Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Nissan 350Z owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I purchase this vehicle as second owner with 24,000 miles. After a 2 years of using this vehicle on the weekends, I start hearing the 5th gear grind. I did not paid to much mind because it did it now and them, not every time. 4 years down the road, it did it more often and I knew it was in for transmission problems.. About a week ago my 3rd gear made a vibration and a horrible sound and that was when I knew something really wrong was going on.. Today my car lost 3rd gear, it won't take, after I put the vehicle on 3rd I accelerated and nothing happens. 5th gear still grinds and but still work. It is not my clutch because 1st 2nd 4th and 5th and 6th still very strong pull.. Now I'm driving this car to work, getting money together waiting for the break down or transmission lock... I feel unsafe on the road, but I do have to get to work I have no other choice at the time. …
Tl contact owns a 2003 Nissan 350z. The contact purchased the vehicle only for long distance driving. As soon as she began driving the vehicle, she smelled rubber inside the passenger compartment. The dealer stated that the smell would dissipate and was present because the vehicle was new; however, the odor remained. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle would not shift from second into third gear. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle coasted to the side of the road and was towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the clutch and the fly wheel were burnt. The contact called Nissan customer service to assist with the cost because it was no longer under warranty; however, they denied her claim. She wants Nissan to assist with the $2,300 repair cost. The failure mileage was 17,000. Updated 11/7/08 updated 11/13/08.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Nissan 350z. While the vehicle was idling at a stop light, the clutch was depressed and the contact heard a squeaky noise. The vehicle stalled and took three attempts before it would restart. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch did not recognize the clutch; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Nissan 350z. While driving various speeds, the vehicle lost power and took numerous attempts to restart. In addition, the traction control, flip, and check engine warning indicators illuminated. The failure occurred intermittently. Numerous unknown dealers and independent mechanics were notified, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.
While driving I heard a loud pop and felt a slight tremor on the clutch pedal which became very soft then stopped working making my car immobile after getting it home I pulled out the transmission and noticed that the pivot bolt for the clutch had broken off at the threads destroying the clutch and flywheel and after some online research I found out that it's happened to many other people and May be the reason I need to get my transmission repaired
I have a 2003 Nissan 350z and I'm having problems with grinding when I shift into 3rd gear(manual) I have only 20K miles on my stock car no major modifications done. I have taken it to Nissan and they tried to duplicate the problem but nothing was found and when they told me to drive it I found my car shifting like butter I was amazed on how smooth it was. After a few days the problem is back like it was temporarily fixed or something because it gradually started getting to where it was before I took it in. Now I don't know if I should take it back or am I stuck. I have done some talking with other "z" owners on a well known message board and over the years hundreds have got their transmission replaced and hundreds haven't depending on dealerships.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Nissan 350z. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle loses speed whenever he shifts gears to accelerate. The engine revs, but the vehicle does not accelerate. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer numerous times, but they were unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. They have changed numerous sensors, the engine computer, and even the water pump of the vehicle. Through online research, he discovered NHTSA campaign id number 03V455000 (engine and engine cooling); however, Nissan stated that his VIN was not included in the recall. He has been unable to drive the vehicle due to the lack of acceleration. The failure mileage was 80,000 and current mileage was approximately 81,000.
I own a 350z bought brand new in 2003. I was one of the 1st in baltimore for I did not see another z for six months. I have had a new transmission put in at 36K due to a failing 3rd gear synco and now at 80K the 5th. I am about to put in my 5th window motor in. Nissan does not care about us so don't even waste your time with 1800nissan1. They should feel privileged that we allow japanese to sell cars here in the us and should be penalized when they fail. I will never ever buy a Nissan again and I go as far as getting my Nissan's oil changed at Toyota so I do not promote Nissan any further. Quite a lemon. Tacoma has 90K and only oil changes.
Bought a 2003 Nissan 350z used from keyes Nissan of woodland hills,ca. Tiptronic (auto/semi-manual) transmission needed to be replaced within 45 days. Now a whining noise that is still not fixed as well as excessive heat from shifter area that causes passengers to sweat & scalding hot to touch. Car hasn't seemed to run right since. Seems every 350z owner has the same atypical problems-tire feathering, transmissions replaced,rear axles, power window motors fail(the last 2 are my next trip to the dealer). Nissan needs to fix our nightmare. Nissan support is nonexistent as well,which makes your ordeal all the more miserable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Nissan 350z. The contact stated that the vehicle would exhibit an abnormal grinding when changing to third gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 46,000 and the current mileage was 47,000.
Transmission complaints in other 350Z years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2003 Nissan 350Z?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2003 Nissan 350Z, 12% of the model year's 275 complaints. The component named most often is manual transmission (21 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Nissan 350Z transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2003 Nissan 350Z, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Nissan 350Z transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 38,000 miles, and 41% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.