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

spearfish25

I remember when people on this forum were getting these Consumer Reports surveys. It was during the height of what I call "The Great Oil Temp Scare of 2009". People frequently posted on the forum that they just got a survey and listed the oil temps as a key problem. The unfortunate backlash of that behavior is that those owners have now potentially lessened the resale value by getting us a nice black circle on CR. The reality of the oil temp 'problem' is that it's not really a problem. Most people (as shown by numerous impromptu surveys on this site) have never really had a PROBLEM with oil temperatures. They were perceived problems when the temp gauge went to 240F but there was never limp mode or engine failures due to the temps. Those of us who track the car have experienced a true need for oil coolers, but that should not get reflected in a CR survey.

A special thanks to everyone who vented their frustration of a not-so-real problem during street driving by filling out the survey with frivolous complaints.

A real survey should give low marks for the following areas: 1) cabin noise during highway driving (it's a sports car but it shouldn't be this loud), 2) inaccurate fuel gauges, 3) high pitch whining sound from ECU (many people certainly have this), 4) brittle paint.

Fortunately, not a single one of those issues would change my mind about buying the car.

Check out the definitions of the areas where the Z faired poorly in the survey. The real irony is that we're going to get a nasty symbol for 'engine major' now that people are starting to freak about oil consumption too. My guess at the issue getting the low marks for each area is listed in blue italics.

Engine, minor: Oil leaks, accessory belts, engine mounts, engine knock or ping. people complaining of valvetrain noise from the VVEL (probably no real problem present), a few may have reported their blown aftermarket oil cooler lines as oil leaks which would be ridiculous

Engine, cooling: Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating. The Great Oil Temp Scare of 2009

Paint/trim: Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose exterior trim or moldings, rust. easily chipped paint, a few orange peel complaints, the random unhappiness from swirls on black paint

Body integrity: Squeaks or rattles, seals and/or weather-stripping, air or water leaks, loose interior trim and moldings, wind noise. road noise mainly during highway driving and debris hitting wheel liners

Body hardware: Windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defects. the 'stuck hatch' issue and the base model seats moving around

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2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z