At a Glance
The Nissan 300zx has 26 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the Z32 (1989-2000) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 27K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Nissan 300zx common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Nissan 300zx generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Nissan 300zx Generations
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Most Common Nissan 300zx MOT Failures
Every reason Nissan 300zx vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 9.23% |
| 2 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 9.01% |
| 3 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 8.18% |
| 4 | Exhaust system fault | 6.93% |
| 5 | Brake pads or linings worn | 4.77% |
| 6 | Front lamp not working | 4.61% |
| 7 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 3.67% |
| 8 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.44% |
| 9 | Track rod end worn | 2.99% |
| 10 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.72% |
| 11 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.66% |
| 12 | Suspension mounting corroded | 2.66% |
| 13 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.49% |
| 14 | Stop lamp not working | 2.47% |
| 15 | Parking brake condition | 2.18% |
| 16 | Tyre condition | 2.10% |
| 17 | Fog lamp not working | 2.04% |
| 18 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.03% |
| 19 | Windscreen washer not working | 1.92% |
| 20 | Headlamp fault | 1.30% |
| 21 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.23% |
| 22 | Chassis condition | 1.08% |
| 23 | Horn not working | 1.02% |
| 24 | Position lamp not working | 0.98% |
| 25 | Rear lamp not working | 0.95% |
| 26 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.90% |
| 27 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.84% |
| 28 | Indicator fault | 0.81% |
| 29 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.71% |
| 30 | Seat belt condition | 0.60% |
| 31 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.52% |
| 32 | Steering free play excessive | 0.49% |
| 33 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.49% |
| 34 | ABS fault | 0.48% |
| 35 | Steering rack fault | 0.46% |
| 36 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.46% |
| 37 | Rear suspension fault | 0.45% |
| 38 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.44% |
| 39 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.40% |
| 40 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.39% |
| 41 | Front suspension fault | 0.37% |
| 42 | Electrical switch fault | 0.37% |
| 43 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.34% |
| 44 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.33% |
| 45 | Steering lock fault | 0.33% |
| 46 | Brake pedal fault | 0.30% |
| 47 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.29% |
| 48 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.27% |
| 49 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.26% |
| 50 | Brake caliper fault | 0.25% |
| 51 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.23% |
| 52 | Brake fluid leak | 0.22% |
| 53 | Drag link end worn | 0.21% |
| 54 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.20% |
| 55 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.20% |
| 56 | Steering arm worn | 0.20% |
| 57 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.19% |
| 58 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.19% |
| 59 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.19% |
| 60 | Steering operation fault | 0.19% |
| 61 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.18% |
| 62 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.17% |
| 63 | Steering column fault | 0.17% |
| 64 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.17% |
| 65 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.17% |
| 66 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.15% |
| 67 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.14% |
| 68 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.14% |
| 69 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.14% |
| 70 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.12% |
| 71 | Power steering pump fault | 0.12% |
| 72 | Power steering ram fault | 0.10% |
| 73 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.10% |
| 74 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.10% |
| 75 | Steering coupling worn | 0.10% |
| 76 | Driveshaft fault | 0.08% |
| 77 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.08% |
| 78 | Airbag warning light on | 0.07% |
| 79 | Driver seat fault | 0.07% |
| 80 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.07% |
| 81 | Brake lever fault | 0.07% |
| 82 | Engine oil leak | 0.07% |
| 83 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.07% |
| 84 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.07% |
| 85 | Body security fault | 0.06% |
| 86 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.06% |
| 87 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.05% |
| 88 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.05% |
| 89 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.04% |
| 90 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.04% |
| 91 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.04% |
| 92 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.04% |
| 93 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 94 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.04% |
| 95 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 96 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.04% |
| 97 | Speedometer fault | 0.04% |
| 98 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.04% |
| 99 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 100 | Dip switch fault | 0.03% |
| 101 | Driver airbag fault | 0.03% |
| 102 | Passenger seat fault | 0.03% |
| 103 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 105 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 106 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 107 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 108 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 109 | Steering box fault | 0.02% |
| 110 | Steering drive system fault | 0.02% |
| 111 | Steering shaft fault | 0.02% |
| 112 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 113 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 114 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 115 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.02% |
| 116 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 117 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 118 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 119 | Universal joint worn | 0.02% |
| 120 | Additional braking device fault | 0.01% |
| 121 | CV joint worn | 0.01% |
| 122 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | 0.01% |
| 123 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 124 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 125 | Steering linkage fault | 0.01% |
| 126 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 127 | Towbar fault | 0.01% |
| 128 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.01% |
| 129 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 130 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 135 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 136 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 137 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 139 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
Showing all 139 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Nissan 300zx MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Nissan 300zx, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Nissan 300zx problems?
Based on analysis of 27K Nissan 300zx MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 26 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Suspension component mounting corroded". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Nissan 300zx generation has the most problems?
The Nissan 300zx Z32 (1989-2000) (1989–2000) has the highest number of identified common problems (32). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Nissan 300zx?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Nissan 300zx owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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