1981 Nissan 280z recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. UNINTENDED ACCELERATION MAY OCCUR, FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN SHIFTING FROM THE PARK POSITION.
What could happen: THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The fix: INSTALL A SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM WHICH PREVENTS THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER FROM BEING MOVED FROM THE PARK POSITION UNLESS THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1981 280Z.
- Book a repair at any authorized Nissan dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 87V098000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
Summary: UNINTENDED ACCELERATION MAY OCCUR, FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN SHIFTING FROM THE PARK POSITION.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: INSTALL A SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM WHICH PREVENTS THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER FROM BEING MOVED FROM THE PARK POSITION UNLESS THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
Notes: SYSTEM: ACCELERATOR/TRANSMISSION.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Vehicle Speed Control (1), Fuel system (1), Gasoline (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
09/18/2002 · Vehicle Speed Control
AT ANY TIME OR ANY SPEED GAS PEDAL GETS SUCK TO THE FLOOR. THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM IS UNKNOWN. *AK CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE WENT TO FULL THROTTLE WHILE DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL OR WHEN THE VEHICLE START. *YH
05/16/1997 · Fuel system
FUEL INJECTORS STARTED LEAKING FUEL INTO ENGINE COMPARTMENT.