Infiniti G37
3.7L V6 with VVEL variable valve lift — 330 hp at 7,000 rpm, 7,500 rpm redline, that cultured 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.
G37 sedan — the Q50's analog predecessor
328 hp, rear-wheel drive, 7,500 rpm redline — everything an enthusiast sport sedan should be. Oil gallery gasket failure is the primary concern from 80k miles. ESCL steering lock affects 2009-2012 builds. Manual G37s are the enthusiast prize; automatics are solid daily drivers.
Engine Weaknesses 13
Paper-based oil gallery gaskets behind the front timing chain cover swell or tear. Oil pressure drops with no external leak visible — camshafts and bearings become oil-starved. Nissan later switched to improved metal gaskets.
Symptoms: Low oil pressure when warm (below 30 psi at idle), P0011/P0021 fault codes, jerky acceleration
Electronic steering lock can jam permanently due to an internal fault, preventing the engine from starting. Mainly affects early production models from 2009–2012. Nissan issued several recalls and TSBs.
Symptoms: Vehicle only switches to accessory mode, engine does not start, steering lock warning on dashboard, no starter noise
At high mileage and with spirited use, connecting rod and main bearing wear can occur. The engine does not tolerate running with a low oil level, which can result from the sealing issues.
Symptoms: Metallic knocking on load changes, oil pressure warning, rough engine running at high revs
The internal concentric slave cylinder (CSC) of the FS6R31A gearbox is a known design defect. The thin aluminium housing is attacked by brake fluid and develops cracks — often under 50,000 km. Subject of a US class action lawsuit.
Symptoms: Clutch pedal drops to the floor without warning, car cannot be put into gear, clutch fluid dripping from gearbox
The rear driveshaft retaining nut can work loose through vibration. In extreme cases the wheel hub detaches and the wheel falls off. Nissan issued a recall for 2013–2015 models.
Symptoms: Vibration or clonking from the rear axle area, increasing noise in corners, in extreme cases sudden loss of control
If a VVEL actuator is removed individually, it must be recalibrated to exactly 5.5° inclination. Without Consult-III software the engine enters limp mode or will not start at all. Nissan list price per actuator: approx. €3,500–4,000.
Symptoms: After engine work: P1090 (right bank) or P1092 (left bank), engine runs on three cylinders, will not rev above 3,500 rpm, limp mode.
Defective valve stem seals on older VQ37VHR engines allow oil into the combustion chamber. Consumption clearly exceeds Nissan's guideline of 1 qt/10,000 miles.
Symptoms: Blue smoke on cold start, oil consumption above 1 qt/10,000 miles, oil on spark plug electrodes
Crankshaft sensor fails from around 100,000 miles. Engine dies suddenly while driving. OEM sensors only — aftermarket parts fail more frequently.
Symptoms: Engine dies while driving, P0335, intermittent starting problems, unable to restart
VQ37VHR can produce a brief timing chain rattle on cold start that disappears after 2–5 seconds. Worn chain tensioners need time to build oil pressure. If neglected the chain can jump.
Symptoms: Metallic rattle for 2–5 seconds immediately after cold start, disappears once oil pressure builds
OEM catalytic converters can become blocked by oil residue on vehicles with elevated oil consumption. Fault codes P0420/P0430 appear and power drops.
Symptoms: Power loss in upper rev range, MIL with P0420/P0430, sluggish throttle response
The FS6R31A 6-speed manual gearbox shows synchro ring wear in 2nd and 3rd gear under spirited driving. Pre-2013 early models also suffered cold-weather shift problems. High-quality gearbox oil delays the issue.
Symptoms: Crunching or grating when selecting 2nd and 3rd gear, especially with a cold gearbox or fast gear changes
VQ37VHR valve cover gaskets become leaky with mileage and cause oil loss. Oil reaches spark plugs and can cause misfires. Simple, inexpensive repair.
Symptoms: Oily smell in engine bay, visible oil traces, oil on spark plugs, occasional misfires
VQ37VHR camshaft sensor wears from around 85,000 miles (fault code P0345). Stop-and-go driving accelerates wear through heat exposure.
Symptoms: Check engine light P0345, slight stuttering, rough idle
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) fails without warning on 2009–2012 G37. Vehicle cannot be started and steering wheel remains locked. Nissan issued recall for Altima/Maxima but Infiniti has denied goodwill for G37 owners despite identical design. Repair around $1,250.
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.
Steering rack develops leaks at boot seals or internal O-rings from around 75,000 miles. Power steering fluid level drops, steering becomes heavier. Complete rack replacement recommended over seal repair.
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.
LCD backlight in the combined climate/radio control panel fails or flickers. Cause is often cracked solder joints on the circuit board or faulty HVAC control module. Temperature-related failures in cold weather are common.
Driver-side sun visor hangs approximately 2 inches down into the driver's line of sight and will not return to its rest position. Mounting plate loses its thread or retaining clip in the headliner. Simple DIY repair possible.
