Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 86 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.8 times the median 300ZX year — the 1984 model ranks #2 of 17 300ZX years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 45% of all reports (39 of 86), far ahead of engine at 13.
86
NHTSA complaints
5
Recalls
4
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
24
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 39 | 45% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 13 | 15% | new |
| Electrical System | 8 | 9% | new |
| Speed Control | 6 | 7% | new |
| Transmission | 6 | 7% | new |
| Suspension | 4 | 5% | new |
| Brakes | 3 | 3% | new |
| Steering | 2 | 2% | new |
| Lighting | 2 | 2% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | new |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | new |
5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
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.
Consequence
FUEL LEAKS IN THE ENGINE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
NISSAN DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
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
IMPURE LUBRICATING GREASE USED IN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCHES COULD CONTAMINATE ONE OR MORE CONTACT POINTS. OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHTS COULD BE DELAYED OR NOT LIGHT WHEN THE SWITCH IS TURNED ON OR WHEN THE DIMMER SWITCH IS OPERATED. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: LOSS OF HEAD LIGHTS WHILE DRIVING COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
Defect
BRAKES MAY FAIL SUDDENLY WHEN APPLIED. COMPONENTS WITHIN THE MASTER CYLINDER MAY BE EXPELLED BECAUSE A CLIP WHICH RETAINS THEM MAY NOT BE PROPERLY INSTALLED.
Remedy
A NEW "C" CLIP WILL BE INSTALLED AT NO CHARGE.
Defect
THE HOOD LATCH MAY FAIL TO HOLD THE HOOD IN POSITION DUE TO A MISALIGNMENT OF THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH. THIS CONDITION IS DUE TO A DEFORMATION OF THE HOOD DURING MANUFACTURE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW SECONDARY LATCH AT NO CHARGE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“VEHICLE UNDER RECALL (95I006000). DEALERSHIP HAD NO PARTS; REFERRED OWNER TO ANOTHER DEALER (NO PARTS). FRIEND IN VEHICLE WHEN BURST INTO FLAMES. FRIEND ESCAPED; FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED & PUT FLAMES OUT. SENDING FIRE REPORTS. *AK”
“WAS DRIVING VEHICLE TO FRIEND'S HOME, NOTICED VEHICLE WAS SMOKING, ARRIVED AT FRIEND'S HOME, LIFTED HOOD & SAW FLAMES, PUT OUT FLAMES W/FIRE EXTINGUISHER. *AK”
“MY NISSAN CONTINUALLY SURGES AND THE DEALERSHIPS ARE UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. PLUS THE FUEL GAUGE READS EMPTY WHEN IT IS NOT. *AK”
“I'VE CONTACTED 1-800-NISSAN1 ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS SINCE MAY OF THIS YEAR, I ALSO FAXED THE INFORMATION AND WHEN THE PHONE CALL WAS RETURNED THEY ONLY ADVISED ME THAT THEY WILL GO OVER THE INFORMATION AND THAT A CASE WAS GOING TO BE OPEN FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. TILL THIS MOMENT NOTHING SAID. THANK…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 86 complaints put the 1984 model at #2 of 17 300ZX years. It is one of the 300ZX years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (39 complaints), engine (13 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1984 Nissan 300ZX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 300ZX years to avoid are 1985, 1984, 1986, 1987. The cleanest record among 300ZX years belongs to 1982.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.