2008 Nissan 350z Problems

Good Record

Shopping for a used 2008 Nissan 350z? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 24 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain the most reported area.

20076 yearsnewer

Before you buy

This 2008 Nissan 350z has 24 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

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24
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Fatalities
1
Recalls

2008 Nissan 350z Fuel Economy

✓ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2008 Nissan 350z trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

18
MPG City
1718 range
25
MPG Hwy
2325 range
20
MPG Combined
1920 range
444
g CO₂/mile
Premium Gasoline
⚠️Costs $8,250 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.

2008 Nissan 350z Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated
Stability Control: OptionalForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2008 Nissan 350z has 24 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.

2008 Nissan 350z — key reliability facts
Make
Nissan
Model
350z
Model year
2008
NHTSA owner complaints
24
Crash-related complaints
0
Safety recall campaigns
1
Top reported component
Transmission / Drivetrain
Reliability signal
Good Record
EPA MPG combined
20
EPA MPG city / highway
18 / 25
Fuel type
Premium Gasoline
Electronic stability control
Optional

Common problems

Most common 2008 Nissan 350z problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
21
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

#2
3
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

#3
1
complaints

Engine Problems

Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Airbag Malfunctions, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2008 Nissan 350z?

The 2008 Nissan 350z looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.

Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2008 Nissan 350z

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect transmission and drivetrain components thoroughly before purchase.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for transmission, airbag, and engine repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the transmission and drivetrain.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Inspect transmission and drivetrain components thoroughly before purchase.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for transmission, airbag, and engine repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the transmission and drivetrain.

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2008 Nissan 350z, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

What the complaint data suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Complaints for the 2008 Nissan 350Z are heavily concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain, with a smaller number of airbag and engine issues. No crash-related complaints were reported, but the low complaint count limits confidence in these patterns.

Key Findings
  • Transmission/drivetrain complaints dominate the data for the 2008 model year.
  • Airbag malfunctions and engine problems are reported but much less frequently.
  • No crash-related complaints were recorded for this model year.
Top Concerns
  • Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most reported concern.
  • Airbag Malfunctions appear as a secondary concern.
  • Engine Problems are reported but rare.
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The low confidence level (Low) and small sample size limit the reliability of any conclusions.

Full breakdown

All 2008 Nissan 350z complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Nissan 350z. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Transmission / Drivetrain21
Airbag Malfunctions3
Engine Problems1

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Nissan 350z. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Showing 24 most recent complaints

Airbag MalfunctionsMay 8, 2019

SENSOR ON DASHBOARD LITE WON'T GO OUT, SHOWING AIRBAG DISABLED DUE CHILD IN SEAT.

Transmission / DrivetrainMay 18, 2018

I WAS DRIVING MY 08 350Z (CURRENTLY HAS 70K MILES) ON THE HIGHWAY APPROX 60 MPH WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO DOWNSHIFT FOR MY EXIT. THE CLUTCH PEDAL WENT DOWN AND STUCK WHEN I SHIFTED OUT OF 6TH AND THE CAR WOULDN'T GO INTO ANY GEAR. I MISSED THE EXIT AND PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY…

Transmission / DrivetrainAug 21, 2016

CSC FAILURE 6 TIMES. FAILURE OCCURED IN MULTIPLE PLACES, ON THE HIGHWAY, SIDE STREETS, COUNTRY ROAD.

Transmission / DrivetrainJul 25, 2016

I PURCHASED MY 08 350Z GRAND TOURING OCTOBER 5, 2015 FROM HOY FOX TOYOTA IN EL PASO TX. 3 DAYS LATER IT LEFT ME STRANDED. THE CLUTCH STAYED TO THE FLOOR AND IT WOULDN'T GEAR. THEY SOLD IT TO ME SAYING IT HAD A NEW CLUTCH SO I DECIDED AFTER TEST DRIVING IT TO TAKE IT. I HAD TO WAI…

Airbag MalfunctionsMay 13, 2016

TAKATA RECALL

Transmission / DrivetrainApr 19, 2013

CLUTCH STUCK TO FLOOR FROM SLAVE CYLINDER GOING OUT. *TR

Transmission / DrivetrainApr 16, 2013

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

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 17, 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

Transmission / DrivetrainSep 10, 2012

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

Airbag MalfunctionsJul 12, 2012

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 BAG…

Transmission / DrivetrainJun 28, 2012

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 …

Transmission / DrivetrainJun 28, 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 LEF…

Transmission / DrivetrainMay 27, 2010

THE VEHICLE IS A 2008 350Z ROADSTER WITH 15,000 MILES, AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT AROUND 7500 MILES (UNDER WARRANTY) DUE TO BEARINGS THAT WERE BROKEN. WHEN THE CAR IS BROUGHT TO MID-HIGH REVS IN 1ST/2ND GEAR, THE CLUTCH WILL DISENGAGE AND FALL TO THE FLOOR. THIS IS ACCO…

Transmission / DrivetrainJan 31, 2010

DRIVING ON FREEWAY APPROXIMATELY 70-75 MPH, WHEN APPLYING PRESSURE TO CLUTCH PEDAL I REALIZE THERE IS LITTLE TO NO CLUTCH PEDAL PRESSURE AND CLUTCH PEDAL STICKS TO THE FLOOR AND HAS TO BE PULLED BACK WITH MY FOOT. FELT SLIGHT PEDAL PRESSURE AT THE END OF PEDAL TRAVEL AND DISENGAG…

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 27, 2009

2008 NISSAN 350Z NISMO / CLUTCH PEDAL STICKS,WHEN THE GEAR ENGAGES IT`S VERY BOUNCY?. *TR

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 18, 2009

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 …

Transmission / DrivetrainApr 22, 2009

CLUTCH THROWOUT BEARING NOISE & HARD SHIFTING FROM FACTORY. *TR

Transmission / DrivetrainJan 22, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN 350Z. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION GRINDS INTO SECOND GEAR WHEN THE CLUTCH IS FULLY DISENGAGED. IN ADDITION, THE TRANSMISSION STALLS AND IS LESS LIKELY TO GRIND IN SECOND GEAR IN WARM WEATHER CONDITIONS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL …

Transmission / DrivetrainDec 3, 2008

HELLO I HAVE A 2008 NISSAN 350Z 6 SPEED MANUAL BASE MODEL, THAT I HAD BROUGHT IN DEC 12 OF 2007 BRAND NEW. SINCE THEN THE CLUTCH ON THE CAR HAS GOTTEN STUCK THREE TIMES. ALL THREE TIMES ARE RANDOM. TWICE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND ONCE WHILE DOING A U TURN. THE CAUSE OF THIS IS BURNI…

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 11, 2008

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

Page 1 of 2

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2008 Nissan 350z.

Safety recalls

2008 Nissan 350z recalls

1 campaign

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2008 Nissan 350z. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

Safety recall

AIR BAGS

#08V521000AIR BAGSJul 10, 2008

Across model years

Compare Nissan 350z model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2008 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2008 Nissan 350z buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2008 Nissan 350z reliable?

Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 24 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2008 Nissan 350z looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Nissan 350z?

#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (21 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (3 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (1 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Nissan 350z?

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2008 Nissan 350z?

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2008 Nissan 350z, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 24 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2008 Nissan 350z have any recalls?

Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2008 Nissan 350z. A major recall area is AIR BAGS. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2008 Nissan 350z?

The 2008 Nissan 350z looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.

Wider context: See the full Nissan 350z reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2008 Nissan 350z based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

Check the exact vehicle history before you buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.