2005 Nissan 350Z Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2005 Nissan 350Z ranks worst of the 5 model years covered, with a complaint index of 100 and 83 complaints, ranked 1st worst. Airbags are the top problem area at 39% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 49,000.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 5 350Z years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 83
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 9
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 17 city / 23 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
Top 2005 Nissan 350Z problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags32 (39%)
- Engine21 (25%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires12 (14%)
- Electrical System9 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain9 (11%)
- Structure & Body6 (7%)
- Brakes4 (5%)
- Fuel System3 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (2%)
- Other1 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report airbag warning lights illuminating followed by failure of airbags to deploy in frontal or rollover crashes.
- Some drivers experienced the engine suddenly stalling at highway speeds, traced by dealers to a camshaft sensor issue.
- Owners describe rear-end tire instability and fishtailing during normal driving or light snow conditions.
- Fuel pump nozzles shut off prematurely when refueling, and one owner also reported unintended acceleration at low speed.
- Electrical system complaints include a remote starter installation issue causing the car to lurch forward unexpectedly.
- Paint on the hood and side panels reportedly chipped early and showed an uneven texture within two months of ownership.
2005 Nissan 350Z recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2005 Nissan 350Z fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 23 MPG
- Combined
- 20 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,000
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other 350Z years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Nissan 350Z reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the 2005 350Z has the highest complaint index (100) among the 5 model years with data and ranks 1st worst, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other 350Z years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2005 Nissan 350Z?
- Airbags are the top problem area, accounting for 39% of complaints (32 of 83), with a median mileage at failure of 49,000 and 6 crashes reported.
- Does the 2005 Nissan 350Z have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2005 350Z, though it still logs 83 complaints and the worst complaint index of the years covered.
- How does the 2005 350Z compare to later years like 2008 or 2009?
- The 2008 and 2009 350Z both carry a Good verdict, with complaint indexes of 25 and 0 respectively, far lower than the 2005 model's index of 100.