Post
Research the Car Logo

2008 Nissan 350Z

Posted
By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2008 Nissan 350Z is a sporty two-door coupe and roadster known for its performance and handling. The vehicle is equipped with a 3.5-liter VQ35HR V6 engine producing 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. It was offered with either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally praise the car’s engaging driving experience and aggressive styling, but common complaints include a stiff ride, road noise, and some reliability issues.

Engine

VQ35HR 3.5L V6

  • Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This can manifest as blue smoke from the exhaust, a burning oil smell, or low oil levels indicated by the dipstick.
    • Solution: In some cases, switching to a higher viscosity oil may help. More severe cases might require replacing piston rings or even the entire engine.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $5,000+ depending on the severity and chosen repair.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The car may exhibit rough idling, stalling, reduced engine power, and a check engine light. Diagnostic codes often point to faulty camshaft position sensors.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty camshaft position sensor(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual

  • Clutch Slave Cylinder Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting, a soft or spongy clutch pedal, or the inability to engage gears.
    • Solution: Replacement of the clutch slave cylinder.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Transmission Grinding or Difficulty Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Grinding noises when shifting, particularly into certain gears. Difficulty engaging gears, especially when cold.
    • Solution: Could be due to worn synchronizers, requiring transmission rebuild or replacement. In some cases, a fluid change with a higher-quality gear oil can alleviate the issue.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid change) - $2,000+ (rebuild or replacement).
    • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Automatic

  • Slipping or Erratic Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may slip between gears, hesitate during shifts, or shift erratically. This can be accompanied by a check engine light.
    • Solution: Could be due to low transmission fluid, faulty solenoids, or worn clutches. A transmission flush and fluid change may help in some cases. More severe issues may require transmission rebuild or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (fluid change) - $3,000+ (rebuild or replacement).
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Worn Suspension Bushings
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially over bumps. Vague steering, poor handling, and uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replacement of worn suspension bushings (control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, etc.).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ depending on the number of bushings replaced.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll during cornering, and poor handling. Leaking fluid from the struts/shocks may be visible.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty struts/shocks.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • IPDM (Intelligent Power Distribution Module) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical issues, such as the car not starting, headlights not working, or various other electrical components malfunctioning.
    • Solution: Replacement of the IPDM.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Fuel Gauge Inaccuracy
    • Description/Symptoms: The fuel gauge may read inaccurately, either showing empty when there’s still fuel in the tank or showing full when it’s not.
    • Solution: Replacement of the fuel level sending unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Door Handle Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The door handle may break or become difficult to use, making it hard to open the door.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty door handle.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Delaminating Dash
    • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard material can start to peel and crack, especially in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
    • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard, dash cover, or vinyl wrapping.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200+ (cover/wrap) - $1500+ (dashboard replacement).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Bose Audio System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Failure of speakers, amplifier, or head unit.
    • Solution: Replacement or repair of the faulty component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the specific issue and component.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Nissan 350Z, while a fun and sporty car, can be prone to several issues. Engine problems such as oil consumption and sensor failures, alongside transmission issues especially in the manual versions, can lead to moderate to high repair costs. Suspension wear and electrical glitches are also common. While not all 350Zs will experience these problems, potential buyers should be aware of these possibilities and perform a thorough inspection before purchasing. The severity of the issues can range from minor inconveniences to major repairs, with costs varying accordingly.

Nissan, 350Z
Nissan 350Z 2008
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.