What has gone wrong with Infiniti?

[myother45isalesbaer]

Steve,

The Murano is a good suggestion but I would like to stay with Infiniti. The FX50 appeals to me. I am going to scout around somemore. Measuring the pros and cons the FX 50 could be a decent replacement for my M45. Need to take a test drive. Thanks for all the info. That helped me narrow down the field.

[SteveTheTech]

You should check out the JX35 that is coming out next year.

Many of the people I come across are hesitant to get behind what looks similar to Infinitis' version of a Murano. The JX looks like it is going to have a similar running gear to newest generation Murano. The VQ35 is a great engine and the new cvt should resolve the shift timing complaints and mediocre fuel economy of the EX, and FX with the power on demand needed to legitimately qualify as an Infiniti. It looks like a new M inside with all the bells and whistles of the M combined with the theater package from the QX.

[VisualUniverse]

I have read many posts with Infiniti engine issues needing full replacements. I have also read a variety of other issues related to electronics, water leakage and on and on. What is Infiniti doing, selling high prices junk? These used to be the top of the line cars as reliable as Nissan or Toyota. What happened?

Thank you for posting this...it represents my current sentiment. I recently started the process of evaluating cars for a 2012 car purchase. Having owned 3 Nissan Maxima cars in the past, it was only natural that I would take a look at Infiniti. The new M37 was in the top 4 cars I was considering mainly because of exterior and interior styling. Then I started reading owner comments and reviews on various websites. The iPod/iPhone issues were somewhat of a concern, but I figured by the time I purchased an M, the issues would be resolved. It was the engine lag comments that really bothered me. The V6 engines in my past Nissans were solid, dependable, and aggressive performers. So how is it that Nissan/Infiniti has lost its touch? I'm still months away from making a decision, so maybe Infiniti will have their issues resolved by then.

-PJ

[SteveTheTech]

Greetings, welcome to our little corner of the internet. Good luck with the research of the upcoming purchase, that is always my favorite part.

Thank you for posting this...it represents my current sentiment. I recently started the process of evaluating cars for a 2012 car purchase.
The new M37 was in the top 4 cars I was considering mainly because of exterior and interior styling. Then I started reading owner comments and reviews on various websites.

I see these things every day and I can't really say I completely agree. I am openly biased but I will be honest with you as I am a product fan not a company shill. Most of the complaints listed are infrequent and if there are concerns that can be isolated to a specific vin range with almost always publish a bulletin or issue a recall. Nissan is good about this as I was over there when the 2004 Quest and 2002 2.5 were brand new, Infiniti takes it a step farther, especially with first year issues. As a long time Maxima driver I'm sure you know better than to get the first year of any car. No matter how much R & D goes into a product the first run will always have more bugs than the next run does.

What's on your research list?

The iPod/iPhone issues were somewhat of a concern, but I figured by the time I purchased an M, the issues would be resolved.

I will give you that their outgoing sound quality is only so-so, but the majority of connection problems are associated with Apple devices. They have recalled the microphones on the first run of Ms and updated the OS twice since it came out. Several of our managers use iPhones in Ms and notice a difference after the reflash but given the location of the microphone and fact they do not use a double input with noise cancellation software(similar to the non OEM parrot setups Seen Here). The limitations with this system are one thing but if you look on the Apple forum you will notice a recurring pattern that typically follows an OTA update and some bluetooth devices. The most recent one killed the connection between my work neighbors' 3gs and M37 now it only works sporadically and often disconnects and requires re-pairing. I do not care much for Bluetooth in general, causes even the best phones to do odd things, but it is so painfully convenient.

It was the engine lag comments that really bothered me. The V6 engines in my past Nissans were solid, dependable, and aggressive performers.

...You just have to drive one. Remember that the engine and transmission are very adaptive and may feel a little funny at first but within a few miles they get settled. There are four drive modes with distinctive characteristics and in Eco mode in a car equipped with the feedback pedal will be a strange first drive. I do not recommend using eco on a first test drive.
Remember that...
The M37 hits 60 in 5.5
The hybrid in 5.2
And the 56x in just 4.8 (according to http://www.zeroto60times.com/Infiniti-0 ... Times.html)
I don't think lag is really enough a factor that it should be effecting your pre drive impression of any vehicle.

I'm still months away from making a decision, so maybe Infiniti will have their issues resolved by then.

