NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Fuel Injection System
1932.8%
Injectors
1729.3%
Gasoline
1017.2%
Exhaust System
35.2%
Front Underhood
35.2%
Accelerator Pedal
23.4%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings
23.4%
Engine
23.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 10Jul 2015
NHTSA investigations into the 1985 Nissan 300ZX
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA94018Opened 23 Jun 1994Closed 8 Nov 1995FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
FUEL INJECTOR ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE
AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS CLOSING REPORT IS INCLUDED IN THE PUBLIC FILE.SERVICE CAMPAIGN 95I-006.
EA85029Opened 9 May 1985Closed 11 Jul 1989VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
SUMMARY: ODI HAS SENT FOUR IRS TO NISSAN (11/29/84, 10/10/85, 4/9/86, &11/14/86).ETF HAS TESTED 6 NISSAN VEHICLES AND WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATESUDDEN ACCEL.ODI INSPECTED 9 VEHICLES AND ALL OPERATED NORMALLY.ALL15 VEHICLES WERE REPORTED TO HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN SUDDEN ACCELERATIONINCIDENTS.ANALYSIS: THERE ARE THREE POSSIBLE CAUSES OF SA. (1) THE DRIVER PUSHED ONTHE ACCELERATOR INSTEAD OF THE BRAKE PEDAL, (2) THE VEHICLE WAS UNRESPON-SIVE TO THE DRIVERS INITIAL APPLICATION OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL PRESSURESO THE DRIVER PRESSES HARDER AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLYACCELERATES AT A FASTER RAT...
Recalls on the 1985 Nissan 300ZX
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
95I006000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES OF AFFECTED VEHICLES WHICH COULD LEAK.
Risk: FUEL LEAKS IN THE ENGINE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
87V098000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION MAY OCCUR, FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN SHIFTING FROM THE PARK POSITION.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 19870706,057 units in Canada
Engine
WHEN SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION FROM `PARK' TO EITHER `REVERSE' OR `DRIVE', UNINTENDED ACCELERATION MAY OCCUR WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF A VEHICLE CRASH. CORRECTION: A SHIFT INTERLOCK WILL BE INSTALLED TO PREVENT SHIFTING FROM `PARK' TO EITHER `REVERSE' OR `DRIVE' UNLESS THE BRAKE PEDAL IS APPLIED.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 199,849 milesAgency, MOFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1985 NISSAN 300ZX. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. HE OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE FUEL INJECTORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED RECALL NUMBER 95I006000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM), HOWEVER, THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THERE WERE NO SERVICE RECORDS AVAILABLE. AS OF JULY 31, 2007, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 199,849. UPDATED 09/05/07.
NHTSA complaint #10197929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesNorman, OKFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1985 NISSAN 300ZX. APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DESTROYED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED IN JANUARY OF 2007 UNDER RECALL NUMBER 95I006000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 168,000.
NHTSA complaint #10197383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tallmadge, OHFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
FUEL LEAKS NEAR INJECTORS DOES NOT RUN PROPERLY.UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK POSITION.
NHTSA complaint #720347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tallmadge, OHFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FUEL LEAKS NEAR INJECTORS DOES NOT RUN PROPERLY.UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK POSITION.
NHTSA complaint #720347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Haltom City, TXFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO A SPLIT INJECTOR CABLE AND A SPARK FROM THE BATTERY. I JUST HAD IT CHECKED OUT THAT SUMMER.
