I took delivery of my roadster at the end of May. Living in San Diego I have left the top down pretty much the whole summer. I have operated the top maybe 20 times and have no wear spot or crease but I am worried that its only because I have not been operating the top much. The hard protruding frame spot is very noticeable when you run you hand over it, and I'm also worried that because I operate the top so infrequently, the top won't be ruined until I'm out of warranty. I had planned to keep this car for a long time. The fabric inner-lining prevents us from adding some cushioning there.
I am going to send this thread to my dealer and see what they have to say. I'm wondering how many owners are having this issue and don't read this forum and/or haven't looked closely at their top.

Here are some images of the top and of the hatch arm. You can see what the tech did to it (move wiring harness and taped it up). The wear mark has not worsened since they adjusted the way the wiring harness was attached to the arm. The fuzz is gone, but the mark is still there.

I took another look at my top in the light of the sun yesterday and noticed there is a crease there and the top is a lighter shade at the spot with the wiring harness underneath. This after using the top maybe only 20 times. I'm going to ask the dealer to re-route the wiring harness.

Thanks, Merlin. Now I understand, as your issue is different than mine, Z_U_Later's, and others' where the wear occurs in a more central location. That's bad news since it suggests that there isn't just one common problem, or one fix out there.

I'll always have a new top!
 

I have a 2010 Roadster I purchased used in September with about 4000 miles; it had been bought new earlier this year. The top on the passenger side is wearing exactly as the picture in Z_U_Later's post except mine is reversed - the hole is on the passenger’s side and the dimple is on the driver's side.

I took my car to the dealer two weeks ago and he's ordered a new top so only time will tell whether this will be a permanent fix. The technician is supposed to look at the top mechanism to see what's causing this and I hadn't seen all these post before I went to the dealer so I'll print out all of them so there's no question about this being an isolated incident.

I purchased a new 2004 350Z Roadster and the top started rotting just after the warranty expired. I got no assistance from the dealer so I traded it before the top got too bad. When the 370Z Roadster came out with a new top material, I decided to try it again. The 370Z is such a much improved vehicle over the 350Z so I’ll live with this issue, especially since the dealer has accepted responsibility. I open and close my top at least 2 times a day and usually more on the weekend so I would estimate it will go through at least 1000 cycles a year. If Nissan has to replace the top once a year – so be it. I’ll always have a new top!

After looking at the pic's, I am wondering just what exactly did the wear-through? Those two round nubs look like the culprit, and the harness itself looks worn at the bend, and could also make the wear-through, but rather than assume, I thought I'd ask if anyone at the dealer, or from Nissan, has ever identified the part of the frame that was the actual cause of the wear-through.

Bye the way, how did they get to the frame and harness? The top must have needed to be removed. Was that a big deal to do?

I took my roadster in for service and asked them to move the wire harness on the top frame support, explaining to them everything on this thread and providing them with the links to this thread. I thought that was a reasonable request. They gave me the standard bs response, that until Nissan issues a warantee authorization they could not do the work under the warantee. I asked for an estimate of the cost to pay for it myself and they said they don't know, whatever that means. I'm going to have to think further about what to do. Write a letter to Nissan? - the problem there is my top is OK - what we're talking about is preventative maintenance. I may also ask a repair shop for an estimate. Meanwhile I don't like to put the top up and down more than I have to. Overall the service department, Poway Nissan, Poway CA, was inflexible, contrarian, and not customer orientated. Not particularly concerned with a happy customer.

^^^Try a different dealership if you're not satisfied with their service.

I can understand parrotguy's concern. This issue that has been plaguing our tops is very unnerving to say the least.

Maybe the best way to go would be to just operate the top as often as you like, and see how your particular top handles it. As a matter of fact, maybe it would be a good idea to operate it every day, even if you don't want to, just to see if your top needs the warranty repair.

IF you get an issue, Nissan has shown that they will fix it, and the latest fix seems to involve some improvements - IE: that "pivot pin" upgrade, although I don't really feel that the original pin was the culprit because of the many Roadster's that are fitted with the original pivot pin, but do not have an issue, plus, the more Nissan fixes the issue, the more they learn about how to do it to insure the best long term result.

