Infiniti G37 V36 — Problems & Common Faults
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Infiniti G37 (2008–2013) runs one engine: the VQ37VHR 3.7L V6 with VVEL. 328–330 hp, 7,500 rpm redline, chain-driven, naturally aspirated. Documented 200,000+ mile examples exist on basic maintenance alone. Not a fragile car — but it has specific failure patterns that matter on used examples.
Here’s what breaks: The oil gallery gaskets are the primary mechanical concern. Nissan used paper gaskets on the oil gallery behind the timing chain cover on 2008–2011 production. These gaskets degrade with heat cycling, and when they fail, oil pressure drops without any external visible leak. The engine starves internally. Symptoms: P0011/P0021 cam timing codes, oil pressure warning at idle, ticking from the timing cover area. The fix requires pulling the front of the engine to access the gallery — $1,500–2,500 at an independent shop. From 2012 production onward, Nissan switched to metal oil gallery gaskets as a running change. A 2012–2013 G37 with factory metal gaskets eliminates this concern entirely.
Cold-start timing chain rattle is a known characteristic of the VQ37VHR. A brief rattle (under 5 seconds) on the first start of the day is the oil draining back from the chain tensioner overnight. This is a quirk, not an imminent failure — the tensioner re-pressurizes within seconds. Persistent rattle beyond 10 seconds or rattle that returns at warm idle is a different story and warrants inspection.
The VVEL system on the exhaust camshafts uses an actuator motor and eccentric shaft to vary valve lift continuously. Non-specialist mechanics who disturb the VVEL during unrelated work can mis-time the actuator, causing rough idle and reduced power. Always use a shop familiar with VQ37 VVEL service.
Dashboard cracking affected 2008–2009 production in hot climates — the material shrinks and splits. Nissan issued a service campaign for some VINs ($1,000–2,000 if not covered). The ESCL (Electric Steering Column Lock) can fail on 2008–2012 builds, preventing startup — verify recall completion by VIN.
RepairPal rates the G37 at 4.0/5.0 — annual maintenance averages $540, well below the luxury segment.
Test-drive checklist: Cold start: chain rattle duration — under 5 seconds is normal, over 10 seconds needs investigation. Scan for P0011/P0021 codes (oil gallery gasket). ESCL recall: does the car start without hesitation on the first key turn? Dashboard: visible cracking across the top? VVEL: smooth idle with no hunting or roughness after warmup. Oil level and condition: dark but clean is fine, metallic shimmer on the dipstick is not.
2026 market: 2008–2010 sedan from $8,000–13,000. 2011–2013 sedan from $12,000–18,000. Coupes command a $1,000–2,000 premium. Manual transmission cars command a $2,000–4,000 premium over automatics.
Insider pick: 2012–2013 sedan, VQ37VHR with factory metal oil gallery gaskets, documented oil changes — the late-production G37 resolved the paper gasket issue at the factory, the ESCL recall is well-documented, and the VQ37 is one of the most proven V6 engines of its generation. A manual G37 sedan is a future enthusiast classic hiding in plain sight.
Body Variants
The Infiniti G37 V36 is available as Sedan and Coupé and Convertible — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Engine Overview
The Infiniti G37 V36 is available with one engine variant at 328 hp.
3.7L V6 with VVEL variable valve lift — a cultured, high-revving unit with a redline around 7,500 rpm and that classic VQ sound. Oil gallery gaskets behind the timing chain cover are the critical weak point: when they fail, oil pressure drops with no external leak visible. Pre-purchase inspection: always check for P0011/P0021 codes. ESCL steering lock issues on early 2009–2012 builds. Otherwise a rev-happy, characterful naturally aspirated engine that rewards clean oil care.
- !! Paper oil gallery gasket at the timing cover fails from 80,000 km
Through roughly 2012–2013, Nissan used a paper gasket sealing the oil gallery behind the rear timing chain cover. It can deteriorate and blow out, causing oil pressure loss with no visible external leak.
Symptoms: Low oil pressure at idle, P0011 or P0021 fault codes, increased VTC/camshaft rattle. - !! Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) jams from 96,000 km
On early model years the electronic steering column lock (ESCL) module can jam, cutting off all electrical power to the car. Infiniti never issued a recall or extended warranty for this part.
Symptoms: Vehicle will not start, steering wheel stays locked, complete electrical shutdown. - !! Internal clutch slave cylinder (CSC) fails from 50,000 km
The concentric slave cylinder built into the transmission can fail as its internal seals wear out. Clutch hydraulic pressure is lost and the clutch can no longer be actuated.
