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Nissan 350Z Problems and Solutions
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Comments
so what's the problem?
by the way, i just dropped my Z off at the dealer this morning for an oil change and to check the tire growl. We'll see what happens.
I've got 15k miles now and, although i do have the noise, the tires are still in very good shape, so i have no big complaints.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I have a steering wheel which is splitting and which two dealers state is an appearance problem and not covered under warranty.
The Gas gauge was defective and had to be replaced.
The driver’s window motor was defective and had to be replaced.
I had to go to the Better business bureau and go through arbitration to get the defective rear view mirror replaced, the dealer stated it was good and Nissan refused to send a factory rep to look at it. The Arbitrator and an independent ASE tech determined it was defective. After this judgment Nissan finally replaced the mirror last week.
It took me three dealers in two states followed by a call to Nissan to finally get the headlights aimed. All three dealers told me they cannot be aimed. Finally I called Nissan and they "instructed" the last dealer and the lights were aimed.
:lemon:
on the tires, you just wrote a few days ago that you are getting reimbursed for tires and, i thought, they were going to diagnose and possibly fix it (again). Have you tried the new alignment specs and new redesigned tires (nissan's claims, not mine)?
If they still can't fix your tire problem, then, yes, you may very well qualify for lemon under those circumstances ... I don't know what the mileage limit is, though.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
The dealer stated that my cupping and growl was "not bad enough to warrant replacement".
I have the "Old" tires which Nissan states are the problem.
Bridgestone denies that there has been any problem or re-design of their tire.
The same tire is OEM on the RX8 and several other sports cars and has not experienced any cupping or feathering problems.
I think Nissan extended the alignment and tire warranty in the hope of killing the class action lawsuit in progress.
:lemon:
I have had soo many problems with my car.
Thank you.
Ian
they have ordered new front tires for me, and scheduled me for a 2nd appointment sept 1st. Problem is that they say they have to send my car out to get the alignment done because "its very sensitive." They say I should expect to be without my car for 2 days. Ugh!!
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
By the way,what year and model 350Z do you have?
Well, a loaner has nothing to do with Nissan, its on a dealership by dealership basis. For instance, my volvo dealer gives loaners, but I've heard of many who don't. anyway, the service rep made no mention of a loaner.
Its ok. I have spare cars at home that I'd rather drive than an economy rental car anyway.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
My feathering is on the outside blocks. I have had three alignments so far, and each one seams to cause the outside or the inside to feather. 12,000 miles so far.
My tires still look good to me, but I can feel the problem when i run my hand over the tire. Just slightly.
I bought the car with 9K miles (now at 15k), so I've always had the roaring noise when slowing down and didn't know it was a problem. Over the last couple thousand miles, however, it has gotten louder. The noise has been most noticeable at exactly those times you describe. Moderate steady speed on a smooth road produces a droning kind of sound through the floorboards and slowing down from about 25 and lower is a very loud roaring noise.
how many miles do you have on yours?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
My tires still look good to me. I only notice the feathering my running my hand one direction.
Started out the inside blocks feathered, then the outside on one tire and the inside on the other, then none on one, and oustide on other, and now outside on both.
I didn't think mine would qualify for a replacement, but after hearing about yours, it's worth a trip to the dealer.
Either way, I always said if I can get 15K out of the tires I will be happy, this minor hassle can't take away from the thrill of this ride!
Thanks
By the way, I said nothing to the service department about the tires being worn. I just said "i have the tire roar described in this letter from Nissan." They checked it out and said "yes, you do. we will order new tires."
Also, had a message last night from the dealer. My new tires are in. Hmmmm... gonna have to call and see if they want to take me sooner than my Sept 1st appointment.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Yes my Z was a lemon, but there are quite a few. Note Nissan has now extended the warranty on the tires. This proves the point that there is a problem with th suspension design. However in my opinion, extending the tire warranty doesnt solve the problem, and once you get past that warranty, you will likely be replacing tires at your cost frequently.
As far as the transmissions go, not all are affected, but many are, and some more than once... My biggest concern was the fact that they replaced it with the same model transmission, which is another sign that they have decided not to actually correct the problem, but bandaid it. Automatics seem to be very solid though.
By the way I dont know if I mentioned but I traded it in for a 2003 S2000 which I know love! I got 22500 trade in and I owed 23200, so with the tax savings I ended up in the black ON TRADE IN (I never trade in normally). And I dont have to mess with lawyers or any of that.
The more I read forums about the Z, the more concerned I am with build quality, and the happier I am I got out before everyone starts to realize the Z is not a reliable vehicle in general. The value of the car IMO is going to really drop soon. But I could be wrong. Some people are willing to pay for a pretty car thats fun to drive even if it does fall apart.
