RoadVitals

2005 Nissan 350Z

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.
83
Latest Nov 9, 2020
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 Jun 24, 2011
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.
1
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.
10
4 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 83 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Nissan 350Z, most frequently naming the airbags, engine and transmission categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 69 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

  • Airbags3232.0%
  • Engine1919.0%
  • Transmission77.0%
  • Other / unspecified55.0%
  • Electrical55.0%
  • Exterior lighting44.0%
  • Body & structure44.0%
  • Brakes44.0%

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

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

Jun 24, 2011
199 units potentially affected
The defect: ZF SERVICE IS RECALL CERTAIN CLUTCH KIT ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBER SX: K70358-01, SHIPPED TO WHOLESALERS AS SERVICE PARTS BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2010, AND MARCH 8, 2011. THESE SERVICE PARTS ARE INTENDED FOR USE ON MODEL YEAR 2003-2006 NISSAN 350Z AND INFINITI G35 VEHICLES. THE SX: K70358-01 CLUTCH KIT CONTAINS AN OVERSIZED CLUTCH DISC.
The risk: AN OVERSIZED CLUTCH DISC COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY ON THE INITIAL START-UP, IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND FAILS TO USE THE SERVICE BRAKES WHILE THE HAND BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED. UNINTENTIONAL MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN A CRASH OR POSSIBLE INJURY TO PERSONS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE.
The remedy: ZF SERVICE NOTIFY WHOLESALERS TO RETURN ANY AFFECTED CLUTCH KIT ASSEMBLIES STILL IN INVENTORY FOR FREE REPLACEMENT KITS. THIS CONDITION WILL CORRECT ITSELF AFTER THE FIRST START-UP AND USAGE OF THE CLUTCH KIT. HOWEVER, IF AN OWNER IS NOT SATISFIED WITH ITS PERFORMANCE, ZF SERVICES WILL REIMBURSE THE OWNER FOR THE COST OF THE REPLACEMENT CLUTCH KIT AND A REASONABLE AMOUNT FOR ITS INSTALLATION. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 13, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ZF SERVICES AT 1-800-321-0784 EXT. 6748.
ZF SALES & SERVICE NORTH AMERICA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

May 24, 2006
27,176 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
CK MOTORSPORT, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

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

EA07005ClosedEngineering Analysis

WHEEL SEPARATION DUE TO SPOKE FRACTURE

Opened Apr 3, 2007
Closed Aug 4, 2008

ALL OF THE WHEEL SEPARATION INCIDENTS IDENTIFIED IN EA07-005 HAVE INVOLVED WHEELS SUBJECTED TO AFTERMARKET CHROMING IN CALIFORNIA.METALLURGICAL ANALYSIS OF AFTERMARKET CHROMED WHEELS OBTAINED FROM INCIDENT VEHICLES SHOWED SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN MATERIAL PROPERTIES THAT CAN INCREASE THE CHANCE OF STRUCTURAL FAILURE.NISSAN HAS ISSUED SEVERAL COMMUNICATIONS TO DEALERS, BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER ODI'S INVESTIGATION BEGAN WITH PE06-050, WARNING AGAINST THE PRACTICE OF CHROMING WHEELS.NISSAN HAS ADVISED ODI THAT IT WILL BE SENDING ANOTHER COMMUNICATION THIS YEAR THAT REPEATS THE WARNINGS AGAINST AFTERMARKET CHROMING. NO DEFECT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT NISSAN WHEELS.THERE HAVE BEEN NO WHEEL SEPARATION INCIDENTS INVOLVING THOSE WHEELS AND THEY PASSED THE SAE RADIAL FATIGUE, CORNERING AND SIDE IMPACT TESTS CONDUCTED BY VRTC.WHILE THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW COMPLAINTS, WARRANTY CLAIMS AND SURVEY RESPONSES INDICATING CRACKS IN ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT WHEELS, THEY ARE FEW IN NUMBER, OFTEN EXHIBIT EVIDENCE OF IMPACT DAMAGE AND MAY SOMETIMES INVOLVE CRACKS IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS OF THE WHEEL.AT THIS TIME, IN VIEW OF THE LIMITED INCIDENCE OF THE CRACKS AND THE FACT THAT THE CRACKS DO NOT APPEAR TO HAVE PROGRESSED, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES ON THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE WHEELS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS CLOSING RESUME.

WHEELS

Recent owner complaints

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

Airbags
Filed Nov 9, 2020

2005 NISSAN 350Z PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHING,DEALER PREFORMED DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND RESET.WARNING LIGHT RETURNS AFTER 25 MILES.RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP ESTIMATED COST OF $350.00 TO REPAIR WITH NO GUARANTEE OF COST TO REPAIR,PURCHASED A ACTRON CODE READER AND PREFORMED DIAGNOSTICS TEST AND RESET .WARNING LIGHT REAPPEARS PREFORMED CODE READER TEST AND RESET NUMEROUS TIMES WITH SAME RESULTS.CONTACTED NISSAN WITH THE PROBLEM WITH NO RESULTS.VIEWED YOUTUBE VIDEOS TO FIND THE PROBLEM PART CANNOT BE PURCHASED PART#98850CF80A MADE IN MEXICO. CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW,AS OF 11-9-2020 THE PROBLEM IS STILL EXISTS.

