1985 Nissan 300zx problems
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Common 1985 Nissan 300zx problems
The Nissan 300ZX, a popular sports car from the 1980s and 1990s, has been praised for its reliability and performance. However, like any vehicle, it is not immune to certain problems. Here are some common issues that Nissan 300ZX owners have reported, particularly for the 1985 model:
- Fuel Injectors May Fail and Cause Drivability Concerns: Fuel injectors are crucial for the proper functioning of the engine. When they fail, drivers may experience drivability concerns, such as difficulty starting the car, stalling, or poor acceleration. This issue can be caused by various factors, including the age of the vehicle, the quality of fuel used, and the condition of the engine.
- Exhaust Manifold Can Warp and Cause the Studs to Break Off: The exhaust manifold is a key component of the exhaust system. Over time, it can warp due to the intense heat generated by the engine. When this happens, the studs that hold the manifold in place may break off, causing the manifold to become loose or even detach from the engine. This can lead to a loss of power, increased emissions, and potential engine damage.
- Check PCV Valves: The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system is responsible for re-circulating gases from the crankcase back into the engine. A faulty PCV valve can cause a variety of issues, including reduced engine performance, increased oil consumption, and even engine damage. Regularly checking and replacing the PCV valve can help prevent these problems.
- Electrical Issues: Electrical problems are common in vehicles that have been sitting for an extended period. For the 1985 Nissan 300ZX, electrical issues may manifest as non-functioning lights, horns, or other electrical components. These problems can often be traced back to corroded or damaged wiring, which may require cleaning or replacement.
- Transmission Problems: Transmission issues are a common concern for many vehicles, including the 1985 Nissan 300ZX. Symptoms of transmission problems can include slipping, hesitation, or difficulty shifting. In some cases, these issues may be caused by worn or damaged components, such as seals and O-rings, which can degrade over time due to age and heat exposure. Transmission fluid that appears black or burnt may indicate that the transmission is in need of repair or replacement.
These are some of the most common problems reported by Nissan 300ZX owners. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent many of these issues, ensuring that the vehicle remains reliable and enjoyable to drive.
What problems does the 300ZX have?
Top Nissan 300ZX Problems
- Fuel Injectors May Fail and Cause Drivability Concerns. 21 people have reported this. ...
- Exhaust Manifold Can Warp and Cause the Studs to Break Off. 8 people have reported this. ...
- Check PCV valves if vehicle emits blue smoke. ...
- Air injection components may fail and cause vehicle to fail smog test.
Was the 300ZX a good car?
The 300ZX offered supercar-level performance at a significant discount to many of its rivals, although by the end of its production run, a strong yen had made it less of a bargain than it once was (via MotorTrend). Sales slumped, and the car was killed off in the U.S. in 1996, without an immediate successor.
What engine is in a 1985 300ZX?
NISSAN 300 ZX 3.0L V6 5MT RWD (170 HP)
| ENGINE SPECS - 3.0L V6 5MT RWD (170 HP) | |
|---|---|
| Torque: | 174 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM 236 Nm @ 4400 RPM |
| Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
| Fuel: | Gasoline |
| Fuel capacity: | 20.3 gallons (76.8 L) |
How much is an 85 300ZX worth?
Coupe
| 1985 Nissan 300ZX | Specs | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2+2 T-Bar Roof | Specs: 3.0L, Leaded Petrol, 3 SPEED AUTOMATIC | Price: $4,510 - $6,600 |
| 2+2 T-Bar Roof | Specs: 3.0L, Leaded Petrol, 5 SPEED MANUAL | Price: $4,290 - $6,270 |
1985 Nissan 300zx car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Nissan 300zx problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Nissan 300zx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1985 Nissan 300zx
The NHTSA has received 85 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Nissan 300zx. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1985 Nissan 300zx vehicles.
2015-07-13
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-13
- VIN: JN1HZ16S5FX
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I WAS TOLD THERE HAD BEEN A SAFETY RECALL FOR THE 1985 NISSAN 300ZX, SO I TRIED TO LOOK IT UP ONLINE WITHOUT SUCCESS, AND THEN CALLED NISSAN TO FIND OUT IF THE REPAIRS HAD EVER BEEN DONE, SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED AND HAVE NO REPAIR RECORDS. THEY SAID IF THE VEHICLE WAS MORE THAN 11 YEARS OLD, THEY "DE-ARCHIVE" THE DATA FROM THEIR DATABASE, AND THEREFORE MY VIN WILL NOT COME UP IN THEIR RECORDS. THEY SAID IT HAS NO "ACTIVE RECALLS" ON IT, BUT COULDN'T TELL ME IF THE REPAIRS FROM THE 2 RECALLS ON THAT MODEL HAD EVER BEEN DONE. IS THERE ANY WAY FOR ME TO FIND OUT IF THOSE REPAIRS WERE EVER DONE? I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR NOW, NOT KNOWING IF IT IS SAFE OR NOT, AND NISSAN WON'T HELP. THIS SEEMS LIKE A VERY POOR WAY OF OPERATING. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT IS LEGAL FOR THEM TO LOSE RECORDS ON CARS THEY HAVE RECALLED. THANKS FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE.
