4 wheel electronic anti-lock braking is standard equipment, and only operates above 6 mph (10Km/hr). After the car is started, and once it reaches 6 mph, a buzzing noise will be heard from the vicinity of the rear differential. This is normal and is part of the ABS self check process.

Unlike other cars, a device in the ABS actuator- located in the trunk of the car- reduces pedal pulsation when the ABS is operating. The brakes are racing-style with aluminium callipers (four-piston type at the front, 2 piston at the rear) on show through the spoked alloy wheels.The hand brake operates a separate pair of brake shoes. This drum brake is located immediately behind the rear wheel studs.

Although a lot of effort was put into brake design and braking capacity, time has shown that the 300ZX is seriously under braked, with rotor warping a common occurrence. Installing higher performance disc pads can reduce fading, but can severely impact on the life of the rotors. In one extreme case, an owner replaced his rotors 4 times in 90,000 miles. Larger wheel rims (18 inch) to accommodate larger rotors and pads are a must if one is going to realise the car's maximum performance.