Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 30 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.7 times the median 300ZX year — the 1987 model ranks #4 of 17 300ZX years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death, per the complaint records themselves.
The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 63% of all reports (19 of 30), far ahead of electrical system at 6.
30
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
3
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
20
Fires reported
0
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 19 | 63% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 6 | 20% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 1 | 3% | ▼ 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.
“MADE APPOINTMENT WITH DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS ON FUEL INJECTION , BEFORE APPOINTMENT THE CAR WAS PARKED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE 95I006000. PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK”
“VEHICLE BEGAN MISFIRING AND AREA DEALERSHIP SERVICED FOR A WEEK, WHILE SERVICED MT. KISCO NISSAN FIXED RECALL, A MONTH LATER VEHICLE HESITATED NOT GETTING FUEL WHICH THEN RESULTED IN A FIRE THAT STARTED IN GARAGE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.*AK”
“CONSUMER STATES WHILE GOING 25-30MPH THE BRAKES LOCKED UP WHEN APPLYING FOR A SUDDEN STOP CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SKID. THE SKIDDING OF THE VEHICLE RESULTED TO A REAR END ACCIDENT AND THE FRONT END CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONSUMER NOTICED NO ABS OR BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS INDICATING A MALFUNCTION. THE DEALER…”
“FUEL INJECTION RECALL; COLES CHRYSLER, NISSAN WOODBRIDGE VA., HAS NO PARTS AND HAS HAD HIS VEHICLE FOR OVER (50) DAYS 95I006000. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 30 complaints put the 1987 model at #4 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 (19 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), seat belts (2 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Nissan 300ZX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 3 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.