2009 Infiniti EX: common problems and reliability

The 2009 Infiniti EX has 8 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and steering. Owners most often flag extensive 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. frequency: isolated (as a comprehensive list from one owner), but described as "very common problems.".

Safety record for the 2009 model year

8
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2009 Infiniti EX vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

air bags
4
steering
2
seats
1
electrical system
1
power train
1

Recalls affecting the 2009 EX

equipment

Campaign 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.

What owners say across generations

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

  • Extensive 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. Frequency: isolated (as a comprehensive list from one owner), but described as "VERY common problems."
  • Oil 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. Frequency: isolated.
  • Premium 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. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Poor Fuel Economy* — Noted as a con, with real-world mileage not being efficient. The V6 engine is described as not designed for efficiency. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Small Cargo and Rear Seat Space* — The sloping roofline severely limits cargo utility, and the rear seat area is described as tight, with limited headroom. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the EX.