Because of the fact that only a few tops have been affected, I still think it was an assembly glitch. That one pic of the wire trunk cable that rubbed through the top indicated to me that if your wire trunk cable was not bulging into the fabric, then you're not going to have the issue. I felt around that area and could not feel that cable, so I have to believe - at this point - that I will not have any issue with wear-through, that's just a guess, of course, but it's all I have to go on at this point.

Also, there was mention of a bent frame that caused a problem, which was either an assembly glitch, or other damage between manufacturing and delivery.

So, like it or not, we're stuck with this issue, and all we can do is to go ahead and enjoy our Roadster, and if the problem hit's us, then we go the warranty route.

Don't let this spoil your enjoyment of this great car. It's nothing that can't be handled.
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Update on Top Replacement
 

The dealer replaced my top yesterday.

I was told not to cycle the top for a week or so to allow the new fabric to stretch properly but of course as soon as I got home, I cycled it to see if it worked properly - it didn't. It comes up just short of reaching the top of the windshield and I can see the latches close but, of course, they're not engaged in the slots so the top doesn't pull tight. If I exert just a little force by pulling down on the top with my left hand as the top nears the closed position, it reaches the top of the windshield and closes just fine. I'll wait for the week to pass and try it again. It's possible the fabric is so taut that it's preventing the top from fully closing; at least I hope that's the case. If it doesn’t work properly, I feel certain the dealer will do the right thing - he has so far. They were told to send my old top and the struts back to Nissan for their analysis so it’s getting some attention. I asked them to take pictures but they failed to do so.

I'll send an update next week.

Just thank your lucky stars that you don't have a problem with your top (I do, but the majority don't) and enjoy your 370ZR. Why would you want the dealer to mess with a car that has "no problem?" I don't even trust my dealer to do an oil change, so I'll wait as long as possible before I submit to the trauma of a top replacement.

I don't have a roadster, but I've followed this issue with great interest and have empathy for those of you having these significant problems with essentially brand new and quite costly autos. As a retired attorney, i believe this is a problem which seriously impairs the value of what you bought, not to mention the headaches and frustration of having to deal with a manufacturer and some dealerships not living up to their legal obligations under federal and probably most state laws. If you are not completely satisfied by your treatment and the results of your efforts to have this handled responsibly by Nissan and its dealers, I strongly recommend you consult with an attorney who specializes in consumer rights (hopefully with a focus on auto claims) to make sure you don't waive or otherwise adversely affect your legal rights under state or federal law. I promise you Nissan is getting legal advice and guidance as to how to avoid liability for this and minimize its economic costs to fix a problem that it is clearly responsible for.

Thank you for stepping in with your expertise.

I think that the main thing here is to be sure that; "you don't waive or otherwise adversely affect your legal rights under state or federal law."

Sometimes fighting these type of battles can fatigue a person to the point of settling, or giving up all together, especially when they're in that David and Goliath type of fight.

As jhp points out, for all who become affected by this top tear issue, remember; you do have legal rights. Keep your head, stick to it and don't give up until you are satisfied. This IS a very serious issue and needs to be treated as such.

As much as it appears that Nissan and their Dealers are doing all they can to resolve this issue, you need to remember jhp's advise should you run into trouble with them down the road.

Thanks again jhp for your concern.

Hi-Stepin 370z: Thanks for your comments. But the main reason I'm writing back is that the Picture below your name is the best I've seen on this forum. You have good taste (in cars and women).

Close, but no cigar (pun intended)
 

It's been over a week since my top was replaced, and I've not cycled it since the first day when I got home – and it still doesn't close properly. If the car has been in the sun, it closes fine, but if I park in the underground lot where it's cool (even in Southwest Florida), it comes up just short of the windshield pillar so the latches come up just short of catching.

I'll keep trying for another week or so and then take it back to the dealer for an adjustment if it still doesn't close. It seems to bind just a tiny bit on the roll bar when it goes through its second phase of closing - after the toneau cover has closed. It actually closes in a much smoother fashion than the original top so I'm pretty satisfied so far. I'm confident the dealer will make it right but I agree with Hi-Step’n370Z – Nissan should initiate a TSB on this issue.

Does anyone know how TSB's are initiated?

I don't know how many oil burning issues there were before Nissan put out a TSB on it, but since the number of top tear/wear issues is beginning to look like it may be on the increase, the numbers may be close to crossing over the line of a TSB on the problem.

