Steering wheel defect by Z logo
 

Has anyone noticed any ripples or ridges on the black textured plastic around the 'Z' in the center of the steering wheel? I've had a ridge in the plastic just to the right of the 'Z' for some time now and assumed it was a scratch (wedding ring during track or autoX). However, looking closer it's a ridge in the plastic and not a scratch. It also appears there is another starting to the left of the Z. My best guess is that these are fracture lines for when the airbag deploys and shouldn't be visible.

Going to the dealer Thursday morning, but I'm curious if this is something you guys have come across.

***Photo added***

9.30.10 Update
I went to the local dealer today. The service manager took one look and agreed it would be replaced under warranty. They ordered the part and will call me next week when it comes in.

Hmm...just checked my steering wheel and I haven't noticed it.

I wonder if the dealer would replace that under warranty. Keep us posted!

I don't see anything like that on mine.

Mine doesn't have anything like that either.

Mine didn't have that.

Warrantee!

Your horn activation pad is getting too hot. You need an aftermarket horn activation pad cooler. Nissan did not install a factory pad cooler as they were concerned about the 370Z's price point.

What's the best horn fluid?

Lou knows.

I have the same ridges in exactly the same spots. Thought it was weird.

I don't see that on mine either...keep us updated on what the dealer says.

Can anyone recommend a good blinker fluid?

Lou knows.

Lou is too busy yiffing.

Same ridges on my 40th.

I had the pleasure of angrily honking my horn on the way home. I'll be damned if there isn't flexing at those ridges. Definitely an airbag seam that separated prematurely (ie without airbag deployment). Mark my words, Nissan will replace this under warranty! I'll find out for sure at 930am tomorrow.

i got the same thing on my steering wheel. I just thought i scratched it one day but aparently not

Wow, that's going to be an expensive fix for nissan.

They are not going to fix it. I bet they blame it on wear and tear...or that the owner did the scratch.

Yeah, they'll "look into it" until the cows come home, and then "look into it again" after the cows have died. Or their patent, "We have not received any other complaints about this matter."

I don't think there's even a remote chance that this is a warranty fix.

Yep, have a similar "ridge" on my steering wheel, exact same spot but only half as long and not as pronounced as in your picture.

I can tell you that I took my wife's Altima in and had them do all kinds of $hit under warranty. They did exactly as I asked. In short, her steering system was making a weird noise (whole steering column replaced under warranty), the black trim on the outside of the windows was coming off (replaced under warranty), and the side mirrors were not adjusting smoothly (replaced under warranty). I'm hoping I get a similar experience again.

Once you look closely, it's clear it's not a scratch and has deflection when pushed.

:yum:

OP updated. Dealer replacing the airbag under warranty.

What happened? Did you take Panda Lou with you?

You must be a real charmer. :icon17:

Hilarious! No, didn't need the Panda. I left him at the Starbucks on the corner in case things went south.