Affordable Japanese sports car with excellent value and driver engagement. The VQ37VHR V6 is robust and reliable, capable of exceeding 200,000 km with proper maintenance. However, early models (2009-2014) suffer from notorious clutch slave cylinder failures, steering lock malfunctions, and oil galley gasket issues. The 2015-2020 models are significantly more reliable with resolved CSC and gasket issues. Track-focused buyers beware of fuel starvation problems during hard cornering. Avoid 2010 model year due to highest complaint rate.
Internal clutch slave cylinder fails from heat, clutch pedal drops to floor · more· less
The infamous CSC issue affects 2009-2017 manual transmission 370Zs. The thin aluminum concentric slave cylinder is positioned inside the transmission bellhousing where excessive heat causes it to develop cracks and leak. Symptoms include clutch pedal going soft or sticking to the floor. This is so widespread that owners filed a class-action lawsuit against Nissan. In April 2013, Nissan issued TSB for hydraulic fluid change, but failures continued. Replacement requires full transmission removal (€1,500-2,000 labor) or aftermarket CSC delete kit like ZSpeed CMAK V3 (€550 parts + €600-800 installation). Post-2018 models use upgraded Exedy clutch with significantly improved reliability. Budget €600-800 for preventive CMAK installation or €2,000-2,500 for emergency CSC replacement.
Paper gaskets under timing cover disintegrate, causing oil pressure drop and engine damage · more· less
Affects 2009-2012 models exclusively. Two oil galley gaskets (T-shaped and L-shaped) seal the timing cover to engine block. Poor gasket design causes sudden failure without warning, triggering P0011 and P0021 codes plus limp mode. Oil pressure drops from normal 15 psi idle to dangerous 5 psi levels. Requires removing timing cover, chain, guides, and tensioner. Parts cost €300-500 including upgraded metal composite gaskets. Labor is 8-10 hours at €80-100/hour = €640-1,000. Total repair €1,500-2,000 at independent specialist, up to €2,500 at dealer. Nissan revised gasket design post-2012, making this largely a non-issue on 2013+ models. If buying pre-2013, verify this repair was completed or budget for it immediately.
Steering wheel won't unlock, preventing car from starting - worst on 2010-2011 models · more· less
The 2010 model year has the most complaints regarding this issue, labeled the worst year for 370Z by CarComplaints.com. The ESCL fails due to excessive internal oil in the assembly. Car won't start because steering lock won't disengage, leaving drivers stranded. Nissan issued Voluntary Service Campaign P3208 for affected 2009-2010 vehicles (no time/mileage limit), but 2012+ cars aren't eligible. Temporary fix: tap the ESCL module with phone or hammer to dislodge stuck components. Permanent solutions: 1) Replace with updated part 48700-1NC3A (€650-950 dealer, €300-400 parts-only), 2) Install Altima/Maxima delete kit part 48708-9N00A (under €100), or 3) Pull fuse #46 to disable lock permanently. Nissan removed steering locks from mid-2011 production onwards. Preventive fuse removal recommended for 2009-2011 models before failure occurs.
Fuel starvation during spirited driving€0 - €1,200
Saddle-bag fuel tank design causes fuel pickup loss in hard right turns · more· less
The 370Z has a dual-chamber saddle-bag fuel tank with insufficient baffling. During aggressive cornering or track use, fuel sloshes away from the pump pickup, causing engine to sputter and stall even with 75% full tank. Most problematic in long right-hand sweepers. Not a failure - it's a design limitation. Free workaround: keep tank above 3/4 during spirited driving. Permanent fixes: Z1 Motorsports Anti-Starvation Kit (€600-800 parts + installation) transfers fuel from left sump to OEM pump basket, or Radium Engineering Fuel Hanger Surge Tank (€1,000-1,200) creates internal surge tank. Track-focused owners should budget for one of these kits. Daily drivers rarely encounter this issue unless driving very aggressively on public roads.
