2023 Nissan Z
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.

- Class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 2
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 22 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2023 two seaters (18.6 MPG).
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Nissan Z is a two seaters offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl turbo engine and rear-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 28 highway), 18% better than the 2023 two seaters average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Tochigi, Tochigi Prefecture
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2023 Z configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S9) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | +18% | $3,750 | 405 |
| Z | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +8% | $4,100 | 435 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2023 Nissan Z.
Similar 2023 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Nissan Z (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2023 Chevrolet Corvette | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2023 Mazda MX-5 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2023 Toyota GR Supra | 27 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2023 RUF Automobile T12/CTR3/CTR Anniversary | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Electrical System › Wiring · Oct 24, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V798000 · 4,036 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Nissan Z vehicles. The connectors for the right-side pedestrian detection sensors may be reversed in the front bumper harness, which can prevent the pop-up engine hood from activating as intended.
- Risk
- A pop-up engine hood that does not activate in a pedestrian crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the front bumper harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 11, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R24B6.
Structure › Body › Bumpers · Oct 26, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V725000 · 988 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Nissan Z vehicles. The fasteners in the left-side front bumper reinforcement clip may loosen, which can prevent the pop-up engine hood from activating.
- Risk
- A pop-up engine hood that does not activate and raise the rear end of the hood in a frontal pedestrian crash, can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will tighten the fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 7, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23C8.
Not every 2023 Nissan Z is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Nissan Z buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Structure — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 7,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Nissan Z. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Z years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →