Nissan 370Z Best and Worst Years (2010–2019)
Avoid the 2010, 2011, and 2013 Nissan 370Z, which show the highest complaint indexes (100, 89, and 78) and are dominated by steering lock and transmission/powertrain failures. The 2014 model year is the best pick, with a complaint index of just 22.
- Model years
- 10
- 2010–2019
- NHTSA complaints
- 207
- Recall campaigns
- 2
- Crashes reported
- 4
- Fires reported
- 0
- Top problem area
- Steering
370Z Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Nissan 370Z problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Avoid | 100 | 110 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Steering | 21 | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 89 | 40 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Steering | 20.5 | — |
| 2012 | Caution | 56 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Transmission & Powertrain | 20.5 | — |
| 2013 | Avoid | 78 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Transmission & Powertrain | 20.5 | — |
| 2014 | Best | 22 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Transmission & Powertrain | 21 | — |
| 2015 | No verdict | 67 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | 21 | — |
| 2016 | No verdict | 11 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | 21 | — |
| 2017 | Good | 44 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | 21 | — |
| 2018 | No verdict | 33 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Brakes | 21 | — |
| 2019 | No verdict | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 21 | — |
370Z years to avoid: what went wrong
2010 Nissan 370Z Index 100 · 110 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2010 370Z has the highest complaint index (100) of any year and leads with 110 total complaints. Steering issues make up 56% of its complaints, largely tied to steering lock assembly failures that leave the car unable to start, at a median mileage of 47,000. Electrical system problems (29% of complaints, median mileage 40,000) often involve failed starts and key reprogramming. Transmission & Powertrain issues account for 24% of complaints at a median mileage of 35,500. No recalls are recorded for this year despite the recurring steering lock complaints.
2010 steering problems →2010 electrical system problems →2010 transmission & powertrain problems →
2011 Nissan 370Z Index 89 · 40 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2011 370Z ranks second-worst with a complaint index of 89 across 40 complaints. Steering problems dominate at 55% share, median mileage 39,000, again centered on steering lock failures that prevent the car from starting. Transmission & Powertrain issues make up 35% (median mileage 27,319.5) and Electrical System issues 30% (median mileage 51,000). This is the only avoid year with a recall: campaign 11V538000 covered a power window switch programming error, unrelated to the steering lock complaints owners describe.
2013 Nissan 370Z Index 78 · 17 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2013 370Z has a complaint index of 78 from 17 total complaints. Transmission & Powertrain problems dominate, making up 65% of complaints at a median mileage of 28,000, including reports of clutch and drivetrain trouble. Engine issues account for 18% of complaints at a median mileage of 32,000. Owners also describe electrical steering lock warning indicators and starting problems similar to earlier years. No recalls are recorded for this model year.
Most common Nissan 370Z problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Steering84 (41%)
- Transmission & Powertrain74 (36%)
- Electrical System47 (23%)
- Engine18 (9%)
- Airbags15 (7%)
- Other13 (6%)
- Brakes10 (5%)
- Structure & Body6 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (1%)
- Fuel System1 (0%)
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Nissan 370Z should I avoid?
- NHTSA data points to 2010, 2011, and 2013 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100, 89, and 78 respectively, the highest among the ten 370Z model years covered.
- What is the best year for the Nissan 370Z?
- The 2014 Nissan 370Z is rated best, with a complaint index of only 22 and just 10 total complaints, the lowest problem rate among the avoid/caution/best-rated years.
- What is the most common problem with the Nissan 370Z?
- Steering issues are the top problem area across all years, accounting for 84 complaints (41% share), followed by Transmission & Powertrain issues at 74 complaints (36% share).
- Does the Nissan 370Z have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns across the 2010-2019 370Z, including a 2011 recall (11V538000) for a power window switch programming error.
- Is the 2012 Nissan 370Z reliable?
- The 2012 370Z is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 56 and 16 total complaints, mostly tied to Transmission & Powertrain issues at a median mileage of 36,262.5.