The S2000 has 26k miles on it, and I got certified with 100k miles. But in all my searching on the S2000 forums, I havent found any problems as common as the feathering, transmission grind, and axle clicks that I had with the Z.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
In reading your many posts I would have thought you had many thousands of miles and numerous dealings with NIssan.
That gives you six thousand miles of Z experience.
I strongly suggest you temper your posts concerning 350 Z performance, handling and reliability with more experience.
Many 350 Z Owners who have many more miles and considerably more experience dealing with Nissan dealers and the factory are considerably better equiped to evaluate the reliability and service Nissan provides.
They initially check rated the 2003 Z until they got negative reader poll results and now show the 2003 Z with low reliability and thus no check rating.
They also give the 2004 2005 a check rating because they have not received negative reader inputs on reliability from their reader annual polls.
This does not indicate a Bias on the part of CU, it simply reflects their readers reliability experience.
Thye fact that Nissan has extended their Alignment/Tire warranty for the 2003 & 2004 Z to 36 months with unlimited miles would tend to indicate that aproblem does exist with those model years.
If it was a simple re-alignment problem it whould be a one shot fix.
If it was a simple tire construction/design problem it would be a one shot fix.
As this and many other forums seem to demonstrate that does not appear to be the case.
As one of those who has experienced the tire feathering/cupping problem on two succesive sets of tires with multiple dealer re-alignments and statements that the front end alignment was not out of spec, I do not think that these forums are biased.
What tires came on your 2005 ?
Are they the Bridgestone RE040 ?
Regardless, I'm not sure what posts you are referring to. To the best of my recollection, I've never claimed "its a reliable car." I try not to do that with any car. I do, however, constantly remark that those with complaints are louder than those without. That's just a simple fact of life, and I can find that on any problems & solutions board.
I certainly can comment on handling and performance because 6K miles is way more than any car mag drives a car for before giving their review. So my opinion on those aspects are no less valid than anything you pay to read.
If you think my posts are somehow offensive in any way ... you are reading too much into them. I'm always very calm and analytical ... I can't help it if that doesn't come through in words on a forum.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
If that is true then Pilot's would probably cure the problem.
However if it really was just the tire I doubt Nissan would have extended the alignment warranty to 36 months unlimited mileage on all 2003 & 2004 Z's.
I called Bridgestone and they stated that they had not redesigned the RE040, had had no problems, and knew of none. They had me take the car to one of their local factory owned stores and verified that I have cupping, and again stated there has been no redesign of the RE040. I tend to believe them, since RE040's are OEM on the RX8 and several other performance cars, and have reported no problems whatsoever.
I got an easy 31,000 out of my rear tires, they were not yet at the wear bars, and replaced them with Bridgestone Pole position S03's because Tire Rack rates them slightly better than the Pilots's
You should have received a letter from Nissan announcing the extended alignment and tire warranty if you have a 2003 or 2004.
I agree that Michelin is the preferable tire, we just put four Pilot sport A/S on our Mazda and the improvement in handling is amazing.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
After reading your questions I called Bridgestone again.
I just got off the telephone with their technical service rep. @ 1-800-367-3872.
Mark - the Tech service rep stated; " The RE040 was redesigned to compensate for the front end problems on the 350 Z."
He also stated that "this redesign will minimize, but not eliminate cupping because it is a suspension problem which Nissan has been unable to correct."
He also reccomended that I ONLY use RE040's - Not the much higher performance Pole Position S03's I now have on the rear, since they are not designed to "minimize the cupping problem"
So it sounds like any tire you put on the front of a 350 Z is going to cup due to the suspension.
He also stated that "Nissan has tried to correct the suspension problem" but has been unsuccessful.
Nissan stated that the redesign was very minor and has a less aggressive tread, you probably could not see the difference.
It sounds to me like Z owners are simply going to have to live with cupping/feathering and noise.
I have already replaced my rear tires with Bridgestone Pole Position S03's and will probably go with them on the front when the RE040,s wear out.
Tire rack reccomended the Avon All Weather for very good wear- It is made by Cooper- and tested very good. They are also very inexpensive.
We just put four Michelin Pilot Sport A/S on our Mazda and they are exceptional, but they are not available in the 18" size for the Z or probably would try them.
You could try calling Michelin tech support and asking them if the Exalto is designed to compensate for the Z problem.
Had it in 2 times they reset the rear and then totally redid the front without any improvement.
I will have it in again to totally redo the rear, I guess.
Does anyone have this problem as well and was there a solution to it?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I would appreciate knowing the name and contact information for the attorney you are using.
