Yes, but does your top show any signs of wear that would put in into the top tearing issue?

This is a tough one. Nissan has been replacing the tops that had the tear issue, so they are doing something under warranty.

My concern is in regard to what happens when we're out of warranty?

I have posted a few posts to the Forum addressing this, and asked if you all, we all, think Nissan should out a TSB on the top tear issue.

If it happens to your Z after warranty, you're on your own, and a TSB would show that the potential for the problem was there from the start, it just took longer for it to show up on a particular Z.

For example; I don't drive mine in the winter, and do not operate the top as much as some of you, so I could go a long while before any signs of wear show up, and could very well be out of warranty coverage, and I am sure I am not alone with this kind of timing and frequency of operation.

One more thing. As stated in one of my past posts, I did notice that it appears that the tops that did have a problem, began to show signs around the 1,600 mile mark. So it looked like once your Z get's past that 1,600 mile area, then you may end up without any wear/tear issues. But that's not scientific, just a guess based on commonality of mileage and when the wear began to show up.

I also asked if all of us would post their mileage, frequency of operation of the top, and whether or not they had signs of the wear/tear issue. That did not yield very much. I wanted to see if it looked more like an assembly glitch, or a chronic problem that eventually will hit all of us.

Maybe we can try again.

My Roadster has 7,500 miles, garaged and stored winters, top operated maybe a couple times per week, no signs of any wear at all. No creases or anything negative, looks new.

High-Step'n - My roadster has just 1,620 miles on the clock, as I too store mine during the winter months, and drive only for sport/recreation in dry/good weather conditions. As I posted at the time, I saw signs of wear (per Z-U-Later's original post) in just the first few weeks of ownership (with perhaps 500 miles or less). Reported it to my dealer shortly thereafter, and agreed to forgo replacement (feared the surgery more than the ailment). At 7,500 miles with no apparent issue, you should just relax and enjoy your ZR, but your expressed concern about the long-term (after warranty, et al) applies directly to me, as I may not drive my ZR enough to experience damage sufficient to justify surgery before the warranty expires. Depending on how things progress, I may ask for a warranty extention re: the top issue.

Hi Guys,

My name is Sebastian and I am new to the forum. I don't have a ZR but I am considering buying one. This forum's been excellent to learn a lot about this beauty.

I am concerned about the top issues though. I was wondering if anybody has any updates or advice when looking for one.

Do you think it is good to bring up the issue to the dealer before the purchase? Any thoughts about what to watch out when shopping? Anybody consider this a deal breaker?

I would really appreciate your help. I love this car, I was gonna buy it about a month ago until I learned about this. I am little on the fence

Thanks folks

I've got about 6500 miles. I operate the top around 3-5 cycles a week -- each time I drive it the top goes up and down at least once -- sometimes twice since I put the top up if I am going to leave the car. These are the potential issues I have

1. (as I've mentioned in this thread) I have a small area of discoloration on the side to the rear of the driver's window --same place as other owner's have gotten holes. I can't feel any wear from the inside so it might just be a crease that attracks dirt.

2. I have some very minor fraying along the seam at the top of the driver's door -- it looks like it was rubbing a cable at bit when the top went down. I watch for the rubbing now and I haven't seen it happen any more and it doesn't seem to be getting any worse

3. I recently noticed some discoloration on the inside head-liner exactly where HybridFusion had his problem -- no where near as bad though

Worst case scenario -- I'll eventually have every problem reported in this thread :(
Best case scenario -- It stays as it is and doesn't get any worse

I can live with the best case scenario. I've got around 1.5 years before the 3 year bumper to bumper warranty is up. If the problems don't get any worse, I think I'll wait and see how the folks who have had their tops replaced are doing. If the replacements are holding up, then I'll probably try and get warranty service. Hopefully by then there will be a TSB and I won't have any headaches when I take it to the dealer.

@ sreyes

Even with these problems they are in no way a deal breaker. I believe that if the issues get any worse, I will in fact be taken care of and the pleasure of top down driving with this car makes up for some inconvenience that early adopters always experience.

Zaggeron,

Couldn't agree with you any more. I don't have any issues with my top and am following the same steps you are taking and will address it the same way if anything starts to develop.


You can't beat the feeling of sporting around with the top down.

I thought I read on the tsb section of this site that there is a tsp for the top. I have 9500 miles and some discoloration. I brought it to the dealer but the manager needs to see the car. I will bring it back this week and see what they say.
DS

The tsb is for the window rubbing the top when you open the door. The fix is for them to move the window forward in the frame just enough without causing wind and water leaks.

thanks guys, I think I am getting mine tomorrow. I told them to do a complete check on the top to look out for any problems

It is a great car. First and foremost, YOU must do the check. It is a rare dealer that wants more than to get your name on the paper and get you off the lot.

Keeping an eye on the roof is an ongoing task. Mine fortunately has been good so far, a slight bit of wear on the roof but no major issues that would necessitate me taking it into the dealer for work.

Good luck.

This is great info. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on this thread. My top has been raised/lowered only about 10 times so far since I've had it. But I'm going to keep a close eye on this since I don't drive my Z as often as I would like to.

