2004 Nissan 350Z Problems
- Complaints
- 144filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 16,361miles, 107 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl RWD · 18 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Nissan 350Z (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2004 Nissan 350Z most often describe premature and uneven front tire wear, usually reported at low mileage and often with a roaring or growling noise from the front end. Owners say the tire noise and feathering return after alignment and tire replacement. Other frequently reported subjects include a fuel gauge and refueling difficulty, warning lights that stay lit on the airbag system, and early clutch or automatic transmission concerns.
- Suspension
Front tire cupping/feathering and road noise
- 48 complaints (33%)
- median 12,000 mi at 1.4 yrs old (32 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2004–2008
Owners describe the inside edges of the front tires wearing unevenly into a cupped or feathered pattern, often with a loud roar or growl that gets worse over time and is loudest while braking at low speeds. Dealers reportedly told owners the front end needed an alignment and new tires, sometimes stating the factory alignment had not been set correctly. Several owners report the noise and wear came back after new tires and alignment, and some said the dealer or manufacturer would not cover replacement outside a limited period. A bulletin from the manufacturer addresses excessive front tire roar or growl noise when braking at speeds under 30 mph. Most reports came in between roughly 6,000 and 20,000 miles, often within the first year of ownership.
What to check: Inspect the inner edges of the front tires for cupping or feathering and listen for a roar while braking below 30 mph. Ask whether an alignment was done and whether the tires have been replaced more than once.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2004 Nissan 350Z, front tires roar while driving down road. Took vehicle in for service and the service manager says we need new tires and it will cost $650. I stated, this is a new car and we didn't do anything to wear the front tires out. He says to call Nissan. Now I am finding out that this is an on-going problem with these cars and Nissan has not addressed it (yet). We cannot afford to by new tires every year.”
NHTSA complaint #10102197, filed 2004-12, 10,000 miles“Tire feathering problem which Nissan is aware of but will do nothing to correct only a band-air. They say have the car realigned to there specs which I did at 17,0000 miles and the problem is back after 500 miles. I 'm now told the front tires are worn out. Nissan or dealership will not replace my tires because of the in service date of my car as to when the service bulletin came out. It was 36 months I was told it was up in sept. …”
NHTSA complaint #10209376, filed 2007-11, 16,800 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light on or airbag not deploying
- 16 complaints (11%)
- median 61,224 mi at 6.9 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2006–2022
Owners report the airbag warning light staying lit or flashing, sometimes after the system was previously serviced, and dealers quoting several hundred to over a thousand dollars to replace modules and sensors. Some say the dealer could not find the cause or that the manufacturer declined help outside warranty. A few owners describe airbags that did not deploy in a collision, or deployed without a crash. Mostly reported between about 16,000 and 116,000 miles, with no consistent climate or driving pattern.
What to check: Turn the ignition on and confirm the airbag light comes on briefly and then goes out. Ask for records of any airbag sensor or module service, and note that manufacturers' bulletins cover safe servicing of the system rather than a repair for this symptom.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Recently driving my Nissan 350Z along a highway, the airbags for no reason, deployed on their own. It was sheer luck that I wasn't killed. You would think Nissan would take responsibility for this problem with their airbags, but no! Nissan won't fix the car until I sign a legal release letter so they can't be sued.”
NHTSA complaint #10157759, filed 2006-05, 15,100 miles“Two car accident on 5/29/10 at 5:12 p.m. On interstate I-40 westbound at sara road, candian county, oklahoma. During highly congested traffic, I rear-ended a 2007 buick enclave with my 2004 Nissan 350 z at approximately 45 MPH. The passenger airbag deployed, but the drivers airbag did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #10322976, filed 2010-03, 96,000 miles - Fuel system
Fuel gauge reads wrong or fluctuates
- 11 complaints (8%)
- median 66,750 mi at 6.0 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2006–2013
Owners report the fuel gauge showing empty when the tank still has fuel, or dropping to empty and then drifting back up while driving. Some say they have run out of gas as a result, and others describe the gauge fluctuating between levels after refueling. Owners who took the car in were told by dealers that the whole instrument cluster or the fuel level sensor needed replacement, or that the concern could not be reproduced. Reports appear across the range from very low mileage up to about 75,000 miles.
