Nissan 350z Problems Common Issues and Repair Costs
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Nissan 350z Problems Common Issues and Repair Costs

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The Nissan 350Z is a powerful, rear-wheel-drive coupe with a loyal fan base. Produced from 2003 to 2009, it offers strong performance and a raw driving experience, making it one of the best-value used sports cars in the UK today. However, with most 350Zs now well over a decade old, certain problems have become common. In this guide, we’ll cover the most frequent Nissan 350Z issues and the typical cost of repairs based on UK garage prices.

Book inspection

1. Oil Consumption and Burning

What it is:
Early models with the VQ35DE engine are known to burn oil, especially those from 2003 to 2006. This is often due to worn piston rings or valve stem seals.

Symptoms:

  • Blue smoke from the exhaust
  • Frequent low oil levels
  • Engine ticking or knocking when oil is low

Repair costs in the UK:

  • Valve stem seal replacement: £600 to £900
  • Engine rebuild (if piston rings are damaged): £2,000 to £4,000
  • Total: £600 to £4,000
    Check and top up oil regularly to avoid engine failure.

2. Clutch and Flywheel Wear

What it is:
The 350Z’s clutch can wear quickly if driven aggressively. The flywheel, especially dual-mass types, also tends to fail on older cars.

Symptoms:

  • Slipping clutch
  • Pedal feels heavy or inconsistent
  • Vibrations during gear changes

Repair costs in the UK:

  • Clutch kit: £250 to £400
  • Flywheel: £300 to £500
  • Labour: £400 to £600
  • Total: £650 to £1,500
    Consider upgrading to a single-mass flywheel for reliability.

3. Suspension Wear and Knocking

What it is:
The 350Z’s suspension bushes and ball joints often wear out after years of use, especially the front compression arms.

Symptoms:

  • Knocking sounds from wheels
  • Wandering steering feel
  • Uneven tyre wear

Repair costs in the UK:

  • Control arm replacement: £100 to £250 per side
  • Full suspension overhaul: £500 to £1,200
  • Total: £100 to £1,200

4. Cracked Exhaust Manifolds

What it is:
Many older 350Zs suffer from cracked manifolds, leading to exhaust leaks and MOT failures.

Symptoms:

  • Ticking sound near the engine
  • Reduced power
  • MOT emissions failure

Repair costs in the UK:

  • OEM manifold: £400 to £600
  • Aftermarket headers: £250 to £500
  • Labour: £300 to £500
  • Total: £550 to £1,100

5. Rear Axle Clicking Noise

What it is:
A common issue caused by worn axle splines or loose nuts on the rear driveshafts.

Symptoms:

  • Clicking noise from rear wheels during takeoff or slowing down
  • Sound worsens over time

Repair costs in the UK:

  • Driveshaft service or nut replacement: £50 to £150
  • Labour: £100 to £200
  • Total: £150 to £350

6. Window Motor or Regulator Failure

What it is:
The power windows are a weak point in the 350Z, with many owners experiencing slow or stuck windows.

Symptoms:

  • Window won’t go up or down
  • Clicking noise in the door
  • Auto-drop fails when opening doors

Repair costs in the UK:

  • Motor and regulator: £100 to £180
  • Labour: £60 to £100
  • Total: £160 to £280

7. Bose Stereo and Electrical Glitches

What it is:
350Zs fitted with the Bose audio system can suffer from faulty amps, speaker failures, and electrical gremlins caused by poor earth connections.

Symptoms:

  • Crackling sound or no audio
  • Radio cuts out
  • Warning lights flicker

Repair costs in the UK:

  • Bose amp replacement: £200 to £400
  • Electrical diagnosis: £80 to £150
  • Wiring repair: £50 to £200
  • Total: £100 to £600

Quick Overview of Common Repairs

ProblemTypical UK Repair Cost
Oil burning£600 to £4,000
Clutch and flywheel£650 to £1,500
Suspension knocking£100 to £1,200
Cracked manifolds£550 to £1,100
Rear axle clicking£150 to £350
Window regulator£160 to £280
Bose system issues£100 to £600

Should You Still Buy a Nissan 350Z in 2025?

Yes, the 350Z is still a solid choice if you’re looking for a reliable, rear-wheel-drive sports car with character. But with age, condition matters more than price. Focus on service history and avoid cars with warning signs like oil burning, noisy gearboxes, or electrical faults.

Before buying, get a professional inspection. Services like CAREXAMER provide detailed pre-purchase reports across the UK and can save you thousands by identifying worn parts, hidden rust, or mechanical faults.

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