Is timing chain wear tied to service campaign a known issue with the 2011 Infiniti Ex35?

4 NHTSA complaints have been filed about timing chain wear tied to service campaign on the 2011 Infiniti Ex35 (2014-10 → 2021-12). Reported component: POWER TRAIN, ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11438773): "I love this vehicle but it's suddenly started having a rough idle and with a scan tool detects multiple misfires and several codes due to timing, in which case the timing chain has been worn out" Source: NHTSA.

Is airbag occupancy sensor and takata recall parts delay a known issue with the 2011 Infiniti Ex35?

4 NHTSA complaints have been filed about airbag occupancy sensor and takata recall parts delay on the 2011 Infiniti Ex35 (2015-10 → 2023-09). Reported component: AIR BAGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11543567): "Front passenger airbag occupancy sensor fails leading to inactivation of front passenger airbag. Dealership says that a repair solution is not available" Source: NHTSA.

Is battery drain and electrical lockout a known issue with the 2011 Infiniti Ex35?

2 NHTSA complaints have been filed about battery drain and electrical lockout on the 2011 Infiniti Ex35 (2014-06 → 2019-02). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11182031): "HERE IS A COPY OF A BLOG. I HAVE BOUGHT 6 BATTERY'S IN 4 YEARS. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED WITH THE FAMILY LATE AT NIGHT PAID FOR MANY TOW TRUCKS. TAKEN MY CAR TO INFINITY DEALERS WITH NO SUCCESS" Source: NHTSA.

Is engine stall and acceleration hesitation a known issue with the 2011 Infiniti Ex35?

2 NHTSA complaints have been filed about engine stall and acceleration hesitation on the 2011 Infiniti Ex35 (2014-06 → 2014-07). Reported component: ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10616769): "THIS CAR HAD AN UNEXPLAINED EPISODE OF SUDDEN ENGINE POWER LOSS AND DECELERATION FOLLOWED BY ENGINE SHUTDOWN AND TEMPORARY INABILITY TO RESTART THE ENGINE" Source: NHTSA.

2011 Infiniti Ex35 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is door lock actuator failure in cold temperatures a known issue with the 2011 Infiniti Ex35?

2 NHTSA complaints have been filed about door lock actuator failure in cold temperatures on the 2011 Infiniti Ex35 (2022-05 → 2022-12). Reported component: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11498642): "My drivers side door lock actuator does not allow the drivers door to be opened if its below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. We just got a bomb cyclone bringing snow and for the second winter in a row (new actuator installed last winter for same complaint) my actuator has failed" Source: NHTSA.

The 2011 Infiniti Ex35 has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Door lock actuator failure in cold temperatures.” Infiniti manuals split service into Schedule 1 (severe — short trips, city traffic, extreme temperatures) and Schedule 2 (easy highway use). Most US drivers honestly belong on Schedule 1: oil every 5,000 miles. The VQ V6s that power most of the lineup are chain-driven and durable when the oil stays fresh. The two things owners skip at their peril: CVT fluid on QX50/QX60 (extended intervals are how these transmissions die) and oil discipline on the twin-turbo VR30 in Q50/Q60 Red Sport.

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2011 Infiniti Ex35.

Reported to NHTSA

Door lock actuator failure in cold temperatures

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 NHTSA complaints · 2022-05 → 2022-12

“My drivers side door lock actuator does not allow the drivers door to be opened if its below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. We just got a bomb cyclone bringing snow and for the second winter in a row (new actuator installed last winter for same complaint) my actuator has failed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11498642

“The door lock actuators fail to work for the doors both inside and outside if the temperature gets below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. (Also within this weather, my outer door handle which is physically attached to said actuator) has broken off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11465789

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Timing chain wear tied to service campaign

POWER TRAIN, ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2014-10 → 2021-12

“I love this vehicle but it's suddenly started having a rough idle and with a scan tool detects multiple misfires and several codes due to timing, in which case the timing chain has been worn out”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11438773

“I STARTED THE CAR UP AND STARTED TO DRIVE TO WORK ABOUT 3 MILES INTO DRIVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON FOLLOWED BY REVS WITH NO POWER OR SPEED GAIN AND THE VEHICLE WAS GIVING ME AROUND 15MPH TO THE POINT WHERE I COULDN'T GAIN MUCH MORE SPEED AND HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11181548

