1987 Nissan 300zx problems

nissan logo
1987 Nissan 300zx

Social links

Common 1987 Nissan 300zx problems

Based on the information gathered from various sources regarding the Nissan 300ZX 1987, here are some common problems reported by owners:

  • Timing Belt Maintenance: The 1987 Nissan 300ZX has a VG30 interference engine, meaning that if the timing belt fails, it can lead to significant engine damage due to interference between pistons and valves. Regular maintenance of the timing belt, including replacement at recommended intervals, is crucial to prevent costly engine repairs .
  • Leaking T-Top Weatherstripping: Owners have reported leaks from the T-top weatherstripping, which can lead to water ingress and potential interior damage. Replacing the weatherstripping can help prevent leaks and maintain the car's condition .
  • Distributor and Coil Issues: Some owners have experienced problems with the distributor and coil, leading to engine performance issues. Replacing these components when necessary can help ensure smooth engine operation and reliability.
  • Suspension Components: Issues with struts and suspension components have been highlighted by owners. Replacing worn-out suspension parts can improve ride quality, handling, and overall driving experience.
  • General Wear and Tear: Due to the age of the vehicle, general wear and tear on components like tires, rims, and paint may require attention. Regular maintenance and replacement of worn parts can help keep the car in optimal condition and enhance its longevity.

By addressing these common problems proactively through regular maintenance, timely repairs, and part replacements, owners of the Nissan 300ZX 1987 can ensure the continued reliability and performance of their vehicles.

1987 Nissan 300zx engine

Is a 1987 Nissan 300ZX a good car?

Solid sports car!

Great for going out for a cruise, gets great gas mileage for an 87 sports car. T-tops add a cool/fun feature, overall great sports car that you can find for cheap compared to others.

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 1987 300ZX?

Z32
Engine3.0 L VG30DE V6 3.0 L VG30DETT twin-turbo V6
Transmission5-speed RS5R30A manual 4-speed RE4R01A Automatic 4-speed RE4R03A automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,450 mm (96.5 in) 2+0 2,550 mm (100.4 in) 2+2

1987 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
  • Electrical system problems
  • Seat belts problems
  • Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Nissan 300zx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1987 Nissan 300zx

The NHTSA has received 30 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Nissan 300zx. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1987 Nissan 300zx vehicles.

2004-12-16

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-12-12
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED CONSUMER NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. SMELLED GASOLINE COMING FROM THE REAR. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED.*AK
2004-12-13

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-12-13
  • VIN: JN1HZ16S3HX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: 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. *AK
2004-03-09

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-03-03
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. *AK
2003-05-24

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-05-13
  • VIN: JN1CZ14S3HX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: MAKE: NISSAN MODEL: 300ZX TURBO YEAR: 1987 RECALL NUMBER: 95I006000 AFTER RECENTLY PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE, I LEARNED ABOUT A MAJOR SAFETY RECALL BY NISSAN IN WHICH ALL 84-89 NISSAN 300ZX'S HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, WHICH RESULTS IN THE CARS CATCHING FIRE. I IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT IT TO SHOWCASE NISSAN, IN BOURNE MASSACHUSETTS (508-759-4400) TO HAVE THE RECALL WORK PERFORMED. THEY CHECKED MY VIN NUMBER, AND AFTER CONFIRMING THAT MY CAR WAS COVERED UNDER THAT RECALL WE SET AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE WORK PERFORMED. A FEW DAYS AFTER DROPPING THE CAR OFF I CALLED THEM TO FIND OUT THE STATUS. I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE WRITER THAT MY CAR HAS HAD THE MOTOR REPLACED AND THE MOTOR THAT IS IN IT HAS TOP-FEED INJECTORS WHICH ARE NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. I FOUND THIS ODD SINCE ALL THE YEARS OF THE MOTOR THAT ARE IN MY CAR (VG30ET) HAVE THIS PROBLEM, AND ARE COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY. SO I CALLED THE NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER TO ASK THEM WHY MY CAR WOULDN'T BE COVERED. THE PERSON I SPOKE WITH TOLD ME HE WOULD HAVE TO LOOK INTO IT AND GIVE ME A CALL BACK AFTER HE SPOKE WITH SHOWCASE NISSAN. LATER THAT DAY HE CALLED ME, CONFIRMING WHAT THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME ABOUT MY TYPE OF INJECTORS NOT HAVING THAT PROBLEM. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, I WAS ABLE TO CONFIRM FROM A FEW DIFFERENT RELIABLE SOURCES THAT WHAT I WAS TOLD BY THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP WAS A LOAD OF CRAP. I AM TROUBLED BY THIS AS MY CAR CAN BURST INTO FLAMES AT ANY MOMENT, AND NISSAN IS TAKING THIS AS A GAME, IT IS NOT. *NLM
2002-10-17

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-10-08
  • Crash: 1
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JN1HZ16SXHX
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: 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
2002-08-15

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-07-26
  • VIN: JN1CZ14S2HX
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON THE BELTWAY COMING HOME FROM WORK. I WAS ABOUT A MILE FROM MY HOME WHEN MY CAR WOULDN'T PULL UP THE HILL. NO MATTER HOW HARD I TRIED IT JUST DIDN'T HAVE ANY PULL. I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ON THE TRANSMISSION SO I JUST WENT AND HAD ANOTHER TRANSMISSION PUT IN WHICH IS NOT WORKING EITHER. IT HAS NO POWER AND THIS IS A TURBO ENGINE CAN YOU LET ME KNOW WHAT CAN BE DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE I CAN NOT DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE IT WON'T EVEN GET OUT OF ITS OWN WAY.*AK
1999-10-20

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-08-22
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: PLEASE ADD
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: AFTER FILLING GAS TANK, VEHICLE EXPERIENCED NOISE WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1RST TO 2ND GEAR WHICH CAUSED A LOUD EXPLOSION IN ENGINE RESULTING IN FIRE. *YC
1999-03-25

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-12-15
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JN1HZ14S0HX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: MY NAME IS ANNETTE, I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM JAMES SIPPLE ON A PAYMENT PLAN. WHEN PAYMENT WAS RECEIVED IN FULL, JAMES SIPPLE WOULD THEN SIGN OVER PINK SLIP. 2 MONTHS LATER IT CAUGHT FIRE. THEN I HEARD THAT THE CAR HAD BEEN RECALLED DUE TO BAD INJECTORS. I HAVE SPOKE WITH 4 DIFFERENT PEOPLE AT NISSAN AND GOT DIFFERENT STORIES BY ALL 4. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A CAR FOR ALMOST 3 MONTHS. ESTIMATE I RECEIVED FROM NISSAN OF GARDEN GROVE IS $7,800 PLUS I OWE THEM $150 FOR THE TOW AND ESTIMATE CHARGES. NISSAN LOST ALL MY PAPER WORK I SENT IN. I ORIGINALLY SPOKE WITH A WOMAN AND TOLD HER I DIDNT HAVE "COPIES" OF THE REPAIR ORDERS, BUT HAD ALL THE ORIGINALS FROM 1987 WHEN THE CAR WAS BUILT. SHE SAID SEND THEM IN AND WE WILL GET THEM BACK TO YOU. TODAY IS MARCH 25, 1999, AND TODAY NISSAN IS SAYING THEY HAVE NOTHING OF MINE.
1997-01-06

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-12-27
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JN1HZ14SOHX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE WHICH CAUSED A ENGINE FIRE AFTER DRIVING FOR 10 TO 15MINUTES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
1996-10-30

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-10-24
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: MADE APPOINTMENT WITH DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS ON FUEL INJECTION , BEFORE APPOINTMENT THE CAR WAS PARKED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE 95I006000. PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK
1996-10-30

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-05-27
  • VIN: JN1HZ16S5HX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: FUEL INJECTOR REPLACED DUE TO GAS SMELL INSIDE VEHICLE.
1996-09-24

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-09-21
  • Number Of Deaths: 1
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JN1HZ14SXHX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO FUEL INJECTION FAILURE PRIOR TO/AFTER SERVICE RECALL (95I-006). *AK
1996-09-23

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-09-21
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JN1HZ14SXHX
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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.*AK
1996-06-17

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JN1H714S5HX
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: FUEL INJECTION RECALL; COLES CHRYSLER, NISSAN WOODBRIDGE VA., HAS NO PARTS AND HAS HAD HIS VEHICLE FOR OVER (50) DAYS 95I006000. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
1996-05-28

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-05-28
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: FAULTY FUEL INJECTOR CAUSED FIRE. *DH
1996-05-13

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-12-29
  • VIN: JN1HZ14S6HX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: SMELLED FUEL INSIDE VEHICLE, LIFTED HOOD, FUEL INJECTOR #1 WAS LEAKING FUEL; CLOSED HOOD, 1 MINUTE LATER, HEARD ALARM, VEHICLE ON FIRE; FAULTY INJECTORS. *AK
1996-05-04

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-05-04
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JN1HZ16S4HX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: FUEL LEAK CAUSED FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *DSH
1996-04-04

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-04
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: FN1HZ1653HX
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: BATTERY CAUGHT FIRE. *DSH
1996-03-07

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-07
  • VIN: JN1HZ14S4HX
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVERS SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT INTO ITS HOUSING. *AK
1996-03-07

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-07
  • VIN: JN1HZ14S4HX
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVERS SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT INTO ITS HOUSING. *AK
1996-02-28

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-19
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JN1HZ14S4HX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: GAS PUMP PUMPING GAS INTO THE INJECTORS AND LEAKING ON THE MANIFOLD. RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE. *AK
1996-02-28

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-19
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JN1HZ14S4HX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: GAS PUMP PUMPING GAS INTO THE INJECTORS AND LEAKING ON THE MANIFOLD. RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE. *AK
1996-02-15

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-31
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JN1HZ1653HX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: FUEL INJECTION DEFECTIVE, REPAIRED; SEVERAL WEEKS LATER, PARKED VEHICLE; ALARM WENT OFF; ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE; VEHICLE TOTALED. TT
1996-01-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE CAR WAS ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AFTER THE OWNER PARKED IT AND WENT INTO HER HOUSE. TT
1995-12-21

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JN1HZ1453HX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: EA94-018; VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE BEING DRIVEN. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

1987 Nissan 300zx recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1987 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.
Leave your review of 1987 Nissan 300zx

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1987 Nissan 300zx problems:

1987 Nissan 300ZX Reviews - Carsurvey.org
1987 Nissan 300ZX Reviews - Carsurvey.org
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/nissan/300zx/1987/

Mar 2, 2014 ... - The injectors leak since I got it, which is a common problem. In the time I've driven it, it hasn't caught on fire yet, but it's getting ...

Faults to look for as potential buyer of 1987 Z31 na : r/300zx
Faults to look for as potential buyer of 1987 Z31 na : r/300zx
https://www.reddit.com/r/300zx/comments/j2tjap/faults_to_look_for_as_potential_buyer_of_1987_z31/

Oct 1, 2020 ... A lot of maintenance is super easy on these cars, but one thing I'd definitely keep an eye out for is rust under the mats in back, functional ...

Known problems with the 300zx | ZCar Forum
Known problems with the 300zx | ZCar Forum
https://www.zcar.com/threads/known-problems-with-the-300zx.167939/

May 7, 2002 ... But I'm interested in buying a 1990 twin turbo 300zx. But I'm pretty new to the z car and don't know much about them. First off I was wondering ...

'86 300zx issues... - Nissan Forum | Nissan Forums
'86 300zx issues... - Nissan Forum | Nissan Forums
https://forums.nicoclub.com/86-300zx-issues-t489718.html

Apr 20, 2010 ... The car - 1986 Nissan 300zx 2+2, non-turbo, automatic. Digital climate and dash. Climate control - very common I know. It blows hot. I went ...

How reliable a car is an 87 300ZX Turbo? | ZCar Forum
How reliable a car is an 87 300ZX Turbo? | ZCar Forum
https://www.zcar.com/threads/how-reliable-a-car-is-an-87-300zx-turbo.142259/

May 27, 2003 ... I have a 1987 N/A with 211,000 miles. Change oil often and timing belt every 60k. The only problem I have with mine is trying to pass emissions.

Other years of Nissan 300zx

nissan 300zx 1988 photo
300zx 1988
Nissan

26

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan 300zx 1989 photo
300zx 1989
Nissan

9

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan 300zx 1990 photo
300zx 1990
Nissan

20

0

16

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan 300zx 1991 photo
300zx 1991
Nissan

16

0

14

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan 300zx 1992 photo
300zx 1992
Nissan

5

0

28

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan 300zx 1993 photo
300zx 1993
Nissan

12

0

14

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 1987 Nissan 300zx?

Add car complaint
1987 Nissan 300zx photo