NHTSA complaint #701243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE FIRE CAUSED BY FUEL INJECTORS LEAKING GAS ONTO HOT ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #507590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Roseburg, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS TOLD THERE HAD BEEN A SAFETY RECALL FOR THE 1985 NISSAN 300ZX, SO I TRIED TO LOOK IT UP ONLINE WITHOUT SUCCESS, AND THEN CALLED NISSAN TO FIND OUT IF THE REPAIRS HAD EVER BEEN DONE, SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED AND HAVE NO REPAIR RECORDS. THEY SAID IF THE VEHICLE WAS MORE THAN 11 YEARS OLD, THEY "DE-ARCHIVE" THE DATA FROM THEIR DATABASE, AND THEREFORE MY VIN WILL NOT COME UP IN THEIR RECORDS. THEY SAID IT HAS NO "ACTIVE RECALLS" ON IT, BUT COULDN'T TELL ME IF THE REPAIRS FROM THE 2 RECALLS ON THAT MODEL HAD EVER BEEN DONE. IS THERE ANY WAY FOR ME TO FIND OUT IF THOSE REPAIRS WERE EVER DONE? I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR NOW, NOT KNOWING IF IT IS SAFE OR NOT, AND NISSAN WON'T HELP. THIS SEEMS LIKE A VERY POOR WAY OF OPERATING. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT IS LEGAL FOR THEM TO LOSE RECORDS ON CARS THEY HAVE RECALLED. THANKS FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10733764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cathlamet, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
NISSAN 300ZX 1985 ENGINE WIRING AND COMPONENT WIRING INTERIOR. WIRING IS BRITTLE, BECOMES HOT. AND BREAKS VERY EASY.THE ENGINE IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION RUNNING WISE , THE WIRING TO COMPONENTS BRITTLE BREAKS EASILY. I FEEL THAT THIS COULD BE A FIRE HAZARD. AND A SAFETY DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10292169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesBirmingham, AL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1985 NISSAN 300ZX. THE CONTACT SMELLS A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FOLLOWED BY A HESITATION IN THE VEHICLE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES WERE LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 95I006000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM). THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO ASSUME FINANCIAL LIABILITY FOR THE REPAIR COST, WHICH EXCEEDED $2,000. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 145,000. UPDATED 11/14/08. *LJ UPDATED 11/18/08
NHTSA complaint #10235776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,849 milesAgency, MOFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1985 NISSAN 300ZX. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. HE OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE FUEL INJECTORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED RECALL NUMBER 95I006000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM), HOWEVER, THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THERE WERE NO SERVICE RECORDS AVAILABLE. AS OF JULY 31, 2007, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 199,849. UPDATED 09/05/07.
NHTSA complaint #10197929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesNorman, OKFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1985 NISSAN 300ZX. APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DESTROYED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED IN JANUARY OF 2007 UNDER RECALL NUMBER 95I006000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 168,000.
NHTSA complaint #10197383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ladson, SC
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION WENT OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10031256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesShow LOW, AZ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT AS STATED IN RECALL 95 I 006 000. REGARDING THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #10015781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Berkeley, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN BROUGHT INTO TWO NISSAN DEALERSHIPS FOUR OR MORE TIMES FOR THE SAME SAFETY DEFECT. IT HAS ALSO BEEN TO A "Z-DOCTOR" WHO WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR IT.THE CAR HESITATES AND THEN SURGES WHEN WARMING UP. NOW WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE ACCELERATOR WILL OCCASIONALLY STICK AT THE WIDE OPEN POSITION, WHICH IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I HAVE TO IMMEDIATELY DISENGAGE THE ENGINE FROM THE POWER TRAIN OR A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WILL RESULT. THE DEFROSTER/HEATER/A/C NOWS DOESN'T WORK (AFTER PICKING IT UP FROM THE DEALER). THE DEALER AND NISSAN OF NORTH AMERICA IS UNWILLING TO MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS, DESPITE IT BEING SUCH A SAFETY HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #762039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Berkeley, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN BROUGHT INTO TWO NISSAN DEALERSHIPS FOUR OR MORE TIMES FOR THE SAME SAFETY DEFECT. IT HAS ALSO BEEN TO A "Z-DOCTOR" WHO WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR IT.THE CAR HESITATES AND THEN SURGES WHEN WARMING UP. NOW WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE ACCELERATOR WILL OCCASIONALLY STICK AT THE WIDE OPEN POSITION, WHICH IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I HAVE TO IMMEDIATELY DISENGAGE THE ENGINE FROM THE POWER TRAIN OR A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WILL RESULT. THE DEFROSTER/HEATER/A/C NOWS DOESN'T WORK (AFTER PICKING IT UP FROM THE DEALER). THE DEALER AND NISSAN OF NORTH AMERICA IS UNWILLING TO MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS, DESPITE IT BEING SUCH A SAFETY HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #762039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coco, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
RECALL 95 I 006 000/FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM: CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER, WHO INFORMED CONSUMER THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN THIS RECALL. AFTER TAKING VEHICLE INTO DEALER SHOP FOR SECOND TIME, DEALER REFUSED TO DO RECALL REPAIRS. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #898836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tallmadge, OHFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
FUEL LEAKS NEAR INJECTORS DOES NOT RUN PROPERLY.UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK POSITION.
NHTSA complaint #720347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tallmadge, OHFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FUEL LEAKS NEAR INJECTORS DOES NOT RUN PROPERLY.UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK POSITION.
