Leaky Sunroof !

Discussion of Infiniti's amazing (and underrated) sport-luxury crossovers, the EX35 and EX37. For 2014, the EX series will be renamed QX50, in line with Ininfiit's new naming conventions.
User avatar
EXceptional
Posts: 1385
Joined: Sun Apr 06, 2008 7:54 pm
Car: 2008 Aspen Pearl EX35 Freakin Loaded!

Post

This is a very important issue... it affects a lot of people.

I joined this site CLICK HERE a while ago... and I think tracking how many people with this issue would be a good idea.


joeydbme
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Sep 07, 2008 1:18 pm
Car: 2008 G35XS

Post

Hello all,

Well I hope after reading all of your posts that you have gotten something resolved since the last posting 08/08. I too am very frustrated. I purchased a 2008 G35XS beautiful car, absolutely love it with all the bells and whistles but....I ran my brand car through the local powerwash here in Morgantown, PA and had a water leak on the passenger side of the vehicle. The dealer had their water specialist come out and do a look over and got the car back...even worse. The car went back to the dealer and they say they didn't see the issue. I told them to take it to our carwash before giving it back to me again. After they damaged my bumper, long story, separate issue, I am awaiting their verdict tomorrow. My hope is that they see the leak and fix it. However, if I get the same response as some of you received...well? What is our recourse??? I'd love to know how you all are making out as I won't give up on this one either. Dealer in West Chester, PA Infiniti Of West Chester. Hopefully works out..please repost people. Thanks.

Charisma
Posts: 10
Joined: Sun Jun 15, 2008 1:01 pm
Car: 2008 Infiniti EX35

Post

My dealer adjusted my sunroof and fixed the leak. Mine was leaking even in a good rain though. I still get a little leak at the car wash when the jet is focused on the roof from behind, but nothing that I'm worried about. Hope you get the issue worked out with your dealer.

User avatar
rontek
Posts: 158
Joined: Fri May 16, 2008 6:59 am
Car: Had -2008 Infiniti EX35 Now - 2009 Infiniti FX50S

Post

Well, if you are expecting Infiniti to acknowledge that there may be a "problem" with their sunroofs, forget it. From what I have found, most of the dealerships have done their best to fix the leaks, or at least make the problem better. But Infiniti Consumer Services (Nissan/Infiniti USA) will have nothing to do with it, and basically told me that I could hire an attorney if I chose. Even the dealers Infiniti representative, after speaking to me in person and "appearing" concerned, never followed up on any of the commitments, or promises he made to me. In fact I never heard from him again, even after having my salesman "remind" him of the subject. I still believe that with so many complaints, (I have around 15 documented at this point), they should take a more concerned standpoint on the subject. Considering the people I have found have been exclusively from this and a couple of other forums alone. There are probably MANY other owners out there that do not visit these forums at all, and we will never know about the total extent of the cases. The bottom line is that although Infiniti represents itself as a luxury brand, they are not in the league of REAL luxury vehicles like BMW, Audi and Mercedes. I am not saying they do not make a good vehicle, just that its not what it is presented to be. I also believe that a lot of the exceptional ratings in customer service they receive are because their dealerships and services departments "Guilt" customers into giving 100% excellent responses on the surveys that are presented. After every sale and service visit, they tell customers that they will be monitarily penalized if they do not receive completly "perfect" scores. This totally nullifies the results. I do not want to take money out of anybodys pockets, and I think the fact that Nissan/Infiniti does so, is terrible. I am sure the reasons for the surveys, are that at a corporate level, the claims they can make from these high scores allow them to advertise this info, and thus the perception of extreme owner satisfaction will increase sales. I "like" my EX35, but I can not say I "love" it. I have not had any other major issues, and it performs well over all, but I am not impressed with Infiniti (Nissan), as a company, and I dont know if I would buy another one. Not so much for the vehicle itself, but for my personal experience with the company.

Ron

bonzai_can
Posts: 31
Joined: Wed Jul 30, 2008 6:25 am
Car: Infiniti EX35

Post

Based on my own personal experience I am very happy with both the Infiniti dealer and the vehicle. I haven't had to call their customer service number but my own experience of customer service for any company I have dealt with in Canada with the exception of my bank is pretty pathetic (Telus, Rogers, Shaw, etc etc ... they're all as bad as each other & I am amazed half of them manage to stay in business they are so bad ... I don't expect a car company call centre to be any different).I have actually owned 2 Audis, 2 VW's, one Merc, and one BMW (as well as one GM, one Toyota, and 2 Porsches). In terms of dealerships, the worse of the bunch was a close tie between Audi & VW (same parent company I know but they were seperate dealers in UK). They were shockingly bad ... enough to disuade me from buying another VW or Audi (while I was in UK any way). The most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned was the Merc ... ended up back in the garage 6 times in the 1st year. The final straw was finding a rag stuffed in the air intake which pretty much explained the over-heating The BMW was the best for reliability & customer service ... given my 2nd Porsche's engine blew up on the highway I can hardly say it was the most reliable ... the 2nd engine was just fine though & Porsche customer service were a pleasure to deal with ;-)So far with my EX35 I don't have any of the issues anyone else has described (I've been through some pretty heavy rain as well as a few power washes) ... fingers crossed it stays that way. About to take it in for my 1st service so that should be straight forward enough (hope I didn't curse my luck by saying that).

bonzai_can
Posts: 31
Joined: Wed Jul 30, 2008 6:25 am
Car: Infiniti EX35

Post

Ok so I just called and booked in for a service on Thu morning which will be done while I wait ... that was surprisingly painless and actually quite pleasant in a strange "I have low expectations of customer service" sort of a way ;-)

User avatar
dividedhighw
Posts: 1021
Joined: Tue Apr 22, 2008 10:55 am
Car: 2008 EX35 AWD (Technology Pkg)
Location: Ottawa, ON, CA
Contact:

Post

Hey bonzai_can ... can you tell me if when fully closed, the rear of your glass panel is level with the roof or whether it's lower; and if lower, by how much?

I ask because mine is about 1/8" lower and after a torrential storm today, there were a couple of drops inside, hanging from the sunroof seal near the back.

TIA,David

allthatjazz
Posts: 56
Joined: Thu Apr 03, 2008 5:32 pm
Car: 2008 Blue Onyx EX35 Tech

Post

A few months back, I drove through a really heavy downpour of rain and did not have any water/rain leaking through the sunroof.

I thought I would be safe from the leaky sunroof issue.

I took my EX through a car wash today for the first time and got sprayed by a lot of water during the rinse cycle. Will add this to the to do list the next time I bring my car in for service.

User avatar
dividedhighw
Posts: 1021
Joined: Tue Apr 22, 2008 10:55 am
Car: 2008 EX35 AWD (Technology Pkg)
Location: Ottawa, ON, CA
Contact:

Post

A quick update - I had mine adjusted so that it's pretty much level now. Since then, I've not noticed any leaks ... which doesn't prove it's fixed, I realize, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Cheers,David

User avatar
gloa2000
Posts: 254
Joined: Sat Jul 19, 2008 1:15 pm
Car: 04 Maxima SL, 08 EX35 LuxNav
Contact:

Post

I have experienced a Leak Roof but i just cannot make sure if it was my Maxima or EX, i am going to post again after giving my EX a Shower.

User avatar
gloa2000
Posts: 254
Joined: Sat Jul 19, 2008 1:15 pm
Car: 04 Maxima SL, 08 EX35 LuxNav
Contact:

Post

i took Maxima and EX to the Touchless car wash, it was my Maxima Leaking a bucket of water. My EX was not dropping water although i could feel some moisture under the glass/metal joint. I found out i had a roof and a glass gap of 3mms which is about 1/8 of an inch.I had a shower while my Maxima was having one.

louis1800
Posts: 13
Joined: Thu Jan 08, 2009 5:24 am
Car: EX35

Post

Ok, we took possession of the EX for 3 weeks and living in the Chicago area has our share of snow/salt marinating the car. So, yesterday when the temperature is in the 30’s I took the EX for a spotless wash. To my fear that I have notice the sunroof is leaking and the water is coming in from the rear of the sunroof. It happen went the water jet is in the area. I will gather more info for the group.

It is upsetting to have a $40k vehicle to have a leaky roof!

Orland Park, IllinoisJourney EXPremium/blue slate/graphite leather/roof rail/splash guards

User avatar
dividedhighw
Posts: 1021
Joined: Tue Apr 22, 2008 10:55 am
Car: 2008 EX35 AWD (Technology Pkg)
Location: Ottawa, ON, CA
Contact:

Post

Sorry to hear that louis1800 ... hope you get it corrected quickly, especially with the info posted on this forum.

Cheers,David

pronse
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Feb 01, 2009 11:28 am

Post

I am still in the 48 hours/200 miles test period where one (supposedly), could still return the vehicle.

I took it to the pressure car wash based on your comments and sure enough, it leaked to a scary point!

It only has 300 miles on it!

Even thu the car is very well thought of, but what choice do I have? I have to return it back tomorrow.

Just think of it. You go on a trip and leave it for couple of weeks in the parking lot and it rains and rains and rains! What do you expect to get when you come back?

Or may be this car wasn't designed for this?? Duh!

Pronse.
Modified by pronse at 7:15 PM 2/2/2009

User avatar
EXceptional
Posts: 1385
Joined: Sun Apr 06, 2008 7:54 pm
Car: 2008 Aspen Pearl EX35 Freakin Loaded!

Post

That's a Bummer, eh ?

Kinda takes the Shine off the new purchase.

There are other people with this problem... some still have it and some have had it fixed.

If you feel the Car is still worth it, then take the time to get it fixed... if not, give it back, if you can.

