Nissan Z Owner: "Someone Broke Into My Z, MyNissan App Didn't Report Anything"

The Nissan Z is the best value-for-money sports car you can buy in 2025. The combination of a proven platform, 400-horsepower V-6 with great aftermarket support, and a manual transmission for around $50,000 is hard to beat in times of tech-heavy vehicles and dealer markups. Things get even better because of enthusiast-focused dealers who cater to buyers looking to get the best possible deal on Nissan's rear-wheel-drive sports car. My most recent find on the internet was a post from the Facebook group, “The New Nissan Z”, which is where I spend a lot of time lately, being a Z enthusiast myself.  

One owner of a 2023 Nissan Z got a nasty surprise after his car was broken into. Luckily, nothing crucial is missing, and the car is drivable, but the issue lies elsewhere. Here's what he says:  

“So someone broke into my 2023 Z and stole my headrests, license plates, cargo net, all of my Nissan stuff in those material bags, ripped out my Bose Sub, and tossed the rest of my shit out on the street outside my underground parking garage! The "My Nissan" app didn't report anything, but seems like they just pushed the small button to unlock my car.  

My apartment is about 50 feet away from my car, so I'm assuming my key fob's proximity allowed them to unlock my car.  

Why am I paying for the "My Nissan" app when it doesn't do anything? I don't see a way to disable the push button unlock within the app or on the menu of the infotainment center. 

Any assistance in turning that off would be great! Oh, and I'll be looking for two new standard black headrests, a manual, cargo net, oh and they tore my center console completely off! The hinges are ripped apart, so I'll need a new center console as well. 

WTH is WRONG with people?” 

The thieves, apparently, took whatever they can grab quickly, so it wasn't the whole car they were after. The "MyNissan” app, while featuring an array of features, does not seem to provide any way of disabling the remote lock/unlock function.  

A fellow group member chimed in. 

Jondell Stephens says: “You can’t toggle off push button unlock. The Nissan app isn’t designed to communicate the way a 2way alarm does. You can look into a faraday box/bag for your key which blocks the signal from your key.” 

It seems like there is an easy solution in times when hacking into stuff seems easier than ever. While Nissan's app is designed to give information about your car's health – engine performance, battery life, etc. - it does not inherently improve the car's anti-theft safety. One group member also made a note of how Nissan currently has some of the easiest cars to break into, although statistics still show Hyundai and Kia as the “champions” in this category. 

Nissan is currently in an unfavorable predicament and despite the Z being a bargain sports car, bad publicity like this isn't something the company needs in times of uncertainty. This is especially true when it comes to one of the company's most iconic sports cars. 

As for why the license plates have been stolen, there are two main reasons for why criminals usually do it. Stolen license plates are typically used by thieves to commit various crimes in another vehicle, like refueling at a gas station without paying or even committing more serious crimes. Removing a car's license plates is usually easy, and a skilled thief can do it in about a minute. 

How to prevent car break-ins 

Car break-ins are a plague on society and sadly, they cannot be prevented once your car has been marked as a target.  

1. Park in a secure area. Parking your car in a secure area with CCTV and/or security would minimize the chances of break-ins.  
2. Insurance. Having insurance that includes car theft in your policy is a big help and would save you from hefty expenses should they arise. 
3. Do not leave stuff in the car. Keep your car tidy by not leaving personal belongings that may attract thieves. Those include phones, purses, and even documents. 

Final thoughts 

Car break-ins are personal for all owners, but it hurts especially us car enthusiasts, because of the relationship we have with our cars. I can't help but wonder if the "MyNissan” app promises more than it can deliver or if some owners expect too much from what seems to be a glorified gimmick.

Luckily, the community is helpful and even Nissan specialists are extending a helping hand. I am curious to hear your thoughts on this and whether you have had a similar experience. Feel free to hit the comment section below and share your insight. 

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image source: 2024 Nissan Z press kit