Infiniti M35 problems
The Infiniti M is a line of mid-size luxury (executive) cars from the Infiniti luxury division of Nissan. From 2013 (model year 2014) on it has been marketed as the Infiniti Q70, reflecting the company's new naming scheme.
The first iteration was the M30 Coupé/Convertible, which were rebadged JDM Nissan Leopard. After a long hiatus, the M nameplate was used for Infiniti's mid-luxury sedans (executive cars). First was the short-lived M45 sedan, a rebadged version of the Japanese-spec Nissan Gloria. The next generations, the M35/45 and M37/56/35h/30d, became the flagship of the Infiniti brand and are based on the JDM Nissan Fuga.
First generation (1989–1992)
The Infiniti M30 was a 2-door coupé based on the Japanese market Nissan Leopard (chassis code F31). It was launched in 1989 for the 1990 model year as a luxury coupe alternative to the Infiniti Q45, and was intended to be an alternative to the Lexus SC and Acura Legend coupe for the North American market.
Unlike its competitors that were designed with the American market in mind and were launched as brand-new models, the M30 was based on a somewhat dated platform that was originally designed for the Japanese market; when the Leopard was imported to the United States, few changes were made to the exterior but the interior was revised to better suit American tastes; a leather interior was standard in the M30, and several features in the Leopard such as a center-mounted television screen and a digital instrument cluster weren't available in the M30 as those features were perceived as gimmicks in western car markets.
The M30's angular design aesthetics and on-road performance were viewed as outdated, especially considering a redesigned Acura Legend coupe was launched in 1991. The interior came in for criticism for its outdated ergonomics and lack of room. While the Japanese-market Leopard had received a new dashboard along with the 1988 facelift, economics precluded making a left-hand-drive version of the new dashboard and the M30 was instead fitted with the LHD version of the R31 Skyline's rectilinear dashboard, first presented in 1985.
The M30 made up for these deficiencies in its somewhat lower price; whereas the 1990 Acura Legend coupe started at $27,325 before options and the 1990 BMW 325i started at $24,650 before options, the M30 started at $23,500, and had no factory options, per Infiniti's pricing structure used at the time. Dealerships offered an in-car cellular telephone and in-dash CD player as optional accessories, amongst other items.
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Infiniti M35 model years
Common Infiniti M35 problems
The Infiniti M35, produced by the luxury vehicle division of Nissan, has been a popular choice among car enthusiasts. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:
- Seat Track Broken: The most reported problem, particularly with the 2006 model, is the seat track breaking. This issue can cause inconvenience and even safety concerns for drivers. The average cost to fix this problem is around $1,300, with an average mileage of 71,000 miles.
- Wheel Bearing Failure: Some owners have reported issues with the wheel bearings, especially on the driver's side. This problem can lead to a noisy ride and potential safety risks. The average cost to fix this issue is around $400.
- Oil Leaks: Oil leaks, often due to forgetful maintenance like not replacing the gasket for the drain plug after an oil change, have been reported by some M35 owners. This problem can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- Driver Seat Issues: Some owners have reported problems with the driver's seat, such as needing a new motor and bracket. This issue can affect the comfort and safety of the driver.
- Powertrain Concerns: While not as common, some owners have reported issues with the powertrain, specifically the acceleration not being as strong as they would like. This can affect the overall driving experience and satisfaction with the vehicle.
- Expensive Maintenance: Some M35 owners have reported that the maintenance costs, particularly for the powertrain, can be quite high. This can be a significant concern for those on a budget or looking for a more cost-effective luxury vehicle.
- Air Bags, Equipment, and Tire Recalls: The Infiniti M35 has had several recalls related to air bags, equipment, and tires. These recalls can affect the safety and reliability of the vehicle, and it is essential for owners to address them promptly.
When considering purchasing a used Infiniti M35, it is crucial to have a mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly, particularly if it is an older model. Regular maintenance and addressing any issues promptly can help extend the life of the vehicle and ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience.
What year Infiniti M35 to avoid?
(Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45 vehicles manufactured April 4, 2004, through October 5, 2010. Over time, the accelerator pedal sensor signal may deteriorate resulting in the output of an incorrect signal causing the engine to go into fail-safe (limp home) mode.
