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 PER YEAR
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.
64% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 49 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel injection system and injectors.
FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20070731
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE; CAUSED BY LEAKAGE FROM FUEL INJECTOR HOSE; SPEED 35 MPH; NO WARNING. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950210
FUEL INJECTION FAILURE CAUSED ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950110
21% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and exhaust system.
FIREShow 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, 20070724
11% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal and linkages.
CRASH FIRE INJURY5% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front underhood and alternator/generator/regulator.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD, THEN SUDDENLY CAUGHT ON FIRE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950208
5% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gear position indication (prndl) and clutch assembly.
SAFETY TIMELINE
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
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.
Campaign 87V098000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL INJECTOR ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE
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 RE
Remedy: NISSAN DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Campaign 95I006000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1985 Nissan 300ZX — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (49 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V098000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 95I006000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.