2009 Nissan 370Z Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2009 Nissan 370Z ranks worst among all 11 model years, with a complaint index of 100 and 153 complaints led by steering (58%) and electrical system (44%) issues. It carries an Avoid verdict despite having zero recalls on record.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 11 370Z years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 153
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Steering
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 26 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2009 Nissan 370Z problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering88 (58%)
- Electrical System67 (44%)
- Transmission & Powertrain26 (17%)
- Engine14 (9%)
- Fuel System11 (7%)
- Airbags6 (4%)
- Other6 (4%)
- Structure & Body4 (3%)
- Brakes3 (2%)
- Seat Belts1 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering wheel lock or intelligent key system fails, engaging a warning and effectively stranding the driver.
- Ignition system fails to respond to the start button, traced to a defective intelligent power distribution module (IPDM), requiring a tow.
- Clutch pedal loses pressure and sinks to the floor, diagnosed as a failed concentric slave cylinder.
- Transmission grinds when the clutch is released, reported across multiple vehicles by dealership mechanics.
- Passenger airbag sensor fails to detect a seated occupant, leaving the airbag indicator off.
- Engine stalls and knocks with reports of oil being consumed with no apparent cause.
2009 Nissan 370Z recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2009 Nissan 370Z fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 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.
2009 compared with other 370Z years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Nissan 370Z reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the 2009 370Z is the highest-complaint year of the model, with 153 complaints and a complaint index of 100, the worst among the 11 model years covered.
- What is the most common problem with the 2009 Nissan 370Z?
- Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 88 complaints, or 58% of all complaints for this year, with a median failure mileage of 38,560 miles.
- Does the 2009 Nissan 370Z have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2009 370Z, though its complaint volume is still the highest of any year in the model's history.
- Which 370Z model years should I avoid?
- 2009, 2010, and 2011 all carry an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA complaints, with complaint indexes of 100, 90, and 80 respectively; 2014 and 2017 fare much better at 20 and 40.