Nissan 370Z
3.7L V6 with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) — continuously variable valve lift control instead of conventional cam phasing. 331 hp at 7,000 rpm, 363 Nm available early, 7,500 rpm redline. VVEL actuators are sensitive: never disassemble individually, otherwise P1090/P1092 and limp mode up to 3,500 rpm will follow. More robust than the VQ35HR — but the CSC clutch slave cylinder on manual variants remains a known fault.
Nismo: the Z with track affinity
344 hp, stiffer Nismo suspension, sport seats that hold you in — the Nismo tune lifts the 370Z to another level. Noticeably more direct on a B-road than the standard Z, the track is its natural habitat. For serious enthusiasts.
Engine Weaknesses 13
The paper oil gallery gaskets in the VQ37VHR become porous and allow oil to enter the timing chain housing. The system responds with limp mode and fault codes P0011/P0021. Nissan retrofitted improved metal gaskets.
Symptoms: Engine enters limp mode (max. 3,000 rpm), fault codes P0011/P0021, occasional stumble at idle without further warning
At high mileages and with spirited use, wear can occur on connecting rod and main bearings. The V6 does not tolerate running with a low oil level, which can be caused by the sealing issues.
Symptoms: Metallic knocking on load changes, oil pressure warning, rough engine running at high revs
The internal concentric slave cylinder (CSC) of the FS6R31A gearbox is a known design defect. The thin aluminium housing is attacked by brake fluid and develops cracks — often under 50,000 km. Subject of a US class action lawsuit.
Symptoms: Clutch pedal drops to the floor without warning, car cannot be put into gear, clutch fluid dripping from gearbox
The electronic steering lock can jam permanently due to an internal fault, preventing the engine from starting. Nissan issued several recalls and TSBs (P3208) regarding this. Mainly affects early production models from 2009–2012.
Symptoms: Vehicle only switches to accessory mode, engine does not start, steering lock warning on dashboard, no starter noise
The rear driveshaft retaining nut can work loose through vibration. In extreme cases the wheel hub detaches and the wheel falls off. Nissan issued a recall for 2013–2015 models.
Symptoms: Vibration or clonking from the rear axle area, increasing noise in corners, in extreme cases sudden loss of control
If a VVEL actuator is removed individually, it must be recalibrated to exactly 5.5° inclination. Without Consult-III software the engine enters limp mode or will not start at all. Nissan list price per actuator: approx. €3,500–4,000.
Symptoms: After engine work: P1090 (right bank) or P1092 (left bank), engine runs on three cylinders, will not rev above 3,500 rpm, limp mode.
On older VQ37VHR engines, defective valve stem seals can allow oil to enter the combustion chamber. Consumption then clearly exceeds Nissan's guideline figure of 1 l/10,000 km.
Symptoms: Blue smoke on cold start, oil consumption above 1 l/10,000 km, oil on spark plug electrodes
The VQ37VHR crankshaft sensor fails from around 100,000 km (fault code P0335). The engine dies suddenly while driving. Only OEM sensors last.
Symptoms: Engine dies while driving, P0335, intermittent starting problems, unable to restart
The FS6R31A 6-speed manual gearbox shows synchro ring wear in 2nd and 3rd gear under spirited driving. Pre-2013 early models also suffered cold-weather shift problems. High-quality gearbox oil delays the issue.
Symptoms: Crunching or grating when selecting 2nd and 3rd gear, especially with a cold gearbox or fast gear changes
The VQ37VHR can produce a brief timing chain rattle on cold start that disappears after 2–5 seconds. The cause is worn chain tensioners that need time to build oil pressure. If neglected the chain can jump.
Symptoms: Metallic rattle for 2–5 seconds immediately after cold start, disappears once oil pressure builds, gets louder over the years
The standard catalytic converters can become blocked by oil residue on vehicles with elevated oil consumption. Fault codes P0420/P0430 appear, exhaust back-pressure increases and power drops.
Symptoms: Power loss in the upper rev range, MIL with P0420/P0430, sulphur exhaust smell, sluggish throttle response
Like the VQ35DE, the VQ37VHR valve cover gaskets develop leaks with age. Oil reaches the spark plugs and can cause misfires. Replacement is straightforward and inexpensive.
Symptoms: Oily smell in engine bay, visible oil traces, oil on spark plugs, occasional misfires
The VQ37VHR camshaft sensor wears from around 85,000 km (fault code P0345). Stop-and-go driving accelerates wear through heat exposure.
Symptoms: Engine warning light P0345, slight stuttering, rough idle
Vehicle Weaknesses 9
Front steering knuckles and rear axle housings may not meet design specifications and could deform under load. This can in the worst case lead to wheel detachment.
The standard brake rotors, especially at the front, tend to warp prematurely. Reports from the German 370Z forum indicate rotors showing warping sometimes under 15,000 km.
The underbody and rear subframe of the 370Z rust in the area of the sills, drain holes, and wheel cutouts. Nissan applies minimal metal protection from the factory.
The hydraulic folding roof of the 370Z Roadster develops leaks and mechanical faults. Main causes are aging hydraulic pumps, leaking cylinders, and worn tensioning systems on the 5th roof bow.
Minimal play in the outer CV joint of the rear axle produces a characteristic clicking. The problem is well known on the Z platform and according to Nissan is not safety-relevant.
The trunk lid gas struts lose pressure over time and no longer hold the lid open. On early models (before October 2009) this was the subject of an official service campaign.
The electric window switches can lose their automatic reversing function. Nissan initiated a 2011 service campaign to replace the switch kits on both doors.
The hydraulic power steering pump and rack can develop whining or moaning noises at slow cornering and full lock. Rack replacement is very expensive.
Strut top mounts and spring seats on the front axle wear and produce knocking and squeaking noises. Rubber wraps on the coil springs can become brittle.