Front Suspension Problems of Nissan 350Z - part 1

Action Nissan in nashville, TN has replaced damaged front tires at least twice, and I have now replaced damaged front tires at my own expense. The effect of Nissans alignment/suspension problem is not isolated to tire damage. Action Nissan attempted to correct my vehicles alignment/suspension issues, but my car continued to experience issues related to abnormal tire wear and a pull to the right. Nissan did not offer a permanent solution for the alignment/suspension problems of my automobile, and I continued to experience damage to my front tires and misalignment/suspension effects. To protect any new tires on my vehicle, and to permanently correct Nissans manufacturer defect on my vehicle, I had repairs performed with 3rd party parts, an eibach front alignment kit. The original configuration of the front factory 350z does not allow for such adjustments, and the eibach kit allows for common front alignment adjustments that can easily compensate for the alignment/suspension problems. The installed parts, along with new tires, balancing, and alignment/suspension has total cost of $1087. 04. I am including documentation of all itemized costs below: tires. $288. 00 front align kit $394. 87 parts total. . . $682. 87 2x tire mount. $10. 00 2x tire balance. . . $30. 00 align kit install. . $270. 00 front alignment. . $59. 95 subtotal $369. 95 labor tax@9. 25% $34. 22 labor total. $404. 17 grand total. $1,087. 04 the proposed Nissan class action settlement covers only a fraction of the costs to permanently correct the alignment/suspension problem experienced by countless Nissan 350z owners. My objection is that Nissan should offer a permanent solution to correct the manufacturer defect in the alignment/suspension of 2003/2004 350zs, which causes tire damage and other misalignment/suspension side-effects resulting from the inability to properly align select 350z vehicles. I duly swear to all facts presented in this document.

See all problems of the 2003 Nissan 350Z 🔎.

Front end mis-aligned at factory causing severe cupping of front tires at 13,000 miles. Friend had same problem. I had car into dealer 2 weeks before. Dealer did not say anything in spite of safety check. Matter of time before a blowout. After I found the problem, dealer aligned front end and pro-rated replacement tires. I wrote a letter to Nissan. Customer service says no recall planned. Very dangerous.

See all problems of the 2004 Nissan 350Z 🔎.

I have a 2003 Nissan 350z which I purchased new from selma Nissan in July 2003. The vehicle has had the front tires replaced by the dealer three (3) times, averaging 17,000 to 19,000 per set of tires. Each time the dealer has re-aligned the front end and assured me that the problem has been taken care of. Each time that the vehicle has gone in for this problem, the vehicle experiences severe front tire noise and steering wheel shake, especially during low speed and braking. Both front tires display excessive wear to the inner edge of the tires rendering them unserviceable. To Nissans credit, they have acknowledged the problem and have re-aligned the front end and replaced the last three sets of tires at no cost to me. The car was taken to the dealer today (01-12-2007) with the same problem. The dealer said they will contact the manufacturer to see if replacement will again be authorized. Whether or not Nissan covers the replacement isn't really the issue. A modern vehicle that wears out four sets of $600 tires at under 20,000 miles each obviously has a problem that should result in a recall. Nissan is apparently unable to repair this defect, and the car is not only unsafe, but has a very low resale value.

Front suspension, I have a 2004 Nissan 350z and when driving there is a loud rumble. I pulled the front tires and found that both tires have wear on the inside. I called the dealer and they said that they were not aware of any problems.

I have a 2004 Nissan 350z which has had repeated "feathering" of the front tires. I have responded to the April 2004 tba now three (3) times. The first two times, Nissan claimed to have resolve the problem and replaced the front tires. The last time (which was less than 5000 miles ago), Nissan again claimed to have aligned the front end of the vehicle. The problem has now returned. There is no specific date for this incident since, evidently, it is occurring continuously.

350z touring model pre-mature tire wear. I ordered my car on 01/2003 and took delivery on 04/2006. At which time I discovering that Nissan had put out its 1st TSB bulletin dated 01/23/2003. Reference # ntb03-006. I have 15,434 miles on my car. I drive it very little and therefore, just starting to experience the problems that I've been reading about. I have taken my car to the dealer at least three times for the same recall and was told there was nothing wrong with the front. The lastest recall notice was during the month of August 2005. Again I took my car into the dealer and was informed there was nothing wrong that applied to the recall notice which involved the front suspension and uneven tire wear. The service rep told me again there was nothing wrong with my car. I decided to get up under my car and do my own inspection. What I discovered was unbelievable, my tiers were wearing on the inner toe to the point they were almost bald at 12,500 miles. I returned to the service rep. And pointed this out, he immediately changed his mind and ordered me new tires at Nissan expense. At 15,434 the tires had begun to wear in the same manner. I took the car back to the dealer who wanted me to pay for an alignment. I refuse to put another dime in this car. He said that I would have to contact Nissan. I did and now Nissan will not fix my car until I get a release from one of those lemon law attorneys that I had contacted out of desperation. That's another story and now I'm fighting them too. I told the lawyers that I wanted my car replaced but let them persuade me into a 4,500 monetary verbal agreement. When I received the terms of the agreement from Nissan I refused to sign it and return it to the lawyer for payment. The law firm contacted me and informed me that a verbal agreement in the state of maryland is the same as a binding contract. I am in the process of writing letters to attorney general, federal trade, bbb Nissan and those so called lawyers who claim to represent us.

Bought 2003 Nissan 350z used in 2/06. Keyes woodland hills Nissan of CA sold me the car with both front tires worn down to the wire on the inside rim. They still have not disclosed or acknowledge the alignment/tire feathering problem. Its been 12000 miles & I need new tires. This is very costly & I would never have bought this car knowing about this.

I bought the car used in 5/05 with 15,000 miles. Tires appeared new when purchased. Car is only driven in the winter, I had the "roaring" noise and vehicle shaking effect roughly 5 months later. I brought the car to the dealer and told them about the issue. Their solution was to replace the front brakes and rotors for almost $400. I did not notice the problem again until a relative drove the car in the spring of 06 and thought I was crazy because I was apparently ignoring the roar and shake of the vehicle when traveling at speed under 40 mph. I replaced the rear tires at the suggestion of my local garage for over $500 yet the problem persisted. I now have to replace the front tires for another $500 or so and the car only has 32000 miles. I have read the numerous (hundreds) complaints written about this problem and this is just ridiculous. . Read more...

Severe tire noise/cupping from front tires. There is feathering also. The front tires started making noise around 13,000 miles. There is now 20,000 and is almost undriveable because of the noise. The noise happens loudest when the car is braking.

Contact states for the last 4 months the front end became very loud. It has a roaring noise in the front tire area. He talked to the dealer, and they told him the front end needed to be aligned, and he needed 2 new front tires because the inside of the tire was worn out. There were 11, 961 miles on the two front tires. Contact found a TSB on 4-04 about this problem. He did not consult the manufacturer. The dealer did not give consumer any idea why he was having this problem. It was a 2004 350z convertible Nissan.

I have a 2004 350z roadster with the feathering problem. At first, it appears to be a break problem. The Nissan dealer did not cover this under warrenty even though it is covered until 12,000 miles. The stated that. " the right front may be damaged and that I needed to take it to a body shop and have the frame bent". I took it to a tire dealer and they told me it was out of alignment. My front tires were replaced and a front end alignment done at 11,000 miles. Only six months later at 16,500 the noise is still there. I took it to a differerent Nissan dealer and they stated the alignment was wayyyy off. They did a 4 wheel alignment. I was again charged $70. 00. I called Nissan northamerica and althought they were responsive and talked to the dealer. . . . . . They ( Nissan ) calm this is not a problem with the 2004. I took the car back a week later stating that it pulled to the right a little ( there is a TSB on this ). The dealer said it was do the low tire pressure. Hmm they just had it in last week and this week the tires are already low? the checked the alignment and stated it was ok. The car drives ok. . . But the noise is still there especially at 20 to 30 when breaking. Only time will tell but I am not satisfied Nissan is doing what is needed to fix this problem. Tires don't wear out with 11,000 miles.

Oem tires (bridgestone potenza re040) on my Nissan 350z started feathering on the inside of both front tires around 6000 miles. Noticed the sound had gotten more noticable around 11000 miles. Took vehicle into Nissan at 12548 miles and was told that Nissan had a problem with the front end on the 2003 model, but that it had been corrected. Heard from another source that there were several 2004 350z cars that had the same problem.

I purchased a 2004 Nissan 350z in August of 2003. After about 24000 miles I complained of excessive road noise comming for the tires. I was informed by the dealer that the front tire were cupping and had to be replaced. This seems to be a known problem with this car and Nissan acknowledged it on their 2003 model but continues to ignore it on their 2004 model claining that it has been addressed although they are not clear on how they addressed it. I fear that this problem if not addressed by Nissan will result in an unfortunate accident for someone unaware of the problem. It is suprising to me that auto manufacturers are not obligated to disclose these kind of known issues with their products. It seems that the dealers are notified but not the consumers who have bought their products.

