VehicleVerdict

2008 Nissan 350Z problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 28 complaints on file for the 2008 Nissan 350Z — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

28

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other 350Z years?

350Z NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted349 complaints2003: 349 complaints2004: 177 complaints2005: 102 complaints2006: 67 complaints2007: 86 complaints2008: 28 complaints2009: 6 complaints
350Z NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 350Z years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Nissan 350Z problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2486%
Airbags311%
Engine14%

Does the 2008 Nissan 350Z have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08V521000Electrical SystemOctober 7, 2008 · 204,361 units

Defect

NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CONTROL UNITS. A VARISTOR IN THE OCS CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN INTERRUPTION OF SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU).

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING SUPPRESSED WHICH COULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL TEST THE SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND ACU SYSTEMS USING A SPECIAL TOOL TO CHECK THAT IT IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. IF NECESSARY, THE SEAT CUSHION (CONTAINING OCS HARDWARE) WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 4, 2008. 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.

“RECENTLY, I HAVE BOUGHT A NEW 2008 NISSAN 350Z. I BOUGHT THE CAR ON SATURDAY, DEC 29. 2007. ON DEC 31 2007, 3 DAYS LATER, THE SLAVE CYLINDER FOR THE CLUTCH WENT OUT. I CAN STILL SHIFT BUT THE CLUTCH PEDAL FEELS VERY VERY WEAK NOW. AND THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT IS NOW ON. I HAVE NOT BROUGHT IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 31, 2007

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN 350Z. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING ON THE RESULTS. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED OF A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V521000 (AIR BAGS) AND CONTACTED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 15, 2012

2008 Nissan 350Z — common questions

Is the 2008 Nissan 350Z reliable?

The record is thin — 28 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2008 350Z problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (24 complaints), airbags (3 complaints), engine (1 complaints).

Does the 2008 Nissan 350Z have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 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.