Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
Combined, EPA 2027
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide based on purchase price.
8 problems reported (1 very frequent, 4 recurrent, 3 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentGeneral long-term reliability and corporate support concerns
Worries about Nissan's financial health, service quality, future parts availability, and the brand's departure from the enthusiast market.
- RecurrentAging platform
Criticism that the car is based on an old chassis (carried over from the 370Z) with minimal updates.
- RecurrentVR30 engine turbo and oil system concerns
Turbos described as sensitive; potential for oil control solenoid failure (noted in older Infiniti Q models with the same engine) leading to engine failure; requires diligent oil changes and proper warm-up/cool-down procedures.
+ 5 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentInterior material quality
Use of synthetic/fake leather on seats noted to develop premature wear (black spots) within months; overall interior feel described as cheap for the price point.
- RecurrentInfotainment system flaws
System described as slow outside of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto; backup camera occasionally fails to load and is low resolution.
- IsolatedSuspension damping
Described as under-damped, leading to a bouncy ride over certain road imperfections.
- IsolatedClutch/transmission issues (manual)
Mention of clutch heat sink problems, though noted this primarily affects track use. Isolated report of a manual car not going into gear and only revving.
- IsolatedIdle irregularities
Isolated report of a "wonky" idle when cold, cause undetermined.
The version owners recommend
Performance Trim: Strongly recommended over the base Sport trim. The Performance trim includes a limited-slip differential (LSD), which is cited as essential for the best driving experience and is missing from the base model. The higher trim is seen as justifying its cost with critical performance equipment.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota Supra (2.0 and 3.0), Toyota GR86, Honda Prelude, Ford Mustang (Ecoboost and GT) and Chevrolet Corvette (C5/C6).
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Overall sentiment
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide based on purchase price. The vehicle is praised for its classic sports car design, modern yet classic interior layout with good seats and gauges, and its value proposition when purchased with significant discounts off MSRP. Owners appreciate the manual transmission option, RWD layout, and the tunable 400hp VR30 engine. However, significant criticism is directed at Nissan's corporate reputation for service, parts availability, and long-term reliability concerns. The car is frequently described as being on an aging platform, and there are noted concerns about the VR30 engine's turbos being sensitive and potential oil control solenoid issues. At or near MSRP, the vehicle is widely considered overpriced for what it offers, but with reported discounts of $10,000-$13,000 off MSRP, it transforms into a compelling bargain, often compared favorably to the Toyota GR86 on price rather than the more expensive Toyota Supra.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a more affordable, traditionally Japanese sports car alternative to the Toyota Supra. The Supra is consistently acknowledged as the objectively better performance car with superior handling, power, and BMW-derived build quality, but at a significantly higher price point (often cited as a $20,000 difference). Against the GR86/BRZ, the Z offers substantially more power. Compared to American muscle like the Mustang, it offers a more focused, lighter (though still noted as heavy at ~3500 lbs) two-seater experience. The consensus is that the Z delivers approximately 80-90% of the Supra's performance for a much lower cost when discounted, making it a value-focused choice for enthusiasts who prioritize a manual transmission and classic sports car ethos over cutting-edge dynamics or premium brand cachet.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is celebrated as the enthusiast choice. Significant dealer discounts ($10,000-$13,000 off MSRP) are considered mandatory to make the purchase sensible. For those considering the automatic, the 9-speed unit (a Mercedes design) receives mixed feedback; some owners find it snappy and responsive, even comparing it favorably to a DSG, while others criticize its performance relative to competitors' transmissions like the ZF 8-speed. Letting the engine warm up and cool down properly is emphasized to protect the turbos. An extended warranty is suggested by some due to general reliability concerns about Nissan.
General recommendations
Suitable for enthusiasts seeking a modern, manual, RWD sports car at a heavily discounted price. Not recommended as a sole daily driver for those requiring passenger space, cargo utility, or who face frequent adverse weather, due to its two-seat configuration, limited cargo space, and RWD layout. Strongly advised to test drive both the Z and the Toyota Supra for direct comparison. Only recommended with aggressive negotiation to secure a transaction price in the mid-$30,000s for base models and low-to-mid $40,000s for the Performance trim. Buyers should be prepared for potential long-term reliability concerns and higher maintenance costs compared to mainstream brands. Not recommended at or near MSRP.
Remarks
The vehicle's market reception is heavily dictated by pricing. Early dealer markups above MSRP are cited as having severely damaged the model's launch. Current owner satisfaction is highly correlated with securing large discounts, which are reportedly common due to high dealer inventory. The VR30 engine and its potential issues are shared with the Infiniti Q50/Q60 platform, providing some historical data on reliability patterns. The manual transmission is a key selling point for the enthusiast community. Analysis based on owner discussions spanning the 2023-2026 model years, with no significant generational changes reported within this period.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
Recall notices4 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2024 · structure:body:bumperscampaign 23V725000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Nissan Z vehicles. The fasteners in the left-side front bumper reinforcement clip may loosen, which can prevent the pop-up engine hood from activating.
2024 · structure:body:bumperscampaign 24V798000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Nissan Z vehicles. The connectors for the right-side pedestrian detection sensors may be reversed in the front bumper harness, which can prevent the pop-up engine hood from activating as intended.
2023 · structure:body:bumperscampaign 23V725000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Nissan Z vehicles. The fasteners in the left-side front bumper reinforcement clip may loosen, which can prevent the pop-up engine hood from activating.
2023 · structure:body:bumperscampaign 24V798000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Nissan Z vehicles. The connectors for the right-side pedestrian detection sensors may be reversed in the front bumper harness, which can prevent the pop-up engine hood from activating as intended.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: RZ34
NISMO 3.0 V6
3.0L 6-cylinder · 420 hp · RWD · automatic
Built 2026