1988 Nissan 300zx problems

nissan logo
1988 Nissan 300zx

Social links

Common 1988 Nissan 300zx problems

The Nissan 300ZX, produced in 1988, is a classic sports car that has been appreciated by many enthusiasts. However, like any other vehicle, it is not without its common problems and issues. Here are some of the most frequently reported problems with the Nissan 300ZX 1988 based on complaints from owners:

  • Suspension Issues: The suspension system in the Nissan 300ZX 1988 may wear out over time, causing the car to ride poorly. This issue may require the replacement of coil overs, springs, and shocks in the front and back of the car .
  • Body Damage: The Nissan 300ZX 1988 may be susceptible to body damage, such as dents and scratches. This issue may require repair or replacement of the affected body panels .
  • Electrical Issues: The Nissan 300ZX 1988 may experience electrical issues, such as recalcitrant oil and temp gauges and a power antenna that defies repair. These issues may require the replacement of faulty electrical components.
  • Timing Belt Issues: The Nissan 300ZX 1988 is equipped with a timing belt that needs timely service. If the timing belt is not replaced as recommended, it may cause engine damage or failure.

These are some of the most common problems reported by Nissan 300ZX 1988 owners. It is important to note that not all cars will experience these issues, and the frequency and severity of these problems may vary. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent or mitigate these issues and ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.

1988 Nissan 300zx engine

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 does a 1988 Nissan 300ZX have?

NISSAN 300 ZX 3.0L V6 Turbo 5MT RWD (228 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 3.0L V6 Turbo 5MT RWD (228 HP)
Torque:246 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM 334 Nm @ 3600 RPM
Fuel System:Turbocharged Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
Fuel capacity:20.3 gallons (76.8 L)

Why is the 300ZX rare?

It's become so rare to see them these days because of the cost involved in keeping them on the road. It's the sentimental value. This car is everything to me." From the factory, the 300ZX's 3.0L twin-turbo V-6 put out 300 horsepower—plenty even by today's standards, and highly tunable.

1988 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
  • Fuel/propulsion system problems
  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Nissan 300zx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1988 Nissan 300zx

The NHTSA has received 26 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Nissan 300zx. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1988 Nissan 300zx vehicles.

2017-12-30

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-12-08
  • VIN: JN1HZ14SXJX
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE CAR WOULD LOSE POWER WHEN YOU HIT THE GAS. WOULDN'T DIE BUT WOULD SPUTTER AND THEN THE BATTERY WOULD DIE
2015-10-02

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-09-02
  • VIN: JN1HZ14SXJX
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: FUEL INJECTOR LEAKED AND CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING I ALMOST BLEW UP IN THE CAR REPORTED IT TO NISSAN AND TOLD THEM THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS AND THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT.
2007-11-15

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2007-10-01
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JN1HZ14SXJX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 NISSAN 300ZX. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED GAS FUMES AND NOTICED SMOKE RISING UNDER THE HOOD. HE PULLED OVER, OPENED THE HOOD, AND FLAMES ERUPTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT GAS LEAKED FROM THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 95I006000). AS OF NOVEMBER 15, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 224,000.
2005-03-15

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-06-20
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED DRIVER NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. ALSO, DRIVER SMELLED FUEL COMING FROM THE REAR. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL INJECTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
2003-05-12

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JN1HZ14S7JX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL FOR THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, UNTIL THEY RECEIVED PERMISSION FROM NISSAN. RECALL # 95I006000. *JB
2002-07-24

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-07-19
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JN1HZ14SXJX
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WHILE STARTING VEHICLE AND WITHOUT WARNING THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE UNDER THE HOOD FOLLOWED BY FIRE, THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED, THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING ADEQUATE REIMBURSEMENT. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK *NLM
2002-05-19

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-04-29
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JN1HZ16SXJX
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: I WAS GETTING IN THE CAR TO MOVE FROM DRIVEWAY TO THE STREET AN SMELLED GAS, TURNED THE CAR OFF AND CAR STARTED SMOKING AND THEN WENT INTO FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD. *AKI
1999-06-25

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-04-12
  • VIN: JN1HC14S5JX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: THERE IS A LEAKAGE WITHIN FUEL INJECTORS, AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEEPS STAYING ON DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK
1998-09-12

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-05-24
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JN1HZ14S4JX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO FUEL LEAK FROM FUEL INJECTION.
1998-03-05

