Nissan 350Z Problems and Solutions

tacomaboy · July 2005

So far, South Point Nissan of Austin has taken care of me very well...

I recommend them, though they havent been perfect. Well see how this round goes.

So far I have had NO out of pocket for any of this.

Also, keep in mind the Z transmission is NOTCHY... it may feel wierd.

However in my case, it would crrrrrruuunch when shifting with vigor into 5th or 6th. It starts small, barely noticable, so you may develop this problem. You still have plenty of warranty left (60k), so wait and see if it really is a problem.

I have not heard a diagnosis yet from South Point... I notified them abuot the tires, the transmission, and the axles. I expect at least:
a new transmission
new axle bearings
rotated/replaced tires

And after my wife called and let them know how upset we were, they did pay out of pocket for a rental... so now I am styling in a Kia Sedona Minivan... I hope the new transmission comes in soon.

The thing is this... I know its a sports car, but I expected a Nissan to be solid... if I were fine with my car being in the shop and driving around a loaner, I would have bought BMW...

starchecker1 · July 2005

Thanks Gbrozen and Tacomaboy,

After some more diagnostic driving I find it happens mostly above 3700 with power applied in fourth. If I shift prior to 3500 rpm into fourth it is very solid, but even after being fully engaged when I accellerate into that RPM range, the stick really starts to shake. I don't know if it's some harmonic vibration unique to that gear at that engine RPM or what.

1st, 2nd and 3rd are always great, I haven't been at a place where I can take 5th and 6th gear up to 4000 to see if it vibrates in those gears too.

I'm going to see if it gets worse and definitely take it in sometime to have them check it out. I just don't want to wait to long, incase they might try to pin it on me.

qbrozen · July 2005

having them pin it on me would be my fear, too. I would take it to them ASAP. Even if they can't duplicate the problem or tell you its not a problem or whatever, at least you will officially be on record as stating the problem. That way, if it does develop into a bigger problem, you have proof that it started earlier and they just didn't fix it.

tacomaboy · July 2005

if its only vibrating then its not a problem. the engine is mated to the transmission, and when you hot 3700 RPMs the engine will shake, and therfore so will the tranny, and the stick.

But if its making a grinding noise, or if it grinds when changing gears, then it is a problem.

tacomaboy · July 2005

Well.. my third transmission will be here on Thursday.

I am seriously screwed here. Even if it works fine, I refuse to keep this car past warranty, and at 60k miles, when I try to sell it, and when the buyer finds out I have had 3+ transmissions, I will lose my butt.

If I sell now, I will be 1-2k in the red on my loan. Maybe more. And thats not counting the lost 2k down payment.

My only idea is to either now, or when the problem recurrs (I have a feeling it will be at, oh 22500 miles) that I invoke the lemon law, offer mediation, or sue.

My attorney/dad suggested that I discuss this with the GM, and offer to let him buy back my car... preferabally at near what I owe. Then in return I will buy another Nissan (and I told him I will never buy another 350Z) in return.

Problem with this is... would YOU buy another Nissan? I am already in dread that my wifes Murano will do something awful, how could I sleep well at night after buying a THIRD Nissan?

Also, the dealer at this point isnt under any obligation. They have upheld their end, and repaired my car. Why should they take a loss or reduce potential profit. The culprit here is NISSAN itself.

Still.. my theory is the squeaky wheel gets the grease, so the salesmanager/GM will likely be hearing from me with an offer...

but what the heck would I replace it with? Dangit all!!!!

By the way, it is now my official recommendation that NO ONE EVER EVER BUY A 350Z!

As for the Murano, so far its been prety good. Minor alignment problem, and rattling visors. Also, the rear suspension isnt as strong as I would like. It sags if you load a bit too much weight in it, but considering its not a pathfinder...

hmm.. maybe I should get a pathfinder...

qbrozen · July 2005

Z to a pathfinder?? That's rather extreme.

Anyway, if this is the route you want to go, find out if they have any other stores under the same ownership. I don't find it all too common that a particular owner sells just ONE brand of vehicle.

By the way, just to contrast your reccomendation, I still LOVE my Z!

qbrozen · July 2005

If that's true, then why doesn't it shake at those rpms in any other gear?

If the description is accurate, I think there is more to this. Mine certainly doesn't shake at any rpms in any gear (other than the slight vibration that would obviously be caused by the engine at any speed or rpms).

starchecker1 · July 2005

Mine does only vibrate, no grinding. All gears vibrate some from the engine rpm, but it's noticeably different in fourth gear at 3700+.