I am not trying to be a fire starter, but as others have mentioned, and I agree, this top tear issue is no joke, and it may be increasing in numbers, making it a legitimate serious issue. And I must add; an expensive issue as well.

A couple of months ago, I was of the mindset that only a "few" Roadster owners were affected due to some manufacturing glitch, or other damage between manufacturing and delivery, but lately, I am not so sure I feel the same way.

As we all progress forward, watching what seems to be an ongoing or possibly an increasing-in-numbers issue, I think the first question to ask is; does anyone know what has to happen to initiate a TSB from Nissan?
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I'd never get a drop top unless its like porsche...
But I still wouldn't get it lol...
:T
Pay more, weigh more, go slower, get skin cancer doesn't seem to make sense to me...

What a very helpful opinion...LMAO! How fortunate for us you won't be joining our honored group...

To me it's worth every penny
The drop top is drop dead georgious. Interior is not as refined as the German engineered Porsche, but very well layout. The numbers are comparable to the Cayman so you have the best of both world w/o breaking your bank...and it's not that much heavier than the coup at all
My buddy with a Cayman drove my roaster the other day said how amazing the handling and the power

Hoooaaahhh!, could not agree more...

I owned a 2004 350z convertible and never had any problems, But this time i wasnt about to take any chances, also just my 2cents, The convertible was just a little too cute for me.

This is my third roadster... first Z. I love it and love having a roadster... however, this week I noticed a tear in my top just above my driver door. Apparently the top of the window has been rubbing the top when I open and close the door. That's when I found this forum and all the top problems, which now have me concerned. I've had my ZR 4 months and now worry about the durability of the car. I've taken it in twice for top-related issues: (1) top makes sticking/shifting noise on driver door behind my ear and (2) top mechanism hits itself and makes a knocking noise when going down. Now, my third issue... tear above door (ugh).

This week, I took my car in about the tear in my top over the door where the top of the window rubs against the top whenever i open or close the door. In only a few minutes, they took a picture of the tear and told me they would call me when the new top comes in. No discussion.

I have the exact same experience. Havent had my Z for a week yet! :(

And that's where my problem began. Took it in because I had small tear on the drivers side where the window frayed the top because it rubbed on it every time you open the door. They put a new top on it but when I got it back the top didn't open right. When you push the button it would lift about 5 inches and stop. If you let off the button and push it again it would go ahead and open all the way. Took it back... It has now been at the shop almost 2 weeks. They have replaced numerous parts, got a call from nissan dealer and the service man told me they don't know what the problem is, have called in a nissan rep. I just want my car back!!

This may not be related to the top tear issue that's been plaguing the Roadster. The window is supposed to drop slightly when the door handle is pulled, and if you pull the handle too quickly while pulling the door open, the window can not drop fast enough to clear the fabric, and it's gonna catch the fabric.

I remember back when I first got my Roadster, I would tell this to passengers so they would let the window drop before they actually pulled the door open.

If this is happening with your Roadster, then the new top will fray again. Make sure the window drop is working properly. The window should not be catching like it did.

The window would actually catch on top and when I took it in they adjusted both windows and they work much better now, just wish they would get the other problem fixed now and give me my car back.

Just got a call from my dealer. They ordered a new top. I will update as soon as they get it and I take it in to get it installed. Hopefully they get it right. Said it would take 2 days for them to install.

Hang in there, seems like things will turn out good for you, glad your dealer's treating you right.

Correct me if I'm wrong, I think you're the first to have this particular problem with the top. Now that this issue has happened with your Z, I'm hoping it doesn't happen to others, but with the strange things that have plagued the top up to now, sad to say that it just might.

I would respectfully suggest to everyone to make sure the windows on your Z are dropping the way they're supposed to - AND - that all passengers are aware that when they open the door, they do it correctly by pausing that little split second after pulling the handle, and allow the window to drop before they actually pull the door open.

Keep us posted.
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B52EWO's Top Update
 

It's been awhile, so I'll give everyone an update on my top issue.

I took it back after the top was installed because, even after a couple of weeks to allow the new fabric to stretch, the hook on the top was still about a ¼ inch short of engaging the mechanism on the top of the windshield. The dealer had the car for a day and indicated they made an adjustment. However, the top still did not close consistently. I took it back again last week and, because of the “magic aura” that seems to exist at all dealerships, they couldn’t duplicate the problem.