Water pump failure€600 - €1,400
Electric water pump typically fails around 100,000-130,000 km · more· less
The VQ37VHR uses an electric water pump integrated into the timing cover, driven by the timing chain rather than accessory belt. Common failure window is 100,000-130,000 km. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, or poor cabin heating. Part costs €400-500 due to integrated electric design. Labor is substantial because pump is inside timing cover - requires partial engine disassembly. Independent shop labor: €600-800 (6-8 hours). Dealer labor: €900-1,100. Total cost €1,000-1,400 at independent, up to €1,600 at dealer. This is a wear item rather than defect. When replacing, consider doing oil galley gaskets simultaneously if pre-2013 model since timing cover must be removed anyway.
Catalytic converter clogging€1,200 - €1,800
High exhaust temps burn internal honeycomb structure, typically after 120,000 km · more· less
The VQ37VHR generates very high exhaust gas temperatures that can damage catalytic converter internals. The honeycomb ceramic structure inside cats burns and breaks down, causing clogs as early as 120,000 km. Symptoms include loss of power, poor throttle response, check engine light with catalyst efficiency codes. Back-pressure test confirms clog. OEM catalytic converters cost €1,400-1,700 per side (car has two). Aftermarket high-flow cats available for €600-900 per side. Labor for replacement: €300-500. Many track-oriented owners delete cats entirely and install test pipes, but this makes vehicle illegal for street use in most European countries. Budget €1,200-1,500 for aftermarket cats or €1,700-2,200 for OEM replacement per side.
Excessive oil consumption€200 - €400/year
VQ engines consume 1 quart per 1,500-2,500 km, especially on high-mileage or 2009-2010 cars · more· less
Nissan released TSB NTB10-090 in July 2010 acknowledging oil consumption issues on 2009-2010 VQ37VHR engines built before April 5, 2010. High-mileage VQ engines (150,000+ km) commonly consume 1 liter per 1,500-2,500 km. This is characteristic behavior rather than a defect. The consumption doesn't cause long-term damage if oil is topped up regularly. Check oil every fuel fill-up - if low oil isn't caught, timing chain problems develop rapidly. Annual cost: approximately 4-8 liters extra oil at €25-50 per liter = €200-400/year additional oil purchases. Use Nissan-spec 5W-30 oil. 2013+ models with revised gaskets have improved but still consume more than typical engines. White smoke with consumption indicates serious internal wear requiring engine attention.
Rear axle nut clicking noise€50 - €2,000
Castle nut and retainer loosen despite cotter pin, causing click when reversing · more· less
Common on early 370Z models. The rear axle castle nut and its retainer gradually stretch and loosen over time, creating play in the axle. Results in distinct clicking noise from rear wheels during direction changes (reverse to forward). Nissan issued TSB 04-065 recommending outer axle joint replacement. DIY fix: grease the axle splines with brake caliper grease without full removal (€50 parts). Proper fix requires new castle nut, washers, and possibly axle joint replacement. Parts: €100-200. Labor: 1.5-2 hours = €150-250. Some dealers covered under warranty. If axle threads are damaged during repair, full rear axle replacement required - one owner reported €2,000 quote for both rear axles at dealer. Check for clicking noise during test drive when reversing. Budget €200-400 for proper repair at independent shop.
Exhaust system rust and corrosion€800 - €3,000
Stock exhaust not durable, rusts quickly especially in coastal or winter salt areas · more· less
Nissan didn't design the 370Z with the most durable stock exhaust system. Known failure point that gradually rusts, particularly for owners in snow-prone regions with road salt or coastal areas. Exhaust pipes, mufflers, and manifolds all susceptible. Exhaust pipe replacement: €2,900-3,000. Muffler replacement: €940-1,000. Manifold replacement: €1,070-1,300. Manifold gasket: €350-700. Most owners opt for aftermarket exhaust systems (€800-2,000) which offer better durability, weight savings, and sound improvement. Popular options: ISR, Motordyne, Invidia, Fast Intentions. If buying used 370Z in Netherlands/coastal Europe, thoroughly inspect exhaust for rust perforation, especially if car has 100,000+ km or is 8+ years old. Budget €1,000-1,500 for quality aftermarket cat-back system to replace rusty stock exhaust.