Tacoma, I've certainly had more problems with my Z than any other car I have owned. However I still have to say I love my Z, and as long as they fix it for free, I can handle it. It looks like my tires will last at least 15,000 miles, so I don't consider the feathering issue to be too bad. Bottom line I am totally addicted to my car. This is the first car I've owned that I never want to get rid of.

However if I had 3 tranny replacements as well as everything else you had, I would start getting tired of it too.

As far as nissan's go, I have owned three others that I just loved, and never gave me any grief(98 Altima, 01 Sentra SE, 01 Pathfinder LE). So I think there are good chances your Murano will do just fine.

I hate to see you give up on the thrills and chills of a sport's car, but if another Z is out of the question I would recommend an S2000 or an STI. The STI has four door practicality as well as the 4 wheel drive and it totally smokes, the looks are definitely not mainstream, but anybody that knows anything about cars will respect what they can do.

Anyway good luck with the Tranny, after the third time, I would say there has to be some issue in the entire setup that is causing them to fail. I think Lemon is definitely the way to go.

tacomaboy · July 2005

Actually, S2000 is now at the top of my list (and my wifes favorite). I think I should have gotten one from the get go. (Pathfinder is only if I have to go with another Nissan)

The Z is a fun car, and its beautiful, and I love my Z. But now I also hate it. And the right thing to do is to get a car that I will only love. You know we work HARD to pay for our cars guys, and I dont think we should have to accept the flaws some of us are finding in our Zs. Even if Nissan replaces it, if they cant FIX it with the replacement then whats the point?

starchecker1 · July 2005

Glad to hear you are still looking at driving thrills if at all possible. I definitely don't blame you for wanting to bail on Nissan. I don't mind the payments on my car becuase it I love it so much, but in your case it would be a constant bad reminder.

Good luck with everything!

zlady · July 2005

Hello GBrozen,
Sorry so late in responding. Forgot to check back at the sight. I actually have one pic w/me inside, it doesn't get the whole grill (i hate those) but you can clearly see the lights (and they're on!) where the reflectors use to be in the front.
I have to go and scan it and will send it along. You can also see some of the spoiler...much nicer than the original...Zlady :shades:

qbrozen · July 2005

qbrozen, "Nissan 350Z" #1829, 20 Jul 2005 4:25 pm

keniee · July 2005

I own 4 Nissans right now. We are a Nissan family. My 05 Z has not problems. Has 13k on it and runs like a champ. I think you did get a lemon. You bought from a GM dealer? Was it used or am I just confused. Why didn't u buy from a Nissan dealer? If there are other details I would like to hear them. At 9700k I was 80/80 on the brake used so far. Not bad since I drive a little over the speed, well sometimes well over. I guess its the Audis and the BMW Z4s that get me going. Oh yeah and the Honda's ver 8. I like the look of the Honda, but I like the Z better. I am glad I didn't buy till 05.

nissan6 · July 2005

i own an '03 z and i have been noticing a noise in the passenger side wheel(s) when driving at 20-30mph. anyone ever have a similar problem? if yes, what is causing it?

thanks

qbrozen · July 2005

I personally haven't had such a problem... but what wheel and what does the noise sound like?

If its in the front and a roaring noise, see alignment issues. If its from the rear and a clicking noise, see differential issues. Both are covered under TSB on your '03, as far as I know.

nissan6 · July 2005

it sounds like something is rubbing on metal, possibly the wheel.

siphuz · July 2005

Thanks for the info qbrozen! Ok...in regards to my feathering problem - i went to my local dealership and had the tires/suspension checked out and here is the breakdown:
- left the car there for a whole day, said something about having to inspect the vehicle in accordance with the TSB (Technical Service Bulletin)
- Picked car up next day - dealership had to order 2 new front tires and would be in, in about a week
- brought car back, got it aligned and the front tires replaced
- Was told that the alignment settings are not as aggressive as recommended by the TSB, thereby reducing the likelihood of this problem returning
- "If it happens again, just bring it back in", said Jeff the service manager"

Overall -
Wait time: 36 hrs and free glazed donuts in the waiting room
Transportation cost: $3 toll fee to cross Ben Franklin Bridge
Repair Cost: $0
Driving my Z w/o the Roar: Priceless