What to check: Before buying, fill the tank and watch whether the gauge settles at full and holds steady below half. Ask whether the fuel level sensor or instrument cluster has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 2004 Nissan 350Z touring edition, I been having a problem with the gas gauge from what I have noticed is when the gauge is below the half it starts fluctuating from e to about a 1/4 or even to 1/2 tank. When I turn the car on and off it starts off at empty and will slowly make it way up to what ever it wants this problem has been going on with these car for a number of years but nothing has been done from Nissan. …”
NHTSA complaint #10330137, filed 2010-05, 65,000 miles“The fuel gauge en the speedoometer does not tell the correct amount of gas in the car. It says there is fuel when the care is actually empty causing me to get out of gas for several times. I took it to the dealership and they told me the only way to repare it is to change the whole speedometer, and that the cost of it is almost a $1,000.00. This is a lot of trouble for me because I have to fill up the car every 2 to 3 days so the car doesn,t leave me with out fuel.”
NHTSA complaint #10216768, filed 2008-02, 1,000 miles - Fuel system
Fuel tank difficult or slow to fill
- 10 complaints (7%)
- median 49,000 mi at 5.3 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- filed 2005–2024
Owners describe the fuel nozzle clicking off repeatedly before the tank is full, or fuel overflowing out of the filler neck onto the body. Some say they can only add a few gallons when the gauge reads empty, which they link to frustration on longer trips. One owner also reported a fuel leak at the filler neck found during refueling. Several manufacturer service bulletins address a fuel tank that is slow or difficult to fill. Reports came from about 10,000 miles up to over 100,000 miles, with no clear weather or age pattern.
Recall 05V5550003 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask to refuel the car yourself during a test drive and see whether the nozzle shuts off early. Check the filler neck and hose area for cracks or fuel smell, and ask whether recall 05V555000 was performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I can't fill up no more then 5 gallons when the gas gauge is reading empty. The gas tank will refuse fuel and overflow out of the filler causing it to get all over the body. I hate to make frequent stops for gas again and again.. I searched on multiple forums and there are a lot of people that are going through the same issue with there cars and even the newer models which is ridiculous. I think this technical issue should be resolved.”
NHTSA complaint #10217857, filed 2008-02, 49,000 miles“The contact's girlfriend owns a 2004 Nissan 350Z. The contact stated that upon refueling the gas tank, a large amount of gasoline began to leak out from the gas tank and underneath the vehicle. The contact also stated that upon entering the vehicle, a strong fuel odor began to emit from the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to his home. The contact called the dealer and they informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11433022, filed 2021-09, 115,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Clutch and automatic transmission concerns
- 16 complaints (11%)
- median 9,200 mi at 1.8 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- filed 2004–2015
Some owners describe the clutch and flywheel failing at very low mileage, with the dealer replacing them at the owner's expense after some back and forth. Others report an automatic transmission making a loud thump around a certain mileage and shifting oddly or refusing to accelerate, with dealers describing it as normal. One owner noted repeated clutch replacement and another mentioned the top gear or shifter not downshifting reliably. Reported mostly under about 35,000 miles, often within the first year or two of ownership.
What to check: Drive the car from a stop and through the gears, listening for a thump on engagement or slipping under acceleration. Ask whether the clutch has been replaced and whether the transmission or its control module was serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Large thuump noise developed around 8000 miles on automatic tranmission of my 2004 350Z. It has been taken to 2 dealers. Both say it is perfectly normal. We test drove 4 other 350Z's and none of them to what my car does. The dealer refuses to fix it and Nissan corp. Says they will help, but continue to ignore my calls and hang up on me.”
NHTSA complaint #10086564, filed 2004-08, 8,000 miles“My 2004 roadster has been making brake noise after the first 1000 miles,the tip tronic shifter does not down shift all the time and the dealer insists this is normal and refuses to even investigate the problems. I also heard about a class action suit against Nissan for faulty suspension and brakes, is this true?”
NHTSA complaint #10086759, filed 2004-08, 1,000 miles
Buying note. Check the front tires, airbag warning light and fuel gauge carefully, since those are the subjects owners of this model year raise most often. Ask for service records covering alignment, tire replacement and any airbag or transmission work before deciding.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 144 consumer complaints for the 2004 Nissan 350Z. 107 of the complaints include a mileage, and 78% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 16,361 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 8 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 54 technical service bulletins for this model year.