2009-11-14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-02-20
- VIN: JN1HZ14S5FX
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: NISSAN 300ZX 1985 ENGINE WIRING AND COMPONENT WIRING INTERIOR. WIRING IS BRITTLE, BECOMES HOT. AND BREAKS VERY EASY.THE ENGINE IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION RUNNING WISE , THE WIRING TO COMPONENTS BRITTLE BREAKS EASILY. I FEEL THAT THIS COULD BE A FIRE HAZARD. AND A SAFETY DEFECT. *TR
2008-07-25
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-25
- VIN: JN1HZ14S3FX
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1985 NISSAN 300ZX. THE CONTACT SMELLS A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FOLLOWED BY A HESITATION IN THE VEHICLE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES WERE LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 95I006000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM). THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO ASSUME FINANCIAL LIABILITY FOR THE REPAIR COST, WHICH EXCEEDED $2,000. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 145,000. UPDATED 11/14/08. *LJ UPDATED 11/18/08*JB
2007-07-31
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-05-11
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JN1HZ14S1FX
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1985 NISSAN 300ZX. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. HE OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE FUEL INJECTORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED RECALL NUMBER 95I006000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM), HOWEVER, THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THERE WERE NO SERVICE RECORDS AVAILABLE. AS OF JULY 31, 2007, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 199,849. UPDATED 09/05/07.*JB
2007-07-24
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-23
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JN1CZ14S7FX
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1985 NISSAN 300ZX. APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DESTROYED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED IN JANUARY OF 2007 UNDER RECALL NUMBER 95I006000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 168,000.
2003-07-28
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-28
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. *AK
2003-04-14
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-31
- VIN: JN1HZ16S5F2
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT AS STATED IN RECALL 95 I 006 000. REGARDING THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. *JB
2002-05-18
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-26
- VIN: JN1HZ14S7FX
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN BROUGHT INTO TWO NISSAN DEALERSHIPS FOUR OR MORE TIMES FOR THE SAME SAFETY DEFECT. IT HAS ALSO BEEN TO A "Z-DOCTOR" WHO WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR IT.THE CAR HESITATES AND THEN SURGES WHEN WARMING UP. NOW WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE ACCELERATOR WILL OCCASIONALLY STICK AT THE WIDE OPEN POSITION, WHICH IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I HAVE TO IMMEDIATELY DISENGAGE THE ENGINE FROM THE POWER TRAIN OR A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WILL RESULT. THE DEFROSTER/HEATER/A/C NOWS DOESN'T WORK (AFTER PICKING IT UP FROM THE DEALER). THE DEALER AND NISSAN OF NORTH AMERICA IS UNWILLING TO MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS, DESPITE IT BEING SUCH A SAFETY HAZARD.*AK
2001-11-06
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-10-31
- VIN: JN1CZ14S9FX
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: RECALL 95 I 006 000/FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM: CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER, WHO INFORMED CONSUMER THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN THIS RECALL. AFTER TAKING VEHICLE INTO DEALER SHOP FOR SECOND TIME, DEALER REFUSED TO DO RECALL REPAIRS. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS MATTER.*AK
2000-03-19
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-15
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JN1HZ16S7FX
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: FUEL LEAKS NEAR INJECTORS DOES NOT RUN PROPERLY.UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK POSITION. *AK
1999-08-20
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-05
- VIN: 1N1HZ14S6FX
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ACCELERATOR PEDAL LOCKED-UP / STUCK CAUSING ENGINE TO RACE. CONSUMER PUT VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL, DECELERATING, BUT THE PEDAL DIDN'T COME DOWN, REQUIRING MECHANIC TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. *AK *YC
1999-01-19
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: ALL FAILURES OCCURRED JUST AFTER THE FUEL INJECTION RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED IN LATE 1996. AFTER THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WAS REPLACED PER THE SAFETY RECALL, THE CAR WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO START IF THE WEATHER WAS HOT OR THE ENGINE WAS HOT FROM RUNNING. THE ENGINE FAILED A FEW MONTHS LATER IN FEB 1997. THE ORIGINAL FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM NEVER HAD FAILED AND I WAS EXPERIENCING NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. I ONLY HAD THE RECALL WORK PERFORMED BECAUSE I WAS TOLD IT WAS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE CAR HAS NOT WORKED PROPERLY SINCE THEN. THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM IN 1985 (NEW) WORKED ON THE CAR FOR OVER 2 YEARS, REPLACING MANY OTHER PARTS THAT NISSAN CORPORATION CLAIMED WAS THE CAUSE OF THE STARTING PROBLEMS. NONE OF THESE CHANGES FIXED THE PROBLEM. IN EXTREMELY HOT WEATHER THE NEWLY REPLACED ENGINE (COST: $4,200) DIED ON THE FREEWAY, AT FREEWAY SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH ON 3 OCCASIONS. AT THAT POINT, NISSAN REFUSED TO WORK ON THE CAR ANY MORE AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE IT DUE TO THE SAFETY HAZARD PRESENTED. I HAD TO BUY A USED CAR FOR TRANSPORTATION TO WORK. NISSAN CORPORATION CONTINUES TO DENY THE PROBLEMS ARE RELATED TO THE FUEL INJECTION RECALL CAMPAIGN WORK AND WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THE RECALL WORK.