Is Infiniti M35 a good car?
The INFINITI M35 Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 6th out of 30 for luxury fullsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $605 which means it has average ownership costs.
How many miles can a Infiniti M35 last?
The 2006 infiniti m35 should last over 150,000 miles.
Is Infiniti M35 expensive to maintain?
INFINITI M35 Repair & Maintenance Costs
The annual maintenance cost of an INFINITI M35 is $605. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.
Latest 5 recalls Infiniti M35
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 29 recalls for different components of the Infiniti M35.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Infiniti M35 2007
- Report Received Date: 2022-08-09
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain air bag inflator replacement service parts that may have been installed as part of a theft or collision repair. The parts include certain passenger-side air bag inflators designed to fit Infiniti 2002-2003 QX4, 2006-2010 M35 and M45; Nissan 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, and both driver and passenger-side inflators designed to fit 2007-2012 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback vehicles. Please see Nissan's recall report for the specific part numbers. These replacement inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the inflators as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 14, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
- Model: Infiniti M35 2009
- Report Received Date: 2022-08-09
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain air bag inflator replacement service parts that may have been installed as part of a theft or collision repair. The parts include certain passenger-side air bag inflators designed to fit Infiniti 2002-2003 QX4, 2006-2010 M35 and M45; Nissan 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, and both driver and passenger-side inflators designed to fit 2007-2012 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback vehicles. Please see Nissan's recall report for the specific part numbers. These replacement inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the inflators as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 14, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
- Model: Infiniti M35 2006
- Report Received Date: 2022-08-09
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain air bag inflator replacement service parts that may have been installed as part of a theft or collision repair. The parts include certain passenger-side air bag inflators designed to fit Infiniti 2002-2003 QX4, 2006-2010 M35 and M45; Nissan 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, and both driver and passenger-side inflators designed to fit 2007-2012 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback vehicles. Please see Nissan's recall report for the specific part numbers. These replacement inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the inflators as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 14, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
- Model: Infiniti M35 2008
- Report Received Date: 2022-08-09
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain air bag inflator replacement service parts that may have been installed as part of a theft or collision repair. The parts include certain passenger-side air bag inflators designed to fit Infiniti 2002-2003 QX4, 2006-2010 M35 and M45; Nissan 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, and both driver and passenger-side inflators designed to fit 2007-2012 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback vehicles. Please see Nissan's recall report for the specific part numbers. These replacement inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the inflators as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 14, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
- Model: Infiniti M35 2010
- Report Received Date: 2022-08-09
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain air bag inflator replacement service parts that may have been installed as part of a theft or collision repair. The parts include certain passenger-side air bag inflators designed to fit Infiniti 2002-2003 QX4, 2006-2010 M35 and M45; Nissan 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, and both driver and passenger-side inflators designed to fit 2007-2012 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback vehicles. Please see Nissan's recall report for the specific part numbers. These replacement inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the inflators as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 14, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Latest negative Infiniti M35 car reviews
Latest positive Infiniti M35 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2006
I traded in my 2003 M45, which had very poor reliability, for an early build M35 (May 2005). It has been the best sedan I have ever owned! The 3.5 V-6 engine provides spirited performance, while the sport package ensures great handling. The interior amenities and comfort are incredible, and even BMW owners are impressed by how spacious it is. Maintenance has been routine, and operating expenses have been fairly low. The only annoyance is the inadequate seat belt clearance with the sport seats, which requires a lot of effort to buckle up. The gas mileage could be better at 18.8 miles per gallon mixed hwy/city.
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Vehicle year: 2009
An absolutely great car from top to bottom. I drove EVERYTHING in this class. Nothing comes close. Yes, the horsepower is down a little, but other pluses totally outweigh that. The interior is very comfortable, and the exterior is sportier than '07. The ride is exceptional.
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Vehicle year: 2008
The economy may not be doing so well at the moment, but I managed to find a 2008 M35 with only 10,000 miles for an incredibly low price. When we were considering purchasing a Honda CRV or other mini SUVs, I was able to convince my wife that this was the perfect car for us - and now she loves it! The driving experience is almost as good as the BMW 745, and it comes with a ton of features. I would recommend the base model as the sport model has a really stiff ride. It has a nice, isolated yet sporty feel. For the money, I don't think you can find a better deal. Against its competitors, it is a great value and an excellent car, but at the current prices, it is unbeatable.