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-07-03
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JN1HZ1451JX
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VEHICLE BACK FIRED TWICE, THAN VEHICLE INSIDE FILLED UP WITH SMOKE.
1998-02-25

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-12-28
  • VIN: JN1HZ16S8EX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: STOPPING TO MAKE RIGHT TURN, FUEL/GAS ODORER SMOKE BEGAN TO RUSH INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT THROUGH THE A/C DUCTS, IMMEDIATELY RELEASED SEAT BELT, NOTICE FLAME INSIDE THE CAR, RECALL #951006000 FOR REFERENCE.
1997-08-10

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JN1HZ1455JX
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: NO FAILURE PROVIDED.
1997-08-04

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-04-15
  • VIN: JN1HZ16S7JX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM FAILED.
1997-07-01

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-04-18
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JN1HZ24S3JX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: WHILE SITTING AT A STOP SIGN ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, BURNING TOTAL FRONT END. *AK
1997-01-17

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-11-09
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JN1HZ14S7JX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CAR AND CAUGHT ON FIRE, TOOK TO MECHANIC, HE INFORMED HER THAT THE CAR WAS PART OF RECALL 95I006000, CALLED NISSAN AND THEY INFORMED HER THAT CAR WAS UNDER SERVICE RECALL AND MADE A SETTLEMENT OF $3500.000 . *AK
1996-04-10

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-03-01
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JN1HZ16S7JS
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: FUEL INJECTOR FAILED, CAUSING FIRE. *SD
1996-04-09

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-02-27
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JN1HZ14S6JX
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WENT TO GET GAS, CAME AND WENT INSIDE HOUSE, ALARM SOUNDED ON VEHICLE, LOOKED OUTSIDE, VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES FROM ENGINE. *AK
1996-03-04

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-02-21
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO THE FUEL INJECTION LEAKAGE. *AK
1996-03-04

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-02-21
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO THE FUEL INJECTION LEAKAGE. *AK
1996-03-04

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-02-21
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO THE FUEL INJECTION LEAKAGE. *AK
1995-12-07

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JN1HZ16S5JX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: THE FUEL LINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
1995-11-21

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-10-06
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: LEAKY FUEL INJECTORS CAUSED ENGINE FIRE. *DSH
1995-07-24

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-07-17
  • VIN: JN1HZ14S0JX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: OWNER OF VEHICLE CAN SMELL A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE, DOES NOT KNOW THE ORIGIN OF THE SMELL. TT
1995-07-12

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-07-03
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JN1HZ14S1JX
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: THE FUEL INJECTORS CAUGHT FIRE. *AK
1995-06-23

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED UNDER DASH FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. TT

1988 Nissan 300zx recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1988 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.
Leave your review of 1988 Nissan 300zx

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1988 Nissan 300zx problems:

1988 Nissan 300ZX Reviews - Carsurvey.org
1988 Nissan 300ZX Reviews - Carsurvey.org
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/nissan/300zx/1988/

Faults: Diff blew within a week of purchasing the car. Power window switch stopped working after two weeks (easy home fix).

To buy or not to buy... a 1988 300zx... | Ars OpenForum
To buy or not to buy... a 1988 300zx... | Ars OpenForum
https://arstechnica.com/civis/threads/to-buy-or-not-to-buy-a-1988-300zx.973695/

Jun 13, 2001 ... ... 1988 Nissan 300ZX
Original owner
150k on the engine (original engine)
2 + 2 Coupe
Automatic
T-Top
Champagne Color
 ...

Thoughts on this 1988 300zx, want to get as my first car : r/300zx
Thoughts on this 1988 300zx, want to get as my first car : r/300zx
https://www.reddit.com/r/300zx/comments/v7bs9b/thoughts_on_this_1988_300zx_want_to_get_as_my/

Jun 8, 2022 ... 46 votes, 57 comments. 15K subscribers in the 300zx community. This subreddit is for enthusiasts of the Nissan 300ZX Z31 and Z32 generations ...

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 ...

1988 300zx good first car? : r/300zx
1988 300zx good first car? : r/300zx
https://www.reddit.com/r/300zx/comments/10el533/1988_300zx_good_first_car/

Jan 17, 2023 ... 47 votes, 35 comments. 15K subscribers in the 300zx community. This subreddit is for enthusiasts of the Nissan 300ZX Z31 and Z32 generations ...

Other years of Nissan 300zx

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
nissan 300zx 1994 photo
300zx 1994
Nissan

4

0

21

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 1988 Nissan 300zx?

Add car complaint
1988 Nissan 300zx photo