Most common 2009 Nissan 370Z problems
Share of the 153 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Nissan 370Z complaints by model year
Best 370Z years: 2017, 2014, 2012. Years to avoid: 2009, 2010, 2011. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2009 Nissan 370Z:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2009 Nissan 370Z owners say
Steering all 88 →
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan 370Z. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the steering wheel locked up, and the contact was unable to start the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where a mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with steering module failure. The contact called the dealer to schedule an appointment, and the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under Nissan Voluntary Service Campaign Number: P3208; free of charge, because the vehicle had already been previously repaired under the Voluntary Service Campaign. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact the vehicle history did not display the completion of Nissan Voluntary Service Campaign Number: P3208, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. …
I purchased my first Nissan, a 2009 370z, in 2018. I went to start my car and it would not start, after reading various forums on the internet I found the issue with the 370z is well documented to the escl (electronic steering column lock) issue. There is no warning to this occurring; I drove my car to the store and then home, an hour later went to start to the car and it would not start. The only lead I had was the intelligent key warning light, that when referenced in the owner's manual states this will lock the steering column and prevent the car from starting. This is usually triggered from an unregistered key but my keys were registered and had worked with the car from the time I bought it. The car has had this module changed out for parts are dated, and the current module is dated from 2012, after the car was released in 2009. …
Electrical system all 67 →
My vehicle has only 12,400 miles, and the passenger air bag light will not go off and the airbag light in the dash keeps blinking. Millions of Nissan vehicles have had the same problem. I want my Nissan dealership, where I purchased this vehicle ( M'Lady in Crystal Lake, IL ), to fix this at no cost to me.
I purchased my first Nissan, a 2009 370z, in 2018. I went to start my car and it would not start, after reading various forums on the internet I found the issue with the 370z is well documented to the escl (electronic steering column lock) issue. There is no warning to this occurring; I drove my car to the store and then home, an hour later went to start to the car and it would not start. The only lead I had was the intelligent key warning light, that when referenced in the owner's manual states this will lock the steering column and prevent the car from starting. This is usually triggered from an unregistered key but my keys were registered and had worked with the car from the time I bought it. The car has had this module changed out for parts are dated, and the current module is dated from 2012, after the car was released in 2009. …
Transmission & drivetrain all 26 →
Part has failed 3 times . (1)@65K miles. Clutch slave cylinder failure .while coming to a stop I push clutch pedal in and it didnt release ,and addition the clutch did not disengage creating a stopping issue. Could not get out of gear, causing the car to lunge forward when forcing to a stop.stuck in traffic. (2)@77K miles. Clutch slave cylinder failure . While coming to a 4 way stop during rush hour the clutch pedal when in and didnt come out. Unable to change gears. Car stuck in traffic. (3)@83K miles.clutch slave cylinder failure . Pulling into garage I go to push the clutch in and the car keeps moving, almost running into back walll of garage. Clutch pedal went in and didnt come back out. Clutch slave cylinder failure again. Having that same part fail with increased frequency its certainly isnt the way I drive my car. …
At around the md border, when driving home to nj from tn, the clutch stuck to the floor. I couldn't change out of 6th gear, so I had to drive from that point without slowing enough to have to change gears or stopping. After I got off at my exit and hit a stop light, I forced it out of 6th gear before it stalled, then pumped the clutch (pressing it then lifting it back up with my foot) until I was able to get it into 1st then 3rd gear and I drove it most of the way to cherry hill Nissan in 3rd gear. At the light next to the dealership, pumped the clutch until I got it into first gear and could not change gears anymore. I had to drive the car into a parking spot then stall the engine by holding the brakes. The clutch sticking to the floor has happened to me a few times before, normally on long drives, but I was always able to pump the clutch a few times and it would return to normal. …
2009 Nissan 370Z engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Nissan 370Z a good car?
Based on 153 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 370Z rates avoid: 7.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the 370Z at the same age. It is one of the 370Z years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Nissan 370Z?
The steering — 88 complaints, 58% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (67) and transmission & drivetrain (26).
How many recalls does the 2009 Nissan 370Z have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 Nissan 370Z. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Nissan 370Z?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017, 2014 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2009, 2010 and 2011. See the full Nissan 370Z years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Nissan 370Z problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 40,000 miles; 64% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.