Nissan 370Z VQ37VHR

The Nissan 370Z VQ37VHR has a reliability score of 74/100, rated "GOOD". Proven V6, oil consumption is the main asterisk

The most frequently reported issues are Excessive Engine Oil Consumption, Internal Water Pump Failure Risk, Steering Wheel Lock-Up / Ignition Failure, Fuel Gauge Inaccuracy / Unexpected Engine Shutdown, among others. See the Known Issues section above for symptoms, affected mileage, and repair costs.

Yes, this is a documented issue on the VQ37VHR, typically appearing around 40,000-120,000 km. The VQ37VHR is widely reported by the community as notorious for consuming oil at an abnormal rate. Users report needing to top up between oil changes, and in severe cases Nissan has covered engine replacements under goodwill. This is the single most discussed mechanical concern with this engine. Typical repair cost: €200-8,000. DIY difficulty: Easy to monitor, complex to fix.

Yes, this is a documented issue on the VQ37VHR, typically appearing around 80,000-160,000 km. The VQ37VHR locates the water pump inside the engine, driven by the timing chain. Unlike external pumps, failure can lead to internal coolant contamination and significant collateral engine damage. Community members note this design causes concern due to the difficulty and cost of replacement. Typical repair cost: €800-2,500. DIY difficulty: Expert.

Yes, this is a documented issue on the VQ37VHR, typically appearing around 50,000-150,000 km. NHTSA complaints include reports of the steering wheel locking and the vehicle being unable to start. This is an electrical/mechanical steering lock issue documented on the Z34 chassis. Typical repair cost: €200-800. DIY difficulty: Moderate.

Yes, this is a documented issue on the VQ37VHR, typically appearing around 60,000-140,000 km. NHTSA complaints document cases where the fuel gauge reads incorrectly (showing fuel remaining when tank is near empty), causing unexpected engine shutdown while driving. This is a safety concern in traffic. Typical repair cost: €150-600. DIY difficulty: Moderate.

Yes, this is a documented issue on the VQ37VHR, typically appearing around 10,000-100,000 km. Multiple NHTSA complaints report persistent airbag warning lights, particularly the passenger airbag occupancy sensor. This is an electrical issue affecting the supplemental restraint system, separate from the Takata inflator recall. Typical repair cost: €100-500. DIY difficulty: Moderate.

Yes, this is a documented issue on the VQ37VHR, typically appearing around 60,000-150,000 km. NHTSA complaints note the dashboard surface becomes grey, sticky, and reflective over time, creating a glare hazard on the windshield. This is a cosmetic and minor safety issue shared across several Nissan models of this era. Typical repair cost: €100-400. DIY difficulty: Easy.

The VQ37VHR is a fundamentally strong and long-lived V6 that has powered the 370Z reliably into high mileage territory, but oil consumption is a real and well-documented issue that every buyer must assess before purchase. Check the dipstick obsessively and establish a baseline immediately after buying. The internal water pump design is the biggest structural risk on high-mileage examples; budget for its preventive replacement alongside any timing chain service around 100,000 km. Engine-wise there are no factory recalls, though the car may be affected by the industry-wide Takata airbag inflator recall, worth checking by VIN regardless of engine condition. The NHTSA complaint log also reveals real-world electrical and fuel sender gremlins worth checking via a pre-purchase scan. A well-maintained 370Z with honest oil consumption history is still a rewarding buy, just go in with eyes open and a willingness to check fluids frequently.

All 370Z power variants share the same block, timing chain, and internal water pump, so the known failure points (oil consumption, water pump) apply equally regardless of hp figure. The NISMO's extra oil cooler is a genuine benefit for track driving but does not remove the oil consumption risk. Choose based on documented oil consumption history and maintenance records rather than the advertised power output.

Before buying, check: Check oil dipstick level and note the difference between current mileage and last oil change; any drop over 4,000 km indicates active oil consumption; Warm up the engine fully and inspect for blue smoke from the exhaust at idle and during rev blips; Perform a full OBD-II scan including SRS/airbag module and check for any stored or pending fault codes; Check the VIN against NHTSA's recall database for outstanding Takata airbag inflator work; Ask for documented coolant service history and inspect coolant reservoir for any oily residue or milky contamination suggesting internal water pump seepage.

There's no fixed mileage limit, it depends on maintenance. The parts worth budgeting for proactively are: Internal Water Pump (100,000 km), Timing Chain & Guides (120,000 km), Engine Oil Level (Ongoing from purchase). Engines that clear these checkpoints with documented maintenance commonly continue well beyond typical ownership periods.

Certain 370Z (Z34) model years were included in the broader Takata airbag inflator recall campaigns affecting the Nissan lineup, where the inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin during deployment. Remedy: Replacement of affected front airbag inflator(s) at a Nissan dealer, free of charge under the recall campaign

Estimated ownership cost is €2,400-6,000 over 3 years depending on mileage, oil consumption severity, and whether internal water pump or timing chain preventive work is required, based on known issues and typical service needs.

Owners report real-world fuel consumption of around 12 L/100km.

Community-reported real-world usage suggests changing oil every 6,000 km using 5W-40 full synthetic (community preference, e.g. Liqui Moly 5W-40), often more conservative than the official service schedule.

The VQ37VHR is also found in: Nissan 370Z Roadster (Z34), Infiniti G37 Coupe/Sedan/Convertible (2008-2015), Infiniti Q60 (2014-2015), Infiniti EX37 / QX50 (2008-2017), Infiniti M37 (2011-2013), Infiniti FX37 (2013).

Mostly positive with a clear undercurrent of oil consumption frustration. Enthusiasts love the engine's character and tuning potential, and accept the oil consumption as a known trade-off. High-mileage examples inspire confidence when properly maintained, with multiple community members reporting 200,000 km+ without major failures.