1987 Nissan 300ZX Problems
- Complaints
- 28filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 150,000miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl RWD · 15 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1987 Nissan 300ZX (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 28 consumer complaints for the 1987 Nissan 300ZX. The part named most often is fuel system, with 18 complaints (64% of the total), followed by electrical system (6) and brakes (1). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 150,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 19 a fire, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 3 technical service bulletins for this model year. Fuel system complaints overlap with 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system18 64%
- Electrical system6 21%
- Brakes1 3.6%
- Engine cooling1 3.6%
- Seat belts1 3.6%
Example complaints
Fuel system: “I have a strong fuel odor coming from my engine through my vents, and into the interior of my car. I was told by a mechanic that there was a recall on the fuel injection system of my car (1987 Nissan 300ZX). I would like to know if Nissan is still able to remedy the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10102894, filed 2004-12Electrical system: “Vehicle began misfiring and area dealership serviced for a week, while serviced mt. Kisco Nissan fixed recall, a month later vehicle hesitated not getting fuel which then resulted in a fire that started in garage. Please describe details.”
NHTSA complaint #802750, filed 1996-09Brakes: “Consumer states while going 25-30mph the brakes locked up when applying for a sudden stop causing the vehicle to skid. The skidding of the vehicle resulted to a rear end accident and the front end caught fire. The consumer noticed no ABS or brake warning lights indicating a malfunction. The dealer was informed. Please provide more information. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #8021032, filed 2002-10Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 150,000 and 150,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1987 Nissan 300ZX version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300ZX RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| 300ZX RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| 300ZX RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
| 300ZX RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| 300ZX 2x2 RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| 300ZX 2x2 RWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 87V098000Jul 6, 1987Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shiftCovers: Nissan 300ZX 1984–1987, 280Z 1979–1983
Unintended acceleration may occur, for example, when shifting from the park position.
Recall details for the 1987 Nissan 300ZX → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA94018Fuel injector assembly leakageClosed · Jun 23, 1994
- PE94018Engine compartment firesClosed · Feb 22, 1994
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 3 on record; the latest 3 are shown.
- 10031305Sep 30, 2010Tires. Nissan: tire pressure monitoring system (tpms) warning light on/flashing. No models or model years listed. *pe updated on 08-11-2011.
- 10032506Sep 13, 2010Equipment. Nissan: vent control valve replacement. When replacing the evap canister vent control valve for reason: use the one listed on page 2; for vent control valve replacement procedure, refer to the…
- 10030165Apr 6, 2009Electrical system. Nissan: the 12 volt battery is an important part of the vehicle electrical system and is required to stay connected when the engine is running. To prevent damage to vehicle electronic components…
Other model years of the Nissan 300ZX
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 12 | 112,128 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 12 | 124,000 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1990 | 19 | 80,500 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 9 | 181,000 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1988 | 25 | 151,296 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 28 | 150,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 59 | 163,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 75 | 144,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 42 | 169,501 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Nissan 300ZX model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1987 Nissan 300ZX have?
NHTSA recorded 28 consumer complaints for the 1987 Nissan 300ZX as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1987 Nissan 300ZX is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 18 complaints (64% of the total), followed by electrical system with 6.
Has the 1987 Nissan 300ZX been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1987 Nissan 300ZX get?
The EPA rates the 1987 Nissan 300ZX (300ZX, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1987 Nissan 300ZX reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 150,000 miles and the middle half falls between 150,000 and 150,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.