Boomer:
People aren't panicing, word is getting out! Even dealerships are protecting themselves on a trade. Where did you think this was going?
Lew

 

There may be a 12K limit on filing for lemon law

 

Brought my Z in for a transmission replacement this morning and just got it back, wow, it drives nice again!!! But the tire noise is still there but better than before the tire swapping was performed back in 12-13-03, only have about 500 miles since then so hopefully the noise will reduce as I put on more mileage.

In any case, I'm installing a D2 coil-over suspension system (12-Way adjustable) that we (Evo-R Inc.) will be carring soon. I'll test them on my Z then give feedback to fellow Z owners. Hopefully this coil-over system will correct the tire cupping problem that I'm experiencing now.

 

Well, I think I finally got this problem. It's not too noticeable right now but there is an apparent noise that I'm hearing. I'm currently at 7,600 miles. I guess it needs to get worse in order for me to take it to the dealership.
I'm also still waiting for two new front tires due to the pull to the right. My tech thinks that new tires will fix the problem.

 

Check your state - Florida's Lemon Law gives you 24 months from the date you take her home to file a claim after (3) like repairs.

 

Hello Everyone,

I haven't read all of the threads regarding tire feathering, as I am new to this Forum. So I apologize for providing info that might be repeated elsewhere:

I did my research, checked my warranty. 3 years/36,000 miles.
Lemon Law in Pa - See summary below:

The PA Lemon Law applies to new cars that suffer a nonconformity; a defect that substantially impairs the use, value or safety; which cannot be repaired after three attempts by an authorized manufacturer's dealership. This nonconformity must first occur within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. The PA Lemon Law also applies to vehicles that are in the shop for repair thirty (30) or more calendar days during the first year.

Lots of information on internet about Lemon Laws of other states:
check out www.lemonlaw.com.

Also, I found numerous complaints listed with the NHTSA. - 22 addressing tire problems; 24 addressing suspension problems and 54 addressing front suspension problems - ALL ABOUT TIRE FEATHERING and related problems. (check out www.nhtsa.dot.gov)

I also gleaned the following pertinent information from various summaries of complaints with NHTSA (if they are true):

1. Vehicle alignment improperly set at factory;

2. Recurring problem; no apparent solution; except for installing a NISMO S-Tune Suspension;

3. Problems due to excessive toe-in; evidently (not sure if this is true - there is no adjustment for caster or camber alignment in these cars? can this be true?.)

4. NISSAN is resisting fixing problems: however, will give one free alignment and one set of replacement tires if you fight long and hard enough.

Also, 40 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS have been issued by NISSAN for a varietly of problems (e.g. grease on windows, malfunction of tire presssure system, "noise when braking" etc. - you can search the NHTSA webpage for these, too.)

I am so disgusted and brokenhearted. I take my car back tomorrow to the dealership. I just want to see what kind of run around I will get. I am going to demand new tires and then make up my mind what to do with this car. I can't afford to start replacing tires every couple of thousand miles - which some of the complaints indicate.

I was advised by my personal mechanic to call the Consumer Complaint number BEFORE I bring it to the dealership tomorrow.

I had a 1987 300ZX for 16 years - waited for the new Z - I am soooooo disappointed with these problems, although I still love the car. I am not sure if it's worth putting up with this.


I hope I don't turn Z-UNHAPPY from Philly.

 

Just about every person here has gone through what you are finding out now.

Indeed it does not look like Nissan will find any real fix for this problem. Some people are happy to dump $2k into their suspension and hope it fixes the problem -- oh along with new tires.

Other people say you should be so lucky to get 10K miles out of performance tires. I say yeah whatever buddy -- this is no NSX or Porsche 911.

Then finally you have some people like myself that love the Z car but feel screwed by Nissan and pursue the arbitration and lemon law route.

Good luck in your quest. You will not find any answers, many bad opinions, and some down right lies. But rest assured you can always come here and have a place to cry! (me included).

 

Don't get discouraged before you exhaust all alternatives. Get all the warranty stuff done, I have a low VIN# and have nothing but the light grease on my windows(I won't bother to fix it) and a possible tire problem later. I put on my own tires, the OE tires are a factor in the tire wear, IMO. Get your car aligned, give them the problem list and let them fix all of them, then call Nissan after they won't/can't fix the problems. You already have a chip on your shoulder, don't assume your dealer is crappy, just tell them the problems you have. Your car is under warranty, they fix warranty problems, assume they will fix them.

Nissan is resisting fixing tire problems after 12 months or 12,000 miles, not any thing else I am aware of presently. Don't use blanket statements that aren't accurate, be nice to your dealer until/if you have to get tough. Get another dealer if you don't like your present one. Be rational, not combative.

 

Jelledge and Boomer,
Thanks for your replies and your support.

Boomer, I am sorry if I sound like I already have a chip on my shoulder. I just learned of this problem yesterday and was so upset.

My personal philosophy is that you get more with sugar than vinegar and will use that approach in dealing with the dealer tomorrow. I feel very grateful that I am more informed of this problem from the various webpages that I visited, and from this Forum.

I don't want to be taken advantage of because I am female.

I am going to remain positive and see what happens tomorrow. I am also not afraid to go as far as I need to go (arbitration, lemon law, etc.) IF AND WHEN the time should come.