Vehicle front end is unable to be aligned despite four attempts by Nissan. Apparent design defect in the suspension causing tires to go bald at 6k miles. Car pulls to the right and is dangerous to drive. Car was supposed to have been fixed today. Car was picked up and died from electrical engine component failure immediately after being picked up. Car was towed back to Nissan again. .

I have taken my 2004 350z into the irvine Nissan dealership twice about the front tire noise making growling sounds. The work report only lists that there is tire ware, but no mention of my complaint about the tires. Documented oil change, tire wear, and suggest allignment (but would charge me for it). Took the car in a second time, and describbed the issue again. They refused to acknowledge the tires as an issue on 2004 vehicles, and stated on the vehicle work order order that they advised me about the TSB for 2003, and the condition does not exist on 2004. Argued with the manager who says they took the car for a drive to test the noise, but would still not do anything. Manager hung up on me. The vehicle still has the noise.

I purchased a 2004 Nissan 350z in septmeber of 2003. After about 12000 miles I complained of excessive road noise comming for the tires. I was informed by the dealer that the front tire were cupping and had to be replaced. This seems to be a known problem with this car and Nissan acknowledged it on their 2003 model but continues to ignore it on their 2004 model claining that it has been addressed although they are not clear on how they addressed it. I fear that this problem if not addressed by Nissan will result in an unfortunate accident for someone unaware of the problem. It is suprising to me that auto manufacturers are not obligated to disclose these kind of known issues with their products. It seems that the dealers are notified but not the consumers who have bought their products.

My 2003 Nissan 350z sports car has a front suspension problem that causes extreme inner tread tire wear in very short periods of time, ie, less than 5000 miles. The problem is pervasive in all 03 models as indicated on the various internet chat rooms. Nissan is aware of the problem and has provided a front end alignment and left to right/right to left tire rotation and/or tire replacement - neither of which cure the problem (indicative of an engineering design problem). The extreme tire wear is evident at approximately 4-5000 miles. Nissan appears to not have found a solution to this problem. Replacing the front tires at unreasonable 5000 mile intervals is required to prevent an extreme road hazard.

My 2003 Nissan 350 z continues to "eat" front tires. I have replaced the front tires 4 times and aligned once in under 12 months. My last set lasted a whopping 2 months and two days! I notified Nissan of the problem in February-05, July-05 and twice in September-05 and have not received a return call as promised. Nissan said they had "no" recalls or complaints of front tire issues during the first two calls. In August-05, I received a letter from Nissan stating they were going to extend the warranty for front end alignment and possible replacing the tires for 03 & 04 350's. But as I was told in two earlier phone conversation, they knew of no problems. Apparently during the month of August they decided to check into the complaints since they knew of none earlier. . . Right! the letter states "Nissan is truly dedicated to your satisfaction"! Nissan has not shown any signs of dedicated to 350 z owners. I for one! looking in this site, I have found over 70 complaints on this problem. It's time to do something.

My 2003 Nissan 350z has a problem keeping alignment. This causes premature wear on the tires and the additional cost of alignment. This began immediately (2003 at 6,000 miles). Both tires and the alignment were replaced and repaired. However the car continues to lose alignment. A bigger issue is caused in the winter on slick roads. The car will swerve unexpectedly - totally lose control and cross over into on coming lanes. I feel these cars represent a hazard not only to the driver but other innocent people on the road. The only safe remedial action would be a recall and permanent repair of this defect.

My 2003 350z's tires were replaced by the dealer at 16,000 miles. I recognized the problem right before the recall. Now at 27,000 miles I have the same problem with the back tires/alignment. I've been told by the contracted tire dealer which my Nissan dealer sends it's work to that the problem is with the alignment on the 2003 model and the problem has since been corrected on the 2004 model. I'm told that to avoid the improper wear on the tires (cupping) that I should have the alignment checked every 3-6 months. I was told that other than the tire noise(which when noticeable means serious improper wear), another way to tell that this cupping is happening is to put the car up on the rack. Also, the car starts to have traction/handling problems. The problem cannot be seen in a visual check when the car is on the ground. I called the Nissan headquarters and filed a complaint, but was told there was nothing they could do. At 27,000 miles I got the rear aligned and had to purchase two new rear tires. There is so obviously a problem that Nissan is choosing to ignore.

My front tires were replaced on my Nissan 350z after only after 18000 miles, with a realignment after Nissan recommended in the bulletin release released this year. Now after 33000 miles on my vehicle I am having to replace once again the front tires on my vehicle due to improper wear on the tires, the same as what happened at the 18000 mile replacement time. Obviously there is something wrong with 350z front alignment. Is there a class action lawsuit against Nissan for defect of the front alignment, as I am not the only one this is happening to, and how to I go about joining the lawsuit?.

