G37 Unintended Acceleration

[FlashyG]

I am new to the forum and wonder if anyone else has had the same problem I have now had twice. Both times I was stopped - once at a crosswalk waiting for people to cross. the second time I was stopped in traffic. Both times the engine revved up (the second time I actually looked at the tach and saw it was over 4,000rpm), and the rear wheels actually made a squealing sound with smoke coming out the back. I was able to stop the car by pressing the stop button. The first time I took the car to the dealer they found "a code" on the computer and applies a service bulletin that had to do with the engine increasing speed by no more than 500 rpm while braking. The second time they kept the car for several days and could find nothing. I put about 700 miles on the car between incidents. I contacted Infiniti Consumer Affairs (at the request of my dealer)and was told that they would do nothing about the problem. I'm actually afraid to drive the car. if any of you have had similar experiences please post a response. Thanks.

[ArizonaG35]

Hey FlashyG, Welcome to Nicoclub!

Sorry to hear that you are having a bad experience with your new G37. Good for you for having the presence of mind to shut the engine down quickly before it launched on it's own. I've never heard of this issue with Infiniti, but you certainly need to be concerned. You need to document EVERYTHING you say to the dealer about this issue and save the information in a file. If the problem persists, you need to take it directly to the dealer and insist that they provide you with a loaner until the problem is resolved or is duplicated under dealer settings.

You can't afford the liablity that would follow if your car launches at someone or something and I'm sure that you don't want that to happen. There seems to be a wierd phenomenon that some cars will launch erratically and without warning. I've NEVER heard of this with Infiniti, but I've heard stories where people will be parking there car and all of a sudden it just takes off like a bat out of hell... I used to think that this was just some old lady who stomped the gas instead of the brakes (Which probably does happen) but I think this does occur from time to time.

Be safe out there and keep us posted on what happens. Keep that emergency brake in the front of your mind in case it happens again.

[mranderson]

You're right to be concerned. We've got some of the strongest lemon laws in the nation in Cali. Document and push it with the dealer... if all else fails, see an attorney.

[G37 Man]

File the problem with your state ASAP to be on file regarding this matter.Call the NA President of Infiniti and tell him you will go public with this if it is not corrected and see if that helps.

[FlashyG]

Thanks everyone for you thoughts and suggestions. After I made the original post yesterday I received a reply to my letter from Infiniti Consumer Affairs. I had told them that I either wanted the car fixed or bought back under California's lemon laws.

The following is a quote from the letter, "After careful evaluation, Infiniti regrets to inform you there does not appear to be an unreasonable amount or repair attempts. Nissan would not be in a position to repurchase your vehicle voluntarily or under California consumer lemon laws at this time. Please be advised that this is Infiniti's final decision at this time. Infiniti will continue to honor the terms and conditions of the new vehicle limited warranty for the above referenced vehicle."

Certainly not what I expected to hear. What really upsets me is that there is no effort on their part to even fix the vehicle. I really like the car but I'm afraid to drive it. Infiniti is treating this as it were just a minor mechanical flaw rather than something that could be life threatening. I have contacted an attorney, something I was hoping not to have to do. Again, thanks for your help.

[mranderson]

...there does not appear to be an unreasonable amount or repair attempts.

That right there is the million dollar line my friend. Sounds like you're doing the right thing by lawyering up. Suggest you also get up to speed on exactly what the California code says. Here's a good start:

http://autopedia.com/html/Lemo....html

I'm not an attorney, but I think you've got a great case under Article 1

Good luck.

[Q45tech]

How many legal witnesses [in the car that could see you feet] do you have?

Years ago Audi found that people would intentionally simulate an unintended acceleration to get a new car or money back...........not saying this is case just that it has happened in the past.Audi never found the cause of what was supposed to be unintended acceleration.

Just like "brakes failed" as an excuse for driving into a building experts could never find anything wrong.

Now if air bags deploy they have a permanent data record for the previous 10 seconds. That your insurance and Nissan can examine.

[dmkozak]

How many legal witnesses [in the car that could see you feet] do you have?

Years ago Audi found that people would intentionally simulate an unintended acceleration to get a new car or money back...........not saying this is case just that it has happened in the past.Audi never found the cause of what was supposed to be unintended acceleration.

Just like "brakes failed" as an excuse for driving into a building experts could never find anything wrong.

Now if air bags deploy they have a permanent data record for the previous 10 seconds. That your insurance and Nissan can examine.

FWIW, Audi never had any false claimants who intentially simulated unintended acceleration. In all cases investigated by Audi of America and/or the NHTSA, the "unintended" acceleration was found to have been caused by the driver pushing the accelerator instead of the brake pedal.