Thanks again.

Putting all of my positive energy forward and remaining . . . .

 

Don't be sorry, you have done nothing to apologize for. I understand your reluctance to approach your dealer a little better. Some of my female friends and my wife and Mother-in-law have the same problem. They get treated by males in service departments like 2nd class citizens who don't know what they are talking about because the advisors are usually working class men. Don't worry about it.

Start off by handing them a copy of a list of the problems you have and tell them you need them fixed, with a smile. Your courtesy and organization will disarm them, and any problem they say they can't correct, contact Nissan North America about if you think they are jerking your chain. If you can afford the car, they are obligated to perform warranty work and you have already established the former. We will help you deal with any jargon if you want us to, but NNA is your best bet for getting things done. If you can't get the service you need, they may send you to another dealer even. They are not chauvinistic, at least. Let us know if we can be of further help or just moral support. Boomer

 

This is a little off topic but I couldn't resist. My Z started misfiring the other day so I took it into the dealer for service. I waited about 4 hours. Dealer's response was "There is definitley something wrong with your car but we are not sure what the problem is. We called the Nissan tech line but they could not help either." I just started laughing. I think the insanity has finally taken over.

 

I had a misfire on my wife's 92 Maxima they couldn't diagnose. It turned out to be the individual spark plug coil on the rear bank of cylinders. The Zs have the same coil type ignition system as all the VQ engines. The problem took 6 months to correct in 1996 because it had to reoccur while the diagnostic computer was used. They had no other way to diagnose it. I'm only giving you an an analogy, not diagnosing your problem. If they can't replicate it and diagnose it with their computer, it may be a uncovered area.

BTW, what about the sensor recall, could this be related? Some 2003 Zs were in the recall for later replacement. Just guessing of course, good luck, as you can see, your problem isn't unique.

 

this thread and the tire feathering issue is what is keeping me from purchasing a z. hearing all of the horror stories and the need to drop money on a problem that nissan needs to fix is really turning me off to this car.
what do you guys suggest if you could do over again about purchasing a z? does an aftermarket suspension system such as the tein basic or nismo really cure the tire feathering? i really do not understand why nissan has not stepped up to the plate on this with a recall.
thanks for your replies.

 

Day #4 and NNA has 6 days to go. (1/15)


I thought about calling to check on her - but I don't want to delay the Tech from turning the wrench every hour on the hour.... jk lol


So I'm stucking driving this Hertz Mazda 6 - NO POWER!!!

 

I to have the problem that is well documented in this thread. I didnt notice the "roar" until about the 9,000 mile mark and even then wasnt sure there was an issue because the onset was so gradual. My wife was in the car with me the other day and noticed it so at that point I knew it wasnt just me. I now have 11,000 miles and bought the car in early August.

Other than this issue however, it has been a great car and I guess i have been fortunate not to encounter some of the other issues that have been documented in this forum. I have a serice appointment tomorrow at the local dealership (Tuscaloosa, AL) and I'll let you guys know what they say.

Still love it tho!!

 

I had mine in today and the dealership has ordered new tires. The toe was out of spec for the fronts and way out on the rears. So, until they come in, I have to live with the roar.

Does anyone know if the backlog on the replacement OEM tires is getting any better?

 

Just an FYI for some of the posts I have seen asking if the tire swap side to side and realignment works: I had this done at about 9000 miles. I am now on 17,000 and the roar is back in full force. The car sounds like a 4x4 - it slowly developed again just as it did in the first place.
I didn't expect any differently, but I have seen some optimistic souls who seemed to think rotation and realignment will fix this. It won't, is my experience.

I do have a question for this forum though: on the pessimistic assumption this this ain't going to be fixed by Nissan, do you think a tire with a different tread pattern would help? I was thinking it may wear differently and not roar (or at least not so much).

 

for people with the suspension/tire problem ... your car's f--ked. get over it. file a lemon law claim.

 

So 'everyone' who own's a 350Z should file a lemon law claim? I think almost everyone has it, has had it, or doesn't realize they have it. There's been about two people who think that alignment actually fixes the problem.

 

Outstanding work farleez! I believe we can now all put this year old 95 page thread to rest based entirely upon your words of wisdom. Have you contacted Nissan? They may want to include your verbage in their latest technical service bulletin. "If the customer complains of excessive tire noise then you are to tell them your that their car is f--ked and they should 'get over it'". Works for me. Of course you better be prepared to live by your own advice as they are all basically f--cked. Notice how many new guys are posting in this thread with one or two posts and feathered tires to their credit. Unfortunately one can't just run out and file a lemon law suit. They will need to eat up at least three sets of tires before a suit can even be filed and in some States where the period to file a claim is one year or less they may never have the opportunity. And even if they do bring the suit then Nissan will make a final repair attempt and replace all four tires with ones with an extremely hard compound and the owner will have to wear those out as well to prove that the repair attempt didn't work. Or Nissan could save us alot of aggravation and just fix it. Since they have not I guess we'll be keeping this thread around just a bit longer. If I may offer just one small peice of advice...for the people who suffer from a compulsive need to tell other people what to do...your f--ked. Get over it. Seek psychological help.