2003 Nissan 350Z
2003 Nissan 350Z
The 2003 Nissan 350Z is a two-door, two-seat sports car powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 287 horsepower and 274 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission. The 350Z is known for its sleek styling, responsive handling, and powerful engine. However, it has been plagued by a number of issues that have affected various components of the vehicle.
Engine
- 3.5L V6
- Valve Spring Failure: Occurs due to defects in the valve springs, resulting in engine misfiring, reduced power, and potential engine damage. Requires replacement of valve springs and associated components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+. Recalls: NHTSA Campaign ID: 07V240000
- Camshaft Sensor Failure: The camshaft sensor may malfunction, leading to inaccurate readings and potential engine control issues. Replacement of the camshaft sensor is required. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400. Recalls: None Found
- Oil Consumption Problems: Excessive oil consumption can occur due to worn or defective piston rings, leading to reduced engine oil levels and potential engine damage. May require engine rebuild or replacement in severe cases. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+. Recalls: None Found
Transmission
- Six-Speed Manual Transmission
- Clutch Failure: The clutch may wear prematurely, resulting in slipping, difficulty shifting, and potential transmission damage. Requires replacement of the clutch assembly. Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200. Recalls: None Found
- Gear Grinding: Grinding noises and difficulty shifting may indicate worn or damaged gears. May require transmission rebuild or replacement. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+. Recalls: None Found
- Five-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Transmission Slippage: The transmission may experience slippage, leading to loss of power and difficulty accelerating. May require transmission rebuild or replacement. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,800 - $3,500+. Recalls: None Found
- Shift Solenoid Failure: Faulty shift solenoids can lead to incorrect gear selection and shifting problems. Requires replacement of the shift solenoids. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700. Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- No Issues Found
Electrical
- Alternator Malfunction: The alternator may fail prematurely, leading to battery drain and potential electrical system issues. Requires replacement of the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700. Recalls: None Found
- Battery Discharge: The battery may discharge prematurely due to parasitic drain or faulty electrical components. Requires diagnosis and repair of the underlying cause. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400. Recalls: None Found
- Headlight Switch Failure: The headlight switch may malfunction, leading to intermittent or complete loss of headlights. Requires replacement of the headlight switch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400. Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Tail Light Seal Failure: The tail light seals may fail, allowing moisture and dust to enter the tail light housing, potentially causing condensation or corrosion. Requires replacement of the tail light seals. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200. Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Radio Display Failure: The radio display may malfunction or become dim, impairing visibility and functionality of the radio. Requires replacement of the radio display unit. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600. Recalls: None Found
- Steering Wheel Control Button Failure: The steering wheel control buttons may become inoperable or unresponsive. Requires replacement of the faulty buttons or the entire steering wheel control module. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500. Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2003 Nissan 350Z is a popular sports car that has been praised for its performance and handling. However, it has also been plagued by a number of issues that can affect its reliability and safety. These issues range in severity from minor electrical problems to major engine and transmission failures. The cost of repairs can also be significant, potentially outweighing the benefits of owning the vehicle.