The weird thing, though, is it’s now closing perfectly since I got it back.

So – it’s working. If another hole appears in the top, my issue has been documented so I should have no problem having it taken care of. The dealer, Sutherlin Nissan in Fort Myers, has been absolutely great about taking care of me.

That's great news B52EWO -- especially about how the dealership took care of you. I've been worried myself about two of the issues discussed on this thread

1. unnatural wear on driver's side fabric in the center of the side panel
2. some fraying of the top near the middle of the driver's door caused by the edge rubbing when the top was extended or retracted.

I determined that the issue I was worried about with respect to (1) was not the same as another poster's problem. He had an issue with the frame rubbing a hole in the fabric from the inside. I determined that there is no wear on the inside in that location on my top and the issue I was seeing was simply that that area where it folds is susceptible to extra dirt because of the wrinkles.

The 2nd issue has seemed to correct itself. I watch carefully as the top goes down and I no longer notice it rubbing in that area. They is still a barely noticeable slight fray to the fabric, but unless it gets worse, I'm not going to worry about it.

Good luck and I hope you have no more issues.

This all sounds good, hope this is the end of your problems. Thanks for the update.

I am having the same issues you all are having. I got my roadster back in Jan 2010 and everything looked perfect. 8,000 miles later I have the same tear on pretty much the same spots you guys do.

The first issue I want to share is what happened on the inside of my top. Just a couple of months ago, I noticed that it was about to be torn open on the driver's side. I took pictures so that you all can see. After I noticed this thread I started to read about these issues and I took a better look at my top and noticed that my top on the outside was showing the same issues you were all having.

The resolution with this case of the inside of the top, is that the dealer already agreed to replace it and ordered the part (I did not know the inside was separate from the whole fabric top itself).

The outside of my top (Bordeaux as well) shows severe wear on the same spots of your vehicles. The top will be observed tomorrow by a Nissan Technician for evaluation, but the pictures speak for themselves.

The Roadster is a great car, but this really needs to be handled better by Nissan.

Just heard back from the dealer. They have had my Z since Tuesday and its Friday so you might imagine I am missing it. I am driving an Altima that the dealership provided free of charge. They have finished installing the new top, hopefully I wont have any more issues. Havent even made my first payment and the car has been there for the last few days. I willl post pics once it is back on Monday. They offered to fix a scratch that was there at the time of purchase, so it will take another day to get that done. Its still winter in Iowa so I dont mind not driving it THAT much...

Got my Z back yesterday. They installed the new top and it looks really good. The window/door issue definitely looks good. There is a rubber strip on the side that looks different and theres a little fold on both sides of the top that looks like something's pulling it in and gives it a weird shape. After inspecting it, it looked like it was one of the folds of how the top came in, so we decided to give it a few days to stretch out. They said if it doesnt get fixed they will take care of it.
Overall, even though it sucks to have to bring a new car back to service right away, I am extremely happy with the service and treatment that Nissan has provided. Will post pics as soon as I can get it back out.

I got a call from the dealer this afternoon and was pleased to hear that they will replace the Bordeaux top as well, not just the inner part. Now I just need to find what should be done to avoid this with the new top...

Don't allow them to replace your top (complex procedure that is rarely done properly, and/or without collateral damage) until they can explain the cause/source of the wear spots and offer a convincing fix/remedy. I have nearly identical (though less severe) wear spots, but have just 1600 miles on my ZR (built May '10 and purchased June '10). Please provide similar info (mileage, build & purchase dates) for the record.

I first noticed wear at less than 1500 miles. I worked with the dealership initially and they tried to fix the issue, but could not. I will say my dealership is awesome and tried to make things right. I then went straight to Nissan North America and filed a complaint. Clearly there is an issue and I've not heard that Nissan is acknowledging it and making amends. Anyway, the tech they sent adjusted the hatch arm and wiring on the driver's side and replaced the canvas only. I must admit the tech they brought in to do the work did an incredible job. The new canvas looks tighter and better than the original. That said, I should not have had to go thru any of this and neither should anyone else. Nissan owes us answers and perhaps some sort of compensation for our trouble. I wonder what they'd think of a "class action lawsuit?"

Hi vifferman.

Mileage: 9176 / Build: Black Cherry 2010 370Z Roadster Touring with Sport Package (No Nav, Manual Transmission) / Bought it on January 2010.