Most Frequent Issues Encountered by Nissan 370Z Owners
Nissan 370Z Issues
Although an all-new 2023 Nissan Z will soon hit the streets, the previous 370Z still remains a highly recommended used sports car. Over the years, it has earned a reputation for being quite dependable and inexpensive to maintain. Nevertheless, there are some frequent problems that 370Z owners tend to encounter.
Above-Average Oil Consumption
Under the hood of the Nissan 370Z sits a quick-revving V6 engine, which develops more than 330 horsepower. While this engine will last for a long time when properly maintained, it can experience above-average oil consumption. This is especially true when owners surpass the 100,000-mile mark.
To prevent trouble, it’s important to top up the oil when needed. Allowing the oil level to dip too low can stretch and damage the car’s timing chain. Replacing this part can be a complicated job, which means the cost of labor is often steep.
Premature Clutch Master and Slave Cylinders
If you plan to buy a pre-owned Nissan 370Z that’s equipped with a manual transmission, be sure to first have it inspected by an experienced auto mechanic. The transmission’s clutch master cylinder (CMC) and concentric slave cylinder (CSC) are prone to failing prematurely.
There are some signs that indicate these parts are failing. For starters, fluid may begin to leak from the clutch. Gear changes will also be not as smooth. The solution to the problem is to install upgraded versions of the CMC and CSC.
Stock Exhaust Failure
Unfortunately, Nissan didn’t design the 370Z with the most durable stock exhaust system. It has a tendency to gradually rust away. This issue is even more prevalent among 370Z owners who live in snow-prone states. Regular exposure to road salt naturally causes the metal to corrode.
Some owners opt to spray the exhaust with rust-proof paint. However, a better long-term solution is to install a high-quality aftermarket exhaust. Units made of 304 stainless steel can better withstand Mother Nature’s elements.
Rear Axle Clicking
Upon reaching 100,000 miles, some 370Z owners will begin to hear a clicking sound in the rear. There’s a good chance this noise is coming from the rear axle. Luckily, the problem is not nearly as serious as some people may initially fear.
The rear axle nut can gradually loosen, thus causing the clicking sound. The fix is to install an upgraded nut with new washers and cotter pins. It’s important to not ignore this problem for too long. Waiting to replace the old nut could lead to the rear axle sliding out from its hub, which is a far bigger issue.
Fuel Starvation Problems
When there’s a low level of gas in the tank, the 370Z can experience a fuel starvation issue. While this problem typically doesn’t occur on straight stretches of highway, it will most likely happen when taking tight curves. Drivers who routinely take their car to the track should be even more concerned. Although the engine may initially begin to putter, it can completely stall at any time.
Nissan recommends refueling before the car’s low fuel warning light turns on. Ideally, you should never even allow the fuel level to drop below a quarter tank. When there’s not enough gasoline in the tank, the fuel pump is far more prone to overheating.
