DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Nissan 370Z steering problems
moderate 88 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
88
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
When does it fail?
Of the 88 steering complaints filed for the 2009 Nissan 370Z, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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.
How fast does it fail?
Cumulative share of the 14 mileage-bearing steering complaints filed against the 2009 Nissan 370Z by each odometer reading. Median failure: 43,065 mi.
10% have failed by23,000 mi
Half the fleet by43,065 mi
90% have failed by63,000 mi
Curve based on owner-reported odometer mileage at the time of complaint. Reflects when owners filed, not when symptoms first appeared. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve.
What stands out
Steering accounts for 58% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 5 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 88 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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.
DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 - 2010 370Z / 2009 350Z ACCESSORY WHEEL LOCKS This bulletin is no longer active. Please discard previous versions of NTB09-024.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION When servicing run flat tires or low profile tires: - Special equipment and procedures are required to avoid damage. - Specifically, Tire Pressure Monitor transmitters (TPMS sensors) can be damaged when improperly dismounting and mounting tires. - TPMS sensors becoming damaged during mounting or dismounting tires are not covered under warranty. - To avoid such damage, ensure that the tire changer being used and the operator of the tire changer is capable of servicing run flat and low profile tires. - Operator?s manuals for such tire changers must be followed. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 2009 370Z's electronic steering column lock (ESCL) fails without warning, leaving the car unable to start. Owners describe parking normally, returning to the vehicle hours or days later, and finding the ignition unresponsive. A yellow "Intelligent Key" warning light often appears, but the push-button start does not cycle—the ignition stays locked. Replacing the key fob battery, trying a spare key, or jump-starting the car does no good. The steering wheel remains locked, and the vehicle won't enter Accessory mode even to operate the windows. The car goes completely dead and must be towed.
The failure affects 2009–early 2010 models and occurs across mileage ranges of 18,000 to 176,000 miles, though most cluster near 30,000–60,000 miles—just past the standard warranty. Owners report the yellow key light as an intermittent warning sign days or weeks before catastrophic failure. Nissan has released at least six different part revisions (JF00A, JF00B, JF00C, JF00D, JF00E, 9N00A, 9N00B) attempting fixes, but each eventually fails in the same way. One owner had the part replaced four separate times. The repair cost runs $960–$1,337, with some dealers quoting over $1,300 for parts and labor combined, excluding towing. Nissan removed the steering lock from 2012+ models but has not issued a recall for the 370Z, despite issuing recalls for the identical part in GT-R and Altima models.
Same Nissan 370Z steering reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) / Steering Lock Assembly Failure
The electronic steering column lock mechanism fails to unlock, preventing engine start. In most cases the steering wheel remains mechanically locked even when the lock solenoid/actuator fails electrically. Some units fail with the steering wheel unlocked but still prevent ignition. The failure is intermittent in onset—owners report the yellow 'Intelligent Key' warning light appearing days or weeks before complete failure. Manufacturing revisions (JF00A, JF00B, JF00C, JF00D, JF00E, 9N00A, 9N00B, etc.) all exhibit the same defect; at least six different part numbers have been produced as Nissan attempts fixes. The part appears over-oiled at the factory according to owner research. Failure can occur with no warning—typically after the vehicle has been parked and shut off. The vehicle becomes completely disabled; the push-button start does not respond, and the car cannot enter accessory mode to operate windows or other features. Early failures documented as low as 18,000 miles; many occur between 30,000–60,000 miles, just outside the standard warranty period.
