The 2020 Fairlady Z (370Z in most markets) with the VQ37VHR is a solid platform overall, but the aging design shows its weak points around the timing chain system and transmission cooling under spirited use or high mileage.
Timing Chain Guide and Tensioner Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle lasting 3-5 seconds that worsens over time, Metallic grinding or whining from front of engine, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0021, P0011), Metal debris in oil filter during changes
Fix: Full timing chain kit replacement including guides, tensioners, and chains. Front cover removal, oil pan drop, VVT actuators often replaced simultaneously. 12-16 labor hours depending on condition and whether heads need work.
Symptoms: Transmission slipping or delayed engagement especially when hot, Burnt ATF smell after highway drives or track use, Fluid looks dark brown or metallic even after recent change, Limp mode activation under load
Fix: Factory cooler is undersized and prone to clogging with clutch material. Replacement requires radiator/condenser removal for access. Upgrade to aftermarket external cooler strongly recommended at same time. Flush system completely. 6-8 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200
Valve Lifter Collapse (VQ37VHR)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Persistent ticking/tapping at idle that doesn't quiet down when warm, Loss of power under acceleration, Misfires on specific cylinders (often P0300 series codes), Noise increases with RPM
Fix: One or more hydraulic lifters fail, usually due to oil starvation or contamination. Cylinder head removal required for access. If caught early, lifter replacement alone; if delayed, cam lobe wear means full head work. 10-14 hours per bank.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,500
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking or jerking during 1-2 shift or downshifts, Excessive drivetrain movement visible during throttle blips in neutral, Vibration at idle in gear, Metallic clunk when engaging reverse
Fix: Rubber isolators in transmission mount deteriorate, especially on cars with aggressive driving. Replace mount assembly, inspect other mounts while in there. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Fuel System Contamination (Fuel Filter/Pump)
Rare · medium severity
Symptoms: Hard starting or extended cranking when hot, Bucking or surging under steady throttle at highway speeds, Loss of power above half throttle, Fuel pump whine audible in cabin
Fix: Ethanol fuel and infrequent tank cycling can cause debris buildup. In-tank pump/filter assembly replacement requires tank drop. Not a routine service item but critical when it fails. 4-5 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
VVT Actuator Solenoid Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with P0011, P0021 codes (cam timing over-advanced/retarded), Rough idle and stumble on cold starts, Reduced power and fuel economy, Codes may come and go with temperature
Fix: VVT solenoids on valve covers fail due to heat cycling and oil quality. Often misdiagnosed as timing chain issue. Replace solenoids and clean screens, change oil with quality synthetic. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Owner tips
Use quality synthetic oil (0W-40 or 5W-30) and change every 5,000 miles maximum — the VQ37 is sensitive to oil quality and the timing chain system depends on clean oil pressure
If you track the car or drive hard, install an aftermarket transmission cooler immediately on 7AT models — it's cheap insurance against $5k+ transmission rebuilds
Address cold-start rattles immediately — waiting turns a $3k timing chain job into a $6k+ head rebuild when guides disintegrate into the engine
Let the engine warm up for 60 seconds before driving hard, especially in cold weather — lifters need oil pressure to stay pumped up
Buy one if it has full service records showing religious oil changes and no cold-start rattle; budget $3k for deferred timing chain work if bought over 80k miles, otherwise a reliable and engaging sports car.
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; right side behind trim panel
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Every control module on the 2009-2020 Nissan Fairlady Z — 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.
Electric Power Steering Control Unit (EPS)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
⚠️ Mileage and VIN programming required. Digital display. Cannot transfer mileage without dealer tool.
Intelligent Power Distribution Module (IPDM-E/R)0.8 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine bay, passenger side near battery
🔧 Nissan CONSULT-III Plus or Autel/Launch
⚠️ Controls fuel pump, cooling fans, and other high-current loads. Configuration may be needed.
Sonar Control Unit (SONAR)0.6 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Rear cargo area, driver side trim panel
🔧 Nissan CONSULT-III Plus or aftermarket
⚠️ Optional equipment. Rear parking sensors on Sport/Touring models.
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 2020 Nissan Fairlady Z 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 Mechanic · 20+ years.