On a different note - has anyone upgraded their air box to an aftermarket (ie. K&N short ram or AEM cold air intake)? Thinking about it but i don't want to compromise the 350Z's unique exhaust tone. But if it's going to make it sound weird then i will pass on that idea. Anyone???? :confuse:

qbrozen · July 2005

There is something the Z crowd calls a pop charger. Really the same as most CAIs I've seen. But, anyway, there is one by JWT and another by Injen. These come with the cone air filter, but also a box that surrounds the filter and cuts back on the amount of engine compartment hot air that usually interferes with cone intakes that don't have this heat shield. According to dynos, these actually do make a difference on the Z. I have one on mine, but it was put on by the previous owner and I have no idea who its made by. It looks exactly like the JWT, but without the badging.

I don't know what the car sounded like without it, BUT I do know that I hear the exhaust more than anything else, so its certainly not drowning out the rear pipes. What i do have coming from the front is this strange little whistle sound when I first touch the accelerator. Again, don't know if this is present on a Z without the CAI, but its easily heard on mine. NOthing annoying about it, and, as a matter of fact, I think its kinda cool sounding (almost like a turbo blowoff sound, but not as loud).

baratacus · July 2005

If you own a 350z roadster and your dealership charged you for a rotation, then they are morons and you need to immediately go get your tires put back on correctly. The stock tires are rotation oriented and can't be swapped left to right, and the front wheels are offset differently than the wider rear wheels so they can't be rotated front to back. You can't rotate the tires on this car with the stock setup. Probably another reason for excessive tire wear.

qbrozen · July 2005

wrong. You can and must rotate the tires. You are right that they are directional tires and the rears are different size than the fronts, but, this just means that, in the Z's case, the tires must be removed from the rims and only swapped left to right, not front to back.

laith1 · July 2005

Car: 2005 350z base model yellow
OK here's what happened;
I was on the freeway doing bout 70, 6th gear. All of a sudden the RPM gauge starting going up and down and the whole car shook violently. The worst part was the Steering wheel and brakes were locking on me!!! luckily things calmed down once i depressed the clutch and put in into lower gear. The problem never came again until the next day with the same scenario and same type of resolution. Taking her in today to get her looked at but i was wondering if anyone else had/heard of this problem??

noodles886 · July 2005

My brother is considering buying a 2005 350Z Coupe. He was wondering if there are any problems because of the low ground clearance, i.e, scraping going in and out of driveways.

qbrozen · August 2005

obviously, it depends greatly on the individual situation.

Personally, I've had no scraping yet.

qbrozen · August 2005

That sounds like a transmission problem.
Since you can depress clutch and the engine smooths out, then it must be the transmission (or maybe even differential) that is causing so much drag that its trying to stall the engine.

But, to answer your question, no, i haven't heard or had this happen to me.

noodles886 · August 2005

Thanks!
His other concern is that Consumers Reports mentions rear visibility is not good.
Any problems?

qbrozen · August 2005

i think that's going to be personal preference. I've learned that, through effective use of the mirrors and the little quarter windows, I can see just enough .... I also take it real slow and cautious backing out of parking spaces.

But, really, what cars is Consumer Reports comparing to in that regard? I think the rear visibility is on par with other somewhat similar cars like Porsche, Audi TT, Mustang, etc. So if you're looking at small sportscoupes, they are all going to be poorer in that regard than sedans or suvs (at the same time, the Roadster is far worse since the back window is smaller and the rear corner windows are eliminated).

noodles886 · August 2005

My brother thanks you again!!

starchecker1 · August 2005

I was really concerned with the rear visibility in the roadster also. It has a small rear window and no corner windows. However once I set my side mirrors correctly(just make sure you CAN'T see the side of your car, you should see the whole width of the next lane). If you do that, there is no true blind spot.

Since the car is a two door instead of a four door, the blind spot from the rear corner that doesn't have a window is too small to hide a car. Bottom line, any car that would keep you from making a lane change will be visible by looking out your side window or looking in the side mirrors.

I almost decided against the roadster for this reason, thank God I didn't. The Z is an absolute blast to drive, but top down at least doubles the thrill!! If he is at all interested in the roadster he should definitely get it. Don't let the report hold him back.

morbid · August 2005

Hello, i have a 350z and i have a problem when i put my foot all the way down on the gas my rpms will go to like 5 about and my car wont accel it will then while my foot is on the gass slow down to like 3 rpms then it will gain speed fast..other wise it is sloww..what is the PROBLEM!???? plz email me or some thing at David_santos07@yahoo.com

qbrozen · August 2005

type slower!
I can't follow that post very well.

