1988 Nissan 300ZX
Only 25 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 25 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 25
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1988
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1988: 25 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 25 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Fuel system, gasoline
17 of 25 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel injection system and injectors.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 1988 Nissan 300ZX. While driving 20 MPH, the contact smelled gas fumes and noticed smoke rising under the hood. He pulled over, opened the hood, and flames erupted from the engine compartment.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-11-15
The fuel injectors caught fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-07-12
The fuel injectors caught fire with out warning. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-09
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 25 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.
Fuel/propulsion system
2 of 25 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
The car would lose power when you hit the gas. Wouldn't die but would sputter and then the battery would die
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-30
Also filed under Power train and engine
Fuel injector leaked and car caught fire while driving I almost blew up in the car reported it to Nissan and told them there was a recall on this and they refused to fix it.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-10-02
Electrical system
2 of 25 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash and front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
Electrical short caused under dash fire. Please provide details. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-23
Power train
1 of 25 total reports mentions: power train.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1994-02-22Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-06-23 Engine compartment fires
-
I
1994-06-23Engineering analysisClosed 1995-11-08 Fuel injector assembly leakage
-
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
1988 Nissan 300ZX — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, gasoline: 17 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 95I006000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1988 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 1988 Nissan 300ZX?
- The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 68% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1988 Nissan 300ZX have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.