Five problems related to transmission shudder have been reported for the 2003 Nissan 350Z. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Nissan 350Z based on all problems reported for the 2003 350Z.
Transmission grind going in and out of 3rd gear. Read all the reviews too late or never would have bought it. Car is dangerous this way and with the hundreds of complaints Nissan should be recalling and replacing the transmission.
Manual transmission makes loud grinding noise when shifting between 2nd gear and 3rd gear.
When up shifting to 5th gear the transmission will grind at higher rpm's. Also have some issues with the transmission "catching" as shifting in other gears, have to press hard to get it into gear at times.
Transmission grind when going from 2nd to 3rd.
3rd gear grinds and transmission noises. I have spoken with over 200 people with the same problem. Dealer refuses to warranty problem due to aftermarket parts.