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The M30's angular design aesthetics and on-road performance were viewed as outdated, especially considering a redesigned Acura Legend coupe was launched in 1991. The interior came in for criticism for its outdated ergonomics and lack of room.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 have an 06 M35 Sport and I absolutely love it! It handles like a true sports car and at 100+ mph it feels like it's on rails. The ride is a little stiffer, but that's what the Sport edition is for. The fuel economy average is around 21 which is perfectly fine for this car. The seating is comfortable and roomy, making it a great choice for long drives. Even with 168K miles, the car still runs great and feels like it has only 10K miles on it. If you're looking for a 4 door sedan that drives and handles like a sports car, you can't go wrong with any of the Infiniti line up. The only issues I've had are the headliner dropping in the rear of the car, which is a minor inconvenience, and replacing the water pump, which is just regular maintenance. The engine uses a little oil, but that's common with those engines. Overall, I still enjoy driving the car and would highly recommend it!
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Vehicle year: 2007
This car is amazing! I overtook a BMW 5 series at a red light and it felt like riding a bike past a tricycle. It's so well-engineered and refined. Even the exhaust matches the performance!
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Vehicle year: 2010
Hi there! Congratulations on your new car purchase! I hope you're enjoying it so far. From what you've shared, it sounds like you made a great choice. The M35X has a lot of great features, especially with the Premium Technology package. According to Consumer Reports, it's one of the top picks for mid-size luxury cars, and it's very reliable too. While there are some concerns with the Rear Crash ratings from IIHS, it's important to note that the car still performs well overall. As for the Road Noise, it could be lower, but it's great to hear that you're enjoying the engine hum. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
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Vehicle year: 2006
I've been driving Saabs for nearly 20 years. When GM helped me look around at other options such as BMW, Lexus GS, all 3 Caddys, Chrysler 300, and even the new Saab 9-5, none of them compared favorably with the M. The M was also the best lease deal at 25k/yr by far! I must say, this M is absolutely the finest sports sedan I've ever driven! It's been 7 months and 15k miles, and I haven't had a single regret!
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Vehicle year: 2010
Congratulations on your 4th week of owning your 2010 M35X! It's great to hear that you're enjoying the tremendous balance of luxury and sportiness that this car offers. It's also wonderful to hear that you've had a positive experience with your M, especially in comparison to your previous cars. The comfort of the seats and the excellent lumbar support are definitely important factors to consider when purchasing a car, and it's great to hear that the M35 has met your needs. Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us!
Are you having problems with your Infiniti M35?
Matt Stoltenberg 2025-09-13
Vehicle year: 2006
I have had my car for over a year now and unfortunately, I am experiencing some quality problems. The rear brakes needed to be totally replaced with only 20,000 miles and I am also having some electrical issues. Specifically, the passenger side power mirror and one power window are not working, and some of the dashboard lights intermittently turn on and off. As a knowledgeable car owner, I am confident that these issues can be resolved with the right attention and care.
Abe Nitzsche 2025-07-16
Vehicle year: 2010
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?
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.