NHTSA complaint #720347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Haltom City, TXFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO A SPLIT INJECTOR CABLE AND A SPARK FROM THE BATTERY. I JUST HAD IT CHECKED OUT THAT SUMMER.
NHTSA complaint #701243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greensboro, MD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
RECALL REPAIR (95I-006) WAS COMPLETED AND FAILED CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO ENGINE. MJS
NHTSA complaint #527934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AU Gres, MI
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
GEORGE LEWIS BATTERY CABLES DEFECTIVE. SAME COLOR CLAM SHOULD BE CONNECTED TO SIMILAR ELECTRICAL POTENTIAL POINTS. USE OF DEFECTIVE SET OF JUMPER CABLES PROBABLY CAUSED ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS TO OVERHEAT, CAUSING FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #508336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lomita, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
ACCELERATOR PEDAL LOCKED-UP / STUCK CAUSING ENGINE TO RACE. CONSUMER PUT VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL, DECELERATING, BUT THE PEDAL DIDN'T COME DOWN, REQUIRING MECHANIC TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. *AK
NHTSA complaint #845515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Puyallup, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ALL FAILURES OCCURRED JUST AFTER THE FUEL INJECTION RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED IN LATE 1996. AFTER THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WAS REPLACED PER THE SAFETY RECALL, THE CAR WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO START IF THE WEATHER WAS HOT OR THE ENGINE WAS HOT FROM RUNNING. THE ENGINE FAILED A FEW MONTHS LATER IN FEB 1997. THE ORIGINAL FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM NEVER HAD FAILED AND I WAS EXPERIENCING NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. I ONLY HAD THE RECALL WORK PERFORMED BECAUSE I WAS TOLD IT WAS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE CAR HAS NOT WORKED PROPERLY SINCE THEN. THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM IN 1985 (NEW) WORKED ON THE CAR FOR OVER 2 YEARS, REPLACING MANY OTHER PARTS THAT NISSAN CORPORATION CLAIMED WAS THE CAUSE OF THE STARTING PROBLEMS. NONE OF THESE CHANGES FIXED THE PROBLEM. IN EXTREMELY HOT WEATHER THE NEWLY REPLACED ENGINE (COST: $4,200) DIED ON THE FREEWAY, AT FREEWAY SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH ON 3 OCCASIONS. AT THAT POINT, NISSAN REFUSED TO WORK ON THE CAR ANY MORE AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE IT DUE TO THE SAFETY HAZARD PRESENTED. I HAD TO BUY A USED CAR FOR TRANSPORTATION TO WORK. NISSAN CORPORATION CONTINUES TO DENY THE PROBLEMS ARE RELATED TO THE FUEL INJECTION RECALL CAMPAIGN WORK AND WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THE RECALL WORK.
NHTSA complaint #702388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Puyallup, WA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
ALL FAILURES OCCURRED JUST AFTER THE FUEL INJECTION RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED IN LATE 1996. AFTER THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WAS REPLACED PER THE SAFETY RECALL, THE CAR WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO START IF THE WEATHER WAS HOT OR THE ENGINE WAS HOT FROM RUNNING. THE ENGINE FAILED A FEW MONTHS LATER IN FEB 1997. THE ORIGINAL FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM NEVER HAD FAILED AND I WAS EXPERIENCING NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. I ONLY HAD THE RECALL WORK PERFORMED BECAUSE I WAS TOLD IT WAS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE CAR HAS NOT WORKED PROPERLY SINCE THEN. THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM IN 1985 (NEW) WORKED ON THE CAR FOR OVER 2 YEARS, REPLACING MANY OTHER PARTS THAT NISSAN CORPORATION CLAIMED WAS THE CAUSE OF THE STARTING PROBLEMS. NONE OF THESE CHANGES FIXED THE PROBLEM. IN EXTREMELY HOT WEATHER THE NEWLY REPLACED ENGINE (COST: $4,200) DIED ON THE FREEWAY, AT FREEWAY SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH ON 3 OCCASIONS. AT THAT POINT, NISSAN REFUSED TO WORK ON THE CAR ANY MORE AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE IT DUE TO THE SAFETY HAZARD PRESENTED. I HAD TO BUY A USED CAR FOR TRANSPORTATION TO WORK. NISSAN CORPORATION CONTINUES TO DENY THE PROBLEMS ARE RELATED TO THE FUEL INJECTION RECALL CAMPAIGN WORK AND WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THE RECALL WORK.
NHTSA complaint #702388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.