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Vehicle year: 2007
I bought the car new and now my youngest daughter is ready to start driving. However, she thinks it looks like a dad's kind of car. But I have never had any issues with this car. It has been an absolute pleasure to have for all these years. To me, it is now worth way more than if I wanted to sell it or trade it in. I would own this car again and again. I wish more American cars were built with this level of quality.
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Vehicle year: 2010
Consumer Reports were spot on when they rated the M35 as their top mid-size luxury/sport car. I purchased a 2009 M35 with Nav & Tech package in February 2010 after my 2005 Honda Accord was destroyed by a fallen tree. I have owned it for a year and have never had a problem. The handling and pickup are great, and it is very reliable. Keeping up with maintenance has definitely helped. The radio and 6-disc CD player were adequate for my needs, and the navigation system was easy to operate once I got the hang of it. I decided to trade it in because of the poor fuel mileage (17-18 mpg), and I wanted lower payments and a smaller car. I ended up buying a 2005 BMW 330i sedan, and I am very satisfied with it so far. If Infiniti focused more on improving gas mileage and less on designing unnecessary gadgets, this car would be flying out of dealerships.
Are you having problems with your Infiniti M35?
Jamaal Yost 2025-03-06
Vehicle year: 2006
The car is great, but there are a few things that could be improved. One issue that I've been experiencing is with the phone/navigation system. When you're on a call using the car's Bluetooth (and the incoming volume is too low), the map screen switches to a display showing you're on the phone. Unfortunately, the map cannot be shown while you're on the phone, so if you're using the navigation system and receive a call, you'll have to pull over until you're finished. Unfortunately, there's no fix for this issue at the moment as it's part of the design.
Edward Marquardt 2025-01-24
Vehicle year: 2008
I bought this car for its luxury, performance, and reliability, and overall I love it. However, I did have a few issues with the maple moldings on the inside of the doors, which had to be replaced due to bad glue. Fortunately, Infiniti was very helpful in replacing them. I did experience some unexpected trouble with the front left wheel bearing at 65K miles, which was a first for me. And at 80K miles, the transmission went out, but only in reverse, which was quite surprising. I usually keep my cars for 150K miles and have never had transmission problems or even had to change a clutch, so needless to say, I was disappointed. Despite these issues, I still enjoy driving my car and appreciate the support I received from Infiniti.
Emmet Kerluke 2025-01-11
Vehicle year: 2009
Hey there! I hope you're doing well. I was wondering if you could help me out with something. I've been having some trouble with my car lately. It's been rattling quite a bit and I've had to return it a few times already. The rattles in the dash and doors are really starting to get to me and I'm feeling pretty regretful about my purchase. Do you have any advice on what I should do?
Mortimer Auer 2024-11-13
Vehicle year: 2010
As a loyal Lexus customer for over a decade, I was excited to explore other options and came across the M35X. The dealership heavily promoted its technology, leading us to believe it would be on par, if not better than Lexus. However, our experience has been quite the opposite. Despite having 38 months left on our lease, we have been disappointed with the car's performance. Unlike my previous Lexus GS, my phone, the Palm Pre, does not pair well with the Bluetooth and the Bose radio frequently cuts out during calls. Additionally, the navigation system has been a letdown with a lack of points of interest and frequent misdirections. Despite having the system replaced by the dealer, the issues persist. At a price point of $53,000, we expected more from Infiniti.
Nathen Simonis 2024-08-09
Vehicle year: 2006
Unfortunately, the voice navigation system seems to be malfunctioning, making it difficult to use while driving. Even basic roads such as 'Piedmont Road' cannot be recognized by the system. The dealer has acknowledged that the system performs poorly and was unable to get it to recognize the same words. Additionally, the gas mileage on the highway is only 19 miles per gallon, which is the worst in its class. The Sport model also has a rough ride. With so many cars in this class, I would not recommend this vehicle, and it may be best to avoid spending money on the navigation system.