370z needs new engine...
 

So I picked up a brand new 2013 sports package 370z last Aug. As of yesterday, it has 6,800 miles on it. Service/ maintenance has been kept on point, and up until yesterday, I hadn't noticed anything wrong. Driving home from work I heard a slight rotational vibration, and then one exit away from my house, the car was lugging out of 2nd gear every time I took it past 2 grand.

I took it to the dealership, where they calmly notified me that: I need a new engine, Its bone dry of oil, they can't find a leak, and that Monday Nissan is sending engine techs to do a full diagnostic run on my baby.

I read here that a small amount of 09-10 Zs suffered from what I ascertained to be a similar issue.

Anyone else hear of this happening? I know earlier 370s had cooling issues, but my '13 needing a new engine at 6,800? bummer.

I guess anything is possible on the newer models. Shitty luck it happened to you but at least you get a new engine out of it.

Side note, nobody noticed low oil at the 3750 mileage mark?

How many oil changes were done in the 6800. I myself change every 2-2500.


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I check mine at 2000 miles was a smidge below full marker.
First oil change done st 2400 miles and currently at 3780 miles and still full.

I learned on here that one checks dip stick.often on these cars.

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I've changed every 2,500. I'm seeing a trend here... these cars make oil disappear.

What kind of oil is disappearing? Synthetic or Dino?

And, I think you should call corporate and ask for a buy back. Your car is too new to be torn apart

I dont drive much so it isnt a bother to me but I try to check my oil at each fuel up, and befre each time I get it out of the garage because of it not being very often. My car had a visibly leaking oil pan gasket when I first got it that magically went away. Cars do goofy things sometimes.

Sorry you will be without your car for a while, hope the best for you.

I would think a modern oil like Mobil 1 or another synth could go for 6800 mile without changing, even the break in oil would make it that far without damaging the engine.
Sorry to hear about your problem with the engine. I agree with 8 image GIF guy, I would ask nicely for a buy back / replacement since it's brand new. I check my oil about 1 time a week, the same time I check my clutch fluid for changes in color, crap content and change the clutch fluid if needed.

Thanks for the words of encouragement, guys. As frustrating as it is, do you think Nissan would actually agree to a replacement? I am upset that I've spent money on a vehicle, and even when they do replace the motor, it won't be 'truly factory built' anymore.

Why would it be a problem? They swap out the long block and you go on about your way.

Exactly. Its gonna be as good as new. Just everything else they touch will he assholed.

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They don't do long block anymore

Yeah, like breaking the grommet that let's water in. I know someone with that problem, oh wait, ME!!!

So just curious what was your oil temp gauge acting like the last few days of the cars life. Were you running hot or getting up to temp unusually quick.


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I own a 13 model too and have driven 21k miles with no oil issues at all and change every 3-4k at the dealership with synthetic.
Sounds like you just got a defective engine with yours. This rarely happens but it does.
Sorry to hear you having issues with your Z but I believe most owners here do not have this problem.

Oil temp was normal. I wasn't getting any warning from the engine overheating either because the cooling system was intact.

Do you guys think it was a bad valve seal?


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The oil went somewhere. Are your exhaust tips extremely black? Have you re-traced were you were the day it died to look and see if you could find a oil puddle. Since you said you changed oil every 2500 miles and the car only has 6800 total miles and everything was normal oil temp wise until it died I would say there's a puddle of oil out there somewhere. If you were burning off oil slowly I would think you would see consistently high oil temps.


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Your theories are on point, I must admit I went through that same checklist myself and am baffled. Clean exhaust, no visible leak (park it in the same spot everyday), no out of the ordinary oil notifications.

You guys should have seen the techs hovering over my car. One looked at me and said "Welp, we gotta find where the oil is."

Keep us posted on this please.


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Will do, friend. More info in the way come Monday!

I'm having them write down all the old part numbers and all the part numbers on the things they are replacing. I gotta make sure this isn't going to happen again.

No news on this


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Sorry for the hold up, everyone:

After my daily back and forth with people at the dealership and still no actually info (go figure) I have contacted corporate inquiring as to a replacement vehicle. Their offices were closed (2 hr time difference)
but first thing tomorrow will begin the series of long phone calls explaining my situation. Hopefully they care about keeping their customers happy.

Wish me luck.

If you ran it bone dry out of oil did you not get the oil pressure light on the dash?

Nada.

Thats scary then... I started checking mine every 2nd fillup after I almost did the same thing when I first got my Z. I almost ran it bone dry and it scared me into checking my oil alot more.

Well from now on, assuming I end up in another Z, that will be part of my fill up regimen.

I've never had an issue with the Z and oil. I do have a small leak/sweating from somewhere on the valve cover or near the fill spout. Keeping my eye on it. It's miniscule as of now.

Nothing like the issues I have with the GF's '12 Impreza. That thing drinks oil like its thirsty. I have no idea where it goes, the exhaust is clean and dealership calls it normal for this engine. How losing oil is regarded as normal is beyond me, but there is nada I can do about it except let the dealership do all maintenance and do exactly what they say in the event it craps out and it's all on them to replace it.

Good luck fella. You certainly don't deserve what has occurred.

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I appreciate that, Limey. Thanks for your support!

Good luck!


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Thanks man! The corporate rep who will either authorize the replacement or beat around the bush, is supposed to call me tomorrow! I'll fill you all in soon!

370z needs new engine...
 

So I just finished speaking with the corporate rep. He explained to me that the 'buy back review policy' was now in effect. By then it will mark A MONTH without my vehicle. Neat.

I am sure your patience will pay off eventually, hang in there.

Let's hope so! If a new Z is at the end of this ride, you'll be the first to know.

Either way, it was not your fault what occured. So whatever happens make sure you dont go out of pocket - being new car / exchange or trade in for another etc.

Roger that, Limey.

Do you have any enemies at work? Sounds like someone drained your oil neatly and put the drain plug back on. Thats my theory anyways

Camera's at work???

LOL, that is one hell of a theory. Especially, how low a Z is and how many screws it takes to remove under pan.

Haha well there's a unsettling theory! Although I'm sure I've rubbed some people the wrong way at SOME point in my life- I cannot think of anyone as of late that would have a reason to do this.