Recalls: Nissan Z33 350Z
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Nissan Z33 350Z
No recall information is available for the Nissan Z33 350Z. To search for recalls of Nissan models, please visit Product Safety Recalls Australia: Nissan.
Problems and faults: Nissan Z33 350Z
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
2005-06 Nissan 350Z: excessive oil consumption
In July 2010, Nissan North America issued Technical Bulletin NTB07-088d for the following vehicles:
- 2005 Nissan 350Z Track and 35th Anniversary Edition models with manual transmissions; and,
- 2006 Nissan 350Z models with manual transmissions.
According to the bulletin, these vehicles may experience a low engine oil level due to excessive oil consumption or an ‘unusual’ engine noise. However, ‘unusual’ was not explained or defined in the bulletin.
To determine if the vehicle’s oil consumption was excessive, the oil was to be topped up and an oil level check performed between 1000 and 3750 miles (1609 km and 6034 km). The technical bulletin described that the oil level was to be measured in millimetres from the ‘High’ mark on the dipstick; based on the RevUp Oil Consumption and TSB discussion, the following thresholds constitute excessive oil consumption:
- At 1000 miles (1609 kilometres), 8 mm on the dipstick corresponded to oil consumption of 0.33 quarts or 315 ml;
- At 2000 miles (3218 kilometres), 14 mm on the dipstick corresponded to oil consumption of 0.58 quarts or 549 ml; and,
- At 3000 miles (4827 kilometres), 23 mm on the dipstick corresponded to oil consumption of 0.958 quarts or 906 ml.
If there was excessive oil consumption or the engine made an ‘unusual’ noise, then the short engine assembly was to be replaced.
2003-05 Nissan 350Z: clicking noise from rear axles
In November 2005, Nissan North America issued Nissan Technical Bulletin 04-065b for 2003-05 model year Nissan Z33 350Z Coupe and Roadster vehicles. According to the technical bulletin, the driver may notice a ‘clicking’ noise from the left and/or right rear axle (driveshaft) when accelerating from rest. To fix, the following procedure was to be applied to the side of the rear axle which was making the clicking noise:
- Remove the driveshaft;
- Clean the flange surface of the outer joint on the driveshaft; and,
- Apply a moderate coat of Molykote M77 grease.
Manual transmission
- For the Nissan 350Z’s manual transmission, graunching noises and difficulty shifting from first to second gear – particularly just after start-up when the transmission is cold – are likely to be due to worn synchromesh.
- Depending on use, the clutch may require replacement every 60,000 kms. When replacing the clutch, the flywheel may also require replacement.
- A soft or spongy clutch pedal may be due to a failed seal inside the clutch slave cylinder, requiring replacement of the cylinder.
- Compared to its rivals, the Nissan 350Z has a heavy gear change.
Suspension and wheels
- The compression bushes in the ‘banana’ arms of the Nissan 350’z front suspension wear over time. If detected early, only the bushes need to be replaced and it is recommended that uprated bushes be fitted. If left unchecked, however, the front suspension arms need to be removed and replaced.
- Creaking noises as the Nissan 350Z drives over bumps at low speed may be fixed by replacing the rear drop links.
- Clicking noises from the rear wheels may be due to premature wear of the rear constant-velocity (CV) joints at the outer axle ends.
Engine sensor replacement
In December 2003, Nissan USA issued service bulletin NTB03-124 for 2003 Nissan Z33 350Z vehicles which had VINs in the range JN1AZ*4**3T 000001 to JN1AZ*4**3T 100167. According to the bulletin, the engine in these vehicles might stop while the vehicle is being driven if the crank position sensor or cam position sensor failed; this could also result in reduced engine power or the ‘Service Engine Soon’ light illuminating. As part of service campaign R3022, the crankshaft position and camshaft position sensors were to be replaced.
Other problems and faults: Nissan Z33 350Z
- Knocking or ticking noises from the Nissan 350Z’s engine when idling may be attributable to pulses in the fuel line – a revised damper and hose were released for this problem.
- After servicing to clean the throttle body, the idle speed may become too high due to the computer having adopted the old idle air value; to fix, the computer’s values must be reset.
- For coupe models, the rear hatch may not pop-up when the release is activated due to weakened lift springs (near the gas-charged supports).
- The power windows may cease to function if the battery is disconnected or the window fuse blows, requiring the windows to be reprogrammed.
- Using brake pads other than the original non-asbestos organic linings may result in brake noises or a difference in braking feel.
