AI Damage1984 Nissan 300ZX: common problems
Owners of the 1984 Nissan 300ZX filed 42 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel system and vehicle speed control. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 42
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel system 81% of all complaints
- 2 Vehicle speed control 12% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 10% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 7% of all complaints
- 5 Exterior lighting 5% of all complaints
- 6 Powertrain 5% of all complaints
- 7 Service brakes 5% of all complaints
- 8 Latches, locks, linkages 2% of all complaints
- Fuel system: 34 complaints (81% of all).
- Vehicle speed control: 5 complaints (12% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 4 complaints (10% of all).
- Electrical system: 3 complaints (7% of all).
- Exterior lighting: 2 complaints (5% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- 3 L · petrol · turbo · 6 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 42 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | 34 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Fuel injectors leak into the engine, causing vehicle to have low fuel pressure which can result in a fire.
Nhtsa recall 85-v-021-000:impure lubricating grease used in the headlight switches could contaminate one or more contact points. Operation of the headlights could be delayed or no light when the switch is turned on or when the dimmer switch is operated.
Two different repair centers stated it would be in excess of $2k to repair electrical system wires.
Hood latch isn't engaging correctly, and consumer doesn't want hood popping open while driving.
Stopping to make right turn, fuel/gas odorer smoke began to rush into the passenger compartment through the a/c ducts, immediately released seat belt, notice flame inside the car, recall #951006000 for reference.
Had taken to dealership several times but no parts, a friend was in vehicle when it burst into flames in front of resturant, friend was slightly burned, fire dept arrived put out flames.
Was driving vehicle to friend's home, noticed vehicle was smoking, arrived at friend's home, lifted hood & saw flames, put out flames w/fire extinguisher.
Son was driving vehicle, vehicle at stop light to make turn, caught fire while wai*akting
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 5,819 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 16% most complained about).
On average one model year of the 300ZX has 20 complaints (15 years in the data). This year has 42, above average.
What to check before buying
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Vehicle speed control. Accelerator pedal, cruise control, throttle codes.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1984 Nissan 300ZX?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel system, vehicle speed control, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 42. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (48%), fuel system, fuel smell (7%), unintended acceleration (7%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1984 Nissan 300ZX?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1984 Nissan 300ZX from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1984 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.