VehicleVerdict

2004 Nissan 350Z problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 177 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median 350Z year — the 2004 model ranks #2 of 7 350Z years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 15 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across tires & wheels (36), suspension (32), and fuel system (24), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

177

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

15

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other 350Z years?

350Z NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted349 complaints2003: 349 complaints2004: 177 complaints2005: 102 complaints2006: 67 complaints2007: 86 complaints2008: 28 complaints2009: 6 complaints
350Z NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 350Z years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Nissan 350Z problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels3620%
Suspension3218%
Fuel System2414%
Airbags1810%
Transmission1710%
Engine137%
Body & Structure95%
Electrical System53%
Other53%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Seat Belts32%
Steering32%
Brakes32%
Latches & Locks21%
Speed Control11%
Lighting11%
Seats11%

Does the 2004 Nissan 350Z have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11E024000TransmissionJune 24, 2011 · 199 units

Defect

ZF SERVICE IS RECALL CERTAIN CLUTCH KIT ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBER SX: K70358-01, SHIPPED TO WHOLESALERS AS SERVICE PARTS BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2010, AND MARCH 8, 2011. THESE SERVICE PARTS ARE INTENDED FOR USE ON MODEL YEAR 2003-2006 NISSAN 350Z AND INFINITI G35 VEHICLES. THE SX: K70358-01 CLUTCH KIT CONTAINS AN OVERSIZED CLUTCH DISC.

Consequence

AN OVERSIZED CLUTCH DISC COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY ON THE INITIAL START-UP, IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND FAILS TO USE THE SERVICE BRAKES WHILE THE HAND BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED. UNINTENTIONAL MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN A CRASH OR POSSIBLE INJURY TO PERSONS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

ZF SERVICE NOTIFY WHOLESALERS TO RETURN ANY AFFECTED CLUTCH KIT ASSEMBLIES STILL IN INVENTORY FOR FREE REPLACEMENT KITS. THIS CONDITION WILL CORRECT ITSELF AFTER THE FIRST START-UP AND USAGE OF THE CLUTCH KIT. HOWEVER, IF AN OWNER IS NOT SATISFIED WITH ITS PERFORMANCE, ZF SERVICES WILL REIMBURSE THE OWNER FOR THE COST OF THE REPLACEMENT CLUTCH KIT AND A REASONABLE AMOUNT FOR ITS INSTALLATION. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 13, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ZF SERVICES AT 1-800-321-0784 EXT. 6748.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

05V555000Fuel SystemDecember 13, 2005 · 192,659 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FUEL FILLER HOSE MAY CRACK AND RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE HOSE WHILE REFUELING.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILLER HOSE. RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 27, 2006, FOR NISSAN OWNERS, AND ON MARCH 13, 2006, FOR INFINITI OWNERS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“HELLO, I WAS LEAVING A STOP SIGN BARELY MOVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN GOING OFF IN MY CAR. BEFORE I COULD GRASP MY NEXT THOUGHT MY CAR FLIPPED COMPLETELY OVER ON ITS SIDE NO TIRES TOUCHING THE GROUND! I HAD TO CRAWL OUT PASSENGER WINDOW . UPON INSPECTION OF VEHICLE THIS IS WHAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · November 19, 2018 · crash

“FRONT TIRES EXTREMELY FEATHERED AND CUPPED ON INSIDE OF TIRE. FRONT END ALIGNMENT PROBLEM PRODUCES LOAD ROAR IN CABIN, EXCESSIVE WEAR ON TIRES, AND POOR HANDILING. HANDLING IN RAIN EXTREMLY POOR. NISSAN REFUSES TO LISTEN TO THE CUSTOMER OR THIER OWN SERVICE TECHNICIANS ON FIXING THE PROBLEM. FEAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · July 23, 2004

“UNABLE TO FILL THE FUEL TANK. APPARENTLY, THE FUEL NOZZLE SENSOR DETECTS THE TANK AS FILLED WHEN IT IS NOT. TANK FUEL GAUGE SHOWS 3/4 FILLED WHEN NOZZLE SHUTS OFF. THIS PROBLEM WAS REPORTED A YEAR AGO AND DEALER REPLACED TANK AND FUEL SENSOR WHICH MADE PROBLEM GO AWAY FOR A YEAR. NOW IT IS BACK. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 5, 2006

“PASSENGER SIDE A/B DEPLOYED AND SEATBELT TENSIONER IS TAUGHT AND APPEARS TO HAVE WORKED. DRIVER SIDE A/B DID NOT DEPLOY AND SEATBELT TENSIONER IS NOT TAUGHT AND APPEARS TO HAVE FAILED. MVA INVOLVED A HEAD ON ACCIDENT TO THE LEFT FRONT SIDE OF THE 350 Z CONVERTIBLE. IMPACT WAS AT 40MPH. SRS LIGHTS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 26, 2008 · crash

“LARGE THUUMP NOISE DEVELOPED AROUND 8000 MILES ON AUTOMATIC TRANMISSION OF MY 2004 350Z. IT HAS BEEN TAKEN TO 2 DEALERS. BOTH SAY IT IS PERFECTLY NORMAL. WE TEST DROVE 4 OTHER 350Z'S AND NONE OF THEM TO WHAT MY CAR DOES. THE DEALER REFUSES TO FIX IT AND NISSAN CORP. SAYS THEY WILL HELP, BUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 13, 2004

2004 Nissan 350Z — common questions

Is the 2004 Nissan 350Z reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 177 complaints put the 2004 model at #2 of 7 350Z years. It is one of the 350Z years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 350Z problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (36 complaints), suspension (32 complaints), fuel system (24 complaints).

Does the 2004 Nissan 350Z have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Nissan 350Z. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan 350Z years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 350Z years to avoid are 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among 350Z years belongs to 2009.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.