1986 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
- 59
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Fuel system, gasoline
Campaigns on file for 1986
Opened by NHTSA
58% of complaints
Complaints per year
1986: 59 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
58% · 34 reportsMost commonly citing fuel injection system and injectors.
Show complaint excerpts
The engine compartment burst into flames after I pulled into a store recall campaign #95I006000 was complied with though I have not touched anything.(Any repairs made) I can clearly see fuel shoot out of the hose between the injector supply tubes.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-05
Sitting at light vehicle stalled smoke came out of fan. Resulting in underhood fire. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-08
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
Fuel injection line ruptured, resulting in a fire. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-02
Vehicle speed control
14% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing linkages and cables.
Engine and engine cooling
14% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing exhaust system and engine.
Electrical system
7% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing interior/under dash and front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving, the check engine light flashed on the dashboard and all the electrical lights failed to come on. The driver smell smoke coming from the dashboard. The consumer was able to pull over . The vehicle caught fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-09-23
Seat belts
5% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing buckle 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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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
1994-02-22Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-06-23 Engine compartment fires
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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
1986 Nissan 300ZX — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, gasoline: 34 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 8 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 87V098000 · Power train
- Recall 95I006000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1986 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 1986 Nissan 300ZX?
- The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 58% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1986 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.