Symptoms: Clutch pedal goes soft or drops to the floor, clutch no longer engages, gears become hard or impossible to select.
+ 9 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
3.7L V6 with VVEL variable valve lift — a cultured, high-revving unit with a redline around 7,500 rpm and that classic VQ sound. Oil gallery gaskets behind the timing chain cover are the critical weak point: when they fail, oil pressure drops with no external leak visible. Pre-purchase inspection: always check for P0011/P0021 codes. ESCL steering lock issues on early 2009–2012 builds. Otherwise a rev-happy, characterful naturally aspirated engine that rewards clean oil care.
- !! Paper oil gallery gasket at the timing cover fails from 80,000 km
Through roughly 2012–2013, Nissan used a paper gasket sealing the oil gallery behind the rear timing chain cover. It can deteriorate and blow out, causing oil pressure loss with no visible external leak.
Symptoms: Low oil pressure at idle, P0011 or P0021 fault codes, increased VTC/camshaft rattle. - !! Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) jams from 96,000 km
On early model years the electronic steering column lock (ESCL) module can jam, cutting off all electrical power to the car. Infiniti never issued a recall or extended warranty for this part.
Symptoms: Vehicle will not start, steering wheel stays locked, complete electrical shutdown. - !! Internal clutch slave cylinder (CSC) fails from 50,000 km
The concentric slave cylinder built into the transmission can fail as its internal seals wear out. Clutch hydraulic pressure is lost and the clutch can no longer be actuated.
Symptoms: Clutch pedal goes soft or drops to the floor, clutch no longer engages, gears become hard or impossible to select.
+ 9 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
3.7L V6 with VVEL variable valve lift — a cultured, high-revving unit with a redline around 7,500 rpm and that classic VQ sound. Oil gallery gaskets behind the timing chain cover are the critical weak point: when they fail, oil pressure drops with no external leak visible. Pre-purchase inspection: always check for P0011/P0021 codes. ESCL steering lock issues on early 2009–2012 builds. Otherwise a rev-happy, characterful naturally aspirated engine that rewards clean oil care.
- !! Paper oil gallery gasket at the timing cover fails from 80,000 km
Through roughly 2012–2013, Nissan used a paper gasket sealing the oil gallery behind the rear timing chain cover. It can deteriorate and blow out, causing oil pressure loss with no visible external leak.
Symptoms: Low oil pressure at idle, P0011 or P0021 fault codes, increased VTC/camshaft rattle. - !! Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) jams from 96,000 km
On early model years the electronic steering column lock (ESCL) module can jam, cutting off all electrical power to the car. Infiniti never issued a recall or extended warranty for this part.
Symptoms: Vehicle will not start, steering wheel stays locked, complete electrical shutdown. - !! Internal clutch slave cylinder (CSC) fails from 50,000 km
The concentric slave cylinder built into the transmission can fail as its internal seals wear out. Clutch hydraulic pressure is lost and the clutch can no longer be actuated.
Symptoms: Clutch pedal goes soft or drops to the floor, clutch no longer engages, gears become hard or impossible to select.
+ 9 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Sunroof drain tubes clog — water intrusion Sunroof drain tubes clog and allow water to back up and run down the A-pillar into the cabin. BCM and associated wiring can become soaked and damaged. Flushing with warm soapy water and compressed air clears blockages. Symptoms: Water on driver or passenger side floor, water dripping from A-pillar trim, musty smell, electrical issues after rain from 80,000 km | Medium | |
| Convertible top hydraulic pump fails – top moves slowly or not at all The convertible top's hydraulic pump loses pressure from worn seals, a weak pump motor, or a failing pressure regulator. The top opens or closes slowly, jerks, or stalls mid-cycle. Pump rebuild costs around $800. Symptoms: Top moves noticeably slower than normal, stalls partway through cycle, pump audibly runs with no visible movement, top system fault message | Medium | |
| Trunk lid falls shut — gas struts empty Trunk lid gas struts lose pressure from around 60,000 miles. Lid falls closed when opened or barely stays up. Replace as a pair — affordable aftermarket options available. Symptoms: Trunk lid won't stay open, falls immediately or slowly after opening, especially problematic in cold weather from 100,000 km | Low |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 20 weaknesses have been documented for the Infiniti G37 V36 (2007–2013) — 12 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Body, Electronics, Steering, Interior.
G37 (VQ37VHR, 2007–2013) — Be Careful: Paper oil gallery gasket at the timing cover fails, Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) jams, Internal clutch slave cylinder (CSC) fails. Power: 328 PS.
What to watch out for with the Infiniti G37? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee