According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2008-2013 Infiniti G37 has 11 documented known issues, with 7 rated critical. The most serious are OCS Varistor Defect Suppresses Passenger Airbag (Recall 08V521000) ($0-$0 repair), VVEL Actuator and Control Module Failure Causing Limp Mode ($600-$3,000 repair), Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear on VQ37VHR ($1,800-$4,000 repair), Cam Cover Gasket Leak Causing Low Oil Pressure ($400-$1,400 repair), Oil Gallery Gasket Leak ($400-$1,200 repair), Electronic Steering Lock Failure ($300-$1,000 repair) and Concentric Slave Cylinder Failure (Manual) ($800-$2,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $60 to $4,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 AND 2012 INFINITI G37 COUPE VEHICLES AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 NISSAN 370Z VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 2, 2011, THROUGH AUGUST 29, 2011. DUE TO A PROGRAMMING ERROR, THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH CONTROLLER IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WAS MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION.
Campaign #11V53800004/11/2011
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2008-2013 Infiniti G37 has 11 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: OCS Varistor Defect Suppresses Passenger Airbag (Recall 08V521000), VVEL Actuator and Control Module Failure Causing Limp Mode, Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear on VQ37VHR. Of these, 7 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Infiniti G37 reliable?
The 2008-2013 Infiniti G37 has 11 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 7 issues are rated critical: OCS Varistor Defect Suppresses Passenger Airbag (Recall 08V521000) and VVEL Actuator and Control Module Failure Causing Limp Mode and Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear on VQ37VHR and Cam Cover Gasket Leak Causing Low Oil Pressure and Oil Gallery Gasket Leak and Electronic Steering Lock Failure and Concentric Slave Cylinder Failure (Manual). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Infiniti G37 problems?
Repair costs for known Infiniti G37 issues range from $0 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, OCS Varistor Defect Suppresses Passenger Airbag (Recall 08V521000), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Infiniti G37 is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Infiniti G37. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2008-2013 Infiniti G37 with 11 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
What is the 2008 Infiniti G37 OCS Varistor Defect Suppresses Passenger Airbag (Recall 08V521000)?
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
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The VQ37VHR uses Variable Valve Event and Lift, a mechanical system on the intake side that varies lift continuously through an actuator motor driving a control shaft, managed by its own control module. When the actuator motor, the control shaft position sensor, or the VVEL module fails, the engine drops into a severe limp mode with essentially no throttle response — the car becomes undrivable rather than merely down on power. Owners typically see a scatter of seemingly unrelated codes alongside the failure, which sends diagnosis in the wrong direction. Contributing factors include oil starvation and sludge in the VVEL assembly from extended oil change intervals, and moisture or connector corrosion at the module.
Common Symptoms
Severe limp mode with no throttle response
Check engine light with multiple simultaneous codes
Rough idle or stumbling
Sudden loss of power while driving
Ticking or whirring from the top of the engine
How to Fix
Do not let a shop start replacing sensors on a scattergun basis. Have the VVEL actuator motor, control shaft position sensor, module, and their connectors checked as a system, including power and ground at the module — corroded or backed-out connector pins mimic a failed actuator and cost nothing to fix. Be aware that replacement is not a bolt-on job: the VVEL actuator assembly and control shaft position sensor are designated non-reusable once removed, and installation requires a calibration and relearn procedure with dealer-level tooling, which puts this beyond most DIY work. Keep oil changes at 5,000 miles with the correct full synthetic — the VVEL assembly is oil-fed and sludge is a direct cause of actuator failure. Diagnose it promptly rather than driving in limp mode, since continued operation risks damage to the exhaust camshaft.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Genuine Infiniti VVEL control module 23751-JK00B
OEM23751-JK00B
Confirm VIN/build date returns 23751-JK00B and complete required initialization; do not substitute for 23751-3EV0A by mode
Bank/passenger-side actuator branch after testing proves that assembly failed Fitment/availability: Current supersession 23745-EY06A fits listed 2008-2013 G37 VQ37VHR applications and replaces earlier A-suffix revisions. It is side-speci…
Bank/driver-side actuator branch after testing proves that assembly failed Fitment/availability: Current supersession 23745-EY06B fits listed 2008-2013 G37 VQ37VHR applications and replaces earlier B-suffix revisions. Do not swap sides o…
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The VQ37VHR runs three timing chains — a primary and two secondaries — with plastic guides and hydraulic tensioners. The chains stretch and the guides wear, and because the tensioners rely on oil pressure to take up slack, any oil pressure loss or extended change interval accelerates it sharply. The first symptom is a rattle from the front of the engine on cold start that lasts a second or two until pressure builds, progressing to a rattle that persists at idle. Left alone, stretch pushes cam timing out of correlation and sets timing codes; in the worst outcome the chain skips or a guide fragments, and on this interference engine that means bent valves.