When: Typically 3–5 years of ownership; mileage range 18,000–176,000 miles; most commonly at 30,000–60,000 miles (just outside standard warranty)
Symptoms owners cite: Yellow or amber 'Intelligent Key' warning light on dashboard (often intermittent before complete failure); Push-button start does not respond; Ignition will not cycle to Accessory or On position, remains at Lock; Steering wheel locked and cannot turn; Vehicle completely disabled; no electrical functions available (windows, locks work but start does not); Battery and charging system appear normal; Key fob insertion into slot does not enable start
Codes mentioned: P0309, Multiple steering lock control module error codes (owners report 'multiple code points indicating steering lock failure')
Repairs/costs cited: Parts cost $500–$750 per replacement; labor $50–$259; total repair $960–$1,337.96. Replacement solenoid/actuator assembly part numbers include 48700-JF00A, 48700-JF00B, 48700-JF00C, 48700-JF00D, 48700-JF00E, 48700-9N00A, 48700-9N00B. Towing cost typically $65–$150. One owner reports having the same part replaced four times. One owner paid $1,153.40 for second failure after initial recall repair. Some owners have disabled the steering lock entirely by cutting wires or pulling the fuse to prevent future failures. Diagnostic time at dealer can extend 3 days to 1 month due to parts availability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan Service Campaign NTB10-025 (issued 3/18/2010) addressed the part in the 2009 GT-R models with free replacement. Nissan Service Campaign NTB13-014 (issued 3/7/2013) addressed the same part in some 370Z vehicles, with free replacement for those still in warranty. However, no recall was issued for 2009–early 2010 370Z vehicles equivalent to the GT-R recall, and 2009 Altima owners received free recall service while 370Z owners were not included. Nissan removed the steering lock from 2012+ 370Z models entirely, confirming awareness of the defect. Nissan consumer affairs has refused reimbursement for out-of-warranty repairs, citing the warranty limit. One customer reported Nissan never responded to a letter. A dealer informed one customer that the steering lock fuse could be pulled as a workaround but this disables theft protection. Nissan claims to have fixed the issue with successive part revisions but each revision eventually fails.
Synthesized from 88 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 14 most recent
There is a known issue / problem with 2009 and early 2010 Nissan 370z's. The problem is related to the steering wheel lock mechanism, which prevents the car from being turned on in any form (power or engine) because the mechanism fails mechanically and prevents an electrical response from being sent. It is not an issue that would affect safety while driving, but it is absolutely a safety issue…
Drove 370z to work with no problem. Attempted to leave for appointment later in the day and car will not start. The car will do nothing, no power, no radio, can't roll the windows up, etc. The wheel lock system has malfunctioned. Apparently, this is a common problem. *tr
Steering wheel /ignition system electronics switch failure ,causing vehicle and all electric accessory systems on vehicle to not function. *tr
Steering wheel lock failure (intelligent key system warning). Was at a gas station and car would not start. "yellow" key light showed up but car would not start at all. Had to have car towed to dealership. After research, I have discovered that this part has failed on many Nissan models with this type of electronic steering wheel lock. This needs to be recalled and anyone who has paid to…
2009 Nissan 370z worked perfectly then wouldn't start. Found many other incidents of the same problem. The issue is a broken steering wheel lock which won't unlock. Although the same part is known to have issues in many Nissan cars, there is no recall so owner pays for an expensive part and labor. *tr
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan 370Z. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the steering wheel locked up, and the contact was unable to start the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where a mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with steering module failure. The contact called the dealer to schedule an appointment, and the dealer informed the contact that the…
The steering lock would not engage after turning off or locking the car. If the steering wheel lock does not work then the car will not start leaving me stranded. *tr
Car will not start. Seems to be a very common problemwith 09 370z's. Steering lock mechanism. *tr
The electric steering wheel lock mechanism has failed bad. There has been a recall on the part, but Nissan refuses to acknowledge it. Many complaints have been addressed on this issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Nissan 370z. The contact stated that he went to start the vehicle but the steering wheel lock malfunctioned. The contact stated that he could not unlock the steering wheel to start the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the steering wheel lock needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2009 Nissan 370Z?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 88 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 85 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 29,000 and 52,500 miles, with the median around 38,560. A quarter of owners report trouble before 29,000; a quarter make it past 52,500. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.