Skip to main content
Check

Nissan 350Z Z33 (2003-2009) reliability

At a glance

Nissan 350Z Z33 built around 2005: about average at the MOT

Nissan 350Z Z33 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.

Looking at a Nissan 350Z Z33?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

23% of MOT tests on Nissan 350Z Z33 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 Z33 models built around 2005 involves the brakes.

Nissan 350Z Z33
excellent reliability2003-2009CoupePETROL

Based on 5,259 tests of 350Z models registered 2003-2009.

Z33 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
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.

Figures for fails still not passed 3 days later, and for dangerous defects, aren't available yet for this model.

How the 350Z Z33 compares

At each age below, see how the 350Z Z33 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 29,269 tests across 14 Nissan models, built around 2005 (20 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateNissan average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
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.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can 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.

Other coupes to compare

Other coupes, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 350Z Z33.

  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 Z33, 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 Z33 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 Z33 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 Z33 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.

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.

What has gone wrong on 350Z Z33 cars built around 2005

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 152 cars.

Structural systems

Emissions
49%
Suspension
41%
Bodywork
8%
Steering
2%

Wear items

Tyres
56%
Lighting
51%
Brakes
36%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 36% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

How 350Z Z33 cars have aged

How 350Z Z33 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%121416182022Age at MOTBuilt around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 18.8% (138 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 19.7% (142 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 19.5% (133 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (130 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (155 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 20.4% (558 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 21.6% (551 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (539 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 22.7% (515 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 20.4% (598 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 21.5% (805 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (773 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (714 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 23.7% (649 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 23.2% (801 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 21.5% (1,061 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 22.8% (1,042 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 23.3% (976 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 23.8% (905 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 25.8% (1,093 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 24.4% (812 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 21.9% (732 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 25.1% (726 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 22.7% (638 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 22.8% (768 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 25.8% (1,031 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 26.4% (979 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 24.3% (863 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 24.6% (765 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 24.1% (903 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 22.0% (150 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (119 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 23.3% (103 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 19.8% (86 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (113 tests, 2025 data)2003
First registered around 2009 (built 2009-2012)First registered around 2008 (built 2005-2008)First registered around 2007 (built 2005-2008)First registered around 2006 (built 2005-2008)
How each part holds up as Z33 cars age

How each part holds up as Z33 cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension46%45%31%41%
Brakes38%37%38%36%
Emissions37%42%45%49%
Tyres42%48%48%56%
Lighting40%42%48%51%
Bodywork10%3%8%8%
Steering6%4%3%2%
Corrosion21%18%22%36%

Based on petrol cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 52 to 152 cars at each age.

Same age, different build years

Same age, different build years

How cars of the 350Z from different build years compare at the same age. Treat it as a pointer, not proof. A difference can come from changes to the car, to the MOT itself, or to which cars are still on the road.

How they compare at 17 years old

pre-2005
26.8%
2022 data
2005-2008
20.4%
2025 data

How they compare at 18 years old

pre-2005
27.1%
2023 data
2005-2008
23.2%
2025 data

How they compare at 19 years old

pre-2005
27.3%
2024 data
2005-2008
25.8%
2025 data

Each bar uses one year of national MOT results. Testing conditions can differ from one year to another.

All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Nissan 350Z models of this age

This list covers every Nissan 350Z built around 2005, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Z33 on its own.

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 tests

Looking at a Nissan 350Z Z33?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2005 (20 years old), the Nissan 350Z Z33 (2003-2009) 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.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 5,259 MOT tests on Nissan 350Z models first registered between 2003-2009. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.