1985 Nissan 300ZX
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 76
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Fuel system, gasoline
Campaigns on file for 1985
Opened by NHTSA
64% of complaints
Complaints per year
1985: 76 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 42 |
| 1985 | 76 |
| 1986 | 59 |
| 1987 | 28 |
| 1988 | 25 |
| 1989 | 9 |
| 1990 | 19 |
| 1991 | 12 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 12 |
| 1994 | 4 |
| 1995 | 4 |
| 1996 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Fuel system, gasoline
64% · 49 reportsMost commonly citing fuel injection system and injectors.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 1985 Nissan 300ZX. While driving 65 MPH, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the engine. He opened the hood and noticed flames coming from the fuel injectors. The vehicle was towed to the dealer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-07-31
Engine compartment fire; caused by leakage from fuel injector hose; speed 35 MPH; no warning. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-10
Fuel injection failure caused engine compartment fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-10
Engine and engine cooling
21% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and exhaust system.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 1985 Nissan 300ZX. Approximately ten minutes after starting the vehicle, there was an explosion in the engine compartment. The fire destroyed the vehicle. The dealer has not inspected the vehicle. A police report was filed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-07-24
Vehicle speed control
11% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal and linkages.
Electrical system
5% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing front underhood and alternator/generator/regulator.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle began to smoke from under the hood, then suddenly caught on fire. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-08
Power train
5% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing gear position indication (prndl) and clutch assembly.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1985-05-09Engineering analysisClosed 1989-07-11 Sudden acceleration
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R
1987-07-06Power train87V098000 Unintended acceleration may occur, for example, when shifting from the park position.
Remedy: Install a shift interlock system which prevents the transmission shift lever from being moved from the park position unless the brake pedal is depressed.
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I
1994-06-23Engineering analysisClosed 1995-11-08 Fuel injector assembly leakage
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R
1996-03-18Fuel system, gasoline95I006000 This is not a safety recall campaign in accordance with federal regulation 573. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. The campaign will replace the fuel injectors and…
Remedy: Nissan dealers will replace the fuel injectors and related hoses on the affected vehicles.
Buy-smart checklist
1985 Nissan 300ZX — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, gasoline: 49 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 16 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 8 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 87V098000 · Power train
- Recall 95I006000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1985 Nissan 300ZX reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1985 Nissan 300ZX?
- The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 64% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1985 Nissan 300ZX have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.