1987 Nissan 300ZX
Only 28 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 28
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1987
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1987: 28 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
Only 28 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Fuel system, gasoline
18 of 28 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing injectors and fuel injection system.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle started to smoke as driver was coming off of freeway and then burst into flames. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-09-21
Engine compartment fire, fuel injector component leaked gas and ignited fire. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-01
Make: Nissan model: 300ZX turbo year: 1987 recall number: 95I006000 after recently purchasing this vehicle, I learned about a major safety recall by Nissan in which all 84-89 Nissan 300ZX's had a problem with the fuel injection...
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-24
Electrical system
6 of 28 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving vehicle caught on fire underneath the hood.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-03-09
Shutting off ignition vehicle started to smoke and caught on fire. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-16
Service brakes
1 of 28 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Seat belts
1 of 28 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor.
Power train
1 of 28 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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
1992-06-02Engineering analysisClosed 1993-04-02 Heater core failure
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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
1987 Nissan 300ZX — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, gasoline: 18 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 87V098000 · Power train
- Recall 95I006000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1987 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 1987 Nissan 300ZX?
- The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 64% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1987 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.