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.
- Suspension32 22%
- Tires32 22%
- Fuel system23 16%
- Air bags18 13%
- Engine cooling9 6.3%
- Body and structure8 5.6%
- Electrical system4 2.8%
- Wheels4 2.8%
- Brakes3 2.1%
Also reported: Engine (3), Equipment (3), Seat belts (3), Steering (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Other or unknown (2), Electronic stability control (1), Exterior lighting (1), Seats (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Suspension: “Front end mis-aligned at factory causing severe cupping of front tires at 13,000 miles. Friend had same problem. I had car into dealer 2 weeks before. Dealer did not say anything in spite of safety check. Matter of time before a blowout. After I found the problem, dealer aligned front end and pro-rated replacement tires. I wrote a letter to Nissan. Customer service says no recall planned. Very dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #10214942, filed 2008-01, 13,363 milesTires: “I purchased 4 new tires for my 2004 Nissan 350Z, they are the falken pro g5 sport a/s tires p225/45r18 on the front. 245/45/r18 on the rear on 2/06/19 the mileage in was 16,292. On 1/15/20 I took the car out and the car was bouncing all over the road, I took it back to discount tires in las vegas nevada on that same day and they said it was the balance of the tires. When the technician tried to balance the tires he said they are off by over 1 ounce. Another tech came and tried to balance the tires and found a bulge on all 4 tires and opted to replace them all,I only had 69 miles on the tires! …”
NHTSA complaint #11300304, filed 2020-01, 16,361 milesFuel system: “The gas gauge does not show full when the tank is full. This is caused by faulty sensors in the two tanks which Nissan refuses to admit. I along with hundreds of others on online forums have had this issue and have to spend money out of our pockets although this is clearly a defect. It seems to be with the 2003/2004 models. It causes the drivers to not know how much gas is in the tank and at times leaving them stranded because the gas has ran out.”
NHTSA complaint #10533352, filed 2013-08, 80,000 milesAir bags: “I bought a 2004 z350 and I bought it on mother's day last month and I got the car in the abarat was already on the car the light was already on when I purchased a car from a dealership and I was told that it was against the law to sell a car with the airbag light on.”
NHTSA complaint #11221363, filed 2019-06, 135,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
78% of the 107 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 9,000 and 41,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2004 Nissan 350Z 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350z RWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 18 | 24 | 20 | $4,100 |
| 350z RWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $4,350 |
| 350z Roadster RWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,100 |
| 350z Roadster RWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $4,350 |
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
- 05V555000Dec 13, 2005Fuel system, gasolineCovers: Nissan 350Z 2003–2004, Infiniti FX35 2003–2006, FX45 2003–2006 +1 more
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, the fuel filler hose may crack and result in fuel leakage from the hose while refueling.
Recall details for the 2004 Nissan 350Z → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
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. 54 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001191Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023Electrical system. SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid…
- 10239060Jun 16, 2023Electrical system. 12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V…
- 10235707Apr 27, 2023Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Nissan 350Z
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 5 | 9,600 | 0 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 24 | 31,932 | 1 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
| 2007 | 73 | 26,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 53 | 26,000 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 83 | 36,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 144 | 16,361 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 275 | 12,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
All Nissan 350Z model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Nissan 350Z?
Owners of the 2004 Nissan 350Z most often describe premature and uneven front tire wear, usually reported at low mileage and often with a roaring or growling noise from the front end. The issues reported most often: Front tire cupping/feathering and road noise; Airbag warning light on or airbag not deploying; Fuel gauge reads wrong or fluctuates.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Nissan 350Z have?
NHTSA recorded 144 consumer complaints for the 2004 Nissan 350Z as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Nissan 350Z is reported most often?
Suspension is named most often, in 32 complaints (22% of the total), followed by tires with 32.
Has the 2004 Nissan 350Z 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 2004 Nissan 350Z get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Nissan 350Z (350z, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 18 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,100 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Nissan 350Z reported?
Among the 107 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 16,361 miles and the middle half falls between 9,000 and 41,000 miles; 78% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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.