Power
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is sharply divided, creating a low-confidence overall assessment.
6 problems reported (3 recurrent, 3 isolated) · low confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentPremium Fuel Requirement
The owner's manual specifies a requirement for 91+ octane premium fuel for maximum performance, with temporary use of regular 87 octane requiring precautions. This leads to higher running costs.
- RecurrentPoor Fuel Economy
Noted as a con, with real-world mileage not being efficient. The V6 engine is described as not designed for efficiency.
- RecurrentSmall Cargo and Rear Seat Space
The sloping roofline severely limits cargo utility, and the rear seat area is described as tight, with limited headroom.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedExtensive Mechanical & Electrical Failures
A single, detailed report lists numerous failures including: power steering failure, heat shield rattling, heater core/intern cooler clog, sunroof motor failure leading to leaks, tilt/telescoping steering wheel failure, radiator failure, power steering rack leak, shift-to-park cable failure, gas pedal sensor failure, cracking dashboard, door window actuator failure, and engine timing issues.: ".
- IsolatedOil Gallery Gasket Issue
Mentioned as a known expensive issue affecting some VQ35HR and VQ37HR engines, potentially including 2012 models. Some experience failure before 100,000 miles.
- IsolatedLack of Spare Tire
Most models are equipped with run-flat tires and do not include a spare, which can be a concern if switching to conventional tires.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available. No specific trim or model year is singled out as superior within the provided data.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is sharply divided, creating a low-confidence overall assessment. A significant portion of long-term owner reports express extreme dissatisfaction, citing a long list of expensive and recurring mechanical and electrical failures that render ownership a costly headache. These reports describe the vehicle as fundamentally unreliable beyond a certain age and mileage. However, a contrasting, smaller group of owners and commentators describe the EX (specifically the EX37) as a "bullet-proof" and reliable vehicle, comparable to its G-series sedan platform mates, provided it has been well-maintained and not abused. The vehicle is acknowledged for its unique blend of sporty sedan dynamics with a slightly raised hatchback/crossover body style, good power from the V6 engine, and comfortable interior. The primary consensus, where one exists, is that the EX is a niche vehicle that carries high potential financial risk in used ownership.
Positioning vs competitors
Insufficient owner data available.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available. No specific configurations are recommended.
General recommendations
Extreme caution is advised for potential buyers. A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with Infiniti/Nissan VQ engines is considered mandatory. Prioritize vehicles with complete, verifiable maintenance records. Budget significantly for potential repairs beyond purchase price, as parts and labor carry a luxury brand premium. This vehicle is not recommended for buyers with limited financial flexibility for unexpected repairs. The platform is noted to be similar to the V36-generation G35/G37 sedans, suggesting parts commonality but also shared potential failure points.
Remarks
The stark contradiction in reliability reports is the defining characteristic of the EX's owner feedback. The negative experience is exceptionally detailed and encompasses multiple major systems, suggesting catastrophic failure modes in some examples. The positive reports are more general, asserting long-term durability with proper care. This extreme variance suggests vehicle history, maintenance, and possibly driving style are more critical factors than with average vehicles. The EX37 (3.7L V6) is specifically mentioned in reliability debates. Much of the mechanical componentry is shared with the contemporary G35/G37 sedans. Analysis based on approximately 8 substantive owner discussions directly referencing the EX model.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2008. Years to avoid: 2008Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Infiniti EX years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 2 | 0 | steering |
| 2012 | 5 | 0 | engine |
| 2011 | 20 | 0 | power train |
| 2010 | 15 | 0 | power train |
| 2009 | 8 | 1 | air bags |
| 2008 | 44 | 4 | air bags |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices5 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2009 · equipmentcampaign 09E050000
CURT IS RECALLING CERTAIN CLASS 1 RECEIVER HITCHES, P/N 11500, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 26, 2008 AND MARCH 12, 2009, SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 NISSAN INFINITI EX35 VEHICLES. WHEN THE HITCH IS LOADED TO THE MAXIMUM RATING, THE BUMPER STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE MAY PULL AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE FRAME.
2008 · steering:columncampaign 15V054000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2008 Infiniti EX35 vehicles equipped with the power tilt/telescope option included in the premium package, manufactured June 29, 2007, to April 25, 2008, 2009 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles manufactured October 31, 2007, to April 16, 2008, and 2009 Nissan GT-R vehicles manufactured March 14, 2007, to April 25, 2008. The steering column outer tube may not be round, resulting in extra stress being applied to the upper steering bearing. This stress may cause the bearing retainer to fracture, creating extra play in the steering wheel or a possible loss of steering.
2008 · air bagscampaign 08V066000
NISSAN IS RECALLING 16,365 MY 2008 INFINITI EX35 AND MY 2009 NISSAN MURANO VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING, THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU) MAY CAUSE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG NOT TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED IF THE VEHICLE BATTERY BECOMES SIGNIFICANTLY DISCHARGED.
2008 · air bagscampaign 08V521000
NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CONTROL UNITS. A VARISTOR IN THE OCS CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN INTERRUPTION OF SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU).
2008 · equipmentcampaign 09E050000
CURT IS RECALLING CERTAIN CLASS 1 RECEIVER HITCHES, P/N 11500, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 26, 2008 AND MARCH 12, 2009, SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 NISSAN INFINITI EX35 VEHICLES. WHEN THE HITCH IS LOADED TO THE MAXIMUM RATING, THE BUMPER STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE MAY PULL AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE FRAME.
Specifications
3.5i V6
3.5L 6-cylinder · 302 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2009–2013