Follow up on roof repair
 

It's been awhile since my last post. Last I wrote, I was taking my roadster in for a roof replacement. The dealer made it very convenient for me (they even hand washed it for me since I refuse machine washes under any circumstances). I retrieved my car and have been putting the top up and down through the great Texas spring weather with no problems and no sign of wear (so far). Now, entering summer, my top down times will be more limited. But, I'm keeping my fingers crossed to be prepared for the cooler weather of fall.

2011 Fix for Top???
 

We are pricing 10 and 11 z convertibles and I have been lurking here. Does anyone know the status of the top problem on the 2011's? Thanks for info. There are great deals on the 2010's but we think the 11's have some fixes we don't want to pass up.

This will be our first fun car in retirement.

Thanks for this forum. Learned a lot.

roxannebcb,

Wish I could comment about the 11 but don't know if they made any changes to the top or not.

Get the best deal you can and get the car you'll love it.

My wife loved her 05 and hated to see it go.

I drive her new one everytime we go out. But when I take it out without her, I get a call...."Where's my car"....She loves this one even more.

I have a 2010 daily driver (except in winter of when hauling the family), put the top down whenever possible, and have no problems other than a slight abrading near the window which is covered by a TSB.

DS

Well, just to keep everyone posted on my case, and to document my experience...

It has been 14 working days now since the car's been at the dealer. They replaced the outer and inner fabric of the top. Now there's a new problem: the "opening operation" of the top mechanism gets stuck about 5 to 8 seconds after you press the "Open Button"; basically right after the top unlatches from the sun visors area and is about 6 to 7 inches away from it. When it stops, there is no beep or any other indication. Keep in mind that under normal operation, if you inadvertently release the top mechanism button while opening it, for example, the car beeps, or if the trunk is open it beeps too, etc.

Their Nissan mechanic specialist took a look at the car, and determined that the top needed to stretch, since it was new, but this happened on the 5th or 6th day. After several additional tests, and blaming the weather for not stretching the top enough, they want to put my car on one of those "Car Paint Ovens" to force the top to stretch.

Oh, and let me just add that this is the first roadster where they perform this type of service.

I immediately filed a claim with Nissan North-America, to seek some assistance, and they promised that a claims rep will call me tomorrow.

I am more than open to reactions, comments and ideas. I'm sure that those of you who have gone through this, know exactly what I'm going through, and I just have no words to describe what I think about their resolution proposal.

Updated Update
 

My last post was Feb 18th and at that time my top replacement experience was satisfactory - and it still is. I cycle my top at least twice per day and more on the weekend. It has only failed to close properly maybe twice since I took back to the dealer for an adjustment, which was about three weeks after the replacement (the entire top plus the struts). If you aren't seeing this problem on your car, keep a close eye on it to ensure it's corrected while still in the warranty period, which I believe will ensure it will be covered for as long as you keep the car.

I've had two other 350ZR's, and an Infiniti G37, and this is the best of those.

How long did it take them to replace the top? Did they wait a few days for the top to stretch, or did they describe the replacement as "plug-n-play"?

Our 370Z Black Cherry Roadster arrived early in 2010 A couple months ago we noticed a couple spots in the top that were wearing through. The two inside were the most noticable and another on the outside - all near the 4th Bow from the back. The dealer replaced the top (just the fabric parts) and told us that the factory had not placed the protective pads on the hinged joints correctly. Got the car back a couple weeks ago and are dealing with "issues." The dealer now says that the factory does not install pads on any of the bows other that the one nearest the windsheild and they fabricated pads for the other four bows. The top no longer fits like a new top. A little lumpy near the bend in the bows and one fairly large crease where the fabric won't tighten. I am concerned about the absence of protective pads at the factory. Wouldn't it seem reasonable for the factory to add protective material on all the bow?

This is unacceptable. You should have the top looking and functioning like factory new. Nissan pays the dealership for the warranty work they do, and if you don't say anything to Nissan, they will assume that the job was done to your satisfaction and leave it at that. You need to speak up to Nissan, unless the dealer is willing to continue working with you and Nissan, and re-do what they've done, to get the top back to where is should be, and done the correct way as dictated by Nissan. The dealer should not be making any modifications to the top that are not factory authorized by Nissan engineers. It looks like you will probably need to speak to a Nissan factory rep to get this resolved properly. Ask the dealership to send a request for a factory rep come to the dealership and investigate the whole issue. Tell them that you are not going to let it end as it is now, and that you will only accept the top being fixed properly and correctly, and that you will do whatever it takes to get that done. Nissan is not warranting the top to look "kind of" OK, and function "kind of" well. Nissan has proven that they want the customer completely satisfied, and what the dealer has handed you is NOT anywhere near completely satisfying to you. If you need to, you may have to contact Nissan directly. It will take a little effort, but in the long run you'll be glad you did it. Don't settle for less than quality repairs on this, or any other, issue. Nissan is on your side, remember that. You need to get them involved in this as soon as possible.
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I fully agree! What's happening to you is unacceptable. Call Nissan North American ASAP! Get them involved. And if you haven't been doing this, start tracking and documenting everything every step of the way. I called Nissan North American and eventuallly a factory tech came and personally replaced my top. It looks better than new, and there are no "pad" issues. Be aggressive and do not accept anything less than your full satisfaction. Best of luck to you and please keep us posted on your progress.