Reliable engine, but several expensive failure-prone components
The VQ37VHR engine itself is extremely reliable and capable of 300,000+ km with proper maintenance. However, surrounding components have well-documented issues. Early models (2009-2014) suffer from CSC failures, steering lock problems, and oil galley gasket issues that can total €3,000-5,000 in repairs. The 2015-2020 models significantly improved reliability with updated parts. Buy 2015+ for best reliability, or buy 2009-2014 only if CSC delete and oil galley gaskets have been addressed. Budget €1,500-3,000 for deferred maintenance on older examples.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes every 6,000 km or 6 months. VQ engines require frequent oil changes due to high oil consumption.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear. Rear tires wear significantly faster. OEM sizes: 245/40R18 front, 275/35R18 rear (base) or 245/40R19 front, 285/35R19 rear (Sport).
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for timing chain rattle, ticking, or unusual noises. VQ engines should be quiet on startup.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds to get transmission and differential to full operating temperature. Test in Sport mode if equipped.
Body condition
Check for accident damage, paint mismatch, panel gaps. These are sports cars often driven hard - look for signs of track use or modifications.
Specific for this vehicle
Test clutch pedal feel thoroughly (manual transmission)
The clutch pedal should return fully and feel consistent. If it feels spongy, sticks halfway, or stays on floor, CSC is failing. Test with car fully warmed up. This is the #1 failure point on manual 370Zs. Ask if CSC delete/CMAK has been installed.
Verify steering lock operates or has been disabled
On 2009-2011 models, check if steering lock engages/disengages smoothly when starting. Many owners disable it by pulling fuse #46 or installing delete kit. Ask owner if this has been addressed. Try starting the car from cold multiple times.
Check engine oil level and consumption history
Oil should be between MIN and MAX on dipstick. Ask owner how often they top up oil between changes. 1 liter per 2,000-3,000 km is acceptable. White smoke from exhaust is bad sign. Check for oil leaks around timing cover.
Listen for rear clicking noise when reversing
Back the car up a few meters, then drive forward. Listen for clicking from rear wheels during direction change. Common issue but inexpensive to fix if caught early. Severe clicking may indicate worn CV joints.
Verify oil galley gasket repair completed (2009-2012 models)
For pre-2013 cars, ask if oil galley gaskets were replaced. Check service records for timing cover removal. If not done, budget €1,500-2,000 immediately. 2013+ models have updated gaskets from factory.
Inspect exhaust system for rust and leaks
Get under the car and visually inspect entire exhaust from manifolds to tips. Look for rust perforation, especially on cars from coastal or winter salt areas. Tap exhaust gently - excessive rust will flake off.
Check for modification quality
Many 370Zs are modified. If modified, verify quality of work. Poorly installed aftermarket parts can cause issues. Stock is preferable unless mods are documented and professional.
Test HVAC and check for coolant leaks
Ensure cabin heater works properly. Poor heating can indicate water pump issues. Check coolant level and look for leaks around water pump area (front of engine, timing cover).
Verify VIN for recall completion
Check with Nissan dealer using VIN to confirm all recalls completed, especially steering lock recall (campaign P3208) and any Takata airbag recalls. Some recalls have no time/mileage limits.
Contact a Nissan dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls completed. The steering lock recall (P3208) has no time or mileage limit. TSBs are not recalls - dealer may charge for TSB repairs if out of warranty. The 370Z has 68 technical service bulletins covering various issues. Check online TSB databases for your specific model year.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years / 100,000 km)Expired on all Z34 models
Powertrain warranty (5 years / 100,000 km)Expired on 2009-2019 models
Emissions warranty (8 years / 130,000 km EU)May still apply to 2017+ models
All 370Zs are now outside original factory warranty. Some dealers may offer extended warranty programs for used vehicles, but carefully review exclusions - many don't cover common 370Z issues like CSC, steering lock, or oil consumption. European emissions warranty may still cover catalytic converters on newer examples. Independent extended warranty providers available but read fine print carefully.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.