VehicleVerdict

2005 Nissan 350Z problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2005 Nissan 350Z sits mid-pack among 350Z years: 102 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 86, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 32 reports (31% of the total).

102

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other 350Z years?

350Z NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted349 complaints2003: 349 complaints2004: 177 complaints2005: 102 complaints2006: 67 complaints2007: 86 complaints2008: 28 complaints2009: 6 complaints
350Z NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 350Z years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Nissan 350Z problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags3231%
Engine2020%
Transmission99%
Tires & Wheels88%
Electrical System55%
Suspension44%
Lighting44%
Brakes44%
Body & Structure44%
Latches & Locks33%
Fuel System33%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Speed Control22%
Steering11%
Other11%

Does the 2005 Nissan 350Z have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYED ON TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS A ERROR CODE. ON JUNE 4TH I HAD A CAR ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY JUST THE AIRBAG LIGHT INDICATOR JUST STAYED ON. EVEN UNTIL TODAY IT IS STILL ON CAUSE I CAN NOT AFFORD 3 GRAND TO REPLACE THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 4, 2011 · crash

“THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES NOW. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MY 350 DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 65 MPH AND IT JUST STOPS RUNNING I CAN PUSH THE PEDAL DOWN AND NOTHING HAPPENS. I HAD IT TOWED INTO THE DEALERSHIP THE FIRST TIME AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE CAM SHAFT SENSOR. NO BIG DEAL RIGHT? WELL ABOUT 2000…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 29, 2005 · fire

“CLUTCH/FLYWHEEL FAILURE ON 2005 NISSAN 350Z. WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC CLUTCH/FLYWHEEL FAILED LEAVING MINIMAL POWER TO DRIVE WHEELS CAUSING DANGEROUSLY SLOW ACCELERATION. TOOK CAR DIRECTLY TO NISSAN DEALER FOR REPAIR ($2178.00). RESEARCH ON INTERNET SHOWS OTHER OWNERS OF NEWER VEHICLES HAVE HAD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 10, 2006

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN 350Z. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEELS WERE CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 18, 2011

“I HAD AVITAL 5303L REMOTE STARTER/SECURITY SYSTEM INSTALLED ON MY CAR ON 2/8/14 BY MOBILE SOUND AND ALARM IN PENNSAUKEN NJ. WHEN I GOT HOME I TURNED OFF MY CAR AND PLACED THE CAR IN 1ST GEAR (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) AND PULLED UP THE BRAKE. I STEPPED OUT OF THE CAR AND SHUT THE DOOR AND HIT THE START…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 8, 2014 · crash

2005 Nissan 350Z — common questions

Is the 2005 Nissan 350Z reliable?

It is close to typical for the 350Z: 102 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2005 350Z problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (32 complaints), engine (20 complaints), transmission (9 complaints).

Does the 2005 Nissan 350Z have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Nissan 350Z. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 Nissan 350Z under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.