Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1979 Nissan 280z — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION MAY OCCUR, FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN SHIFTING FROM THE PARK POSITION.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
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.
Defect
MOISTURE AND BLOW OF MIST PRESENT IN THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION SYSTEM MAY, UNDER CONDITIONS OF SUB-ZERO TEMPERATURES, ACCUMULATE IN THE AIR REGULATOR, CAUSING PROLONGED ENGINE IDLE, IF OWNER FAILS TO FULLY WARM ENGINE BEFORE DRIVING. THE PCV SYSTEM CAN ALSO CAUSE A GUMMING IN THE THROTTLE SHAFT WHICH WILL IMPAIR THE SMOOTH OPEN/CLOSE OPERATION OF THE THROTTLE.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW PCV VALVE SYSTEM WITH INCREASED FLOW CAPACITY. THE THROTTLE CHAMBERS AND AIR REGULATORS WILL BE INSPECTED AND CORRECTED AND A FINAL SYSTEM INTEGRITY CHECK WILL BE PERFORMED AT NO COST TO OWNER.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1979 Nissan 280z. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.