JN1HZ14S5EX0015441984 NISSAN 300ZX
1984 NISSAN 300ZX was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 5 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 83 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
Executive Summary
1984 NISSAN 300ZX
1984 NISSAN 300ZX was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 5 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 83 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 5 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Brake system recall; Fuel system recall)
- 1 injury reported across 83 owner complaints
- Common owner-reported issues: fire
- Fuel System is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
83 owner complaints filed — top areas: Fuel System (46%), Engine/Powertrain (23%), Electrical (12%). Common issues: fire. 1 injury reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- NISSAN
- Model
- 300ZX
- Year
- 1984
- Body Style
- Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Drive Type
- 4x2
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Doors
- 2
- Manufacturer
- NISSAN MOTOR COMPANY, LTD
- Assembly
- HIRATSUKA, KANAGAWA, JAPAN
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: HIRATSUKA, KANAGAWA
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Brake system recall
- ▸Fuel system recall
- ▸24 complaint(s) involved a fire
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
Owners of the 1984 NISSAN 300ZX report fuel system issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 1984 NISSAN 300ZX report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 1984 NISSAN 300ZX report electrical issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
5 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 5 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 5 recalls is ~66%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
NISSAN completes recalls at a fair rate (84%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~21 months.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~21 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
SummaryTHE HOOD LATCH MAY FAIL TO HOLD THE HOOD IN POSITION DUE TO A MISALIGNMENT OF THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH. THIS CONDITION IS DUE TO A DEFORMATION OF THE HOOD DURING MANUFACTURE.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
SummaryTHIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES OF AFFECTED VEHICLES WHICH COULD LEAK.Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
SummaryUNINTENDED ACCELERATION MAY OCCUR, FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN SHIFTING FROM THE PARK POSITION.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
SummaryBRAKES MAY FAIL SUDDENLY WHEN APPLIED. COMPONENTS WITHIN THE MASTER CYLINDER MAY BE EXPELLED BECAUSE A CLIP WHICH RETAINS THEM MAY NOT BE PROPERLY INSTALLED.Read full details...
~32% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
SummaryIMPURE LUBRICATING GREASE USED IN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCHES COULD CONTAMINATE ONE OR MORE CONTACT POINTS. OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHTS COULD BE DELAYED OR NOT LIGHT WHEN THE SWITCH IS TURNED ON OR WHEN THE DIMMER SWITCH IS OPERATED. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: LOSS OF HEAD LIGHTS WHILE DRIVING COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Recall Remedy Effectiveness — Complaints Continue After Fix
RECALL DIDN'T FIX ITOwner complaints filed AFTER recall remedies were issued for the same components
100% of complaints about "FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM" were filed AFTER recall campaign 95I006000 (1995-01-11) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.
Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.
Complaint Intelligence
83 complaints analyzed across 9 system categories
Fuel System leads owner complaints (47%), most reported when the vehicle was 12–14 yrs old. Also common: Gasoline (46%), Engine And Engine Cooling (16%).
Based on 66 complaints with a reported incident date. Too few owners cited mileage (0) to report a reliable failure-mileage range.
59% of complaints filed in Jul & May — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME83 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TR
FUEL INJECTORS LEAK INTO THE ENGINE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO HAVE LOW FUEL PRESSURE WHICH CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.*AK
