1986 Nissan 300ZX

○ Not enough data

1986 Nissan 300ZX
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:03:38.830Z

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.

How is this computed?

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%

58% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 34 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel injection system and injectors.

FIRE INJURY

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, 20021105

SITTING AT LIGHT VEHICLE STALLED SMOKE CAME OUT OF FAN. RESULTING IN UNDERHOOD FIRE. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950308

Also filed under ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

FUEL INJECTION LINE RUPTURED, RESULTING IN A FIRE. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950302

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 14%

14% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing linkages and cables.

CRASH INJURY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 14%

14% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing exhaust system and engine.

FIRE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7%

7% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and front underhood.

FIRE

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, 20040923

SEAT BELTS 5%

5% of complaints: seat belts — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19870706 — power train

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

I 19940222 — PE (closed 19940623)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

I 19940623 — EA (closed 19951108)

FUEL INJECTOR ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE

R 19960318 — fuel system, gasoline

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

1986 Nissan 300ZX — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (34 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (8 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling 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 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.