First thing is first ... stick or automatic?

Is it still under warranty? Have you taken it to the dealer? What did they say? How long have you owned the car?

morbid · August 2005

the car is stick..and i havent brought it to the dealer but im get it looked at tuesday..i dont understand what the problem could be. i need help :-/ onlyh 7000 miles lol

qbrozen · August 2005

how long have you owned the car? I ask this to determine how familiar you are with it and how much you've driven it. Does it have VDC and/or TCS? Are you turning off the traction control to launch it?

Well, since your RPMs go up, but the car doesn't accelerate along with the RPMs, I'm going to say, at this point, its your clutch. Its fried.

03350z · August 2005

My 350z roadster has almost 16,000 miles and there are major problems. I only had one problem before and it was at about 11,000 miles where my car would not go past 20 miles an hour. The dealer re-started the car and it never did it again until just now. My car was acting up for 2 days and suddenly I could not get out of first. Now the dealer said I will be charged 1,100 to 2,200 dollars depending if I need certain parts or brand new clutch. Warranty is only for 12,000 miles but the service man said he expects them to go at about every 15,000 miles so why should I pay all of that money for this, especially every year if they expect it. Am I wrong? Is this not Nissan's fault for having bad clutches? If i was told this in beginning I never would of bought it as many others. What should I do?

qbrozen · August 2005

I'm really confused here. 12K mile warranty?? Where is this written? Its 3yr/36K!

And what exactly does he expect to go at 15K?? The clutch?? That's ridiculous! There are thousands of Z owners without any problems like this and with WAY more miles. I'm at almost 15K now and my clutch/tranny show NO signs of problems at all.

I can't believe the service person said that. He is either saying that because (a) he's clueless, (b) he believes all Z owners will abuse the car, or (c) he believes YOU abuse the car and will require a new clutch every 15K.

aewj · August 2005

There are 31 pages of problems posted here - everything from engines, transmissions, rear ends and dealer issues to little trim problems. However, in the used car section, the '03 got the Editors Most Wanted award and in the consumer reviews section the Z gets very high marks. So what gives, how can the Z be reviewed so highly and still have so many serious problems?

jmills · August 2005

The 350Z has serious ongoing front suspension problems and Nissan Factory and Dealer service is horrible.

But the car itself is unique in that it is much less expensive than competing products, so people put up with all the problems and complaints.

Owners:Love the car - Hate the manufacturer/dealer/problems. :lemon:

warlock1806 · August 2005

Hey, been researching a new ride for myself for a little while now have gone through a few different choices. From the new Mustang GT to the RX-8.

I've been looking at a pair of Nissan's the Altima SE-R and the 350z. I've been glancing over some of the posts on these boards, and had a couple questions, before i find one to test out myself.

Has the tire feathering problem come back in the 05 models?

With a decent set of all season tires or winter tires how does the 350 do in the snow? (living in De we still get a good amount from time to time)

And i've heard a little about poor rear visibility? but i'm assuming thats just something that takes a little getting used too

Thanks

jmills · August 2005

#307 of 307 Re: Considering the 350 [warlock1806] by jmills Aug 08, 2005 (8:22 am)
I strongly recommend against any Nissan product.
Nissan has denied the cupping/feathering problem is theirs-Now blame it on the tires-even though they re-align etc.
There are over 70 complaints on 2003, 2004, 2005 250 Z's on the NHTSA site.
There is a class action lawsuit in progress against Nissan, originated in Oct 2004, concerning 2003, 2004 Z's suspension.
Nissan does not honor their warranty or back their product
:lemon:

qbrozen · August 2005

31 Pages??? Really? Where are the others? Because I only see 17 pages here. 300 posts ... that's really LOW for a car ending its 3rd year of production.

Let's look at a decent competitor ... the RX-8. Now, I'm not knocking that car and I think its quite good, as a matter of fact ... but there are almost 1,000 posts on that problems board, and it was started only 1 month before this board (aug '03 vs sep '03).

How about a good ole reliable Toyota? The Tc? The board only started in July of '04 and it already has ~450 posts.