NHTSA RECALL 85-V-021-000:IMPURE LUBRICATING GREASE USED IN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCHES COULD CONTAMINATE ONE OR MORE CONTACT POINTS. OPERATION OF THE HEADLIGHTS COULD BE DELAYED OR NO LIGHT WHEN THE SWITCH IS TURNED ON OR WHEN THE DIMMER SWITCH IS OPERATED. *AK CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: LOSS OF HEAD LIGHTS WHILE DRIVING COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. CONSUMER HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALL DUE TO THE VIN#
CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A STUCK THROTTLE. *SLC
STUCK THROTTLE. *AK
MY NISSAN CONTINUALLY SURGES AND THE DEALERSHIPS ARE UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. PLUS THE FUEL GAUGE READS EMPTY WHEN IT IS NOT. *AK
I'VE CONTACTED 1-800-NISSAN1 ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS SINCE MAY OF THIS YEAR, I ALSO FAXED THE INFORMATION AND WHEN THE PHONE CALL WAS RETURNED THEY ONLY ADVISED ME THAT THEY WILL GO OVER THE INFORMATION AND THAT A CASE WAS GOING TO BE OPEN FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. TILL THIS MOMENT NOTHING SAID. THANK YOU SO MUCH. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONE DIN SUMMARY. *AK
TWO DIFFERENT REPAIR CENTERS STATED IT WOULD BE IN EXCESS OF $2K TO REPAIR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WIRES. *AK
NISSAN INITIATED A "WORD OF MOUTH CAMPAIGN" FOR A KNOW SAFETY PROBLEM THAT COULD HAVE BURNT MY ENTIRE HOUSE TO THE GROUND AND WILL NOT TAKE RESPOSIBILITY FOR DAMAGE AND REPAIR OF MY CAR. *AK
HOOD LATCH ISN'T ENGAGING CORRECTLY, AND CONSUMER DOESN'T WANT HOOD POPPING OPEN WHILE DRIVING. *AK
THIS 300ZX WAS IN MINT CONDITION AND VERY WELL CARED FOR. WE BOUGHT IT FOR THE FAMILY AND ENJOYED IT FOR 18 MONTHS. WE WERE NOT AWARE OF A VOLUNTARY RECALL FOR THIS VIHICLE WHICH NHTSA IS PRESENTLY LISTING AS A TYPE OF REPORT "TIRE". WHAT DOES TIRE HAVE TO DO WITH FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM FAILURES AND POTENTIAL FIRES! WELL WE HAVE NOW LOST A DEAR MEMBER OF THE FAMILY (300ZX) AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY WILL NOT PAY US ENOUGH TO PURCHASE ANOTHER 300ZX OF COMPARABLE VALUE. I SUBMITTED 16 PAGES OF COMAPARABLES FROM ACROSS THE NATION AND HIGHLIGHTED THE VEHICLES THAT HAD EQUIVALENT MILEAGE, CONDITION AND OPTIONS. THOSE CARS RANGED FROM $3800 TO $6500 AND ALL NATIONWIDE WANTS TO GIVE US IS $3314 AFTER MULTIPLE TELEPHONE CONVERSIONS. SO NOW I WANT IT OUT OF NISSAN! WE ARE EXTRTEMELY DISTRESSED THAT THIS RECALLWAS LEFT TO NON MANDATORY AND NOT CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE. MY SON CAME HOME FORM WORK AT 1030PM THAT SATURDAY NIGHT AND HE WAS TALKING WITH HIS MOTHER AND I WHEN THE CAR ALARM STARTED. WQE OPEN THE GARAGE. *AK
STRONG GAS ODOR, POWER SURGE AT STEADY SPEED. *AK
STRONG GAS ODOR, VISIBLE GAS LEAK FROM HOSE NEAR FUEL INJECTION, LOSS OF GAS
FUEL INJECTORS FAILED PRIOR TO/AFTER RECALL REPAIRS 95I-006000.
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED UNDER RECALL 951006, FUEL INJECTION. THE DEALER HAS NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE . THERE IS FUEL LEAKING AROUND THE INJECTORS. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM FAILED, RECALL (95I006000) COMPONENT, HOWEVER OWNER NOT NOTIFIED PRIOR TO FAILURE RESULTING IN FIRE. (MJS)
SUDDEN ACCELERATION.
FUEL INJECTION FAILURE.
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE FROM A FAULTY FUEL INJECTOR.
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON VEHICLE . HE WENT TO THE DEALER TO MAKE THE APPOINTMENT TO HAVE VEHICLE REPAIRED. OWNER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER ON APPOINTMENT DATE AND WAS INFORMED THAT DEALERSHIP NO LONGER SERVICED NISSAN VEHICLES. *AK
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO SHORT CIRCUIT IN FUEL INJECTORS.
WHEEL STUDS/NUTS FAILED.
BRAKE PADS FAILED.
CLUTCH DISC FAILED.
PRESSURE PLATE FAILED.
BOLTS STRIPPED IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.
RACK AND PINION STEERING LEAKING.
SWAY BAR FAILED.
FUEL FILTER FAILED.
FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED.
FRONT END MISALIGNED.
PROBLEM W/WINDSHIELD.
TIMING BELT FAILED.
WATER PUMP FAILED.
ALTERNATOR BELT FAILED.
IDLER PULLEY FAILED.
RADIATOR CAP FAILED.
THERMOSTAT FAILED.
BATTERY FAILED.
SPARK PLUGS FAILED.
HEADLIGHT FAILED.
CLUTCH DRAGS.
TURBO NOT PROVIDING BOOST DUE TO LACK OF OIL.
FRONT STRUTS FAILED.
SPEED SENSOR FAILED.
FUEL INJECTORS LEAKING.
POWER AMPLIFIER FAILED.
OIL PRESSURE SWITCH FAILED.
ALTERNATOR FAILED CAUSING WARNING LIGHTS ON DASH TO APPEAR WHEN ACCELERATING.
CORROSION AT BATTERY CABLE, CAUSING HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION.
TRANSMISSION FAILED.
SLAVE CYLINDER LEAKING, CAUSING CLUTCH SLIP.
REAR BRAKES FAILED.
ENGINE LEAKING OIL.
MOTOR MOUNTS FAILED.
STEERING COLUMN LOOSE.
RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED ON INJECTORS AND AS A RESULT THE AIR REGULATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
OWNER STATED THAT CONTACTED THE DEALER ON NOV 25, 1996, AS OF YET NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. DEALER SAID HAD TO WAIT 3 MORE MONTHS. *AK
THE DEALER SAID BECAUSE OF BACK ORDER ITS GOING TO TAKE 3-6 MONTHS BEFORE REPAIRS TAKE PLACE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
DUE TO BAD FUEL INJECTORS, FUEL WAS LEAKING ONTO THE ENGINE COMPARMENT, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARMENT. *AK
VEHICLE UNDER RECALL (95I006000). DEALERSHIP HAD NO PARTS; REFERRED OWNER TO ANOTHER DEALER (NO PARTS). FRIEND IN VEHICLE WHEN BURST INTO FLAMES. FRIEND ESCAPED; FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED & PUT FLAMES OUT. SENDING FIRE REPORTS. *AK
HAD TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES BUT NO PARTS, A FRIEND WAS IN VEHICLE WHEN IT BURST INTO FLAMES IN FRONT OF RESTURANT, FRIEND WAS SLIGHTLY BURNED, FIRE DEPT ARRIVED PUT OUT FLAMES. *AK
FUEL INJCTION LEAKED FUEL ONTO ENGINE, CAUSING VEHICLE FIRE. *AK
DUE TO LACK OF RECALL INFORMATION OF THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, FAILURE OCCURED (LEAK) RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE.
FAULTY FUEL INJECTORS. *AK
LEAKY FUEL INJECTORS CAUSED ENGINE FIRE.
AFTER HAVING COMPLETED RECALL REPAIRS, CONSUMER STILL EXPERIENCES DIFFICULTY IN STARTING CAR, TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER ON TWO OCCASIONS, HAS NOT FOUND THE PROBLEM . RECALL 95I006000. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
WHILE PARKED, VEHICLE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO A FUEL INJECTOR LEAK. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
FUEL INJECTORS CAUGHT FIRE. *SD
FUEL INJECTORS LEAKED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE.(ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).
WAS DRIVING VEHICLE TO FRIEND'S HOME, NOTICED VEHICLE WAS SMOKING, ARRIVED AT FRIEND'S HOME, LIFTED HOOD & SAW FLAMES, PUT OUT FLAMES W/FIRE EXTINGUISHER. *AK
FUEL INJECTORS LEAK, CAUSING STRONG GAS ODOR FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
VALVE COVER GASKET LEAKS OIL. *DH
FUEL GAUGE SENDING UNIT FAILED.
AFTER FUEL INJECTION CAMPAIGN WAS DONE ON THE CAR, THE OWNER DROVE IT AWAY AND THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE INJECTION SYSTEM. 95I006000. *AK
FUEL HOSES LEAKED, CAUSING ENGINE FIRE. *DSH
SON WAS DRIVING VEHICLE, VEHICLE AT STOP LIGHT TO MAKE TURN, CAUGHT FIRE WHILE WAI*AKTING
SON WAS DRIVING VEHICLE, VEHICLE AT STOP LIGHT TO MAKE TURN, CAUGHT FIRE WHILE WAI*AKTING
JUST STOPPED THE CAR TURNED OFF THE MOTOR AND THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE DEALER TOLD HER THE FIRE CAME FROM THE FUEL INJECTOR. *AK
JUST STOPPED THE CAR TURNED OFF THE MOTOR AND THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE DEALER TOLD HER THE FIRE CAME FROM THE FUEL INJECTOR. *AK
VEHICLE PARKED IN PARKING; RECEIVED CALL THAT VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE; OWNER WAS TOLD FIRE WAS COMING FROM BOTTOM OF ENGINE; CAUSE AT THIS TIME UNKOWMN; TOTALED.
FAULTY FUEL INJECTOR CAUSED VEHICLE FIRE AFTER DRIVING. *DSH
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. *AW
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable
▸ Engine derate or no-start condition — DEF system failure puts vehicle into limp mode limiting speed to 5mph
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 83 total NHTSA complaints filed over 10 years, with the worst year being 1997 (44 complaints).
The amber reliability line averaged 100/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 96/100 in 1997.
The recall (red dashed line) were issued in the same year or before complaints peaked, suggesting the manufacturer identified and acted on the defect relatively quickly.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate
Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs
Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $43,614 (~$727/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 1984 NISSAN 300ZX — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
- ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
NISSAN has been fined $3M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2014: Failure to file required Early Warning Reports on vehicle defects.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | JN1HZ14S5EX001544 |
| Model Year | 1984 |
| Make | NISSAN |
| Model | 300ZX |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback |
| Doors | 2 |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | NISSAN MOTOR COMPANY, LTD |
| Assembly City | HIRATSUKA |
| Assembly Country | JAPAN |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | JN1 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 5 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | E |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | X |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 001544 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 5 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 83 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 11/2/2026, 3:57:46 AM.