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The M30's angular design aesthetics and on-road performance were viewed as outdated, especially considering a redesigned Acura Legend coupe was launched in 1991. The interior came in for criticism for its outdated ergonomics and lack of room.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: 2009
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed reading your review of the M35x. It's great to hear that you're back to Infiniti after 8 years of German cars. From your description, it sounds like the car is really well thought out and of high quality. I'm glad to hear that it rides great and that you have plenty of room, even as a big guy. It's also great to hear that the stereo is very good and can handle any source of music. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us, it's really helpful. Take care!
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Vehicle year: 2009
The M35X is an excellent value for a luxury sports sedan that would otherwise be under-powered. However, the steering issue called tramlining makes it an unsafe highway car. On the bright side, everything else is wonderful, including the comfort and electronics.
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Vehicle year: 2006
The Infiniti line has been vastly improved by Nissan. I have owned a G35 and an I30, both of which were great cars. All of the Infinitis that I have owned have been super. Although, the weatherstripping around both front doors has worn through, which is the only negative aspect.
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Vehicle year: 2009
The M35 is an amazing car! I absolutely love it. With the Tech and Advanced Tech packages, this vehicle has exceeded all of my expectations. Driving is no longer just about getting from point A to B, it's an experience. The M35 is so much fun to drive and there are so many features that make it efficient. Lane Guidance is fantastic and the review camera with a grid makes backing up a breeze. I recently had to brake suddenly and the brake assist and seat belt tensioner kicked in, making me feel incredibly safe and secure. The power of the vehicle also makes it safe, allowing you to quickly avoid potential collisions. Overall, this is a fantastic car that I would highly recommend!
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Vehicle year: 2009
We purchased the M35x in October, which means it was almost last year's model. One issue we encountered was tramlining, which is the car's tendency to move over uneven pavement. Have you ever driven on a highway that's been used by a lot of trucks? This car will jump all over the place. However, I did some research and had the tires replaced with Michelins by the dealer. This resulted in a 75% decrease in tramlining! It's true that this car consumes a lot of gas, unlike my 04 Murano with the same VQ35 engine, which gets much better mileage. Nonetheless, it's a lot more comfortable than our 2003 Mercedes C320 and hopefully more reliable. I didn't want AWD, but in NJ, it's the only option available. Too bad!
Are you having problems with your Infiniti M35?
Ewald Eichmann 2025-07-03
Vehicle year: 2007
I wasn't initially interested in this car and only looked at it to make my husband happy. However, after sitting in it, I decided to take it for a test drive. I was pleasantly surprised and ended up buying it. It's been almost two years now and I'm still mostly pleased with it. While I find the exterior design a bit boring and sometimes think it looks like an overpriced Nissan, the interior is beautiful, very comfortable, and spacious. Unfortunately, I've had some issues with the wood-panel veneers on the doors popping off and needing to be replaced. Additionally, I've had trouble with the programmed seats using the key, as they begin adjusting as programmed but then stop. Finally, there's always been a noticeable miss/hesitation at around 38 mph, but the dealer says there's nothing wrong. Overall, I'm happy with my purchase and would recommend this car to others.
Maximo Kunde 2025-05-21
Vehicle year: 2009
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 its many great features.
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?