The 2017 370Z with the VQ37VHR is a solid enthusiast platform, but high-performance driving and oil starvation issues lead to catastrophic engine failures more often than typical sports cars. Transmission cooling and mount wear are also common pain points.
Oil Starvation and Engine Failure (VQ37VHR)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Rod knock or bearing noise during cold starts or hard cornering, Low oil pressure warning under sustained high-G turns, Complete engine seizure after track days or spirited canyon runs, Metal debris in oil filter after teardown
Fix: The VQ37 oil pickup design starves under high lateral G-forces, especially with oil below full mark. Requires full engine rebuild (pistons, rings, bearings, crankshaft machining) or short block replacement. 25-35 labor hours for rebuild, 18-22 for short block swap.
Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Milky or strawberry-colored transmission fluid (coolant contamination), Overheating transmission temp gauge readings, Harsh or delayed shifts after fluid contamination, Coolant loss with no visible external leaks
Fix: Internal transmission cooler in radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. Requires radiator replacement, complete transmission fluid flush (multiple exchanges), and often transmission rebuild if contamination ran long. 4-6 hours for cooler/flush, add 12-18 if transmission needs internal work.
Estimated cost: $1,200-5,500
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from reverse to drive or during hard acceleration, Excessive drivetrain movement visible from engine bay, Vibration through shifter and center console, Clicking noise during throttle on/off transitions
Fix: Transmission mount rubber deteriorates quickly, especially with performance driving. Replacement is straightforward but requires supporting the transmission. 2-3 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Fuel System Clogging and Starvation
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Fuel pump whine or buzzing louder than normal, Hesitation or stumble under wide-open throttle above 5,000 RPM, Intermittent rough idle or lean codes (P0171/P0174), Low fuel pressure readings during diagnostics
Fix: In-tank fuel filter screens and pump pre-filters clog with sediment. Fuel pump assembly or full tank drop required for access. Some owners report filter isn't serviceable separately, requiring pump replacement. 3-4 labor hours for tank drop and pump service.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Concentric Slave Cylinder Failure (Manual)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clutch pedal staying on floor after depression, Difficulty engaging gears with clutch pedal down, Gradual loss of clutch feel or engagement point, Transmission fluid leak visible at bell housing
Fix: The internal CSC (concentric slave cylinder) fails and leaks into the bell housing. Requires transmission removal. Smart shops replace with upgraded aftermarket unit. 8-10 labor hours with clutch inspection.
Estimated cost: $1,400-2,200
Steering Lock Module Failure
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Push-button start system won't engage, "Steering Lock Malfunction" warning, Complete no-start condition despite good battery, Clicking sound from steering column when attempting start, Intermittent failures that become permanent
Fix: Electronic steering lock motor fails and physically locks steering, preventing start. Common enough that many owners preemptively pull the fuse. Nissan TSB exists. 2-3 labor hours for column disassembly and module replacement.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Owner tips
Keep oil level at FULL mark always—half a quart low can kill the engine during hard cornering
Install aftermarket oil pan baffle or Accusump system if tracking the car
Monitor transmission fluid color religiously—catch cooler failure before it contaminates the trans
Pull the steering lock fuse (early preventive measure costs nothing)
Use quality fuel and consider periodic fuel system cleaning to prevent filter clogging
Buy it if you understand the oil starvation risk and budget for preventive measures or avoid track use—otherwise it's a grenade with the pin half-pulled for enthusiast drivers.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Battery located in trunk behind driver side panel; requires removal of interior trim for access
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Every control module on the 2009-2020 Nissan 370Z — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Mileage programming required by law; VIN must be written; some aftermarket tools can program mileage with proper documentation
Intelligent Power Distribution Module (IPDM-E/R)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine bay, driver side near battery or fender
🔧 Nissan CONSULT-III Plus
⚠️ Controls fuel pump relay and multiple power distribution functions; some versions integrated with fuse box
Rear View Camera (RVC)0.5 hr R&Rno coding
📍 Integrated into rear license plate area or trunk lid
⚠️ Plug-and-play on equipped models; no separate control module, connects directly to AV unit
Nissan Anti-Theft System / Intelligent Key Control Module (NATS)0.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.8 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated into BCM; separate IPDM-E/R in engine bay
🔧 Nissan CONSULT-III Plus
⚠️ Key programming requires PIN code from Nissan; all keys must be present for registration; IPDM-E/R is Intelligent Power Distribution Module
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2017 Nissan 370Z 3.7L V6 VQ37VHR and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.