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Nissan 350Z reliability by build year

Coverage 2003-20091 named generationCoupePETROL

We've only got 1,435 MOT tests for Nissan 350Z models built around 2005 (20 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Nissan 350Z built around 2005: about average at the MOT

Nissan 350Z models built around 2005 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Check a Nissan 350Z by number plate

Key figure

23% of MOT tests on Nissan 350Z models built around 2005 ended in a fail (retests included), against 25% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Nissan 350Z models built around 2005 involves the brakes.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Nissan 350Z's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your 350Z's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

350Z Z33

Z33 (2003-2009)

Excellent
PETROL

23.3% fail rate, built around 2005 (20 years old)

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 31.3%)

From 1,435 MOT tests at this ageView details →
Pre

Older models (before 2005)

PETROL
203 MOT tests across all agesLimited data

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Nissan 350Z.

See every build year for the Nissan 350Z

By age

Nissan 350Z fail rate by age

This chart combines every Nissan 350Z ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
626.5%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
8113.6%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
847.1%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
577.0%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
31622.8%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
59820.4%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
80123.2%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,09325.8%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,43523.3%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
90324.1%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
11326.6%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 22 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 20-year-old Nissan 350Z models

These issues come from 20-year-old Nissan 350Z models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    17.7%
    Advisory: 436Fail: 27 (6% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    17.4%
    Advisory: 388Fail: 33 (8% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    14.4%
    Advisory: 252Fail: 60 (19% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    11.2%
    Advisory: 275Fail: 4 (1% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    10.7%
    Advisory: 230Fail: 4 (2% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,435 MOT tests on 20-year-old Nissan 350Z models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 20-year-old Nissan 350Z models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelEnough data
  1. Brakes + Suspension37%
  2. Body & structure + Suspension30%
  3. Brakes + Tyres26%
  4. Body & structure + Brakes26%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 716 MOT tests on Nissan 350Z cars built around 2005 (20 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Nissan 350Z.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Nissan 350Z name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.

Like-for-like

Other coupes to compare

Other coupes to compare

  1. 1

    Porsche 911

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.2%
    Dangerous
    2.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94%

    Lower fail rate: 12.6%, against 23.3% for the Nissan 350Z, both built around 2005.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    3,063 MOT tests on cars built around 2005

  2. 2

    Mercedes-Benz CLK

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    10.4%
    Dangerous
    7.1%

    No clear edge over the Nissan 350Z on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    4,147 MOT tests on cars built around 2005

  3. 3

    Audi TT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.5%

    No clear edge over the Nissan 350Z on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    5,138 MOT tests on cars built around 2005

  4. 4

    Toyota Celica

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    30.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    11.7%
    Dangerous
    7.7%

    No clear edge over the Nissan 350Z on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,560 MOT tests on cars built around 2005

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2005 (20 years old), the Nissan 350Z across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,435 20-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Nissan 350Z ever sold: 5,543 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2005 (20 years old): 1,435 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.