Selling a 350Z that no longer runs

NHTSA's file on this car is short: 657 complaints across seven model years, and three recalls. Two patterns stand out. The first cars drew tire-wear complaints, and the 2007-2008 cars drew clutch complaints.

The Z33 in brief

• On sale: August 2002, as a 2003 model. The roadster, with a power soft top, followed for 2004.
• Engines: the VQ35DE 3.5-liter V6 with 287 hp at launch. Six-speed Track and 35th Anniversary cars got a 300-hp version in mid-2005. For 2007 the VQ35HR took over, rated at 306 hp.
• Gearboxes: the FS6R31A six-speed manual or the RE5R05A five-speed automatic. The 2007 NISMO came with the manual only.
• Built: at Oppama, Japan, in 2002-2003, then at Tochigi until 2008.

What owners reported

2003-2004: tires and suspension

The 2003 has 275 complaints, more than any other year, and 101 of them name the suspension. On the 2004, tires lead. Across both years, 156 of 419 complaints mention tires along with wear, feathering or uneven wear. These cars were young when owners wrote in: the median odometer reading was 12,217 miles on the 2003 and 16,361 on the 2004. Nothing we read from Nissan or NHTSA gives a cause, so treat it as a pattern, not a diagnosis. Across all seven years, 77 complaints name the tires and 23 name the wheels.

2005-2006: air bags

Complaints fell to 83 on the 2005 and 53 on the 2006. Air bags are the top component on the 2005, named in 31 complaints, and tie with engine and cooling on the 2006 at 14 each. Neither year has a recall.

2007-2008: the clutch

On the 2007 and 2008, 64 of 97 complaints mention the clutch, and power train is the top component both years. Nissan opened service campaign P7252 on January 12, 2008, for the clutch slave cylinder on 2007 cars with the six-speed manual. It was a campaign, not a safety recall, and Nissan lists it as no longer active. No Nissan notice in our sources covers 2008 clutches.

The three recalls

• 03V455, 2003: a solder joint on the crank or cam position sensor's circuit board can fail and stall the engine. The recall reached 630,000 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles in all.
• 05V555, 2003-2004: the fuel filler hose can crack and leak while you fill the tank, which could start a fire. 192,659 vehicles.
• 08V521, 2007-2008: the occupant classification control unit can switch off the passenger air bag when it should stay on. 204,361 vehicles across Nissan and Infiniti models.

Complaints and recalls by model year

Seven model years, seven rows, as NHTSA's records read on October 10, 2026. The recall column counts campaigns naming that year.

Fix it or sell it?

A worn clutch or tired suspension is a known job on a car you otherwise like, so get a written quote before giving up on it. A failed engine is a bigger question; blown engine walks through it. Some owners think about selling a Z in pieces. Parting out versus selling whole lays out the time that takes. Whatever you choose, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall search first.

Selling your 350Z whole

1. Note the VIN, mileage and gearbox. Say coupe or roadster, and what has failed.
2. Ask for an offer online or call (877) 421-6008.
3. Mention the details a tow driver needs: whether it rolls, whether it's lowered, and where it's parked.
4. List anything aftermarket, and leave it on. Sell the whole car as it sits, wheels and catalytic converters included.
5. Hand over the title and keys at pickup and show a photo ID. After you sell covers plates and insurance by state.