Common Symptoms
Rattle from the front of the engine on cold start
Rattle that persists at idle once warm
Check engine light with cam or crank correlation codes
Rough running or reduced power
Whining or chain slap that changes with RPM
How to Fix
Treat a front-of-engine rattle on cold start as a timing chain issue and act on it rather than waiting for a code — chain, guides, and tensioners replaced proactively is a fraction of the cost of a destroyed engine, though it is still a substantial job because the front cover comes off. Have the shop scan for cam and crank correlation codes and check actual cam timing against spec. Critically, verify oil pressure at the same time: on this engine the chain rarely wears out on its own, it wears out because oil pressure dropped from a leaking cam cover or oil gallery gasket, and replacing the chain without fixing the pressure loss just repeats the failure. Change oil every 5,000 miles with full synthetic instead of following the extended factory interval. On a used purchase, insist on a genuine cold start before buying.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
OEM VQ37VHR timing kit
OEMZ1-configured Nissan OEM VQ37VHR timing kit
Confirmed VQ37VHR chain/guide/tensioner repair Fitment/availability: Configure the exact G37 model year and choose the required chains, guides and cam-chain tensioners. Do not buy from noise alone; compare included components with the VI…
OEM VQ35HR/VQ37VHR timing-cover O-ring and seal kit
OEMNissan OEM VQ35HR/VQ37VHR timing-cover O-ring and seal kit
Conditional disturbed-seal bundle for the front-cover timing procedure Fitment/availability: Match kit contents to the exact VQ37VHR service procedure and VIN. It supports front-cover reassembly but does not diagnose or repair chain wear…
On pre-2012 VQ37VHR engines the cam cover gaskets fail and leak, and unlike an ordinary valve cover weep this one matters mechanically: the leak path bleeds down oil pressure feeding the top end. Low oil pressure on this engine starves the VVEL assembly and the cam and rod bearings, and owners who dismiss the leak as a minor seep have lost engines to it. The visible signs are oil pooling in the spark plug wells, oil on the exhaust manifolds producing a burning smell and smoke from under the hood, and a low oil pressure warning or gauge reading that comes up at idle when hot.
Common Symptoms
Oil pooled in the spark plug wells
Burning oil smell and smoke from the engine bay
Low oil pressure warning, especially at hot idle
Visible oil on the exhaust manifolds or down the block
Misfires from oil-fouled ignition coils
Ticking from the top end that worsens when warm
How to Fix
Treat a cam cover leak on a pre-2012 G37 as urgent rather than cosmetic, particularly if it is accompanied by any low oil pressure indication. Replace both cam cover gaskets along with the spark plug tube seals and the half-moon seals, and inspect the plug wells for oil that has soaked the coil boots — oil-fouled coils cause misfires that get misdiagnosed as ignition failure. Verify actual oil pressure with a mechanical gauge rather than trusting the dash indication before and after the repair. If pressure remains low with the gaskets fixed, stop driving the car and investigate the oil pump and pickup, since continued operation at low pressure will destroy the bearings. Use OEM gaskets here; aftermarket sets have a poor record of resealing on this engine.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
OEM VQ37VHR valve-cover gasket and tube-seal selections
OEM13270-EY01A / 13270-EY01B / 13271-EY00A
Confirmed external valve-cover leak repair with selectable left/right gaskets and tube seals Fitment/availability: Fits 2008-2013 G37 Coupe and the listed later Sedan/Convertible VQ37VHR branches.
Small specified-joint sealant branch for the valve-cover procedure Fitment/availability: Use only at the service-manual junctions and in the specified bead size; it does not replace molded cover gaskets and excess RTV can contaminate oil…
The VQ37VHR engine develops oil leaks from the oil gallery gaskets located between the upper and lower oil pans. Oil seeps onto the exhaust, creating a burning smell and potential fire hazard if left unaddressed.
