5 Common Nissan 350Z Problems (And What To Do About Them)

1. Oil Consumption

This is the big one. The VQ35DE found in 2003–2006 models is particularly notorious for it, though higher-mileage VQ35HR cars (2007–2009) can suffer from it too. Some owners report going through a litre of oil between changes without a single visible leak. It's not a recall-level defect, but it is something Nissan acknowledged quietly by never fixing it.

What to do: Check your oil level every fortnight, not just at service intervals. Running low on oil in a high-revving V6 is a fast way to cause serious engine damage. Use a quality full synthetic oil in the correct viscosity. If consumption is severe, have a mechanic investigate, as worn piston rings or valve stem seals are often the cause.

2. Ignition Coil Failure

Failing coil packs are one of the most common electrical complaints on the VQ35DE engine. When a coil goes, you'll typically feel a misfire, rough idle, or a sudden loss of power, often accompanied by a check engine light. Because the 350Z has six coils, one failing coil can sometimes trigger a cascade if the others are original and equally aged.

What to do: If you're getting a misfire code and the car is shaking at idle, have the coils tested. Replacing all six at once is often the smarter move if the car has high kilometres, as it's cheaper than doing them one at a time as they fail. Keep a spare set in the garage if you're tracking the car.

3. Timing Chain Tensioner Wear

A rattling noise at startup, particularly on early 2003–2006 models, is often the timing chain tensioner telling you it needs attention. The tensioner keeps the timing chain under the correct pressure, and when it weakens, the chain can develop slack. Left too long, timing chain issues can become one of the most expensive repairs on the car.

What to do: Don't ignore startup rattles. A brief rattle that disappears quickly after the engine warms up is a warning sign worth investigating. Stronger aftermarket replacement tensioners are available and are a worthwhile upgrade if you're already in the engine for another job.

4. Suspension Bushings and Inner Tyre Wear

The 350Z's aggressive suspension geometry is one of the reasons it handles so well, but it also means rubber bushings wear faster than they would on a typical road car. Worn bushings lead to clunking over bumps, vague steering feel, and accelerated inner tyre wear. Lowered cars or those with any camber adjustment are particularly susceptible.

What to do: If you're seeing the inside edges of your tyres wearing faster than the rest of the tread, or noticing a clunk from the front or rear over rough road, it's time to check the bushings. A wheel alignment after any suspension work is essential, and if you've lowered the car, an adjustable rear camber kit is money well spent.

5. Power Steering Leaks

Power steering fluid leaks, typically from the hoses or the reservoir, are a known issue on higher-mileage 350Zs. The first sign is usually a faint whining noise when turning, or a puddle of reddish fluid under the car after it's been parked. Left unchecked, low fluid levels put the power steering pump at risk.

What to do: Check your power steering fluid level regularly and inspect the hoses for any signs of seeping or cracking. Hose replacements are relatively straightforward and affordable, far cheaper than a pump replacement down the track.

The Bottom Line

None of these issues make the 350Z a bad car, far from it. They're the kind of known wear points that come with any sports car of this age, and most of them are cheap to address when caught early. Stay on top of your oil, listen to what your car is telling you, and your Z will keep rewarding you for years to come.

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