2011 Nissan 370Z Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2011 Nissan 370Z ranks 3rd worst of 11 model years, with a complaint index of 80 and 40 NHTSA complaints, most tied to steering lock failures. It carries an Avoid verdict and one recall for a power window switch programming error.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 80/100
- #3 of 11 370Z years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 40
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Steering
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 20.5
- 18 city / 25.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2011 Nissan 370Z problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering22 (55%)
- Transmission & Powertrain14 (35%)
- Electrical System12 (30%)
- Engine5 (13%)
- Brakes3 (8%)
- Fuel System1 (3%)
- Other1 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering lock actuator fails and the car will not recognize the key or start, often around 39,000 miles on the odometer.
- Clutch pedal suddenly loses resistance and drops to the floor while downshifting, sometimes cutting the engine and power brakes.
- Brake and ABS/traction lights illuminate together, traced by dealers to a leaking brake master cylinder.
- Fuel gauge shows an inaccurate reading after a fill-up, indicating the tank is not full when it is.
- Transmission becomes hard to shift into 1st and 2nd gear after clutch pedal problems begin.
2011 Nissan 370Z recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 11V538000Nov 4, 2011Visibility & Wipers1,788 vehicles
Visibility:power window devices and controls
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 infiniti g37 coupe vehicles and certain model year 2011 nissan 370z vehicles manufactured from july 2, 2011, through august 29, 2011. Due to a programming error, the power window switch controller in the subject vehicles was manufactured out of specification.
Risk: The threshold for auto reverse activation is higher than the nissan specification. Should a body part become trapped by a closing window, a pinch injury may result.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power window switches with new ones free of charge. The safety recall began on december 5, 2011. Owners may contact nissan at 1800-647-7261 or infiniti at 1-800-662-6200.
2011 Nissan 370Z fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 25.5 MPG
- Combined
- 20.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,900
- 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.
2011 compared with other 370Z years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Nissan 370Z reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 370Z ranks 3rd worst among 11 model years with a complaint index of 80, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other 370Z years.
- What is the main problem with the 2011 Nissan 370Z?
- Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 22 of 40 complaints (55%), largely tied to steering lock actuator failures that leave the car unable to start.
- Does the 2011 Nissan 370Z have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists one recall, campaign 11V538000, for a programming error affecting the power window switches.
- At what mileage do 2011 370Z problems usually show up?
- Steering complaints show a median mileage of 39,000, transmission and powertrain issues around 27,319 miles, and the overall median mileage at failure is 35,850.
- How does the 2011 370Z compare to other years?
- It has a complaint index of 80, worse than 2012 (60), 2013 (50), and 2014 (20, rated Best), but better than 2009 (100) and 2010 (90), both also rated Avoid.