TOP Tearing issue

vifferman

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.

jhp3

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.

Hi-Step'n370Z

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.

jhp3

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).

B52EWO

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.

Hi-Step'n370Z

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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CrownR426

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...

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RIP SVTRacer

Merlin

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

cujo

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

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Merlin

Hoooaaahhh!, could not agree more...

Joka4411

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.

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2010 40th Anniversary Z Owner

Roadster Fan

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).

Roadster Fan

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.

fmusignac

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

Raylyn

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!!