My 2003 Nissan 350z has experienced tire/feathering on both front tires. Nissan replaced both @ 17,000 miles at no charge to me. Then @ 12,000 miles on 2nd set, same problem exists. Nissan says they will replace, but the dealer says tires are on back-order till April 2005. They offered no "buy back", or loaner. I could not wait till April 2005, so I traded the 350z. I traded because after my warranty period was to expire @ 36,000 miles, I would have had to pay approximately $600. 00 per set to replace at 10,000 to 12,000 miles. The feathering of the tires made for very little traction, especially during rainy conditions. I also took quite a hit (trade-in was $6,000 less than kelly blue book). Nissan should be responsible for selling me a lemon>.

At about 13,000 miles my front tires started making a growling sound at or below 30 mph or while braking. Took car to Nissan to have front end inspected. Both tires were completely worn out. Nissan replaced both front tires and aligned all 4 wheels.

First noticed by vehicle owner at approximately 10000 miles, dealer confirmed at 12000 miles, my 2004 Nissan 350z touring model has developed abnormal wear of inner edges of front tires--front tires forming a cupping shape. The result of this abnormal wear has created unstable handling and ride, but most importantly a safety concern with regard to tire performance and handling. Nissan has issued a service advisory bulletin acknowledging this very problem for the 2003 350z mode, but not for the 2004 model. Nissan has indicated that the suspension is the primary problem for causing the abnormal tire wear and has authorized a partial fix to the problem. Nissan refuses to acknowledge this problem with the 2004 model--request investigation for safety concerns and consumer protection.

Front tires worn on inside due to faulty alignnment from factory. Car was purchased new in December 2003. During second service ( 7,400 miles) at purchasing dealership tires were balanced and inspected. Service department said nothing was abnormal with the tires. Now 5 months later ( 13,000 miles) purchasing dealer refused to even look at auto when I told them there was noise coming from front end and that tires were wearing on the inside. I was told by purchasing dealers service department to call Nissan north America or to call bridgestone tire company to have it fixed. I in turn called Nissan north America and was told by them to take the car in to another dealership for inspection. I took the car in yesterday and was told I needed new tires for the front and that the alignment would be adjusted when the new tires were installed. I was also told that it would be up to Nissan north America to approve this request for tires and service. I am afraid the bad alignment may cause tire failure due to the excessive wear on the inside. I check my tires weekly to ensure no cords are showing on the inside and that they are properly inflated. All 2003 350 z's have a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty on the alignment and tire replacements due to the same problems, yet Nissan north America has not addressed the 2004 issues even though they are the same as the 2003. You can't expect consumers to purchase 2 new tires once a year because Nissan can't repair an alignment problem on their flagship 350z.

My 2003 Nissan 350z has an extremely dangerous pattern of tire wear. The inside of the front tires wears rapidly - by 6000 miles it is nearly smooth. Vehicle lost control several times due to this problem, resulting in many near-accidents. Visited dealer who swapped tires from side to side but issue recurred. First noticed at 4000 miles and recurred at 6000 miles. Very unsafe in my opinion. Would not recommend this vehicle and am frustrated by Nissan's dilly-dallying tactics extended towards the 80% of z drivers that have this problem.

Nissan 350z VIN # jn1az34d94t152729 at approx. 7700 miles car displayed roaring noise when braked. Noise became louder and consistant at low speed as milage increased. Dealer (troy Nissan in trot, al. ) showed me cupping/uneven wear on inside of front tires. As previous owner of 2003 Nissan 350z, I recognized the problem. Repeated calls to Nissan corporate met with response that Nissan does not admit problem exists in 2004 model and refuses to replace tires as the was the practice with 2003 model. Believe this will constitute safety hazard as these cars get older and that Nissan must step up to the problem.

Car has progressively gotten worse, first starting having tire noise at 10,000 miles finally was able to take to dealer around 14,000 mile and dealer stated that it was just needing an alignment and tire rotation, dealer performed repair and the noise was a little better, after 1000 more miles noise got louder than before and dealer says there is nothing else they can do. There are reports of this problem everywhere yet Nissan chooses to ignore it, what am I able to do to get this fixed, it is not right that I buy a 30,000 dollar car and have to live with a problem like this. The vibrations from the tires are causing the dash and door to rattle now.

