Infiniti Q60 3.7
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.
Q60 3.7 — coupe entry point, naturally aspirated
Only available in 2017 as the base Q60 engine. Smooth 3.7L VQ V6 with that classic high-revving character. Less drama than the twin-turbo variants. Oil gallery gaskets and ESCL steering lock are worth checking on 2017 builds.
Engine Weaknesses 10
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
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
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 5
Forward Emergency Braking triggers false hard braking events with no obstacle present. The Infiniti Q60 is specifically named in the Bailey Glasser phantom braking lawsuit against Nissan/Infiniti.
Brake rotors develop thickness variation from pad compound deposits. Active Trace Control increases braking wear. Rear pads can wear faster than fronts on the Q60.
InTouch infotainment screen freezes or goes black during use. Software-related issue shared with Q50 platform. Restart required to restore functionality.
Trunk lid gas struts lose pressure and no longer hold the lid open. Lid can fall on occupants. Simple pair replacement recommended — aftermarket units from $80–$250.
Moisture enters through headlight vent openings and condenses inside the housing. Can cause LED ballast shorts or lens assembly failure. Infiniti issued TSB for vent inspection.
