The 2019 Fairlady Z (370Z) with the VQ37VHR is largely mature and sorted, but faces predictable aging issues around timing chain components, transmission mounts, and cooling system weaknesses that become critical in high-performance or tracked examples.
Timing Chain Guide & Tensioner Wear
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle lasting 2-5 seconds, Metallic scraping noise from timing cover area, Check engine light with VVT codes P0011/P0021, Loss of power under load
Fix: Full timing chain kit replacement with guides, tensioners, and chains on both banks. Requires front subframe drop and ancillary removal. 12-16 labor hours. Critical to catch early before guides fragment and cause catastrophic engine damage.
Estimated cost: $3,200-5,500
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking during 1-2 or 2-3 shifts, Vibration at idle in gear, Excessive driveline movement under throttle, Shifter slop or missed shifts
Fix: Replace rear transmission mount and often the front engine mounts simultaneously as they age together. 2-3 hours labor. Enthusiast-driven cars or those with harder launches see this earlier.
Estimated cost: $400-750
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Corrosion
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leak near firewall, Low fluid warnings, Slipping or delayed engagement, Burnt transmission fluid smell
Fix: Replace steel hard lines and cooler assembly. Lines rust through where they contact subframe or body. 4-6 hours labor. Catastrophic if driven with low fluid; catch leaks early during undercar inspections.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
VQ37 Gallery Gasket Oil Leak
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Oil dripping from rear of engine onto exhaust, Burning oil smell in cabin, Oil consumption increase, Visible leak at bell housing area
Fix: Rear main area leak often blamed on RMS, but frequently the oil gallery gaskets at cylinder head mating surface. Requires transmission removal, 8-10 hours. Not urgent but worsens over time.
Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800
Fuel System Vapor Purge Issues
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with P0456 or P0457 (EVAP leak), Fuel smell after hot shutdowns, Difficulty fueling at pump (premature shutoff)
Fix: Replace purge valve or vent solenoid, sometimes charcoal canister if saturated. 1-2 hours. Common on cars that sit or have frequent short trips. Easy diagnosis with smoke test.
Estimated cost: $250-500
CSC (Concentric Slave Cylinder) Failure - Manual Only
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Clutch pedal stays on floor, No clutch engagement, Grinding into gear, Fluid leak inside bell housing
Fix: Internal slave cylinder fails, requires transmission removal. 6-8 hours. Known weak point; many owners pre-emptively upgrade to external conversion kit during clutch jobs. Leaves you stranded when it fails.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 30k miles — these gearboxes run hot and manual trans benefits significantly from fresh fluid
Listen for cold-start rattle and address timing components immediately; delayed repair can grenade the motor
If buying manual, budget for CSC replacement or conversion kit unless documentation proves recent service
Inspect transmission cooler lines during every service for surface rust — catch leaks before they strand you
Use quality 5W-30 or 0W-40 synthetic and don't extend oil changes beyond 5k miles on spirited-driven examples
Solid platform if timing chain and CSC (manual) have been addressed; avoid deferred maintenance examples as timing failure can total the engine.
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; Z34 chassis
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 2019 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.