Common Symptoms
Burning oil smell from engine bay
Oil dripping on exhaust manifold
Visible oil seepage on lower engine block
How to Fix
Replace the oil gallery gaskets, which requires removing the lower oil pan. Use updated Nissan/Infiniti gaskets that have improved sealing material. Clean all mating surfaces thoroughly before reinstalling.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Updated gallery-gasket and fastener repair kit after confirmed internal pressure leakage Fitment/availability: Fits the listed VQ37VHR G37 applications and includes two updated composite-steel gaskets, two O-rings and 20 Allen bolts. Con…
Early-production VQ37VHR engines consume noticeably more oil than owners expect, and the 2008-2010 build years are the most affected. The consumption is real rather than imagined leakage, driven by ring and cylinder wear characteristics on early blocks, and it is aggravated by hard driving and by the long factory oil change interval. The practical danger is not the oil itself but what running low does to the rest of the engine: the VVEL assembly and the timing chain tensioners are oil-pressure dependent, so an owner who tops up only when the light comes on is quietly setting up a far more expensive failure.
Common Symptoms
Oil level low between scheduled changes
Low oil level warning light
Consumption of roughly a quart every 2,000 to 3,000 miles
Blue smoke on startup or under hard acceleration
Fouled spark plugs at higher mileage
How to Fix
Establish the actual consumption rate over a measured interval before doing anything else — check the level on the dipstick at every other fuel fill, on level ground with the engine warm and shut off for several minutes. A quart every 2,000 to 3,000 miles on an early VQ37VHR is common and is managed by topping up, not by opening the engine. Rule out the cheap external causes first, because they mimic consumption: the cam cover gaskets and the oil gallery gasket both leak on this engine and are far more likely than ring wear on a car with visible oil in the plug wells or on the block. Shorten the oil change interval to 5,000 miles with the correct full synthetic, and carry a quart in the trunk. Blue smoke on startup after sitting points to valve stem seals; smoke under sustained load points to rings.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-30 full-synthetic motor oil, 5 qt
OEMMobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-30 — 5 qt
Confirm total service capacity; oil does not repair a leak, PCV fault, valve seals, rings or bores.
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. When that signal is lost the airbag control unit suppresses the passenger frontal airbag, so it will not deploy in a crash even with an adult properly belted in the seat. NHTSA campaign 08V521000 covers the 2008 G37 Coupe together with 2007-2008 G35 sedans, EX35, and several Nissan models, totaling 204,361 vehicles. The recall began November 4, 2008.
Common Symptoms
Passenger airbag status light reads OFF with an adult seated
Airbag status indicator flickers between ON and OFF
SRS warning light illuminated
Seat read as empty while occupied
How to Fix
Have the dealer test the OCS-to-ACU signal using the special tool specified in recall 08V521000 and replace the passenger seat cushion assembly if it fails, free of charge. Check the passenger airbag status light on the console with an adult in the seat — an OFF indication means the bag is suppressed right now. Remove aftermarket seat covers and clear anything stored beneath the passenger seat before diagnosis, as both confuse the sensor mat. Do not disconnect the OCS to extinguish the warning light; that disables the crash logic entirely.
A programming error left the power window switch controller with an auto-reverse activation threshold higher than Nissan's specification. The window must encounter more resistance than intended before it reverses, so a hand, arm, or a child's neck caught in a closing window is subjected to considerably more clamping force before the anti-pinch function releases. NHTSA campaign 11V538000 covers 2011 and 2012 G37 Coupe vehicles and 2011 Nissan 370Z built July 2, 2011 through August 29, 2011. The recall began December 5, 2011.
Common Symptoms
Window continues closing against an obstruction
Auto-reverse activates late or requires heavy resistance
Excessive clamping force before the window releases
How to Fix
Have the dealer replace the power window switches under recall 11V538000, free of charge. This is a narrow build-date window, so check eligibility by VIN rather than by model year. You can sanity-check the behavior yourself by closing a window on a rolled towel and confirming it reverses promptly, but do not use a body part to test it — that is the exact hazard the recall addresses. Note that a window which has stopped auto-reversing entirely, or which reverses immediately at the top of travel, is usually a regulator or initialization problem rather than this recall, and is corrected by the window reset procedure.
Like the G35, the G37 suffers from electronic steering wheel lock actuator failures that prevent the vehicle from starting. The internal motor in the lock mechanism burns out or the control module loses communication with the BCM.
Common Symptoms
No-start condition with push button
Steering wheel locked and will not release
NATS warning light illuminated
How to Fix
Replace the steering lock actuator assembly. Nissan issued a voluntary service campaign for some VINs covering this repair. Check with the dealer for coverage before paying out of pocket.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Genuine Infiniti steering-lock set D8700-JK000
OEMD8700-JK000
Exact early G37 steering-lock branch after system diagnosis and VIN confirmation Fitment/availability: Catalog fitment includes 2008-2012 G37 variants, but production and option differences remain. Confirm the VIN returns D8700-JK000, ve…
Manual transmission G37s suffer from premature concentric slave cylinder (CSC) failure. The internal seal degrades, causing clutch fluid to leak into the bell housing and resulting in a soft or sinking clutch pedal.
Common Symptoms
Soft or spongy clutch pedal
Clutch pedal sinks to floor
Difficulty shifting gears
Clutch fluid level dropping
How to Fix
Replace the concentric slave cylinder, which unfortunately requires transmission removal. Many owners upgrade to an aftermarket CSC with improved seals. Flush the clutch hydraulic system after replacement.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
ZSpeed Billet CMAK V4 external slave-cylinder kit
OEMZSP-CMAKB-370 — Billet CMAK V4
G37 six-speed-manual CSC elimination repair path Fitment/availability: Select the 370Z/G37/G35S/Q60 configuration and confirm the installed clutch/fork setup.
Alternative exact G37 six-speed external-slave conversion Fitment/availability: Fits the listed 2008-2013 G37 manual-transmission applications and requires selecting the clutch type. Do not order for an automatic or assume one configurat…
The dashboard topper material degrades under sustained sun and heat, first going soft and tacky, then developing shiny patches, cracks, and chipping — usually starting at the defroster vents and the instrument binnacle. The degraded surface turns reflective and throws 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. The defect is documented across 2008-2009 G37 alongside 2006-2008 G35 and M35 and was the subject of class-action litigation against Nissan. Nissan extended warranty coverage for melting dashboards on certain other vehicles but did not extend it to these models.
Common Symptoms
Dashboard soft, tacky, or sticky to the touch
Shiny reflective patches causing windshield glare
Cracks and chipping near the defroster vents
Discoloration or bubbling of the dash surface
Glare obscuring forward vision in low sun
How to Fix
Expect this to be out of pocket, though one call to Infiniti Consumer Affairs with the VIN costs nothing and dealer goodwill has occasionally applied. Options in ascending cost: a fitted dash cover or carpet-style mat, which eliminates the glare for well under a hundred dollars and is where most owners land; a vinyl or leather re-wrap by a trim shop; or full dashboard replacement, expensive mainly because the labor requires pulling the steering column and HVAC ducting. Do not apply silicone-based interior dressings to a dash that has already gone soft — they worsen the tackiness and attract dust into the surface. Using a windshield sunshade whenever parked meaningfully slows the degradation on a dash that has not yet failed.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
2008 G37 Coupe glare-control branch Fitment/availability: Custom 2008 G37 Coupe pattern; select the exact speaker/cutout configuration and a dark color. There is no 2008 Sedan branch.
The live catalog includes a black Coverlay ABS cover with speaker cut-out; verify Coupe versus Sedan/Convertible fitment in the item notes before purchase and do not block airbag or def
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Water entering the sunroof tray is meant to drain through four tubes routed down the A- and C-pillars. Debris blocks the drain nipples at the tray corners, the tray overflows, and water runs into the headliner and down the pillars into the cabin. Owners report soaked footwell carpet, water dripping from the headliner or map light, and a persistent musty smell. Because the water follows the pillars past wiring and body modules, it commonly surfaces as electrical faults first, and a car with unexplained module behavior and damp carpet is almost always leaking here rather than suffering an independent electrical failure. This is the leading cause of interior water intrusion on the chassis.