I do not know about you but I rarely review or take to the internet to complain about a product that works well. You have to bear in mind the segment of people writing about their cars online are only a small representation of the actual owners. As part of your research I strongly recommend spending some time in the euro high end forums. They all tend to have their share of "I hate my new car for X, Y, Z reasons". One thing Infiniti is fairly well known for is recalling things that tend to cause issues that may annoy the owner. The 2008 EX35 and 2011 M are a great examples. There is a small segment of vehicles on the road that have several (no safety related concerns) small recalls for parts they have updated and instead of waiting for people to complain they have flagged the vin number range and anytime a repair order is generated at the dealer the recalls will be added to the RO (fyi the '12 has zero recalls).That is of course in addition to direct mailing. One of the recalls was for the microphone, one for the AV software, one for the window switches and some got a new rear sunshade. Infiniti spares little expense (comparably to what the others do) fixing new cars they would rather replace everything than have an unhappy owner....That being said some people have harder (read as- nothing will ever make it right) to resolve issues.

Pardon the run on there, enjoy shopping.

[Blastphemy]

The Murano is a good suggestion but I would like to stay with Infiniti. The FX50 appeals to me. I am going to scout around somemore. Measuring the pros and cons the FX 50 could be a decent replacement for my M45. Need to take a test drive. Thanks for all the info. That helped me narrow down the field.

You should check out the JX35 that is coming out next year.

Many of the people I come across are hesitant to get behind what looks similar to Infinitis' version of a Murano. The JX looks like it is going to have a similar running gear to newest generation Murano. The VQ35 is a great engine and the new cvt should resolve the shift timing complaints and mediocre fuel economy of the EX, and FX with the power on demand needed to legitimately qualify as an Infiniti. It looks like a new M inside with all the bells and whistles of the M combined with the theater package from the QX.

If myother45isalesbaer wants a powerful engine like the FX50 or M56, the JX isn't even going to come close. The JX is for soccer moms and grandparents. Granted, very cool soccer moms and hip grandparents, but not for those who want V8 power.

[myother45isalesbaer]

The Murano is a good suggestion but I would like to stay with Infiniti. The FX50 appeals to me. I am going to scout around somemore. Measuring the pros and cons the FX 50 could be a decent replacement for my M45. Need to take a test drive. Thanks for all the info. That helped me narrow down the field.

You should check out the JX35 that is coming out next year.

Many of the people I come across are hesitant to get behind what looks similar to Infinitis' version of a Murano. The JX looks like it is going to have a similar running gear to newest generation Murano. The VQ35 is a great engine and the new cvt should resolve the shift timing complaints and mediocre fuel economy of the EX, and FX with the power on demand needed to legitimately qualify as an Infiniti. It looks like a new M inside with all the bells and whistles of the M combined with the theater package from the QX.

If myother45isalesbaer wants a powerful engine like the FX50 or M56, the JX isn't even going to come close. The JX is for soccer moms and grandparents. Granted, very cool soccer moms and hip grandparents, but not for those who want V8 power.

Thanks for that info. I still contend Infiniti's are going down the toilet. I am looking for a high powered luxury sport sedan and can't find one. I just read a few more posts about the TPMS problems and I am disgusted. This is a constant issue that Infiniti should fix for free. I have it. Others have it, but all with slightly different reasons. Then I hear Infiniti cares so much about customer satisfaction, to which I say BS. I love my M but the more I think on it, it will be the last Infiniti I own. I just may go back to BMW or Benz. At least they build quality machines even though the price is higher. Infiniti is selling troublesome cars at prices way over what they are worth. That's my OP.

[audtatious]

People seem to use rose colored glasses when looking back 30 years. Hell, my stripped out '83 Corolla coupe with <90hp, cassette deck, cloth interior, power nothing, cost over $20k + tax/tag/title based on inflation comparisons. It was a rust bucket that went through 3 motors, 3 transmissions, 2 paint jobs, rear end, etc.

As far as MB and BMW are concerned I hear plenty of issues from their owners.

Consumer Reports manufacturer reliability for 2011:


BMW has a better score but is less reliable (guess their long warranty helps). MB is lower than Nissan on each level.

[myother45isalesbaer]

People seem to use rose colored glasses when looking back 30 years. Hell, my stripped out '83 Corolla coupe with <90hp, cassette deck, cloth interior, power nothing, cost over $20k + tax/tag/title based on inflation comparisons. It was a rust bucket that went through 3 motors, 3 transmissions, 2 paint jobs, rear end, etc.

As far as MB and BMW are concerned I hear plenty of issues from their owners.