“MY SOLENOID SWITCH WENT BAD ON ME AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, TOOK IT TO THE INFINITI DEALERSHIP AND THEY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM SO I THOUGHT UNTIL OCT 13 WHEN I KEPT HEARING THIS NOISE COMING FROM MY HOOK LIKE A SQUEALING NOISE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10645053

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag occupancy sensor and Takata recall parts delay

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2015-10 → 2023-09

“Front passenger airbag occupancy sensor fails leading to inactivation of front passenger airbag. Dealership says that a repair solution is not available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11543567

“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI EX35. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V349000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10894841

“ISSUE: PASSENGER SEAT BELT LIGHT CONTINUES TO REMAIN ON AFTER THE PASSENGER IS NO LONGER SITTING ON THE SEAT. ROOT CAUSE FROM DEALER: DEFECTIVE PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10785191

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Battery drain and electrical lockout

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2014-06 → 2019-02

“HERE IS A COPY OF A BLOG. I HAVE BOUGHT 6 BATTERY'S IN 4 YEARS. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED WITH THE FAMILY LATE AT NIGHT PAID FOR MANY TOW TRUCKS. TAKEN MY CAR TO INFINITY DEALERS WITH NO SUCCESS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11182031

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI M56X. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, SHORTLY AFTER THE BATTERY DIED, THE LIGHTS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED, LEAVING THE CONTACT TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10597944

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall and acceleration hesitation

ENGINE

2 NHTSA complaints · 2014-06 → 2014-07

“THIS CAR HAD AN UNEXPLAINED EPISODE OF SUDDEN ENGINE POWER LOSS AND DECELERATION FOLLOWED BY ENGINE SHUTDOWN AND TEMPORARY INABILITY TO RESTART THE ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10616769

“WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM THROUGH INFINITI SERVICE CENTER SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR 10 MONTHS AGO WITH ONLY 28K MILES. THE VEHICLE HAS SEVERE HESITATION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE IMMEDIATELY AFTER SLOWING OR STOPPING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10595869

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1 (most US driving); 7,500 on the easy-use Schedule 2. VQ engines tolerate a lot but reward fresh oil with quiet chains and clean variable-timing operation. VR30 twin-turbo: treat 5,000 as the ceiling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate with every oil change. Staggered-fitment sport models (G37S, Q60) can't rotate front-to-rear — budget rear tires accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

CVT Fluid (QX50 / QX60)

Every 60,000 mi

CVT-equipped models: replace fluid around 60,000 miles — sooner with towing or hot-climate city driving. Use only Nissan NS-spec CVT fluid. This is the single most skipped, most expensive-to-skip item on modern Infiniti SUVs.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Akebono-caliper sport packages wear pads unevenly if the slide hardware isn't serviced — have it cleaned and lubricated with pad changes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace around 30,000 miles. Twin-intake VQ and VR engines use two filters — replace both, not just the easy one.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace roughly every 30,000 miles or 2 years — Infiniti pairs it with major services. Sport models driven hard should err toward the 2-year mark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (7/9-speed)

Every 60,000 mi

Conventional automatics (G35/G37/Q50 RWD 7-speed, QX80 9-speed): fluid service around 60,000 miles under severe use keeps shifts clean. Matic-S/Matic-D spec fluid only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium plugs rated to 105,000 miles. On transverse VQ models (older QX60, JX35) the rear bank hides under the intake plenum — pay the labor once, at the full interval.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace about every 15,000 miles; behind the glovebox on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 75,000 mi

First replacement at 75,000 miles / 5 years (Nissan blue long-life), then about every 4 years after. Genuine or NS-spec coolant only — mixing types gels.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking, glazing, or tensioner noise. VQ accessory belts announce their age with a cold-start chirp.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Intelligent-Key and always-on telematics draw at rest — weak batteries show up first as slow push-button starts.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

6 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2011 Infiniti Ex35 reflects INFINITI's published service intervals and the Schedule 1 / Schedule 2 Maintenance system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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