2012 Nissan 370Z
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2012 Nissan 370Z has 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 19. The most common issue is transmission problems (67% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2012 nissan 370z. the contact stated that the vehicle emitted a rattling sound whenever it was shifted into first gear. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the drive shaft was replaced. the vin was not available. the failure and current mileages were 1,000..
18
Total Complaints
0
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
0.9x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 4 of 4)
TRANSMISSION
12 complaints- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN 370Z. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED A RATTLING SOUND WHENEVER IT WAS SHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 1,000.
- • DRIVING THE VEHICLE FROM LOUISVILLE, KY TO HAZELWOOD, MO THE LAST FEW MILES OF THE TRIP THE CLUTCH PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. TRYING TO PUMP THE PEDAL IN ORDER TO GET THE CAR IN GEAR AND WAS ABLE TO LIMP THE CAR TO THE HOUSE. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED 4-5 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 YEARS (ABOUT 38000 MILES
- • FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE ISSUE, I WOULD EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT JUDDERING WHEN STARTING OFF IN 1ST GEAR. EVENTUALLY I LOST CLUTCH PRESSURE AND HAD TO TAKE MY CAR IN TO NISSAN. AFTER THEY READ THERE WAS A TSB FOR CLUTCH PRESSURE, THEY REPLACED MY CLUTCH FLUID WITH A DOT4 FLUID. AFTER 2 DAYS OF
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN 370Z. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED A RATTLING SOUND WHENEVER IT WAS SHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 1,000.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2012 Nissan 370Z
Based on 18 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 32K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
TRANSMISSION
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 Nissan 370Z
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Nissan 370Z
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Nissan 370Z Service Intervals
CVT-equipped models (Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Pathfinder) MUST use Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid, not conventional ATF. Frequent CVT service extends life significantly.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Nissan New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Nissan. If you're buying a used 2012 370Z, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Nissan dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 18 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐TRANSMISSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN 370Z. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED A RATTLING SOUND WHENEVER IT WAS SHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 1,000.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐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.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: HI IT IS A 370Z CLUTCH PRESSURE (CSC) FAILURES. PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ALL OVER THE PLACE TALKING ABOUT HOW THIS IS LEAVING PEOPLE STRANDED ESPECIALLY ON NEW VEHICLES. THERE'S A POST HERE ABOUT A BRAND NEW 2016 370Z HAD A CSC FAILURE AND HAD TO BE TOWED INTO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP TO GET IT FIXED. H
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: HI IT IS A 370Z CLUTCH PRESSURE (CSC) FAILURES. PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ALL OVER THE PLACE TALKING ABOUT HOW THIS IS LEAVING PEOPLE STRANDED ESPECIALLY ON NEW VEHICLES. THERE'S A POST HERE ABOUT A BRAND NEW 2016 370Z HAD A CSC FAILURE AND HAD TO BE TOWED INTO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP TO GET IT FIXED. H
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Nissan 370Z — Year Comparison
How does 2012 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 18
- Recalls
- 0
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 0
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 19
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2012 Nissan 370Z