SERVICE INFORMATION If a customer describes lack of power or poor acceleration, perform the following checks before attempting any repair: * Check for stored DTCs. * Check if the driver is resting their left foot on the brake pedal while accelerating. Advise the customer not to rest their foot on the brake while accelerating. * Use CONSULT-III plus in Engine Data Monitor to check operation of the brake lamp circuit signal. Monitor the brake switch during the incident; it should be "OFF". Please see this bulletn for further details.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Nissan 370Z powertrain problems
moderate 24 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What stands out
Of the 6 model years of Nissan 370Z we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 24.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 When diagnosing possible power steering gear (rack and pinion steering rack, or steering rack) leak issues, it may appear the steering rack is leaking when actually, it?s not. Use this service bulletin to help make a more accurate diagnosis of the steering rack. - Go to Power Steering Gear Inspection starting on page 2. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant complaint across these 24 narratives is concentric slave cylinder (CSC) failure, affecting the manual transmission clutch system. Owners describe the clutch pedal sinking to the floor suddenly and refusing to return, leaving them unable to shift or move the vehicle. Failures start as early as 16,000 miles, with some vehicles failing multiple times: one owner documented failures at 65K, 77K, and 83K miles, each replacement lasting progressively fewer miles.
The failure is dangerous. Owners report stalling at traffic lights, nearly getting T-boned in intersections, losing control at highway speed, and having to manually pull the pedal up with their foot while driving. One owner's CSC disintegrated entirely, leaving only rubber and plastic bits in clutch fluid.
Repair costs run high: dealerships charge $1,100–$2,000 for parts and labor; one Nissan dealer refused coverage claiming the slave cylinder isn't part of the drivetrain despite it being essential for the transmission to work. Owners who went aftermarket or DIY saved money and reported better long-term reliability. Nissan has issued no recall and typically refuses warranty claims. One owner experienced an unrelated high idle condition (2,500–3,000 RPM) that persisted for 3.5 years with no resolution, and another dealt with clutch fluid boiling due to lines routed too close to the catalytic converter.
Same Nissan 370Z powertrain reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Concentric Slave Cylinder (CSC) Failure — Pedal Sinks to Floor
The concentric slave cylinder fails, causing the clutch pedal to sink to the floor and remain stuck there. Owners report the pedal either stays on the floor permanently or sinks suddenly during driving without warning. The failure is characterized by loss of clutch pressure and inability to disengage the clutch, leaving the vehicle stuck in gear.
When: Failures reported between 16,000 and 83,000 miles; recurring failures in some vehicles (one owner experienced three failures: 65K, 77K, and 83K miles).
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch pedal sinks to the floor and will not return; Unable to shift gears; Vehicle stuck in gear, unable to move; Loss of clutch engagement; Pedal becomes limp with no resistance; Car stalls when forced to a stop; Car lurches forward when trying to park
Repairs/costs cited: CSC replacement requires transmission removal; dealership repair costs cited as $1,100 to $2,000 for parts and labor. Owner reports replacing OEM part with aftermarket metal CSC at lower cost with better results. One owner replaced part three times at dealership ($1,100+ each) before doing it himself; part failure cycles shortened to 6,500–12,000 miles on replacement OEM units. Another owner spent $1,400 on repair; another paid nearly $1,000 in labor after Nissan covered parts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued. Nissan has in most cases refused to repair defect under warranty. One owner reported Nissan consumer affairs did not support safety concerns. Dealerships keep the part in stock despite known failure pattern.
Clutch Pedal Sticking or Failing to Return — Intermittent or Persistent
Clutch pedal sticks to the floor intermittently, particularly on long drives, or fails to return to normal position after being pressed. Some owners report needing to manually pull the pedal up with their foot. Issue can occur suddenly without warning, even at low mileage.
When: Reported as early as 16,000 miles; intermittent occurrences on long drives; some vehicles exhibit recurring pattern over years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch pedal sticks or sinks to floor but may return after time or pumping pedal; Pedal requires manual pulling to return to normal position; Occurs mainly on long highway drives; Sudden loss of pedal resistance while shifting; Clutch engagement point changes drastically before failure; Car lunges forward due to sudden clutch engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers sometimes report inability to duplicate issue; master cylinder and slave cylinder replacements performed at one dealership. Owner replaced CSC with upgraded metal version; one owner installed new clutch system with parts covered by Nissan but paid ~$1,000 labor.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall. One dealership could not duplicate concern. Nissan consumer affairs involvement reported but did not resolve safety issue.
Clutch Fluid Boiling — Design Defect (Clutch Lines Too Close to Catalytic Converter)
Clutch hydraulic lines are routed too close to the catalytic converter, causing clutch fluid to boil at highway speeds, which in turn causes the clutch pedal to stick to the floor and become difficult or impossible to shift.
When: Reported occurring at highway speeds (65–70 mph) on relatively new vehicle (purchased ~1 month before report).
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch pedal sticks to floor at highway speed; Difficulty or inability to shift gears; Clutch loses functionality while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Required replacement of entire clutch system. Nissan covered parts cost; owner paid approximately $1,000 in labor.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan covered parts, implying manufacturer acknowledgment of defect.
Clutch Grinding Noise Upon Release
Grinding noise occurs whenever the clutch is released, regardless of which gear is selected. Present from very low mileage; dealership confirmed issue present in other new 370Z models tested.
When: Reported at 3,600 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise when clutch pedal is released; Noise occurs in all gears
Transmission Replacement — Early Failure
Entire manual transmission failed and required replacement very early in vehicle ownership, within 4 months of purchase. Throw-out bearing failure also noted.
When: Reported at approximately 30,000 miles (4 months into ownership).
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission failure; Throw-out bearing failure
Repairs/costs cited: Entire transmission replacement performed; transmission inspected approximately 4 additional times after replacement.
High Engine Idle (2,500–3,000 RPM) — Persistent Over Years
Engine idles at elevated RPM (2,500–3,000 RPM) and resists dropping to normal idle. Condition persists for 3.5+ years despite multiple dealer visits. Service engine light appeared intermittently; no diagnostic codes stored in ECM memory when examined.
When: Persistent issue over 3.5 years; service engine light reported March 2013; idle would not drop below 2,000 RPM for 3 days during most recent incident.
Symptoms owners cite: Idle elevated at 2,500–3,000 RPM; Inability to lower idle; Punching gas pedal only increases idle further; Service engine light (intermittent); No stored diagnostic codes in ECM
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership found nothing wrong; no codes saved in ECM memory. Owner suspects Toyota-style runaway throttle issue and questions whether fuel throttle component purchased from same supplier as Toyota vehicles with known defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No resolution provided; dealership did not document owner complaints.
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2009 Nissan 370Z?
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 powertrain problem on the 2009 Nissan 370Z?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 24 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 24 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 30,000 and 59,000 miles, with the median around 39,300. A quarter of owners report trouble before 30,000; a quarter make it past 59,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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/2009/Nissan/370Z.
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.