Nissan 350Z Z33
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Body Variants
The Nissan 350Z Z33 is available as Coupé and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Engine Overview
The Nissan 350Z Z33 is available with one engine variant at 280 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Nissan 3.5L (Benziner, 280–300 PS) comes with 2 different engines: VQ35DE (2002–2007, Stay Away!) und VQ35HR (2007–2009, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 3.5L!
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Front control arm bushings wear out The front control arm rubber bushings tear or detach from around 100,000 km. The control arm can then move axially, changing the toe angle and causing dangerous straight-line instability. Symptoms: Knocking or cracking at the front during cornering or on cobblestones, uneven tire wear, vehicle pulls to one side from 110,000 km | Low | |
| Rear differential mount bushings worn The standard silicone-filled differential mount bushing tears under hard driving. Identifiable by black silicone traces on the subframe. The differential then moves during driving. Symptoms: Loud clunking under hard acceleration or clutch engagement, rear axle feels unsettled, black residue visible on subframe from 100,000 km | Low | |
| Sway bar end links worn The nylon ball joint sway bar end links wear prematurely. The nylon bushings settle, the ball joints rattle. Problem occurs especially with spirited driving and after lowering. Symptoms: Metallic rattling or knocking at the front, especially when turning and on uneven road, increasing at low speeds from 80,000 km | Low |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 32 weaknesses have been documented for the Nissan 350Z Z33 (2002–2009) — 20 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. One problem engine: VQ35DE (3.5L). Typical issues affect Suspension, Brakes, Steering, Rust.
350Z (VQ35DE, 2002–2007) — Stay Away!: Severe oil consumption from defective piston rings, Con rod bearing wear from oil starvation, Plastic timing chain guides fracture. Power: 280 PS.
350Z (VQ35HR, 2007–2009) — Be Careful: Oil gallery gasket behind timing chain cover fails, VTC cam phaser rattles from oil pressure drop, Timing chain guides and tensioners wear out. Power: 300 PS.
What to watch out for with the Nissan 350Z? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee