2010 Consumer Reports Owner Survey says Z is 45% below average in reliability

SeattleLion · 10-31-2010, 02:36 PM

Consumer Reports has published the results of its 2010 owner survey. The 370 has lost reliability points. It is now shown as solid black (much worse than average). The survey shows results for the 2009 Z. The 2010 hasn't been around long enough for them to rate it.

Engine Minor and Engine Cooling rated worse than average
Paint/trim, squeats and rattles, and body hardware all were rated (by owners) much worse than average.

Everything else, except for audio were rated much better than average.

None of this is a surprise to readers here. The ratings pretty well mirror how people here have discussed their cars. What is concerning to me is the worse than average rating on engine cooling. According to Nissan and backed up by forum members is that for normal driving the oil temps stay below excessive heating. The readers of Consumers Reports are not likely to be tracking their cars. That means a significant number of poeple who use their Z's on public roads are experiencing oil temperature problems. I am assuming it is oil temp, since I haven't seen any reports of water temp getting too high.

They rated the 370 as expected to be 45% below average reliability. The Infiniti G coupe, on the other hand, had much better than average reliability for engine cooling. With an overall reliability rating of average.
The overall rating suggests that G owners will have cars that are 42% above average in reliability. I don't understand how the same engine-transmission combination (7 speet AT) gets such vastly different owner ratings.

m4a1mustang · 10-31-2010, 02:40 PM

Perhaps the Z drivers go a little harder on their cars than the average G owner?

Aside from transmission problems with the 6MT, I think the Z is very mechanically sound. But I agree that the paint was terrible. It's the worst I've had on any car. I know some people had some chipping issues on the front and rear bumpers (I didn't) but my Z was riddled with squeaks, rattles, and of course, ECU whine (2009).

But as far as I'm concerned my issues were all quality issues, NOT reliability.

PapoZalsa · 10-31-2010, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

But as far as I'm concerned my issues were all quality issues, NOT reliability.

Quality and reliability are two completely different issues that people can confused with each other.

To me the car is reliable and has some quality issues like the paint.

No car out there is perfect!

Anyhow the Z is a great car!

TypeOne · 10-31-2010, 02:47 PM

Probably because the average G owner doesn't push the car to the point of high oil temps. As a new Z owner, ( haven't even taken delivery on my used 09) the fact that these issues are surfacing are a bit concerning to me. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thinking twice about my purchase.

I did notice that the auto consumer guide rating was rather low. Thankfully my car still has the factory warranty, but still I'd hate have to be in and out of service as soon as I start driving it.

I guess only time will tell.

m4a1mustang · 10-31-2010, 02:49 PM

Well, if you find that you run into cooling issues with your driving style it's very easy to put together an oil cooler to fix your problem.

With regard to paint... I think everyone just kind of learns to live with it. You have to be extra anal about keeping the paint and clear in good condition. Keep it protected and stay out of automatic car washes (unless they're brushless!).

dad · 10-31-2010, 02:51 PM

"Owner Survey", sounds like a lot of unhappy owners.

Waiz · 10-31-2010, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dad

"Owner Survey", sounds like a lot of unhappy owners.

+1

Unless it's actual warranty claims that can be quantified this info is worthless and nothing new.

On a side note, after what CR said about the Iphone 4 and the bullshat that was caused from a really minor antenna issue
I completely disregard their opinion on products.

dad · 10-31-2010, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waizzz

+1

Unless it's actual warranty claims that can be quantified this info is worthless and nothing new.

On a side note, after what CR said about the Iphone 4 and the bullshat that was caused from a really minor antenna issue
I completely disregard their opinion on products.

One problem, this isn't a Consumer Report opinion or judgement. It's a survey report from the 370 owners, that CR did.

Mt Tam I am · 10-31-2010, 09:00 PM

Even though my oil consumption led to a new short block, the car reliably ran every day. The oil cooler issue is no big deal to me even though I needed one. I just bit the bullet and got one. Why the warranty could be void after installation by Nissan is nuts.

sheps58 · 10-31-2010, 09:01 PM

I've only had the car for 10 days. However, it appears well made. The interior seems well fitted with good materials. Comparable to my 2004 BMW 325 CI.

Waiz · 10-31-2010, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dad

One problem, this isn't a Consumer Report opinion or judgement. It's a survey report from the 370 owners, that CR did.

I agree but I guess the first part of my post didn't make that clear.

Regardless, I disregard their opinion now.

SeattleLion · 11-01-2010, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dad

"Owner Survey", sounds like a lot of unhappy owners.

Actually, last year the reports were the opposite. Also, CR has no input intot these ratings. They are based purely on the survey which is sent to every CR subscriber (several million of them).

Does the G have an oil temp guage? If not, then the difference in owner satisfaction around engiine temp could be that they couldn't watch the temp rise like we do. Also, driving habits probably figure in.

Endgame · 10-31-2010, 02:50 PM

My only complaints are oil cooling (we really should have oil coolers), and paint.

We really should have factory oil coolers, or at least not be 'penalized' for having them installed. And the paint is lame.

m4a1mustang · 10-31-2010, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Endgame

My only complaints are oil cooling (we really should have oil coolers), and paint.

We really should have factory oil coolers, or at least not be 'penalized' for having them installed. And the paint is lame.

I agree. I'd say if you have a cooler installed by a Nissan dealer and documented, it should have NO implications on your warranty at all.

Xan · 10-31-2010, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

I agree. I'd say if you have a cooler installed by a Nissan dealer and documented, it should have NO implications on your warranty at all.

10-31-2010, 02:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
SeattleLion Base Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 226 Drives: '13 Mustang GT Prem. Rep Power: 234	2010 Consumer Reports Owner Survey says Z is 45% below average in reliability Consumer Reports has published the results of its 2010 owner survey. The 370 has lost reliability points. It is now shown as solid black (much worse than average). The survey shows results for the 2009 Z. The 2010 hasn't been around long enough for them to rate it. Engine Minor and Engine Cooling rated worse than average Paint/trim, squeats and rattles, and body hardware all were rated (by owners) much worse than average. Everything else, except for audio were rated much better than average. None of this is a surprise to readers here. The ratings pretty well mirror how people here have discussed their cars. What is concerning to me is the worse than average rating on engine cooling. According to Nissan and backed up by forum members is that for normal driving the oil temps stay below excessive heating. The readers of Consumers Reports are not likely to be tracking their cars. That means a significant number of poeple who use their Z's on public roads are experiencing oil temperature problems. I am assuming it is oil temp, since I haven't seen any reports of water temp getting too high. They rated the 370 as expected to be 45% below average reliability. The Infiniti G coupe, on the other hand, had much better than average reliability for engine cooling. With an overall reliability rating of average. The overall rating suggests that G owners will have cars that are 42% above average in reliability. I don't understand how the same engine-transmission combination (7 speet AT) gets such vastly different owner ratings. Last edited by SeattleLion; 11-01-2010 at 10:48 AM.

10-31-2010, 02:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6963	Perhaps the Z drivers go a little harder on their cars than the average G owner? Aside from transmission problems with the 6MT, I think the Z is very mechanically sound. But I agree that the paint was terrible. It's the worst I've had on any car. I know some people had some chipping issues on the front and rear bumpers (I didn't) but my Z was riddled with squeaks, rattles, and of course, ECU whine (2009). But as far as I'm concerned my issues were all quality issues, NOT reliability. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

10-31-2010, 02:49 PM	#5 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6963	Well, if you find that you run into cooling issues with your driving style it's very easy to put together an oil cooler to fix your problem. With regard to paint... I think everyone just kind of learns to live with it. You have to be extra anal about keeping the paint and clear in good condition. Keep it protected and stay out of automatic car washes (unless they're brushless!). __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

10-31-2010, 02:51 PM	#6 (permalink)
dad Grand Prix of Endurance Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 3,476 Drives: Mulsanne Straight Rep Power: 26	"Owner Survey", sounds like a lot of unhappy owners. __________________ We can do without any article of luxury we have never had; but once obtained, it is not in human nature to surrender it voluntary.

10-31-2010, 09:00 PM	#9 (permalink)
Mt Tam I am A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Posts: 10,709 Drives: 370Z T/S/N 6MT & XKE Rep Power: 3843	Even though my oil consumption led to a new short block, the car reliably ran every day. The oil cooler issue is no big deal to me even though I needed one. I just bit the bullet and got one. Why the warranty could be void after installation by Nissan is nuts. __________________ "Does the carpet match the drapes? NO!!! I don't date bald women." Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber

10-31-2010, 02:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
TypeOne A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 2,682 Drives: BSM 370 Rep Power: 1851	Probably because the average G owner doesn't push the car to the point of high oil temps. As a new Z owner, ( haven't even taken delivery on my used 09) the fact that these issues are surfacing are a bit concerning to me. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thinking twice about my purchase. I did notice that the auto consumer guide rating was rather low. Thankfully my car still has the factory warranty, but still I'd hate have to be in and out of service as soon as I start driving it. I guess only time will tell.

10-31-2010, 09:01 PM	#10 (permalink)
sheps58 Base Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Connecticut Posts: 102 Drives: 2010 370Z 6MT & 2004 Rep Power: 15	Car appears to be well made I've only had the car for 10 days. However, it appears well made. The interior seems well fitted with good materials. Comparable to my 2004 BMW 325 CI.

10-31-2010, 02:50 PM	#13 (permalink)
Endgame A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Phoenix Posts: 1,613 Drives: Nothing Now! Rep Power: 224	My only complaints are oil cooling (we really should have oil coolers), and paint. We really should have factory oil coolers, or at least not be 'penalized' for having them installed. And the paint is lame.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Forced Induction Reliability	spearfish25	Forced Induction	58	09-08-2013 12:14 PM
Consumer Reports 370Z Rating	spearfish25	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	10	09-13-2010 12:32 AM
370Z Reliability	Gabster	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	18	03-30-2010 10:47 AM
Reliability of Factory Alarm	drdre8424	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	9	08-30-2009 05:31 AM
Three police officers slain in Pittsburgh, reports say	AK370Z	The Lounge (Off Topic)	7	04-04-2009 10:00 PM