I own a 2003 Nissan 350z which I purchased new. The cars tires began to make a loud noise, which I noticed around 2500-3000 miles. The noise was gradually increasing in volume as I added miles to the car. I took the car to the dealer at approximately 6500 miles when the noise became unbearable. The dealer re-aligned the front wheels and replaced the tires to address a "known problem" with alignment for which Nissan had issued a service bulletin. I now have just under 14,000 miles on the car and have just delivered the car to the dealer to address the problem once again as the issue was not resolved by the alignment and tire replacement. The dealer was unwilling to align or replace the tires and claimed the warranty fix was a one time fix. I contacted Nissan consumer affairs, and now I will be provided with an alignment and new set of front tires under an extended coverage Nissan is calling "2003 350z front wheel alignment warranty extension". This warranty extension is addressing the same problem that I already asked them to fix under warrantee last year. The problem should be covered under the original warranty because it first appeared during the warranty period and was not fixed by the action taken by the dealer. This is a known problem with many of the 2003 350zs. Nissan is addressing the symptoms rather than fixing the problem in order to buy time. The problem is much more significant than a simple alignment and tire replacement. They are using deceptive practices to skirt around the problem in order to avoid developing and implementing a true fix for the issue. Under the "2003 350z front wheel alignment warranty extension" my extended warranty expires two years from the in-service date of my vehicle. That is October 2004 for me. At that point I will be stuck with a defective car that wears out very expensive tires in a fraction of the normal tire life with no means of recourse.

Front tires extremely feathered and cupped on inside of tire. Front end alignment problem produces load roar in cabin, excessive wear on tires, and poor handiling. Handling in rain extremly poor. Nissan refuses to listen to the customer or thier own service technicians on fixing the problem. Fear problem will not be recognized until fatality.

Nissan 2003 350z - tire cupping, roaring and vibration. Nissan issued a bullitan to replace the original bridgestone front tires and complete an alignment with 7000m due to a factory suspension/alignment problem. The bridgestone replacement tires have 9000m and the problem is reoccuring - tire cupping, roaring and vibration. The car is unstable on curves and braking. Nissan will not replace the front tires a second time and refuses to acknowledge there is a factory defect with the suspension. This defect is noted to have been corrected on the 2004 350z. Nissan dealership is recommending a full tire replacement without any compensation on their part or correction to the suspension problem to see if the four tire replacement will correct the problem. (why would this correct the problem when the problem occured at 7000 tire mileage and again at 9000 tire mileage) I am pursuing every avenue to an equitable resolution to this Nissan factory defect. Preferring a permanent fix. .

Complaint received via e-mail. "I have so many problems with my car. The tires wore out within 7 months. I took to the dealer to get it fixed. I ended up replacing two tires. That was in June. September I experienced the same problem. Less than a year, my car has had 5 alignments and two sets of tires. I contacted the Nissan consumer affair specialist, no one wanted to take care of the problems. The car is believed to have a manufactured defect. The dealership has informed me that lots of problems with this model car has been reported. I can not drive my car anymore because I am scared the tires might blow up.

The front tires on my 04 Nissan 350z are cupping every 3,000 miles Nissan will not repair my vehicle. They replaced one set of front tires after 8,000 miles. At 13,000 miles they refused to repair the vehicle again because it was out of an "adjustment" period of 12,000 miles. I would like Nissan to be required to honor there 3 year 36,000 mile warranty and repair my vehicle as well as replace my front tires.

The front end and tire defects. At 7438 miles, car was rumbling at stop speed. Dealer put new front tires and aligned front end. At approximately 10,000 miles dealer installed new front brakes. At 12, 493 miles the car was rumbling at stop speed. Dealer put new front brakes and aligned front end again. Both times tires had cupped, and thread separated. If it did not get fixed it could result in a crash. ( a blow out ).

Brought my car in twice to complain about a loud growling noise from the front end at 6000 miles. I told him that the noise is really bad when I brake at speeds below 50 mph. Erin from the dealership told me that Nissan does have a bulletin out and their quick fix to rotate my tires from side to side and do a front alignment. He told me my tires were wearing unevenly. I brought the car back again to complain that the noise got worse and they told me that it may take 1000-2000 miles for the noise to go away. I told him that was crazy. Eric told me just to turn my radio up and I wouldn't hear the noise. He also told me that Nissan will only rotate the tires once and then after that I will need to do it more offen. He told me that I will need to replace my tires soon. I told him it just has 6000 miles on it. I also had my car back for the loud break noise and they said it was normal. After finding this website I realized I'm not the only one that is this complaint. I cannot believe that Nissan is not doing anything about this severe problem that could become dangeous for driving when the tires are wearing unevenly.