Nissan 370Z Best & Worst Years Ultimate Reliability Guide (2009‑2020) – Avoid Costly Mistakes!
What is the Nissan 370Z? A Legend Defined
The Nissan 370Z (Z34) is the sixth generation of Nissan’s iconic Z‑car, produced from 2009 to 2020. Powered by the VQ37VHR 3.7L V6 (332–350 hp), it’s revered for its hydraulic steering, naturally aspirated response, and timeless fastback design. Understanding the best year Nissan 370Z and the worst year Nissan 370Z is essential—some years are bulletproof, while others carry expensive gremlins.
Why the 370Z Remains a Used Market Star
Why choose a 370Z over a 350Z or modern turbo competitors? The 370Z delivers analog driving purity with a high‑revving V6, optional SynchroRev Match manual, and a massive aftermarket. It’s also one of the most affordable ways into a genuine Japanese sports car. But picking the right year is the difference between joy and a money pit.
Types, Trims & Special Editions
Coupe vs Roadster
Coupe: lighter, stiffer, hatchback practicality. Roadster: power soft top, added weight but open‑air thrills.
Trim Levels
- Base – cloth, 18″ wheels.
- Touring – leather, Bose, heated seats.
- Sport – VLSD, 19″ Rays, SynchroRev Match (manual), bigger brakes.
- Nismo – 350 hp, Recaro seats (2015+), aero, track‑tuned suspension.
Heritage Edition (2019) & 50th Anniversary (2020): These special editions feature unique graphics and are among the best 370Z years for collectors.
Nissan 370Z Reliability: Best vs Worst Years (Detailed)
We analyzed NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner forums to rank every year. Golden rule: 2013+ is safe; 2015+ is excellent.
| Model Year | Verdict | Major Issues / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Worst – Avoid | Steering lock failure (immobilizer), high oil consumption, weak CSC. Many TSBs. |
| 2010 | Worst – Avoid | Same as 2009; steering lock module fails without warning. |
| 2011 | Risky | Steering lock still an issue; oil gallery gasket concerns start appearing. |
| 2012 | Caution | Early 2012 may have steering lock; oil gallery gasket not fully revised. Mid‑2012 improvements. |
| 2013 | Good | Steering lock fixed; updated gallery gaskets in most units. Reliable base. |
| 2014 | Great | All fixes implemented; very few issues reported. |
| 2015 | Best | Revised oil gallery gasket (metal reinforced), improved infotainment, Nismo gets Recaro. |
| 2016 | Best | Deep blue pearl introduced; solid reliability. |
| 2017 | Best | Minor updates, still robust. |
| 2018 | Best | Heritage Edition, no new problems. |
| 2019 | Best | Final production year for some markets; excellent. |
| 2020 | Collector | 50th Anniversary edition; last of the Z34, peak reliability. |
Critical: The oil gallery gasket failure can destroy the engine if oil pressure drops. Post‑2013 cars have updated gaskets; 2015+ have a reinforced design.
Deep Dive: Common 370Z Problems & How to Fix
🔧 Steering Lock Failure (2009‑2012)
The ESCL steering lock module seizes, preventing start. Fix: pull fuse or install bypass module. Nissan extended warranty but many cars missed it.
🛢️ Oil Gallery Gasket (pre‑2013)
Internal gasket blows out, causing low oil pressure. Repair requires timing cover removal ($1500‑$2500). 2015+ have metal reinforced gasket.
⚙️ CSC (Clutch Slave Cylinder)
Internal concentric slave cylinder fails, especially on 2009‑2014. Upgrade to heavy‑duty aftermarket CSC or ZSpeed CMAK kit.
📻 Infotainment & Bluetooth
Early models have dated nav and connectivity. 2015+ adds NissanConnect, but still behind modern standards.
How to Buy a Used Nissan 370Z: Inspection Checklist
- Check oil pressure at warm idle – should be >14 psi (gallery gasket health).
- Listen for timing chain rattle on cold start (tensioner/gasket).
- Test clutch pedal feel – soft or low engagement = CSC failing.
- Verify steering lock recall/repair on 2009‑2012.
- Inspect rear diff bushing for leaks (common).
- Look for accident damage – rear hatch alignment, paint work.
How to spot a well‑maintained Z: Service records every 5k miles, clean Carfax, and no mods that suggest hard track use without supporting maintenance.
Is the Nissan 370Z Safe? Safety Ratings & Features
The 370Z earned “Good” IIHS ratings for moderate overlap and side impact. It includes front/side/curtain airbags, ABS, and stability control. However, it lacks modern driver‑assist tech (no automatic braking, blind‑spot only on later Touring trims). Safety advantages: low center of gravity, superb braking (especially Sport/Nismo). It’s a safe sports car for its era.
Advantages vs Disadvantages
Advantages
- Naturally aspirated V6 – 7500 rpm redline, instant throttle.
- SynchroRev Match – perfect heel‑toe downshifts.
- Massive aftermarket – forced induction, suspension, cosmetics.
- Depreciation value – 2013+ models are bargains.
- Timeless styling – still turns heads.
Disadvantages
- Road noise – minimal sound deadening.
- Outdated interior – hard plastics, small screen.
- Fuel economy – 19/26 mpg on premium.
- Stiff ride – especially Nismo.
- Limited cargo space – only 6.9 cu ft.
Best Use Cases & Popular Modifications
Daily driver: Touring with automatic is comfortable enough. Weekend toy: Sport manual with exhaust. Track weapon: Nismo with oil cooler & brake pads. Best mods: high‑flow cats, sway bars, oil cooler, CSC elimination kit, and a tune.
Comprehensive FAQ: Nissan 370Z Years & Ownership
What are the absolute best years for Nissan 370Z?
2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 are the cream of the crop. They have the updated oil gallery gasket, no steering lock issues, and refined features. 2013‑2014 are also highly recommended.
Which 370Z years have the steering lock problem?
2009, 2010, and 2011 are notorious. Some early 2012 models may also be affected. Nissan issued a recall, but many cars still fail. Always verify.
What is the oil gallery gasket and why does it matter?
It’s an internal seal inside the timing cover. Pre‑2013 gaskets can fail, causing low oil pressure and potential engine failure. 2015+ models use a metal‑reinforced gasket.
How much does it cost to fix the gallery gasket?
Labor intensive: $1500–$2500 at a specialist. That’s why buying a 2013+ is smarter.
Is the automatic transmission reliable?
Yes, the Jatco 7‑speed is durable with regular fluid changes. Manual’s weak point is the CSC.
Nismo vs Sport: which is the better buy?
Sport offers 95% of the fun for less money. Nismo has exclusivity, better seats (2015+), and track‑ready suspension. Best year Nismo: 2015+.
Is the 370Z reliable after 100k miles?
Yes, if well maintained and from a good year (2013+). Gallery gasket is the main concern; otherwise the VQ37 is stout.
Does the 370Z require premium fuel?
Yes, 91+ octane is required. Using regular can cause knock and reduce performance.
What is SynchroRev Match and how does it work?
It automatically blips the throttle on downshifts for perfect rev matching. Available on Sport/Nismo with manual transmission.
Can the 370Z be a daily driver?
Yes, but expect firm ride, road noise, and limited cargo. The automatic Touring is the most daily‑friendly.