NHTSA ID
11373768
Incident
Sep 20, 2006
Mileage
800 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Feb 9, 2020

WHILE DRIVING AT AROUND 40MPH, MY 2005 NISSAN 350Z (41XXX MILES) SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY. NO POWER, BRAKES, STEERING, ANYTHING. I GLIDED TO A STOP AND PULLED OVER AS BEST AS I COULD. EVERY INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON: CHECK ENGINE, SERVICE SOON, TIRE PRESSURE, ETC. I WAS ON A FLAT, BUSY CITY STREET GOING STRAIGHT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. PRIOR TO THIS, I HAD NO INDICATION OF A POTENTIAL PROBLEM. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ETC. I CALLED AAA AND AFTER ABOUT 20 MINUTES, DECIDED TO SEE IF IT WOULD START SO I COULD MOVE TO A SAFER PLACE. IT STARTED RIGHT UP. I'VE SINCE BEEN ABLE TO START AND DRIVE BUT THIS WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. HAD THIS HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY, IT COULD HAVE BEEN A CATASTROPHE FOR ME AND THE DRIVERS AROUND ME. IT'S A VERY CONCERNING SAFETY ISSUE. I'VE READ IT IS ONGOING WITH NISSANS THE SAME AGE AS MINE. SOME WERE RECALLED AND REPAIRED BUT I LOOKED UP MY VIN AND IT'S NOT COVERED. TAKING IT TO A DEALER TOMORROW BUT APPRECIATE ANY HELP REPORTING AND RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. THANKS.

NHTSA ID
11308021
Incident
Feb 7, 2020
Mileage
41,000 mi
AirbagsExterior lighting
Filed Apr 22, 2019

AT 45,000 MILES THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. DEALERS WANTS AN ARM, A LEG, AND HALF OF THE OTHER LEG TO FIX. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THERE IS NOT A RECALL YET. DEALER SAYS THEY CAN START REPLACING PARTS BUT THAT MAY NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. VERBAL ESTIMATE COULD BE AROUND $3,200 TO START! CARE IS PRISTINE, GARAGE KEPT, NEVER SEEN RAIN OR SNOW. HELP! PLEASE MAKE NISSAN FIX THIS KNOW ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
11202863
Incident
Apr 16, 2019
Airbags
Filed Nov 11, 2018

AIR BAG LIGHTS HAVE BEEN FLASHING FOR 3 YEARS WHETHER PARKED OR IN MOTION, DEALERSHIP SAYS $1500 TO DIAGNOSE BUT BELIEVES BAGS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING AND ADVISES TO "DRIVE SAFELY" IF I DECIDE NOT TO REPAIR. NOT ON RECALL LIST WHICH IS UNREAL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUES AS BAGS WILL NOT GO OFF IF IN A COLLISION ACCORDING TO DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA ID
11150815
Incident
Dec 10, 2015
Mileage
40,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 8, 2018

CLUTCH STICKING TO FLOOR HAVE TO PLACE FOOT UNDER CLUTCH TO POP BACK IN PLACE SO I CAN CONTINUE TO USE CLUTCH. ALSO, SLIP LIGHT COMES ON SINCE NISSAN OF BOWIE, MD ROTATED MY TIRES, IN THE 13 YRS I HAVE OWNED NO MECHANIC HAS EVER DONE AND I QUESTION IT AT NISSAN OF BOWIE, MD.

NHTSA ID
11139086
Incident
Jan 1, 2016
Mileage
52,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Jul 16, 2018

THE REPLACEMENT HEADLIGHTS BOUGHT FROM AMAZON (AUTOLIGHTSBULBS) ARE NOT ADJUSTABLE LIKE THE ONES FROM THE DEALER. I CONTACTED THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM AND THEY STATE THAT THESE ARE DOT AND SAE CERTIFIED. PLEASE FIND SUPPLIED

NHTSA ID
11111725
Incident
Dec 3, 2016
EngineFuel system
Filed May 2, 2018

ALL THE CRANKSHAFT SENORS AND CAM SENSORS FAILED WITH A TOTAL LOSE OF POWER CREATING AND VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION SINCE I COULD NOT STEER THE CAR TO A SAFE LOCATION. IN OTHER WORDS I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT AN ACCIDENT WAS NOT CREATED AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE. THERE WAS NO WARNING AND NO BACKUP TO POWER THE VEHICLE SAFELY ON THE CITY STREET.

NHTSA ID
11091443
Incident
Apr 29, 2018
Mileage
49,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Nov 28, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN 350Z. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO WARNER NISSAN (1070 BRIGHT RD, FINDLAY, OH 45840 (419) 423-7162) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO COST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED HIM THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE SEAT BELT. NO OTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,270. *BF *TR

NHTSA ID
11050995
Incident
Sep 24, 2012
Mileage
45,270 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

NTB09-131C

STRUCTURE:BODY

CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).

NTB09-131C

STRUCTURE:BODY

CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).

NTB10-066C

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

NTB13-107G

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

NTB13-027D

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

NTB13-028I

VISIBILITY/WIPER

REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

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 350Z by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2009500
2008241032.7
2007731141.2
2006531250.6
2005Viewing832154.2
20041443046.3
20032754047.1

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.