Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 66 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.0 times the median 300ZX year — the 1986 model ranks #3 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 55% of all reports (36 of 66), far ahead of speed control at 9.
66
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
2
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
35
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 36 | 55% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 9 | 14% | — flat |
| Engine | 8 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 5 | 8% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 5% | new |
| Steering | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Transmission | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | — flat |
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 ENGINE COMPARTMENT BURST INTO FLAMES AFTER I PULLED INTO A STORE RECALL CAMPAIGN #95I006000 WAS COMPLIED WITH THOUGH I HAVE NOT TOUCHED ANYTHING.(ANY REPAIRS MADE) I CAN CLEARLY SEE FUEL SHOOT OUT OF THE HOSE BETWEEN THE INJECTOR SUPPLY TUBES. THIS FIRE DID NOT THIS SPLIT AS CAN BE SEEN BY THE…”
“WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR IN GEAR IT GOES FULL THROTTLE. WILL NOT STOP UNLESS YOU TURN OFF THE IGNITION. BRAKES WILL NOT STOP THE CAR. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT”
“RECALL; THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO GET RECALL WORK REPAIRED, PARTS NOT IN, DEALER HAD THE VEHICLE SINCE FEB, 27 RECALL # 951006000. *AK”
“WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD AND ALL THE ELECTRICAL LIGHTS FAILED TO COME ON. THE DRIVER SMELL SMOKE COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER . THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. NO INJURIES. THE…”
“SEAT BELT BUCKLES: PLASTIC HOUSING FOR SEAT BELT BROKE, RELEASE BUTTONS FELL OUT, CAUSING SEAT BELT NOT TO RELEASE. *AK ”
NHTSA data argues against it: 66 complaints put the 1986 model at #3 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 (36 complaints), speed control (9 complaints), engine (8 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 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.