BTW, I also have the Brickyard Red paint but so far have not noticed any problems.
Thanks, Michael G
Huntington Beach, CA
They will not state what their exact criteria for tire replacement is.
However!!!
I had 2/32 cupping, two weeks ago,and the dealer said it was not enough and said the noise was not loud enough to warrant replacement
I think they are only going to replace tires if they are so worn that you end up paying their cost
I was charged for alignment by a Nissan dealer during the previous "Free Alignment Period" and am still trying to get it refunded.
The one definite given in this whole situation is that Nissan is doing nothing to fix the front end problem and everything possible to keep from replacing tires with the newer design.
It is one big publicity scam to look good and do nothing.
They did say that was the first time they had to replace both sides. But they definitely knew about the problem.
Andrew
Nissan has the most pathetically incompetent dealer and factory service network of any car manufacturer.
1. The top leaks, and when they replaced the seals (2 trips - one for diagnostic, one to install the seals) they did it wrong and now it is worse requiring another trip. I wish I could post a picture of what they did - it's pathetic .
2. there is a chunk of plastic missing from the roll bar cover behind the drivers seat that they agreed they would replace. They ordered the wrong part requiring another trip to get it installed. (one down, hopefully only one to go)
3. the aforementioned rattling noise - I'm sure there are more trips in my future about this.
I've also noticed that the headlights are aimed way too low. It feels like I could overdrive them at 50. I get the idea from this forum that there will be a fight with them over that. Forewarned is forearmed I suppose.
There is also a rattle somewhere in the center console, but that is probably a losing proposition from the start.
To be honest, I love this car, It looks and handles great and even gets decent mileage, but I didn't plan on spending all this time at the dealer when I purchased it. Overall I'm really unhappy with the overall experience - this is what I'd expect buying a $12K Cobalt, not a $37K sports car.
Admittedly, I'm very picky about my cars. I take care of them and expect to get quality for what I paid for. To add insult to injury, the last time I dropped the car off, the tech had his notebook on the hood of the car and was writing in it, and I had to ask him to not do that. You'd think that car people would know that you never do anything like that on a painted surface, even a clean one, especially when the owner is standing right there. Then they "detailed" the car and left water spots all over the door sills and on the wheels which took me 45 minutes with a shammy to clean up that evening.
I'm trying to be nice to the people in the service department, because I know that if I go off on them I'll just get worse service than I'm already getting. How many trips to the dealer to fix manufacturing defects and dealer screwups in the first 1000 miles is acceptable?
I love to drive my 350 Track
However I have never experienced worse service from dealers and factory.
It took me three dealers in two states followed by a call to the factory to get my headlights aimed. All three dealers said they could not be aimed until I contacted the factory who called the last dealer.
I had to go through arbitration with the BBB to get my defective rear view mirror replaced.
I have never owned a car that had as many problems and as poor a dealer/factory service network.
:lemon:
I have a new 350-2005 base model that has 3000 miles.At first oil change I told the deasler that I had received info re: TSB for tire wear and alignment problems and they swore that they had no problems with the 05 because they all had the new tires and the alignment problem was corrected. BS! Guess what? They had to replace two front tires last Thursday, and they even put the left one on wrong! I had to wait another hour while they corrected their mistake. Oh, by the way, I guess they don't know how to user a tire guage either, as every tire was underinflated and no two tires were the same PSI!
My question is to all of you out there have you had the same problems seems like a few threads hear are having the same type of issues?
I dont trust Nissan but I had to have my car towed to a different dealership (as to not void my warranty). I am not going to even go into the poor service and customer service issues I had but there were plenty. At least Acura gave me a loaner and it wasn't even their problem.
Go Figure...
Does the seats use 12V?
Under seats are plug where is 4 pins and there is red, black, blue and white wire.
Red and black is + and -, but what are blue and white wire?
There is also one small plug where is two very small pins, what plug is this?
Best regards, Henri Pylväs, Finland
Either way Just wanted to let that say sory to hear about your problem and keep us updated.
<---Robin
May I ask why it matters? Are you replacing the seats?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
When Nissan refuses to correct the problem request arbitration.
Arbitration will probably bring in an independent expert and that expert will often rule in your favor and Nissan will be required to correct the problem.
This process will not cost you anything- Nissan has to pay for the cost.
007
Well right now as I am writing they are tearing down my Z and hopefully I will have an answer tomorrow. I will keep all posted here as to the outcome.
BTW I have already contacted the BBB, the OC Register and LA times newspaper s, FOX news, CBS, and KCAL news all of which have a big interest in the outcome as well. :sick:
Clone
Hope this helps