YearToAvoid

2011 Nissan 370Z Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

89/100

#2 most-complained of 10 370Z years

The 2011 Nissan 370Z ranks 2nd worst out of 10 model years, with a complaint index of 89 and 40 complaints, mostly steering (55%) and transmission (35%) issues. It carries one recall for a power window switch defect.

Complaints
40
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
20.5
18 city / 25.5 hwy

Top 2011 Nissan 370Z problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Steering22 (55%)
  2. Transmission & Powertrain14 (35%)
  3. Electrical System12 (30%)
  4. Engine5 (13%)
  5. Brakes3 (8%)
  6. Fuel System1 (3%)
  7. Other1 (3%)
  8. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (3%)

What owners report

  • Steering lock unit fails and the car will not recognize the key or start, sometimes triggered after a dashboard key indicator light flickers.
  • Clutch pedal suddenly loses resistance and drops to the floor while downshifting, sometimes preventing the driver from getting out of gear.
  • Brake master cylinder leaks, causing the brake and ABS/traction lights to stay on.
  • Fuel gauge shows incorrect readings after a fill-up, indicating the tank is not full when it is.
  • Clutch fluid flush and replacement fails to permanently fix a soft, sinking clutch pedal, with symptoms returning the same day.
2011 Nissan 370Z complaints: complaints filed per month6Sep 2012Apr 2014Jan 2015Jul 2015Feb 2016Dec 2016Jul 2017Apr 2023
59 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2012 to Apr 2023; peak Jun 2015 (6).

2011 Nissan 370Z recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. 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

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2010Avoid100110021
2011Avoid8940120.5
2012Caution5616020.5
2013Avoid7817020.5

All Nissan 370Z years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 Nissan 370Z reliable?
Compared to other 370Z model years, 2011 ranks 2nd worst out of 10 years tracked, with a complaint index of 89 and 40 NHTSA complaints, most tied to steering.
What is the biggest problem with the 2011 Nissan 370Z?
Steering is the top problem area, making up 55% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 39,000 miles. Owners describe steering lock units that fail and prevent the car from starting.
Does the 2011 Nissan 370Z have any recalls?
Yes, one recall (11V538000) covers a power window switch programming error affecting 2011-2012 vehicles built between July and August 2011.
How does the 2011 370Z compare to the 2014 370Z?
The 2014 370Z has a complaint index of just 22 and is rated Best, while the 2011 370Z has an index of 89 and is rated Avoid relative to other years.
What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Nissan 370Z?
The 2011 370Z is EPA-rated at 20.5 mpg combined (18 city / 25.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,900.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.