOT HAVING THAT PROBLEM. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, I WAS ABLE TO CONFIRM FROM A FEW DIFFERENT RELIABLE SOURCES THAT WHAT I WAS TOLD BY THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP WAS A LOAD OF CRAP. I AM TROUBLED BY THIS AS MY CAR CAN BURST INTO FLAMES AT ANY MOMENT, AND NISSAN IS TAKING THIS AS A GAME, IT IS NOT. *NLM

NHTSA ID
10019229
Incident
May 13, 2002
Brakes
Filed Oct 17, 2002
Crash reportedFire reported

CONSUMER STATES WHILE GOING 25-30MPH THE BRAKES LOCKED UP WHEN APPLYING FOR A SUDDEN STOP CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SKID. THE SKIDDING OF THE VEHICLE RESULTED TO A REAR END ACCIDENT AND THE FRONT END CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONSUMER NOTICED NO ABS OR BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS INDICATING A MALFUNCTION. THE DEALER WAS INFORMED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. TS

NHTSA ID
8021032
Incident
Oct 8, 2002
Transmission
Filed Aug 15, 2002

TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON THE BELTWAY COMING HOME FROM WORK. I WAS ABOUT A MILE FROM MY HOME WHEN MY CAR WOULDN'T PULL UP THE HILL. NO MATTER HOW HARD I TRIED IT JUST DIDN'T HAVE ANY PULL. I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ON THE TRANSMISSION SO I JUST WENT AND HAD ANOTHER TRANSMISSION PUT IN WHICH IS NOT WORKING EITHER. IT HAS NO POWER AND THIS IS A TURBO ENGINE CAN YOU LET ME KNOW WHAT CAN BE DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE I CAN NOT DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE IT WON'T EVEN GET OUT OF ITS OWN WAY.*AK

NHTSA ID
765722
Incident
Jul 26, 2001
Fuel system
Filed Oct 20, 1999
Fire reported

AFTER FILLING GAS TANK, VEHICLE EXPERIENCED NOISE WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1RST TO 2ND GEAR WHICH CAUSED A LOUD EXPLOSION IN ENGINE RESULTING IN FIRE. *YC

NHTSA ID
848317
Incident
Aug 22, 1999
Fuel system
Filed Mar 25, 1999
Fire reported

MY NAME IS ANNETTE, I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM JAMES SIPPLE ON A PAYMENT PLAN. WHEN PAYMENT WAS RECEIVED IN FULL, JAMES SIPPLE WOULD THEN SIGN OVER PINK SLIP. 2 MONTHS LATER IT CAUGHT FIRE. THEN I HEARD THAT THE CAR HAD BEEN RECALLED DUE TO BAD INJECTORS. I HAVE SPOKE WITH 4 DIFFERENT PEOPLE AT NISSAN AND GOT DIFFERENT STORIES BY ALL 4. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A CAR FOR ALMOST 3 MONTHS. ESTIMATE I RECEIVED FROM NISSAN OF GARDEN GROVE IS $7,800 PLUS I OWE THEM $150 FOR THE TOW AND ESTIMATE CHARGES. NISSAN LOST ALL MY PAPER WORK I SENT IN. I ORIGINALLY SPOKE WITH A WOMAN AND TOLD HER I DIDNT HAVE "COPIES" OF THE REPAIR ORDERS, BUT HAD ALL THE ORIGINALS FROM 1987 WHEN THE CAR WAS BUILT. SHE SAID SEND THEM IN AND WE WILL GET THEM BACK TO YOU. TODAY IS MARCH 25, 1999, AND TODAY NISSAN IS SAYING THEY HAVE NOTHING OF MINE.

NHTSA ID
704917
Incident
Dec 15, 1998

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

NTB97011

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TRANSMISSIONS DETENT HOLES ELIMINATED FROM ADAPTER PLATE. *JD

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
1987Viewing282372.0
1986592270.8
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.