My Dealership upon delivery gave me a Card to fill out, as well Infiniti mailed me a Card asking about the whole Buying experience. If they don't resolve this Leaky Sunroof for you either way, then let them know with a poor Rating on the Cards.

Good Luck !!!


pronse
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Feb 01, 2009 11:28 am

Post

Well, I went over to the dealership this afternoon, fully knowing they will try their best to keep it with me but I didn't budge. The issue was not simple.

The saleman was honest and straightfoward (my reason for doing business with them) and he said, We will try to fix it and I will personally get involved now.

I said, as long as I am given a new 48 hours to test it afterwards, it should be no problem. Otherwise, you could either give me a different one (they didn't have a similar one), or just take it back. He agreed and gave me a loaner.

Once they call me to check it out, I will take it straight to the carwash and the saleman can come with me for all I care. However, I am sure they have their own carwash and they might use that for testing.

Which reminds me, how did they fix yours? Like what did they do? Replace the seal??

Pronse.


User avatar
EXceptional
Posts: 1385
Joined: Sun Apr 06, 2008 7:54 pm
Car: 2008 Aspen Pearl EX35 Freakin Loaded!

Post

I don't have a leaky SunRoof in my EX35.

Read the threads above by "Riker2k". He seems to be on the right track to a resolution.


Modified by EXceptional at 11:25 PM 2/2/2009

tnedator
Posts: 7
Joined: Wed Feb 04, 2009 4:06 am

Post

pronse wrote:Which reminds me, how did they fix yours? Like what did they do? Replace the seal??
I've been lurking for a couple months. I bought an EX back in November. I decided to register to give you some feedback on this.

My EX had the leaky sunroof. It didn't drench the inside, but in a car wash, one time it just had a few dozen drops come through, and one time it was basically a sheet of water, but all caught by the drip pan/guard underneath.

When I first brought it in, the technitian said that was normal, the drip pan was meant to catch leaks, and the seal was primarily designed to catch dust and rain, not seal against high pressure washes.

I had to bring it back to get the steering column replaced (tilt motor problem), so I let it go at that time, because I needed to get home.

While it was back in the shop for the steering column replacement and a few other things, I called the service manager and said I just wanted to discuss the sunroof leaking, and make sure it was normal. He told me he had been reviewing the ticket, saw that and went and talked to his tech (not sure if it was the same one I talked to) and when they examined the car, the rear part of the sunroof was about a 1/4" too low. He said since they just did some paint work, he didn't want to run it through the car wash, but if it still happened, to bring it back, and he would personally run it through a car wash with a tech to see the leaking and make sure it is fixed.

After they raised it, it no longer leaks in car washes. I have run it through twice, without even a drop of water leaking.

Good luck, and if you have trouble, make sure they look at the height of the rear of the sunroof, as others have also mentioned that as where the problem was.


User avatar
dividedhighw
Posts: 1021
Joined: Tue Apr 22, 2008 10:55 am
Car: 2008 EX35 AWD (Technology Pkg)
Location: Ottawa, ON, CA
Contact:

Post

Thanks for sharing your experience on this and welcome to NICO guys (pronse & tnedator)!!

Cheers,David

pronse
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Feb 01, 2009 11:28 am

Post

Thanks for the msg!

If the leaky roof is by design, then we might be getting paranoid over it since it's not the usual thing we are used to.

However, the thought of getting water inside the vehicle when it rains, is what scares me the most.

I am supposed to pick-it up tomorrow. I will go straight to the car wash from there!

Pronse.


tnedator
Posts: 7
Joined: Wed Feb 04, 2009 4:06 am

Post

Thanks for the welcome. Been lurking for a while, but figured I would jump in with my sunroof experience.
pronse wrote:Thanks for the msg!

If the leaky roof is by design, then we might be getting paranoid over it since it's not the usual thing we are used to.

However, the thought of getting water inside the vehicle when it rains, is what scares me the most.

I am supposed to pick-it up tomorrow. I will go straight to the car wash from there!

Pronse.
While the one tech told me it was by design, the service manager said it shouldn't leak and had another, more senior tech look at it and adjust it.

I would say if it leaks, it is out of adjustment. The back edge of the sunroof being too low.


Paultra
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Jan 23, 2009 3:20 am
Car: Infiniti EX35

Post

To my fellow EX owners,

I have now had my Ex for 1 month and has tested the sunroof on 7 occaisions (Canadian winter brings a lot of salt and grime) in 3 different high pressure washes. I am pleased to report no significant leaks. On the second wash I placed my hand back between the head liner and the roof and felt moisture on foam pad. It did not drip or show any signs of being water logged. I have repeated the procedure 5 additional times and felt nothing.

I have also checked the roof alignment as suggested and find mine to be flush to the roof line. It seems logical that the problem may be related to poor alignment.

Hope this helps,Paul


Return to “Infiniti EX35 / EX37 and QX50 / QX55 Forum”