The 2015 Fairlady Z (370Z in most markets) with the VQ37VHR 3.7L V6 is a solid sports car platform, but timing chain components and transmission cooling are the two major watch items that separate cheap examples from well-maintained ones.
Timing Chain Guide and Tensioner Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle that lasts 2-5 seconds, especially in freezing temps, Metallic grinding or whining from front of engine, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0345, P0335), Catastrophic engine failure if guides break and chain jumps timing
Fix: Replace all guides, tensioners, and chains (primary and secondary). Requires front engine disassembly, valve cover removal, oil pan drop. 12-16 labor hours for full job. DO NOT delay once rattling starts—broken guides grenaded into the timing cover can total the motor.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks (7AT models)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddle under car, usually passenger side, Burnt smell and slipping if fluid level drops critically, Cooler lines corrode at crimped fittings or rub-through points, Limp mode or no forward gears if cooler fails completely
Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler and both feed/return lines. If fluid was low, internal clutch damage may already be done. 4-6 hours labor for cooler and lines, add 2 hours if pan must come off for filter/inspection.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Valve Body and Solenoid Issues (7-speed Auto)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh 2-3 or 3-4 shifts, especially when warm, Delayed engagement into Drive or Reverse (2-3 second lag), Transmission slips or flares RPM between gears, Check engine light with shift solenoid codes (P0750, P0755)
Fix: Drop pan, replace valve body or individual solenoids depending on codes. Fluid and filter change mandatory. 5-7 hours labor. If clutches are burnt from slipping, you're looking at a full rebuild or replacement.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration at idle, especially with AC on, Excessive drivetrain movement visible under hard acceleration, Rubber mount torn or oil-soaked
Fix: Replace transmission mount. Jack up trans slightly, remove 4 bolts, swap mount. 1-1.5 hours labor. Cheap and easy, but annoying if ignored—can stress driveshaft and diff mounts.
Estimated cost: $180-320
VVT Solenoid and Cam Position Sensor Failures
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with P0011, P0021 (cam timing over-advanced/retarded), Rough idle or poor throttle response, Valve cover oil leaks contaminating sensors, Limp mode if ECU loses cam sync
Fix: Replace VVT solenoids (bank 1 and/or bank 2) and cam sensors. Often tied to valve cover gasket leaks. 2-3 hours labor if just solenoids, 5-6 if doing valve covers at same time.
Symptoms: Clutch pedal stays on floor or has no resistance, Grinding into gears or inability to shift, Clutch fluid leak inside bell housing, Total loss of clutch engagement
Fix: Replace CSC—requires transmission removal. 8-10 hours labor. ALWAYS replace clutch, flywheel resurface, and rear main seal while trans is out. This is a known Nissan design flaw; upgraded aftermarket CSCs available.
Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800
Fuel System / Fuel Filter Clogging (high-mileage)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000+ mi
Symptoms: Hesitation or stumble under hard acceleration, Long crank before starting, especially hot, Lean codes or fuel trim corrections, Fuel pump whine louder than normal
Fix: Replace in-tank fuel filter and inspect pump. Drop tank, 3-4 hours labor. Nissan doesn't call for routine filter service, so high-mileage cars often neglected. Pump failure can follow if filter clogs.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Owner tips
Change engine oil every 5,000 mi or less if tracking the car—VQ37 timing components are oil-pressure dependent
If buying a 7AT, verify trans fluid is clean red and cooler lines aren't seeping; budget for a cooler job
Manual trans buyers: ask if CSC was done; if not, plan for it and do clutch at same time
Cold-start rattle is NOT normal—get timing chains addressed before you lunch the motor
Use quality 5W-30 or 0W-40 synthetic; cheap oil accelerates timing chain wear
Buy a manual with service records showing CSC replacement, or budget $3-4K for deferred timing chain work on any high-mileage example—great platform if maintained, expensive if neglected.
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; Japanese vehicle requires smaller footprint battery
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
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 2015 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.