2003 Nissan 350 Z · 1,238 MOT tests
2003 Nissan 350 Z reliability
2003 Nissan 350 Zs fail 29.1% of first MOT tests, 32% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 6 350 Z years (1,238 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Nissan 350 Zs: 26.1%)
- 29.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Nissan 350 Zs: 26.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 32% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 98,842
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,238
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2004 cars: 30% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 10.5% of tests fail here (42% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 61% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Nissan 350 Z
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics12.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks10.5%
- Suspension9.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.8%
- Brakes6.2%
- Body, chassis and structure5.1%
- Seat belts and airbags3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 3.47%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 3.31%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 2.42%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Windscreen washers not working 2.18%
Without working washers the windscreen cannot be cleaned while driving, which is a safety risk in dirty weather.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.02%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Exhaust has major gas leak 1.94%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.49%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (9.69%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.32%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (5.25%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.25%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (5.17%)
Is a 2003 Nissan 350 Z reliable?
2003 Nissan 350 Zs fail 29.1% of first MOT tests, 32% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 6 350 Z years (1,238 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Nissan 350 Z MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (3.47% of tests), lambda reading outside specified limits (3.31% of tests), airbag warning lamp shows fault (2.42% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Nissan 350 Z have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Nissan 350 Z shows 98,842 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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