Our local Nissan Dealer has agreed to replace the top (again) and this time they will stick to repair procedures authorized by Nissan technicians. As of now, things look good. I wish I was more optimistic but "things looked good" the first time they agreed to replace the top. Two tops in two months! In this case I hope "two's a charm!"

Mine starting to show wear after 18 months - will probably have a hole shortly.
Has Nissan found a permanent solution to the problem or are they just continuing to replace tops?

Ragtop replacement
 

I thought everyone might benefit from my experience with the ragtop.
I have a 2010 and the drivers window was wearing on the top every time it opened and closed. The window was rubbing on the fabric - it didn't clear the top when it dropped down to gain clearance. It created a 1" fray in the top. Not a big problem but I knew it would get worse over time.
The dealer first moved the drivers window forward 1/4" then told Nissan USA who approved a top replacement. Their manual says if the top is damaged under warantee the only remedy is to replace it. They told me that Nissan gets charged $12,000 for the total replacement.
The North San Diego dealer replaced it when the fabric came in, about 2 weeks.
The top works great, like new, no problems. Based on what I've read here some dealers can't seem to install it properly. My dealer did it OK. No charge to me. I am very happy with the result. Replacing the whole top for a 1" fray seemed overkill to me. I was just worried it wouldn't come out as good as the original.
The dealer didn't give me much info at all, like how they handled the pads needed to stop abrasion.
I hope you guys have good luck with your issues.
Gary

My top replacement was similar as you have described. I had to take my car back a second time because the padding on the bows was installed incorrectly. That was a year ago and the top hasn't had any issues since then. I was told the cost was Cdn$1200 plus the labour but it was all covered under warrany. The dealer also said that Nissan would never send a car out to a third party for warranty work as some have mentioned happening with their car. Who knows?

Might need to do it again...now the front passenger side has developed a small rip...sigh...still under warranty though

Roof wear and tear
 

Mine was recently replaced (under warranty) due to same wear issue. Do it under warranty as it can be expensive!

Ok so reading some of your stories, and the fact that I just purchased a 2010.

Is this a hit and miss or will happen thing to all 370Z roadsters?

Is it a 2010 issue or later or 09?
I do not have these symptoms, but I would like to prevent and be prepared if it does.

I still have warranty since I purchased mine with only 6k.

Please assist, inform or help~

Thanks!

Check to see if your door windows are contacting the top upon opening and closing of the doors. If it is making contact, it will wear away the top material so you'll need to get your windows adjusted. BTW, there weren't any '09 370Z roadsters.

Different people have problems in different areas. There are at least two reported issues -- the window rubbing issue described above and wear from the inside of the frame in the center of the side of the top between the door and wheel.

I'm concerned about the later since I have some of the early symptoms though I can't tell whether it is just creased there and hence collects dirt and that's the reason for the discoloration or if there is wear from the inside.

I'm out of warranty now so I'll just wait and see.

My driver side door has the same problem. Everytime I open it rubs against the top a little bit. right now I have about 1" tear. I have another 1.5 years on the warrenty so im just going to wait until I leave for vacation for a long trip and schedule it then. The rest of the top looks great just that drivers side.

I have read some horror stories about getting the top replaced so im very hesitate anyways about taking it in. Hopefully my Nissan dealership here in Atlanta has done this a few times :)

Had an attempted top replacement this week.
Pics attached.
Broken 2nd bow 1st time tech cycled it.
Any idea what caused this?

Was it was broken before it was cycled for the first time and then made to look like it was broken during the first cycling? I would guess it was broken during the install. Either way, it needs to be repaired at a cost to the dealer.

The other problem is that the part is not available.
New top is going to be stuck in this position for about two weeks while waiting for part to arrive.

I took a look of the windows when they go down/up (when opening the door).
It does not appear to be doing it. However, I just recently purchased my 2010, so... it is a all year issue or specifics?

Is there a recall on this?

In addition, the bar under the softop... I am not seeing that... where is that located? or is it behind the seat and upper trim?

Here's the link to the TSB:

http://www.the370z.com/370z-technica...-soft-top.html

Wow. I just decided to read this. I've had the car for a couple of months and the only time the top is ever up is when I wash it. Guess I need to go check...

I have the same problem with my 2010 Black Rose,I took it down to Kelowna Nissan last Friday, they took pictures and called me back the same day saying they ordered a new top, my car has 14 000 ks, Nissan in Kelowna is on the ball.They said I should not have any problems with the new top.I know it has been a problem, but as long as it fixed I do not care. I love the 370z you cannot beat it for the price and performance.

I forgot to mention I do not leave the top down over night.

I to have a 370 Z roadster top problem exactly as Z U LATER. i took it to the dealer around 11000 miles about 1 yr and a half old the said the would replace it then they told me they would not after about a 6 month wait when they told me it was on order.i have been threw the Nissan complaint department and have got no where. i think they know they have a problem on these tops. no more Nissan's for me and i have bought three.