[FlashyG]

Had I anticipated that I would have this problem I certainly would have made sure that I had a couple of witnesses with me when it happened. I am somewhat limited as to the number of witnesses though because the back seat of the G37 is really not very comfortable for long periods and the first incident didn’t happen until 3,000 miles or four months or so after I purchased the car. Having a witness in the front seat wouldn’t work because they can’t see my feet well from that venue. Once it happened the first time I did stuff as many witnesses into the car as possible but they got tired of driving around with me for the 700 miles that it took before the next incident occurred. Now that I have had this problem twice, it is harder to find a witness (or anyone else) who is willing to even get into the car. As for wanting Nissan to give me a new car, my car is new. And about the cash, if that’s what I was after I doubt that I would have asked for them either to fix the car or refund my money- I probably would have skipped the fix it part. They did. Then there is the issue of possibly mistaking the accelerator for the brake pedal. If that were the case I certainly would not have had my foot on the brake each time this has happened, would I? And then there is the fact that the dealer actually found a problem that was logged by the computer the first time this happened and applied a service bulletin which did not correct the problem. Sorry, but I failed to mention that I loaned the car to a friend before either of the two incidents occurred and he asked me why it was idling so fast (about 1200 rpm) when it was stopped. It’s odd that I never had a problem like this in my Mercedes in the three years I owned it prior to the G37 or with any of the BMWs that I owned prior to the Mercedes.

[Kendahl]

This is a classic intermittent problem. Although computer diagnostic codes help, it is still very difficult to diagnose a problem that doesn't occur in the mechanic's presence. The dealer would have to keep the car and drive it daily for several weeks just to verify that it occurs. It is most likely a problem with your specific car rather than a general design defect.

Lemon laws give the manufacturer, through the dealer, several tries to fix a problem. Infiniti turned you down because they haven't used up their quota.

Write down as many details as you can remember about each and every incident. Report them to the dealer, to Infiniti Consumer Affairs and to the NHTSA (federal government). The more information you can provide, the better the chance that the dealer can find the source of the problem.

The most promising lead may be the high idle speed. My G37S idles at 600 rpm when warm.

I suspect you have an automatic transmission. With a manual, you would be in neutral or have your foot on the clutch. Either way, the car wouldn't move even though the engine takes off.

Until you get this resolved, use firm pressure on the foot brake when you are stopped. There isn't, and never has been, an engine more powerful than the brakes. To illustrate, there is a technique used with automatic transmissions for drag racing starts. Shove hard on the brake with your left foot and floor the accelerator pedal with your right foot. The car will remain stationary while the engine speed rises to the "stall speed" for the torque converter in the transmission. To take off, abruptly release the brake. This technique wouldn't work if the brakes weren't strong enough to hold the car even at full power.

[mtbbiker]

Just doing some research and came across this thread. Sorry, but I mean no disrespect, but I think it's pretty sad how many people said get a lawyer and lemon law. You wonder why we are in a sad state here in Nazifornia ??? I say this because in my opinion and I'm currently a technician, if you read the OP he had 4 major failures. 1st unintended throttle acceleration2nd brake failure because at a stop our brakes can easily hold our cars still3rd transmission failure because the torque converter won't let you get past about 2,400rpm when a car is stopped & in gear.4th the brake input (ECM override that limits engine power).What are the odds of having these 4 failures without something recording a failure????Personally, I think the OP is accidentally hitting the brakes & throttle at the same and doesn't realize it. I say give Infiniti another chance and pay close attention to your right foot.

[fiveliterbeater]

wow that sux! 1st time ive ever heard of this problem with an Infiniti. scary situation nonetheless though.

[zozoka1212]

This whole situation seems ad since we know the car would stop when you hit the brake.

OP do you have an MT or AT transmission?

Was the car just stopped and go or was it idling and it started to accelerate?

Here is something to read about.

The G stopped almost the same distance with the gas pushed or not.

http://editorial.autos.msn.com....5.19

[mtbbiker]

I've checked my Titan brake pedal input. I found a nice quite road, brought my Titan to 55 & floored it with my left foot I slammed on my brakes without letting off the gas and my Titan came to a very fast stop.

I called my buddy who has a 07 Tundra and I asked him to do the same thing. Guess what?

His Tundra wouldn't stop I still can't believe any manufacturer would leave that safety input out.

Also in regards to the OP was the MIL light on? I only ask, because any malfunction detected in the electronic throttle results in instant failsafe of limited rpm around 1500rpm.

This whole situation seems ad since we know the car would stop when you hit the brake.

OP do you have an MT or AT transmission?

