1987 Nissan 300ZX problems & reliability
28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1987 Nissan 300ZX. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
0 complaints report injuries (0 injured, 1 deaths reported).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 1987 Nissan 300ZX vehicles were involved in 1 fatal crash with 1 occupant death. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel System, Gasoline → | 18 | 64% |
| Electrical System | 6 | 21% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 4% |
| Power Train | 1 | 4% |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 4% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“While vehicle was parked consumer noticed fluid leaking from underneath the vehicle. Smelled gasoline coming from the rear. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The cause had not been determined.*ak”
Fuel System, Gasoline · filed Dec 16, 2004
“I have a strong fuel odor coming from my engine through my vents, and into the interior of my car. I was told by a mechanic that there was a recall on the fuel injection system of my car (1987 nissan 300zx). I would like to know if nissan is still able to remedy the problem. *ak”
Fuel System, Gasoline · filed Dec 13, 2004
“Make: nissan model: 300zx turbo year: 1987 recall number: 95i006000 after recently purchasing this vehicle, I learned about a major safety recall by nissan in which all 84-89 nissan 300zx's had a problem with the fuel injection system, which results in the cars catching fire. I immediately brought it to showcase…”
Fuel System, Gasoline · filed May 24, 2003
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- FUEL INJECTOR ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE
Engineering Analysis EA94018 · opened Jun 23, 1994 · closed Nov 8, 1995 · led to recall 95I006000
- ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
Preliminary Evaluation PE94018 · opened Feb 22, 1994 · closed Jun 23, 1994
- HEATER CORE FAILURE
Engineering Analysis EA92018 · opened Jun 2, 1992 · closed Apr 2, 1993
Technical service bulletins
4 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1987 Nissan 300ZX.
Nissan: tire pressure monitoring system (tpms) warning light on/flashing. No models or model years listed. *pe updated on 08-11-2011. *kb
NTB-09-101 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 30, 2010
Nissan: vent control valve replacement. When replacing the evap canister vent control valve for reason: use the one listed on page 2; for vent control valve replacement procedure, refer to the appropriate section of the…
NTB-09-129 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 13, 2010
Nissan: the 12 volt battery is an important part of the vehicle electrical system and is required to stay connected when the engine is running. To prevent damage to vehicle electronic components follow the…
NTB-09-030 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 6, 2009
Transmissions detent holes eliminated from adapter plate. *jd
NTB97011 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 29, 1997
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1987 Nissan 300ZX in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1987 Nissan 300ZX?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.