WHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Nissan 350Z wheels problems
severe 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $400 · see wheels across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$400
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 12 wheels complaints filed for the 2006 Nissan 350Z, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Wheels accounts for 23% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 5 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA wheels complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 14 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering wheels on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has compiled Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and Low Tire Pressure Warning System (LTPWS) information for: - Basic diagnosing of TPMS/LTPWS systems - Radio frequency interference causing a "No Data" (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) condition - Sensor leaks - Moving TPMS/LTPWS wheel assemblies from one vehicle to another and TPMS/LTPWS sensor registration - Air pressure changes with altitude and ambient temperatures - Aftermarket tire sealers - Aftermarket wheels - Inflating/deflating tires with TPMS/LTPWS sensors See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Nissan Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory Alloy wheels, along with their finish coating (clear, chrome, titanium, etc.), are specifically developed to achieve Nissan design and performance standards. These Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory wheels are subjected to testing to ensure they meet Nissan's standards. Nissan Original Equipment Alloy or Genuine Accessory wheels subjected to aftermarket chroming may no longer continue to meet these standards and may be seriously damaged. Therefore, Nissan most strongly discourages, and recommends that these wheels NEVER be subjected to, aftermarket chroming. See this bulletinfor further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a. Brake Noise: A squeak, squeal, clunk, or groan that occurs when the brakes are applied or released. b. Brake Judder: A vibration that can be felt in the vehicle, steering wheel or brake pedal when the brakes are applied. c. Pedal Feel: The effort needed to operate the brakes is too high or too low. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Verify the condition by road testing the vehicle with the customer. 2. Determine the specific brake incident based
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe has been chosen as the approved tool for rotor resurfacing. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe can be ordered from TECH-MATE at 1-800-662-2001. - ProCut technical support or service can be obtained by calling 1-800-543-6618. NOTE: Brake rotors may need to be resurfaced during routine brake repair or for brake "judder" incidents. - Brake judder: A brake pedal pulsation and/or steering wheel shimmy when braking that occurs when there is too mu
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2006 Nissan 350Z wheels fail by developing cracks across the spokes and separating from the vehicle during normal operation. Owners consistently report that all four wheels on their cars show cracks simultaneously, even when mileage is still under 36,000 miles. The cracking occurs in chrome-plated aluminum alloy wheels and typically becomes audible as squeaking before catastrophic failure.
Wheel separation has occurred at speeds ranging from 25 mph on neighborhood roads to 65 mph on freeways. In multiple instances, wheels disengaged completely while the lug nut assembly remained attached to the hub, indicating failure at the rim itself rather than the mounting hardware. One case involved a wheel striking a highway patrol officer on the opposite side of a freeway divider.
Dealerships have consistently declined warranty coverage, stating that chrome-plated wheels are aftermarket modifications and not Nissan's responsibility—despite owners purchasing their vehicles with the chrome wheels already installed from the dealer. Service managers have quoted replacement costs between $3,067 and $5,550 per set. One manufacturer response offered 50% cost coverage; another provided a replacement set after the failure was reported. Nissan issued internal bulletins discouraging chrome wheel coating, yet dealers reportedly continue to apply chrome finishes to wheels before sale.
Failure modes owners describe
Chrome-plated wheel cracking and structural failure
Aluminum alloy wheels that have been chrome-plated develop cracks across spoke surfaces and separate from the vehicle during normal driving. The chrome plating process applied after the wheel left the factory appears to create stress that causes fractures. Multiple owners report that all four wheels on their vehicles exhibited cracks simultaneously, suggesting a systemic vulnerability of the specific 2006 350Z wheel design to the aftermarket chrome coating process.
When: Between 1 month to 4 years of ownership; mileage ranging from under 20,000 to 75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Audible squeaking or noise from wheel area; Visible cracks on all five spokes of chrome wheels; Loss of air pressure from cracked rims; Wheel separation from vehicle during low-speed (25 mph) and highway (65 mph) driving; Complete wheel disengagement with wheel center remaining attached to lug nuts
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quotes for replacement wheels ranged from $3,067 to $5,550. One owner was offered 50% coverage by manufacturer ($9,000+ implied original cost). One dealer offered $1,000 credit toward new wheels. Most owners paid out-of-pocket for replacements.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan issued bulletins (NTB92-123A, NTB92-123C) discouraging chrome wheel coating. Factory rep and service managers at dealerships stated that Nissan does not warranty chrome-plated wheels, characterizing them as aftermarket modifications even when they arrived factory-installed from the dealership. One owner reported manufacturer offered 50% repair cost coverage. In complaint #10, manufacturer provided replacement set of rims after owner reported the failure.
Wheel pressure monitoring system malfunction
Tire pressure monitoring system faults were reported alongside wheel cracking issues, though narrative detail is limited. One owner mentioned ongoing issues with the TPMS that were documented during warranty service before wheel disintegration occurred.
When: During the warranty period and continuing thereafter
Symptoms owners cite: Tire pressure monitor system alerts or failures
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Factory rep dismissed owner's mention of documented TPMS issues when investigating wheel cracking claims.
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
Tl - the contact owns a 2006 Nissan 350z. The contact stated that the front passenger side wheel rim developed a cracked, which caused the wheel to loose air pressure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who verified the failure and stated to the contact that the failure was caused by a manufacturing defect. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who offered to cover fifty percent of the…
Was hearing noise and took car to dealership and was told that I have 4 cracked rims and should buy new ones for 3067.00. I was told that yes the dealership does send there rims to be chromed but of course they said they didn't do mine. I told them I didn't do it. Nothing was done to fix the problem, was offered a free tow cause was told car was unsafe to drive. So I am out of pocket almost…
I own a 2006 Nissan 350z with chrome wheels. Three of the wheels are cracked and the car is unsafe to drive. Through the process of trying to get Nissan to replace the wheels, I learned that the wheels on the car are after-market re-chromed wheels. Nissan is not being helpful in getting the problem resolved by replacing the wheels. I am referencing NHTSA defect action number pe06050 and…
This complaint is being filed as part of an official california highway patrol investigation into a major injury traffic collision involving a law enforcement officer. The chp mait investigation # is sl-45-06. The traffic collision occurred on october 11, 2006, within los angeles county and involved a 2006 Nissan 350zx. During the collision, the left front wheel separated from the vehicle and…
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 Nissan 350z. The contact stated that her factory rims were customized and dipped in a chrome substance before they were purchased. While driving 25 MPH the chrome rim separated. As consequence her risk of vehicle crash was increased. The manufacturer was notified and she received a replacement set of rims. The dealer stated that they were aware of the failure with this…
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 Nissan 350z. While driving approximately 25 MPH on normal road conditions making a left turn, there was a loud sound outside of the vehicle. The contact observed that the front end of the vehicle had fallen on the ground and the front passenger wheel disengaged from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician stated the failure was…
Heard some squeaking from front left tire. I inspected the chrome wheel and found all 5 spokes had cracks in them all the way through. I had the vehicle inspected and found all 4 chrome wheels had cracks and was advised to park vehicle as it was not safe to drive. I contacted the service manager at my dealership and he advised that the rims on my vehicle were sent out to be chromed by someone…
Had wheels trouble with your 2006 Nissan 350Z?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the wheels problem on the 2006 Nissan 350Z?
It's a meaningful issue. 12 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $400.
At what mileage does the wheels typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most wheels failures cluster between 13,000 and 35,788 miles, with the median around 26,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 13,000; a quarter make it past 35,788. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $400 for wheels repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to wheels?
No active recalls currently cover wheels issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Nissan/350Z.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.