Was the car just stopped and go or was it idling and it started to accelerate?

Here is something to read about.

The G stopped almost the same distance with the gas pushed or not.

http://editorial.autos.msn.com....5.19

[gwoods]

Let me be the 1st one to come right out as say you are full of IT.

If you put your foot on the brake and gas at the same time you can spin your rear tires maybe 2-3 full spins before the car cuts the gas. Any of us that have been at the drag strip with our G's will tell you that you are full of it. The drive by wire on your G has many safety features making it impossible for this to happen. In fact if you loose the signal from either throttle body you g will not acclerate above 1000 rpm period.

Don't let us see you on the news like that Prius owner that just wanted to get out of his loan and faked his unintined acceleration.

Take your fake post somewhere else

[WAldenIV]

Folks, this is a two-year-old thread! mtbbiker necro-posted and revived a dead thread.

[zozoka1212]

I still liked to know what he did wrong. Most likely just pushed brake and gas at the same time. We should email him. LOL

We know the G over ride the gas with the brake.

I don't se any TSB what he was talking about.

[Kendahl]

His Tundra wouldn't stop.

Ask your buddy how hard was he shoving on the brake pedal.

I'll bet you weigh at least 150 lbs. Since you can stand up and walk around, your legs are capable of exerting at least that much force. That's how hard you should press the brake pedal. If the pedal is wide enough, use both feet. Think of it as trying to bend the pedal and burst the brake lines. You won't do either of these things, but that's the proper mind set.

Have you or your buddy ever braked hard enough on clean, dry, smooth pavement to activate the ABS? If not, I suggest you find some place out in the country where you can experiment with this at 50 or 60 mph without endangering anyone or attracting attention.

Most people have no idea how hard their cars can accelerate, brake and turn. In normal driving, they use maybe 5% of their cars' capabilities. In an absolute, "I'm gonna die!" emergency, they may get up to 20%. If saving their lives requires going to 50%, they will die. They "know" that no car is capable of that level of performance just like they know they can't jump over a 20 foot high fence.

A few months ago, Car and Driver put three of their mothers-in-law in Minis for a couple of days' instruction on an autocross course and a race track. One of the ladies wouldn't brake hard. After repeated encouragement, she finally braked hard enough the activate the ABS. She turned to her instructor and snapped, "Now it's broken. Happy?" Here's are really scary thought. People like her are eligible to sit on juries in trials connected with traffic accidents.

Quote »I still can't believe any manufacturer would leave that safety input out.[/quote]I assume you mean something to cut the throttle if the brake is applied. It would help, but is not necessary. Even if the engine is putting out full power, as long as you press hard on the brake pedal, the brakes will win. Always. There isn't and never has been a car with engine stronger than the brakes. But you have to do your part by shoving hard.

[zozoka1212]

I don't know if it is just not pushing it hard enough or something else. But if you look at the chart at my post you see how long the Ford Mustang Roush took to stop. It was like 600ft longer than without the acceleration.

[Kendahl]

Car and Driver included the Roush Mustang as an extreme example. The important point is that it still stopped. And in less than a thousand feet. Some of the Toyota/Lexus drivers went on for miles. This says more about them than it does about their cars.

[audtatious]

If you put your foot on the brake and gas at the same time you can spin your rear tires maybe 2-3 full spins before the car cuts the gas. Any of us that have been at the drag strip with our G's will tell you that you are full of it.

Has anyone determined how to bypass this yet? Kinda sux that putting slicks on the car won't do much good since I can't heat them up first

[zozoka1212]

I do agree with you. I just pointed out it might be a case. To me 20ft extra is a lot but 600 ft extra just way too much. Especially if we are talking about a busy 3-4 lane hwy. They should have ben designed the way the G was designed and would have no issue at all.

However they are not designed that way. That leaves only one way to deal with. It is turning the engine off. The 600 ft would be less if the car was shut down. Even with a loss of power assist on the brake.

[mtbbiker]

I've got to disagree with you here! I was in an older 85ish 300 turbo and the rubber protector at the end of the throttle cable broke off during a test drive and stuck the throttle open. I hit the brakes so hard and all it did was stop the car from going any faster. After about 2 seconds, I remembered to turn off the key. I was shaken afterward as I was heading towards a red light. I think in a slow speed situation yes, but once you get going, the brakes also has to stop all that inertia.

Like I said I work on cars for a living, so I took abs testing to the limit. I was out in a desert city doing about 50mph. The paved roads have nice flat dirt right next to them. I moved my car slightly to the right so that my right tires are on the dirt and my left ones still on pavement. I slammed on the brakes, heard the abs activate and the car came to a perfect straight stop. I was amazed!!!

