2008 Infiniti EX35 Problems: 6 Known Issues

On the 2008 Infiniti EX35, incorrect software programming in the airbag control unit means that if the vehicle battery becomes significantly discharged, the passenger airbag may not operate as designed afterward. The failure is insidious because it is triggered by an ordinary event — a flat battery from leaving a door ajar, a long period parked, or a failing battery near end of life — and leaves no obvious indication that crash protection has been compromised. NHTSA campaign 08V066000 covers 16,365 vehicles: 2008 EX35 and 2009 Nissan Murano. The recall began February 19, 2008.

On the 2008 Infiniti EX35, a varistor inside the Occupant Classification System control unit in the front passenger seat cushion was manufactured out of specification and can interrupt the signal between the OCS and the airbag control unit. With that signal lost the airbag control unit suppresses the passenger frontal airbag, so it will not deploy in a crash even with an adult correctly belted. NHTSA campaign 08V521000 covers the 2008 EX35 along with 2007-2008 G35 sedans, the 2008 G37 Coupe, and several Nissan models — 204,361 vehicles in total. The recall began November 4, 2008.

On the 2008 Infiniti EX35, on EX35 vehicles ordered with the power tilt/telescope steering option included in the premium package, the steering column outer tube may not be truly round. The out-of-round tube applies extra stress to the upper steering bearing, and that stress can fracture the bearing retainer. The result is excessive free play at the steering wheel and, in the worst case, loss of steering. NHTSA campaign 15V054000 covers 2008 EX35 vehicles built June 29, 2007 to April 25, 2008 with that option, along with 2009 FX35, FX45, and Nissan GT-R. The recall began March 9, 2015 — seven years after the affected build window, so many owners never connected the play they had learned to live with to a safety campaign.

On the 2008-2012 Infiniti EX35, the EX35 shares the sunroof drain architecture of its G-platform siblings: a tray around the glass panel that collects water and routes it through tubes down the A- and C-pillars. Debris packs the drain nipples at the tray corners, the tray overflows, and water enters the headliner and runs down the pillars into the cabin. Owners find soaked footwell carpet, water dripping from the headliner or map light, and a persistent musty smell. Because the water tracks past wiring and body modules on its way down, the complaint frequently presents as unexplained electrical behavior before anyone notices the carpet is wet. On a hatchback like the EX35 the rear cargo area and the spare tire well are also common places to find standing water.

On the 2008-2009 Infiniti EX35, the EX35 uses the same dashboard topper material as its G-platform contemporaries, and it degrades the same way under sustained sun and heat: soft and tacky first, then shiny patches, cracks, and chipping, typically starting at the defroster vents and around the instrument binnacle. The degraded surface becomes reflective and casts glare onto the windshield severe enough to interfere with forward vision in low sun, which makes this a visibility problem rather than a purely cosmetic one. Owner reports for the 2008 EX35 mirror those for the 2006-2008 G35 and M35 and 2008-2009 G37 that were the subject of class-action litigation against Nissan, though warranty coverage was not extended to these models.

On the 2008-2012 Infiniti EX35, the VQ35HR engine in the EX35 exhibits higher-than-normal oil consumption, typically burning 1 quart every 2,000-3,000 miles. Worn valve stem seals and piston ring coking contribute to the problem, especially in vehicles with infrequent oil changes.