The Z is a classic sports car with generations spanning for decades. As with any vehicle, each generation has common issues, and in this article, we review the signs, causes, and fixes for the most common problems with the 6th generation Nissan 370Z, years 2009-2020.
Top 5 Issues 6th Gen Nissan 370Z (2009-2020)
1. Concentric Slave Cylinder (CSC) Failure
Symptoms of CSC Failure
- Clutch pedal stays depressed and 370Z won’t go into gear after trying to shift
- Sometimes the 370Z doesn’t pull out of gear when driving
- If the two symptoms above occur, the brake master cylinder and clutch reservoir will be low on fluid and probably leaking underneath. Clutch fluid might be leaking outside of the driver side of the transmission housing, near the hose and bleeder valve, where the slave cylinder is located.
Causes of CSC Failure
Concentric slave cylinder failure on the Nissan 370Z is usually caused by low or leaking clutch fluid, which can wear out parts and create other problems like a worn clutch.
How to Fix CSC Failure
- If the slave cylinder is broken and needs replacing, the clutch likely needs to be replaced and the flywheel likely needs to be resurfaced and replaced. Consider replacing the bad slave cylinder with a heavy duty slave cylinder
- Sometimes a clutch fluid flush will fix CSC failure on the 09-20 Z. Refill the system with DOT 4 clutch fluid because it has a better temperature rating for the transmission than the DOT 3 fluid inside
2. Rear Axle Click
Symptoms of Rear Axle Click
Clicking sound from the rear wheel when it is turning
Causes of Rear Axle Click on the 09-20 370Z
The axle nut on the 370Z and its retainer stretch apart and loosen despite the extra security from the cotter pin
How to Fix Rear Axle Click
Purchase a specially-designed aftermarket nut that has locks built in so it can be torqued without loosening
3. Fuel Starvation
Symptoms of Fuel Starvation on the 370Z
Engine spits and sputters when driving
Causes of Fuel Starvation
Low fluid in the fuel tank can move around and cause the fuel tank to draw in air
How to Fix Fuel Starvation
Prevent fuel starvation on the 370Z by keeping the gas tank closer to FULL
4. Steering Wheel Lock—Faulty Steering Lock Mechanism
Symptoms of Steering Wheel Lock
370Z may enter accessory mode but won’t start and the steering wheel won’t unlock
Causes of Steering Wheel Lock
A broken electronic steering control lockout (ESCL) module can keep the steering wheel from unlocking. If the steering wheel can’t unlock, the 370Z won’t start.
How to Fix Steering Wheel Lock
- A potential temporary fix to unlock the steering wheel is to tap the ESCL module for a few times with a solid object like a smart phone.
- A long-term fix is to replace the ESCL module
Shop 6th Gen 09-20 Nissan 370Z Parts
5. High Oil Consumption
Symptoms of High Oil Consumption
Engine ticking/knocking, especially when accelerating
Causes of 370Z High Oil Consumption
Low oil level causes high oil consumption. If the oil level is not low, see if the engine is near the oil change interval
How to Fix High Oil Consumption
- Adding a little engine oil might help reduce the ticking noise if the 370Z is not due for an oil change soon
- If the 370Z is under warranty, the dealer can run an oil consumption test to see how much is consumed by mileage over time. The 370Z will most likely get a new engine small block if it’s within the expectations
- If the 370Z is not under warranty, try installing an oil catch can and keep up with oil change intervals
Fix Your Own Nissan 370Z with 1A Auto’s How-to Videos
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Model Years of the 6th Generation Nissan 370Z (2009-2020)
- 2009 Nissan 370Z
- 2010 Nissan 370Z
- 2011 Nissan 370Z
- 2012 Nissan 370Z
- 2013 Nissan 370Z
- 2014 Nissan 370Z
- 2015 Nissan 370Z
- 2016 Nissan 370Z
- 2017 Nissan 370Z
- 2018 Nissan 370Z
- 2019 Nissan 370Z
- 2020 Nissan 370Z
i have yet to find one instance of a 2020 370z csc failure after the 2018 exedy clutch upgrade….actually i havent seen a csc failure after 2018 .