Moral of the story is ... number of posts don't tell the whole story. In the case of ALL of the above cars, there are THOUSANDS of owners who happily enjoy their trouble-free cars.

jmills · August 2005

Nice if true.
I sincerely doubt it is true since I spoke to Nissan friday and they refused my request to even consider looking at the alignment on my 350Z.
I did fax them a copy of the bill where I was charged for alignment by a dealer during the supposed 24 month extension - even though I objected to the charge.
:lemon:

aewj · August 2005

After sorting through all the PR, the 'meat' of their statement is "Nissan is extending the warranty for front-end alignment due to tire noise until 36 months from the in-service date." (para. 5)

Did their statement really say that? This says that they will be responsible for alignment problems caused by tire noise. That's stupid!
:lemon:

jmills · August 2005

It is just another example of Nissans inability or unwillingness to correct the front end problems on the 350 Z.

Nissan built a beautiful car with problems and has apparently done nothing to correct the problem.

Their "Factory Service Rep" stated to me "that there has ever been anything wrong with the front end" and that the problem was caused by the tires and not the car and because the car and tires are high performance drivers should not expect more that 10,000 miles from a set of tires. What a pathetic statement for a"factory service rep to make about any car"
Nissan has the most deplorably poor and inherently dishonest factory service of any automobile manufacturer. :lemon:

qbrozen · August 2005

After a thorough assessment, Nissan identified that, in addition to correcting the front-end alignment, a new tire with a slightly modified tread pattern, more resistant to heel-toe wear together with correct alignment, virtually eliminated the incident. Vehicles equipped with these tires have experienced virtually no incidents of tire noise.

Until I know differently, I have to believe that Nissan believes they have solved the problem.

jmills - i don't know your specific situation ... but if you are still within the warranty period, it sounds to me like you need a different service department. And as far as your call to NNA, I would not expect someone answering the phone to know what is coming down the line in the next hour, let alone a few days later.

qbrozen · August 2005

So SportZ posted the "official" PDF that explains the whole process, has an FAQ, and a reimbursement form. BEWARE, it took a LONG time for it to show up on my screen after clicking the link.

http://www.sportzmagazine.com/pages_preview/2005/Fall2005/ZOwnerLetter.pdf

liongirl · August 2005

Good to hear they have extended the warranty another year for 2003 Z owners as well as the 2004, it was initiall 2 years. Do you know the Nissan TSB number for this announcement? I was unaware of a new tire design and will inquire for both when I see my dealer this month. I have had two set of tires on my 350Z so far. AT 10,000 this time there is no "roaring", but last service I had them switch the front tires for more even tread ware.

qbrozen · August 2005

I don't.
I'm hoping my dealer will know about it by this time next week (when I'll probably be heading in for service) OR I will just print the letter and bring it with me, hoping for the best.

jmills · August 2005

I just received a call from Nissan Factory Service Rep.

The Factory Service rep informed me that they would refund my payment for the alignment which I paid for during the two year warranty period.

The Nissan Factory Service Rep also notified me that the alignment and tire warranty has been extended to three years and stated that bulletins have been sent to all dealers.

So it looks like I owe Nissan an apology for bad mouthing their intent.

I certainly hope this will end any problems with tire feathering/cupping/growl

qbrozen · August 2005

that's good news, jmills!

350_junk · August 2005

I own a 2003 350 Z ( track model )...

This has been the worst vehicle I have ever owned. I have had the transmission replaced already, 3 sets of tires, wheel sensors replaced several times, Bose sub woofer replaced and many other things. ( car still has less than 20k miles )
Also I have heard that the Brickyard Red paint starts to bubble.

I did some research on the web on lemon laws, and the 350 fall's under the lemon law. I hired an attorney who deals with this type of thing.

Within a week, Nissan had already made an offer to buy back the car. My attorney has not accepted the offer...he wants me to get some cash out of the deal. Now, for all the owners, do the same thing. Find an attorney, most do not charge, and you CAN get out of your vehicle. Nissan's poor attempt to extend the warranty on the vehicle, is an admission THEY know there is a problem.

If anyone is interested, feel free to email me and I can provide the attorney I am using.

This is the first and will be the last Nissan I ever own.

jmills · August 2005

Interested in getting the Attorneys name Etc.

I also have 2003 Track.

Have problem with tires also.

Think I may have too many miles on car to get buyback.

Nissan 350Z Problems and Solutions

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