2008 Nissan 350Z: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 24 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2008
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While driving at speed pressed clutch pedal and it stayed on the floor accompanied by a very characteristic and strong burning smell, unable to change gears, car rendered inoperable. Safety hazard, stuck in gear at highway speeds. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2013
“Driving, push clutch in it stay on the floor, cannot shift, dangerous on the freeway, safety hazzard, there are numerous same problem with the 2008 350z nissan need to do a recall before someone get kill of this problem. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2013
“I was driving my 2008 nissan 350z on the freeway at about 65 mph and when I stepped on the clutch to switch gears it was stuck on the floor and didn't come back up. The clutch was stuck in gear and I had to pull over and get it towed. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2012
Show 6 more owner reports
“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 the manufacturer, who stated that the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 57,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2012
“The clutch slave cylinder has gone out on the vehicle 3 times since I have owned it. It has cost me over $500 each repair. Others have complained about this. The second time it went out was in a parking lot when I was going slow and the third time happened this morning when I left for work. This is ridiculous and all nissan wants to do is charge off the wall prices. I'm a master mechanic and the design of this whole system is ridiculous. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 nissan 350z. While driving approximately 30 mph, the clutch failed to respond when engaged. The brake pedal was applied with force and the vehicle came to a stop. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact inspected the vehicle and stated the slave cylinder would need to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2011
“When rpms are high in first gear, the clutch disengages to the halfway point and you lose all power to the wheels. This is usually followed by a burning clutch smell. It is my understanding that nissan recalled the 2007 350z for the same issue (clutch slave cylinder), but it's apparent that the problem continues with the 2008 model and I'm asking that the NHTSA instruct nissan to extend the fix to 2008 models. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2009
“Car would not shift smoothly. Dealer says the flywheel is broken and car needs a new clutch. The car has 3700 miles on it and nissan will not cover this under warranty. Problem has existed since the car had 400 miles on it. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2008
“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 in yet, due to it being new years day, but will bring it in on jan 2 to get it looked at and replaced.*cn”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2007
Recalls - 1 campaign
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).
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2008 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 350Z by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Nissan 350Z reliable?
NHTSA has 24 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2008 Nissan 350Z. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 2008 Nissan 350Z have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:software. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.