2012 Infiniti M35 hybrid problems

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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The M30's angular design aesthetics and on-road performance were viewed as outdated, especially considering a redesigned Acura Legend coupe was launched in 1991. The interior came in for criticism for its outdated ergonomics and lack of room.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.

2012 Infiniti M35 hybrid

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Common 2012 Infiniti M35 hybrid problems

The 2012 Infiniti M35h Hybrid has several common problems based on complaints from owners. One issue is the slow and complicated nature of hybrid vehicles, which can be a drawback for those looking for performance.

Another issue with the M35h is the lack of hybrid bling in the cabin, which can make it difficult to identify as a hybrid vehicle. This can make it difficult for drivers to know when they are driving in an economical manner.

The hybrid system in the M35h is also a source of frustration for some owners. The accelerator pedal is described as fighting back against aggressive driving, which can be annoying for those who enjoy a more spirited driving experience.

The M35h is also criticized for its high starting price of $54,595, which is $6,000 north of the M37.

Finally, the M35h is criticized for its performance in tight curves, with some owners reporting issues with snap oversteer. This can make the car less than ideal for those looking for a performance luxury sedan.

In summary, the 2012 Infiniti M35h Hybrid has several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include slow and complicated hybrid technology, unattractive styling, lack of hybrid bling in the cabin, a frustrating hybrid system, high starting price, potential long-term costs, and performance issues in tight curves.

2012 Infiniti M35 hybrid engine

What is the fuel mileage of a 2012 Infiniti M35h?

Compare Side-by-Side

2012 Infiniti M35h
EPA Fuel EconomyPremium Gasoline
29 MPG 27 31 combined city/highway city highway
3.4 gal/100mi
516 miles Total Range

What is the mpg on a 2013 Infiniti M35h hybrid?

Fuel economy is obviously the most important factor to consider when it comes to a hybrid, and the M35h's Direct Response Hybrid system delivers a fuel economy of around 27/32 mpg city/highway. This is close to the fuel economy figures of Honda and Hyundai hybrids, and on its own it is quite an impressive figure.

Is Infiniti M35 expensive to maintain?

The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a INFINITI M35 is $605, compared to an average of $976 for luxury fullsize cars and $652 for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.

Are INFINITIs reliable after 100k miles?

The average lifespan of an INFINITI tends to be less than that of a non-luxury brand, but it all depends on how the vehicle has been taken care of. Many INFINITIs can last well into the 100,000-mile territory or beyond with routine maintenance and the proper care.

2012 Infiniti M35 hybrid complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Infiniti M35 hybrid.

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2012 Infiniti M35 hybrid recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2012 Infiniti M35 hybrid.

2024-06-21
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
  • Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (INFINITI) is recalling certain 2011-2013 M56, 2012-2013 M35 Hybrid, 2014-2018 Q50, Q70 Hybrid, 2014-2019 Q70, and 2015-2019 Q70L two-wheel drive vehicles. The driveshaft can fatigue and break.
  • Consequence: A broken driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power, or a vehicle roll away when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 13, 2024. Owners may contact INFINITI's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. INFINITI's numbers for this recall are R24A5 and R24A7.
2020-12-07
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
  • Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Infiniti M56, 2012-2013 M35 Hybrid, and 2014 Q70 and Q70 Hybrid vehicles. These models, equipped with 2WD and with a hybrid or VK56 powertrain, have a driveshaft that may break.
  • Consequence: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash, or may disable the parking brake, increasing the risk of a rollaway and injury.
  • Remedy: Infiniti will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2021. Owners may contact Infiniti customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
2016-07-12
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Infiniti M35 Hybrid vehicles manufactured March 23, 2010, to September 9, 2013. A system overheat condition may cause the hybrid powertrain control module to shut off the engine.
  • Consequence: If the engine shuts off while driving, there is an increased risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the hybrid control module, automatic transmission control unit, and inverter software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2012 Infiniti M35 hybrid problems:

2012 M35h reliability? - Nissan Forum | Nissan Forums
2012 M35h reliability? - Nissan Forum | Nissan Forums
https://forums.nicoclub.com/2012-m35h-reliability-t629931.html

Oct 15, 2021 ... Recall Alert: 2012-2013 Infiniti M35h 2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid Technical Service Bulletins 2012 INFINITI M35h Consumer Reviews | Cars.com

Q&A: Pressing Brakes Too Hard in 2012 Infiniti M
Q&A: Pressing Brakes Too Hard in 2012 Infiniti M
https://www.justanswer.com/nissan-infiniti/ggxvw-2012-infiniti-35h-when-press-down-brakes-hard.html

Apr 1, 2021 ... So you paid the dealer $480 dollars for diagnostics and they found nothing? I you have a Brake light and Hybrid light on, there has to be codes ...

Really Regretting my 2012 M35H Purchase - Future Outlook ...
Really Regretting my 2012 M35H Purchase - Future Outlook ...
https://forums.nicoclub.com/really-regretting-my-2012-m35h-purchase-future-outlook-t625783.html

Feb 6, 2020 ... Not sure about the life of the hybrid technology for Nissan/Infiniti, but definitely older technology, so their lifespan is surely limited. You ...

Review: 2012 Infiniti M35h Hybrid | The Truth About Cars
Review: 2012 Infiniti M35h Hybrid | The Truth About Cars
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/09/review-2012-infiniti-m35h-hybrid/

Sep 14, 2011 ... If that weren't enough of a shot across the bow of the company known for their hybrid tech, the M also wears a 20% smaller CO2 footprint, if you ...

2012 Infiniti M35h Transmission Lag - Nissan Forum | Nissan Forums
2012 Infiniti M35h Transmission Lag - Nissan Forum | Nissan Forums
https://forums.nicoclub.com/2012-infiniti-m35h-transmission-lag-t615744.html

Jun 1, 2017 ... This is a recall for only the 2012-2015 hybrid. The timing between the wet/dry clutch pack and transmission causes a shudder and delay ...

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