Most common 2012 Nissan 370Z problems
Share of the 16 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 2012 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 2012 Nissan 370Z owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
At only 10,000 mi. The clutch pedal suddenly would not return to rest. It caused a dangerous loss of control in freeway traffic while in motion. I was able to toe the pedal up, pump wildly to get some degree of actuation back, and then exit the freeway. Nissan USA would only authorize new fluid in the clutch lines as the fix. Within a couple of days of the inadequate "repair" and only 50 mi. The same problem occurred again resulting in another dangerous loss of control of the car, again in motion on the freeway. Nissan replaced the concentric slave cylinder (csc) but the part hasn't been improved so I am concerned it will likely happen again and potentially lead to injury, property damage, or death. …
Concentric slave cylinder leaked all of the clutch fluid while parked overnight. Clutch pedal went to the floor when we tried to start the car in the morning. While looking for cause of problen, I found hundreds of similar complaints on line for very similar problem, going back as far as at least 2009 and up to the cunnrent model year. To make matters worse, Nissan wont cover it under their power train warranty, saying it is a clutch issue. It is located inside the transmission bell housing. My warranty book does not exclude this item, Nissan customer care calls it part of the clutch item and claims its not covered. So repair has been denied by dealership and Nissan customer care. I have a case number if you would like it. …
Air bags
Service air bag warning light flashes continuously while vehicle is running. Dealer troubleshot and determined that occupant sensor unit failed. Any one of 3 things could be causing the problem. Each had to be replaced in order with no guarantee and no refund if replacement did not fix the problem. Dealer replaced air bag control unit for $1,442.17, which did not fix the problem. Next dealer wanted to replace occupant sensor unit (seat cushion) for $4,107.00. If this did not fix the problem, then replace wiring harness. After spending $1,442.32, I was unwilling to add another $4K with no assurance that the problem would be fixed. Nissan does not appear capable of identifying what the problem is, nor can they fix it without numerous costly attempts that are pretty much shots in the dark. I now have a vehicle with unknown air bag capabilities.
SRS light remains on all the time. Local dealer says it is a common problem and will fix it for 2500.00 dollars. Will air bags work? I don't know.
2012 Nissan 370Z engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 26 / 22 |
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Nissan 370Z a good car?
Based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 370Z rates better than average: 40% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 370Z at the same age. It is one of the best 370Z years by this measure. 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 2012 Nissan 370Z?
The transmission & drivetrain — 12 complaints, 75% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the air bags (3) and engine & cooling (2).
How many recalls does the 2012 Nissan 370Z have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2012 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 2012 Nissan 370Z problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 37,000 miles; 88% 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.