Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 89 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 8.1 times the median 300ZX year — the 1985 model ranks #1 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 56% of all reports (50 of 89), far ahead of engine at 17.
89
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
2
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
63
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 50 | 56% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 17 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 9 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 5 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 4 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 1% | new |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
2 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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE VEHICLE HAS CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO THE RECALL OF THE FUEL INJECTERS. THE OWNER JUST RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE ON MARCH 6, 1997 AND THE FIRE HAPPENED LAST YEAR. *AK”
“THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. TT CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING, HE NOTICED GAS PEDAL WOULD NOT RESPOND WHEN STEPPING ON IT, HE BEGAN TO SEE SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD, HE OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, ENGINE WAS CAUSE OF FIRE. *SLC”
“ACCELERATOR PEDAL LOCKED-UP / STUCK CAUSING ENGINE TO RACE. CONSUMER PUT VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL, DECELERATING, BUT THE PEDAL DIDN'T COME DOWN, REQUIRING MECHANIC TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. *AK *YC”
“DRIVING VEHICLE, WIFE SMELLED ODOR OR GAS, WENT TO VIDEO STORE, PARKED VEHICLE, CAME OUTSIDE SMOKE COMING FROM HOOD, FIRE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD. *AK”
“TRANSMISSION RECALL REPAIR WORK NOT DONE TO THE SATISFACTION OF CONSUMER/NISSAN USED PART OF REIMBURSEMENT TO COVER THE WORK (87V-098). *AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 89 complaints put the 1985 model at #1 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 (50 complaints), engine (17 complaints), speed control (9 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1985 Nissan 300ZX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 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.