Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I was driving my 08 350z (currently has 70K miles) on the highway approx 60 MPH when I attempted to downshift for my exit. The clutch pedal went down and stuck when I shifted out of 6th and the car wouldn't go into any gear. I missed the exit and pulled to the side of the highway and stopped. Turns out the slave cylinder that had been replaced 20K miles ago under recall had gone bad again! Even more impressive is that in 68K miles, I've had to have the slave replaced 2x, clutch replaced 3x, flywheel resurfaced 2x, flywheel replaced 1x, clutch master cylinder replaced 1x, multiple trans services, multiple times bleeding the clutch. All work done at dealer using OEM parts. This is a known 350z defect and Nissan should take responsibility for replacing the clutch system w/ an improved design before more people are injured or killed!
I purchased my 08 350z grand touring October 5, 2015 from hoy fox Toyota in el paso tx. 3 days later it left me stranded. The clutch stayed to the floor and it wouldn't gear. They sold it to me saying it had a new clutch so I decided after test driving it to take it. I had to wait 30 days for my power train warranty to kick in so I can make a claim. Initially it was the master cylinder which was covered. However, that was not the case. Later they said I needed a whole new clutch kit for around 2800. Of course I don't have that amount of money. I purchased and exedy aftermarket clutch , flywheel and pressure plate as they told me to do. Took it home November 15 and it worked fine for several months. It then began to leak clutch fluid and clutch felt soft. I went back and they kept telling me to go to Nissan. …
The car is not safe to drive due to the clutch being faulty. It loses pressure every now and then, and I have to pick up the clutch with my foot manually off the floor. This is very dangerous and should be recalled on all 2007 and 2008 350z's. Nissan changed the clutch slave cylinder and master clutch cylinders from 2007 to 2008, hence only these model years have this problem. People have complained numerous times and they did recall a clutch slave cylinder but even after they did that, it has the same problem. If you replace a part with the same defective part it will break down again and again... I've calculated how much it would cost to get a new clutch and replace all the defective parts with stronger parts that people have used and reviewed over a long period of time. It will cost me about $2000 just to get the clutch parts and installation. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Nissan 350z. While driving various speeds, the clutch failed to work without warning, which caused the vehicle to stall. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The failure recurred several other times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (town center Nissan, 2310 barrett lakes blvd, kennesaw, ga 30144; [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the clutch and the clutch lay cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer asked the contact to call the manufacturer. The vehicle was also taken to (fastlane import auto repair, 578 windy hill rd se, smyrna, ga 30080; [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted at [phone] and stated that there were no recalls for the contact's vehicle. …
Tl contact owns a 2006 Nissan 350z. The contact stated that the clutch pedal stuck to the floor. He mentioned that when the pedal was engaged the vehicle did not have any power and when it was half way up as a result a burning smell came through the vents. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the clutch was defective and needed to be replaced. The transmission, the master cylinder and the slave cylinder were also replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 59,000 and the current mileage was 64,000.
The date is when I received my car from the body shop after 3-car wreck. Drove it to work and the car had no power to climb a hill. Called insurance company, took it back they did no repairs to the engine, so it went to the dealership. Shortly afterwards the car wasn't downshifting properly, then it started making a sound like it was stuck in a spin cycle and shoot out causing the car to go faster. Took it back to the dealership nothing. So with the car doing the spin cycle and shooting out fast, it started making this thumping noise from under the hood when coming to a stop. This was so frequent I thought the engine was about drop out, so I took it to transmission shop; they found a code for an electrical solenoid and reset it. I was instructed to take it to the dealership if it happens again. A week later it did but all the time. …
Clutch sticking to floor have to place foot under clutch to pop back in place so I can continue to use clutch. Also, slip light comes on since Nissan of bowie, md rotated my tires, in the 13 yrs I have owned no mechanic has ever done and I question it at Nissan of bowie, md.
Dt: 2005 Nissan 350z. The consumer states the vehicle stalls when going over 70 MPH,this also occurs at lower speeds. There is no warning that this is going to occur. The service engine soon light comes on after the vehicle completely looses power. The vehicle has to be turned all the way off to be started. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership and they replaced the crank shaft sensor. The problem is happening again. This has happened approximately 7 times. This has not caused any accidents.
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan 350Z years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (47), 2003 (34), 2008 (21), 2004 (16) and 2005 (9) model years. Transmission complaints make up 64% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Nissan 350Z transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Nissan 350Z model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Nissan 350Z transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 22,000 miles; 80% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the manual transmission (58 mentions), followed by the clutch assembly (29).
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.