2009 Infiniti G37: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Highest-complaint G37 year: electronic steering-column-lock failures can immobilize the car, plus dashboard cracking and the Takata airbag recall. Mechanically sound, but confirm the ESCL fix and recall completion. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2009 Infiniti G37 ranged from $33,250 to $38,700 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
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Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Highest-complaint G37 year: electronic steering-column-lock failures can immobilize the car, plus dashboard cracking and the Takata airbag recall. Mechanically sound, but confirm the ESCL fix and recall completion.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=INFINITI&model=G37&…
- carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/infiniti-g37-reliability-and-common-problems/
- rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/infiniti-g37-years-to-avoid/
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/infiniti/g37
Known issues
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Most cars are subject to the Takata passenger-side airbag inflator recall; the inflator can rupture in a crash and injure occupants. Confirm the recall remedy was completed.
commonly reported · 84 NHTSA complaints · other
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The electronic steering column lock (ESCL) can jam and cut electrical power, leaving the car unable to start or fully immobilized; a known costly failure on early cars.
occasional · electrical
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The dashboard material can crack, bubble and peel, especially in hot climates, typically appearing around 50,000 to 70,000 miles; replacement is expensive.
commonly reported · typically 50k–70k miles · body
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=INFINITI&model=G37&…
- carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/infiniti-g37-reliability-and-common-problems/
- rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/infiniti-g37-years-to-avoid/
- low-offset.comhttps://low-offset.com/infiniti/g37-buyers-guide-reliability-common-problems/
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Rear-wheel-drive chassis with well-weighted steering makes it one of the more fun-to-drive sport sedans and coupes of its era.
- Strong 3.7L VQ37 V6 (around 328 to 330 hp) delivers genuinely quick, engaging acceleration.
- Low repair costs and strong reliability for a used luxury car, RepairPal rates it 4.0/5.0, well above the luxury-midsize average.
- Affordable used-luxury value compared with a similar-age BMW 3 Series or Audi A4.
Cons
- Firm ride and noticeable road noise make it less comfortable than softer luxury rivals.
- Thirsty for the class at roughly 20 mpg combined, and the V6 requires premium fuel.
- Dated infotainment, a small trunk and a tight rear seat (especially the coupe) limit everyday practicality.
- Most cars carry the Takata passenger-airbag recall, and early years added dashboard and steering-lock issues, verify the repairs were done.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan Base | $33,250 | discontinued | — | — |
| Sedan Journey | $33,700 | discontinued | — | — |
| Sedan Sport | $34,250 | discontinued | — | — |
| Sedan x | $35,750 | discontinued | — | — |
| Coupe Base | $35,900 | discontinued | — | — |
| Coupe Journey | $36,650 | discontinued | — | — |
| Coupe Sport | $37,000 | discontinued | — | — |
| Coupe x | $38,700 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2009-infiniti-g37_sedan-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2009-infiniti-g37_coupe-price
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $500–550/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,800–1,900/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
Requires premium fuel
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (4)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/infiniti/g37
- compare.comhttps://www.compare.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/infiniti/g37-sedan
- thedriveradviser.comhttps://thedriveradviser.com/how-many-miles-can-a-infiniti-g37-last-answered/
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/32074
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2009 Infiniti G37 have?
Documented issue patterns include: Most cars are subject to the Takata passenger-side airbag inflator recall; the inflator can rupture in a crash and injure occupants. Confirm the recall remedy was completed; The electronic steering column lock (ESCL) can jam and cut electrical power, leaving the car unable to start or fully immobilized; a known costly failure on early cars; The dashboard material can crack, bubble and peel, especially in hot climates, typically appearing around 50,000 to 70,000 miles; replacement is expensive. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2009 Infiniti G37 reliable?
Highest-complaint G37 year: electronic steering-column-lock failures can immobilize the car, plus dashboard cracking and the Takata airbag recall. Mechanically sound, but confirm the ESCL fix and recall completion.
How much did the 2009 Infiniti G37 cost new?
Between $33,250 and $38,700 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Infiniti G37 expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $500–550/year as mileage climbs. Note: it requires premium fuel.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.