I assume you mean something to cut the throttle if the brake is applied. It would help, but is not necessary. Even if the engine is putting out full power, as long as you press hard on the brake pedal, the brakes will win. Always. There isn't and never has been a car with engine stronger than the brakes. But you have to do your part by shoving hard.

[kmckis1029]

uhhh this dont sound right... i too think this is fake as i have took my car to the drag strip... i was power braking... rear tires brake lose then throttle is cut... its like your pedal goes dead... then once you release the brake it comes back...

alert

[gwoods]

Has anyone determined how to bypass this yet? Kinda sux that putting slicks on the car won't do much good since I can't heat them up first

The best thing I have come up with is to put the car in 1st, turn off VDC, brake stall until you get the rear tires started then let up off the gas. The G has enough hp to keep them spinning. Then stage up for the race.

[Nancy B]

I am the owner of a 2008 G37S with 81,000 miles. About three months ago I experienced unintended acceleration. I took it to an Infiniti dealership, they found nothing. Since then the problem has become much more frequent and severe. I drive approximately 110 miles per day most of it on the turnpike at about 75 to 80 mph. Once back in normal traffic the problem arises. It happens at traffic lights while idling, while pulling into parking spaces, etc. - always when my foot is on the brake. While slowly pulling into a parking space recently, my foot on the brake, it revved up to over 3,000 RPMs. Last Friday there was an accident on the turnpike and I was ""idling" for about 45 - 50 minutes waiting for traffic to clear. The car began lurching and bucking for the last 20 minutes, all the while my feet (both) were on the brake, each time I started to inch forward and took my feet off the brake, it would stop. However, as soon as I had to brake again, it began the lurching, bucking and reving excessively. It felt as if it had become possessed by Satan. Saturday morning I took my car the the dealer and that is where it sits now. My previous car was a 2005 Infiniti G35, had no problems with it.

[finhater52]

I own a 2011 Infiniti G37 convertible. I have read all the posts on this subject, but to be clear, some or all of these vehicles have a problem whether it can be found or not. My accident occurred on 5-14-2013, in my garage. I had just left town and pulled into my garage. I was sitting there stopped with my foot on the brake pedal idling waiting for the garage door to go down, when all of the sudden, the engine opened up full throttle and surprised me and took off with me in it through my inner garage wall. I was less than two feet from the wall, so I had very little time to react, but react I did! I hit the jammed down on the brakes but to no avail. The car continued through the wall and quickly decelerated as fast as it accelerated. I quickly backed the car out, parked it, and jumped out of it and went inside wondering in my mind why this car didn't stop with me jamming the brakes. The car left skid marks on my freshly painted garage floor. So there goes the theory about pressing the gas instead of the brake! The car was quickly picked up and taken to the infiniti dealership after they were told what happened.

Once it got to the dealership, the mechanic said that he found nothing wrong with it. They then notified Nissan Corp. They sent down a technician from Tennessee. I had pics of the damage to my garage (almost 5500.00) and the skid marks on the floor. The technician took the pics with him back to Nissan. It took them a month to tell me that there was nothing wrong with the car and that they could not any longer assist me with the matter. I also sustained a herniated disc from the accident, but they would not admit any fault. Someone is going to have to lose their life just like in the Toyota case before anyone will pay attention. I plan on going to the media with this story. I don't want anyone else to have to go through this and possibly die from this company's denial.I plan on getting rid of my car because I refuse to risk my life driving around in it. If any one else is having similar problems, we need to start making some noise and get them to pay attention to this serious matter.

[kmckis1029]

lol i rencently (like 3 weeks ago) lost a drag race at atlanta motor speedway BECAUSE of the saftey feature that prevents what you are trolling about. I got a little over zealous while trying to launch my car against a BMW 335i and brake launched too early... (with VDC off you can get some tire spin for a couple seconds while holding the brake before throttle is cut) i attempted my brake launch too early and ended up with a dead throttle at the green light, UNTIL i released the brake. I ran the BMW 335i down but still lost by a half a fender. that dang saftey feature cost me the race lol. Please stop the trolling...

[elven]

I am very interested in the unintended acceleration problem. My sister has a 2007 G35X sedan. She was stopped with her foot on the brake when it suddenly took off at full throttle. It caused a very serious accident. I have been doing some research and have found many instances of sudden unintended acceleration with G35s and other related Nissan/Infiniti vehicles. Please reply if you have had similar problems.

[audtatious]

The only unintended acceleration I've had with either my '08 coupe of '07 sedan has been a short burst when the transmission seemed to kick down when coming to a stop. Ive not heard of a vehicle where the acceleration was full throttle before.