Model year guide

1988 Nissan 300zx

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1988 Nissan 300zx is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

1988 Nissan 300zx — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1988 Nissan 300zx at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints26
Combined18–19 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1988 Nissan 300zx recalls 1

Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System NHTSA Campaign #95I006000 · 01/11/1995

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES OF AFFECTED VEHICLES WHICH COULD LEAK.

Fix: NISSAN DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 7 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1988 Nissan 300zx common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

1988 Nissan 300zx MPG & running costs

Combined18–19 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,663
EPA size classTwo Seaters
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume49 cu ft
Cargo volume23 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$6,313 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1988 Nissan 300zx costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,315
Fuel only$18,315
Per mile$0.24

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1988 Nissan 300zx trims & engines on record

Engines
3.0L 6-cyl

1988 Nissan 300zx vehicles on record

1988 Nissan 300zx 1988 Nissan 300zxJN1HZ14S0JX271792 1988 Nissan 300zx 1988 Nissan 300zxJN1CZ14S4JX203599

Other Nissan 300zx model years

1995 1993 1991 1990 1985

1988 Nissan 300zx — frequently asked questions

Does the 1988 Nissan 300zx have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1988 Nissan 300zx. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 1988 Nissan 300zx?

Across all 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are fuel system, gasoline, engine and engine cooling.

What gas mileage does the 1988 Nissan 300zx get?

The 1988 Nissan 300zx has U.S. EPA estimates of 18–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.