1998-12-09
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-10
- Fire: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO A SPLIT INJECTOR CABLE AND A SPARK FROM THE BATTERY. I JUST HAD IT CHECKED OUT THAT SUMMER.
1998-03-25
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JN1HZ14SOFX
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: RACK AND PINION STEERING LEAKING.
1998-03-25
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-01
- VIN: JN1HZ14SOFX
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: FOG LIGHT BULB FAILED.
1998-02-04
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-01-02
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JN1CZ14SOFX
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FIRE CAUSING DAMAGE TO HOME, VEHICLE AND BUSINESS.
1997-11-25
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-30
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JN1HZ14S8FX
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE IGNITION OFF IT CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *AK
1997-09-30
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-07-01
- VIN: 1N1HZ16S8FX
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL INJECTORS FAILED.
1997-07-30
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-17
- VIN: JN1CZ14S3FX
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: RECALL REPAIR (95I-006) WAS COMPLETED AND FAILED CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO ENGINE. MJS
1997-03-11
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JN1CZ14SOFX
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE VEHICLE HAS CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO THE RECALL OF THE FUEL INJECTERS. THE OWNER JUST RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE ON MARCH 6, 1997 AND THE FIRE HAPPENED LAST YEAR. *AK
1997-03-11
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-10-30
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JNIHZ16SXFX
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THROTTLE BOOT BROKE AWAY AND BECAME LODGED WITHIN THE ACCELERATOR SYSTEM, SUDDEN ACCELERATION RESULTING IN VEHICLE ACCIDENT.(ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).
1996-12-11
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JN1HZ16S7FX
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM LEAK CAUSED FIRE.
1996-10-29
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JN1HZ1459FX
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL INJECTORS MALFUNCTIONED TWICE, ONCE CAUSING FIRE.
1996-10-18
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION RECALL REPAIR WORK NOT DONE TO THE SATISFACTION OF CONSUMER/NISSAN USED PART OF REIMBURSEMENT TO COVER THE WORK (87V-098). *AK
1996-10-18
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-12
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION INDICATOR/LEVER RECALL REPAIRS NOT FULLY COMPLETED/NISSAN USED DRIVER'S REIMBURSEMENT TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. (87V-098). *AK
1985 Nissan 300zx recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1985 Nissan 300zx.
1995-11-01
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 RELATED HOSES OF AFFECTED VEHICLES WHICH COULD LEAK.
- Consequence: FUEL LEAKS IN THE ENGINE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: NISSAN DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
1987-07-06
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
- Summary: UNINTENDED ACCELERATION MAY OCCUR, FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN SHIFTING FROM THE PARK POSITION.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Nissan 300zx problems:
Known problems with 85 300zx turbo | ZCar Forum
https://www.zcar.com/threads/known-problems-with-85-300zx-turbo.136737/
May 8, 2002 ... Known problems with 85 300zx turbo · 1) injector leaking recall - all cars recallable · 2) reliability is good.. things are old and need to be ...
1985 Nissan 300ZX Reviews - Carsurvey.org
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/nissan/300zx/1985/
Aug 15, 2010 ... Faults: Engine fire from leaky injector. Countless electrical failures and intermittent issues. Cooling system corroded.
Advice on a 1985 Nissan 300zx : r/cars
https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/6iy6r4/advice_on_a_1985_nissan_300zx/
Jun 23, 2017 ... ... common problems involving the model like electrical, mechanical etc. Archived post. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast ...
1985 300ZX electrical problems | Nissan Forum
https://www.nissanforums.com/threads/1985-300zx-electrical-problems.82792/
Jan 19, 2005 ... I just bought a '85 300ZX non-turbo 2+2 about 6 weeks ago and it appears to have developed some electrical issues which I'm hoping are ...
1985 Nissan 300ZX with Transmission Problems - Maintenance ...
https://community.cartalk.com/t/1985-nissan-300zx-with-transmission-problems/65354
Jun 11, 2011 ... You should also consider that the transmission, unless it's been rebuilt in the past, has rubber seals and O-rings in there that are a quarter ...
Other years of Nissan 300zx
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