Consumer Reports manufacturer reliability for 2011:


BMW has a better score but is less reliable (guess their long warranty helps). MB is lower than Nissan on each level.

That's an interesting chart. I sold my beemer and bought the Infiniti. Guess I will just have to keep looking and until then keep my M well maintained. Somehow I can't see myself in a Subaru. Thanks for the info.

[VisualUniverse]

Greetings, welcome to our little corner of the internet. Good luck with the research of the upcoming purchase, that is always my favorite part.

What's on your research list?

Thanks! In addition to the M37, am also looking at:

Acura TL
Hyundai Genesis (sedan)
Audi S4 (smaller than the other 3, but also faster)

I don't think lag is really enough a factor that it should be effecting your pre drive impression of any vehicle.

Here are examples of lag mentioned on Edmunds.com consumer review section for the M37:

"when I step on the gas hard, I get a long lag before the car accelerates. When that happens, it feels like 160 hp not 330 hp. Other times it's fine but I can't rely on adequate acceleration to move quickly onto to the highway or to pass cars."
http://www.edmunds.com/infiniti/m37/201 ... =234301779

"Acceleration lag gets worse after 10,000 miles, and nothing they can do about that."
http://www.edmunds.com/infiniti/m37/201 ... =459889171

"Great car until you want to accelerate... The engine seems to stall when you accelerate to pass someone"
http://www.edmunds.com/infiniti/m37/201 ... =954556375

Could be the electronics controlling the engine, but the comment about after 10K miles makes me wonder if the direct injection is the culprit. Other manufacturers (e.g. Audi & BMW) have had this problem for direct injection with the fuel injector clogging since cleaners/detergents can't affect the nozzles correctly. Some people install a catch-can in hopes of collecting deposits before entering the engine.

No matter the cause, this is a legitimate safety concern for multiple driving scenarios. I'll be monitoring to see if Infiniti fixes this in newer models.

I do not know about you but I rarely review or take to the internet to complain about a product that works well. You have to bear in mind the segment of people writing about their cars online are only a small representation of the actual owners. As part of your research I strongly recommend spending some time in the euro high end forums. They all tend to have their share of "I hate my new car for X, Y, Z reasons".

The M37 is a higher priced car, so sales volume will be lower and thus online feedback will also be lower. One of the reasons I joined this forum was to gain more insight into issues to see if there was a trend with the engine problem.

One thing Infiniti is fairly well known for is recalling things that tend to cause issues that may annoy the owner. The 2008 EX35 and 2011 M are a great examples. There is a small segment of vehicles on the road that have several (no safety related concerns) small recalls for parts they have updated and instead of waiting for people to complain they have flagged the vin number range and anytime a repair order is generated at the dealer the recalls will be added to the RO (fyi the '12 has zero recalls).That is of course in addition to direct mailing. One of the recalls was for the microphone, one for the AV software, one for the window switches and some got a new rear sunshade. Infiniti spares little expense (comparably to what the others do) fixing new cars they would rather replace everything than have an unhappy owner....That being said some people have harder (read as- nothing will ever make it right) to resolve issues.

I work in IT and manage multiple software dev teams. The more feature rich we make an application, the more complaints about usability and little things we hear...all because of individual preferences (and the more bugs we introduce, especially when pushed against an aggressive deadline). So it is with luxury class cars that add more technology. So when I see all the complaints about how the nav system didn't hear them correctly, or it gave wrong locations, I don't put much stake in what they say. Drivers need to adapt somewhat to the technology.

Yes, the Euro cars, especially BMW, have minor-to-major issues. I previously had a 2006 Audi A4 and it was the best suspension system and interior I've ever had in a car. Quattro was amazing during winter weather. Lots of genius innovations in that car. But every 5K to 6K miles, it would stop driving straight and would require an alignment or a torque steer electronic adjustment. This was a safety concern. Eventually we traded it in for an Acura. Hence, the Audi S4 is bottom of my list of 4, but my gosh I would love to have that supercharged 6 with Quattro.

I still haven't ruled out the M37. I'll continue to monitor for problematic trends with each car and eventually make what I hope is a sound financial decision for something I will truly enjoy driving.

-PJ

[audtatious]

The M37 is a higher priced car, so sales volume will be lower and thus online feedback will also be lower. One of the reasons I joined this forum was to gain more insight into issues to see if there was a trend with the engine problem.

Make sure you view the other Infiniti G forums as well. The M37 shares the same motor and transmission as the 2009+ G37 so volume via M37 does not matter as much. Similar/same electronics as well. What usually happens for one will happen to all.