Common Symptoms
Wet or damp footwell carpet
Water dripping from the headliner or map light area
Persistent musty or mildew smell
Unexplained electrical faults or modules behaving erratically
Water stains on pillar trim
Interior glass fogging that will not clear
How to Fix
Open the sunroof and find the drain openings at the four corners of the tray. Clear them with low-pressure compressed air or soft weed-trimmer line fed in gently. Never use a stiff wire or drain snake: it punctures the tube inside the pillar and turns a clogged drain into a permanent leak that is far harder to fix. Pour a little water into the tray and verify it exits behind each wheel. On a car with damp carpet, pull the carpet and padding up and dry them completely rather than letting them dry in place, since trapped moisture corrodes connectors and modules under the seats. Resolve this before diagnosing any electrical complaint on a wet car. If the leak continues with drains flowing freely, the sunroof seal has failed or a drain tube has come off its nipple behind the pillar trim.
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. When that signal is lost the airbag control unit suppresses the pa… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2008-2013 Infiniti G37 VVEL Actuator and Control Module Failure Causing Limp Mode?
The VQ37VHR uses Variable Valve Event and Lift, a mechanical system on the intake side that varies lift continuously through an actuator motor driving a control shaft, managed by its own control module. When the actuator motor, the control shaft position sensor, or the VVEL modul… Repairs typically run $600-$3,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2008-2013 Infiniti G37 Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear on VQ37VHR?
The VQ37VHR runs three timing chains — a primary and two secondaries — with plastic guides and hydraulic tensioners. The chains stretch and the guides wear, and because the tensioners rely on oil pressure to take up slack, any oil pressure loss or extended change interval acceler… Repairs typically run $1,800-$4,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2008-2011 Infiniti G37 Cam Cover Gasket Leak Causing Low Oil Pressure?
On pre-2012 VQ37VHR engines the cam cover gaskets fail and leak, and unlike an ordinary valve cover weep this one matters mechanically: the leak path bleeds down oil pressure feeding the top end. Low oil pressure on this engine starves the VVEL assembly and the cam and rod bearin… Repairs typically run $400-$1,400. Severity: high.
What is the 2008-2013 Infiniti G37 Oil Gallery Gasket Leak?
The VQ37VHR engine develops oil leaks from the oil gallery gaskets located between the upper and lower oil pans. Oil seeps onto the exhaust, creating a burning smell and potential fire hazard if left unaddressed. Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: high.
What is the 2008-2013 Infiniti G37 Electronic Steering Lock Failure?
Like the G35, the G37 suffers from electronic steering wheel lock actuator failures that prevent the vehicle from starting. The internal motor in the lock mechanism burns out or the control module loses communication with the BCM. Repairs typically run $300-$1,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2008-2013 Infiniti G37 Concentric Slave Cylinder Failure (Manual)?
Manual transmission G37s suffer from premature concentric slave cylinder (CSC) failure. The internal seal degrades, causing clutch fluid to leak into the bell housing and resulting in a soft or sinking clutch pedal. Repairs typically run $800-$2,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2008-2009 Infiniti G37 Dashboard Melts, Turns Sticky, and Cracks Causing Windshield Glare?
The dashboard topper material degrades under sustained sun and heat, first going soft and tacky, then developing shiny patches, cracks, and chipping — usually starting at the defroster vents and the instrument binnacle. The degraded surface turns reflective and throws glare onto… Repairs typically run $60-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2008-2010 Infiniti G37 VQ37VHR Excessive Oil Consumption on Early Engines?
Early-production VQ37VHR engines consume noticeably more oil than owners expect, and the 2008-2010 build years are the most affected. The consumption is real rather than imagined leakage, driven by ring and cylinder wear characteristics on early blocks, and it is aggravated by ha… Repairs typically run $100-$3,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2008-2013 Infiniti G37 Clogged Sunroof Drains Causing Cabin Water Leaks and Electrical Faults?
Water entering the sunroof tray is meant to drain through four tubes routed down the A- and C-pillars. Debris blocks the drain nipples at the tray corners, the tray overflows, and water runs into the headliner and down the pillars into the cabin. Owners report soaked footwell car… Repairs typically run $0-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2011-2012 Infiniti G37 Power Window Auto-Reverse Threshold Out of Specification (Recall 11V538000)?
A programming error left the power window switch controller with an auto-reverse activation threshold higher than Nissan's specification. The window must encounter more resistance than intended before it reverses, so a hand, arm, or a child's neck caught in a closing window is su… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.
