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2011 Infiniti M37 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2011 Infiniti M37 has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Interior leather and vinyl cracking.” 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 M37.

Reported to NHTSA

Interior leather and vinyl cracking

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2019-03

“THE LEATHER ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR PANEL IS CRACKED. IT BEGAN CRACKING TWO YEARS AGO AND IS GETTING WORST. LEATHER SHOULD NOT CRACK AT 5 YEARS. INFINITI MATERIALS SHOULD BE TOP OF THE LINE. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED ABOUT THE CRACKED LEATHER ON MY DOOR PANEL. THIS SHOULD DEFINITELY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10958403
“INFINITI USES POOR QUALITY LEATHER AND VINYL IN THE INTERIOR OF THEIR CARS. THE LEATHER AND VINYL ON MY DOOR PANEL, CENTER CONSOLE, AND SEAT HAVE CRACKED. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE INTERIOR OF MY CAR. CONSIDERING THAT INFINITI IS A LUXURY AUTO MANUFACTURER, THE INTERIOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11183705
“THE LEATHER AND VINYL THAT IS INSTALLED ON THE INTERIOR COMPONENTS OF THE CAR ARE VERY POOR QUALITY. MY SEATS, DOOR PANEL, AND CENTER CONSOLE ARE CRACKING. THE INTERIOR OF MY CAR LOOKS TERRIBLE. CONSIDERING THAT INFINITI IS A LEISURE LINE AUTOMOBILE, IT IS APPALLING THAT THEY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11183706

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission hesitation and jerking on acceleration

POWER TRAIN

15 NHTSA complaints · 2011-09 → 2020-12

“I HAVE CONCERNING ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION OF THIS VEHICLE SINCE PURCHASE 8/27/2010. THE TRANSMISSION HAS MAJOR HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING, SLOWING DOWN AND WITH EVERDAY USE(JERKY FEELING IN CITY TRAFFIC) NO MATTER WHAT DRIVE MODE IS USED I.E SPORT, NORMAL, ECO, SNOW”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10427671
“THE TRANSMISSION IN THE M37'S ARE REALLY BAD. THE 7 SPEED TRANSMISSION HAS A VERY DIFFICULT TIME FIGURING WHAT GEAR TO GO INTO. WHEN YOU ARE ACCELERATING ONTO AN OFF RAMP OR EVEN AFTER A RED LIGHT THERE IS A MAJOR DELAY BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT GEAR TO GO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10628579
“WHEN YOU START THE CAR STALLS. AND HESITATES. THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT DOWNSHIFT PROPERLY AND IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. I WENT TO GET IN TRAFFIC AND THE CAR HESITATED AND ALMOST GOT ME HIT. IT APPEARS THAT ALL OVER THE BLOGS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. THEY TRY TO CORRECT WITH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10744921

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended vehicle movement without driver input

POWER TRAIN

2 NHTSA complaints · 2014-05 → 2016-08

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI M37. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT ROLLED AWAY WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. UPDATED 10/06/16*LJ *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10894472
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI M37. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HOOK THAT HELD THE FLOOR MAT IN PLACE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS NOT STABLE. THE FLOOR MAT BECAME LOOSE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE ERRONEOUSLY, RESULTING IN A CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10595146

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering wheel lock and lane-wander at speed

STEERING

7 NHTSA complaints · 2011-01 → 2020-02

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI M37. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING. BOTH THE DEALER (SEWELL INFINITI OF DALLAS, 7110 LEMMON AVE, DALLAS, TX 75209, (972) 490-4545) AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11071733
“I'D LIKE TO REPORT A PROBLEM THAT HAS OCCURRED WITH MY 2011 INFINITI M37 WHICH SEEMS TO BE PRETTY FATAL. THE PLASTIC COVER THAT COVERS THE STEERING WHEEL'S ROD CRACKS OPEN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TILTED TO A LOWER POSITION. ONCE THE COVER IS CRACKED, STEERING WHEEL RUBS ON TO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11311765
“WE OWN A 2011 INFINITY M37X THAT WE FEEL IS UNSAFE BECAUSE OF A STEERING DEFECT. THE VEHICLE CONTINUALLY VEERS FROM SIDE TO SIDE UNLESS THE ROAD TRAVELLED IS PERFECTLY FLAT WITHOUT ANY IMPERFECTIONS. WE HAVE TO MAKE CONTINUAL COURSE CORRECTIONS AND IT IS VERY EASY TO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10556106

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag warning light and non-deployment

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2011-09 → 2021-11

“2011 INFINITI M37X. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATING. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WITH THE LIGHT BEING ON, THERE IS NO PROTECTION FOR THE PASSENGER. THE LIGHT STAYED ON DURING VARIOUS TRIPS, FOR FIVE MINUTES, THREE MINUTES AND 13 MINUTES. WHEN THE CONSUMER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10428530
“The Air Bag Warning Light on the dash blinks continuously and the Front Passenger Air Bag Status Light remains on whether or not the seat is occupied. I took the car to the Infiniti dealer. The Service Advisor said the Occupant Classification System Control Unit or OCS sensor”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11439686
“2011 INFINITI M37. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIR BAG MALFUNCTION AND ENGINE NOT STARTING. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT, IN WHICH THE REPAIR BILL WAS IN EXCESS OF $20,000. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE BRAKES WERE A CONSTANT PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10505076

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Battery drain and electrical system shutdown

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2014-05 → 2014-09

“BATTERY KEEPS DRAINING. I HAD TO JUMP IT COUPLE TIMES AND TODAY I JUMPED IT, EVERYTHING CAME BACK, BUT THE CAR WON'T START. IT FLASHES 'WARNING KEY SYSTEM'. THE CAR IS AT THE INFINITI DEALER NOW. THEY WILL CALL ME TOMORROW WITH THE INFO ABOUT WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THE CAR. THIS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10593793
“BATTERY FAILURES CAR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM UNABLE TO HANDLE OVERNIGHT DISCHARGE.WITH ONBOARD ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. WITHIN 2 DAYS THE BATTERY IS DEAD AND REQUIRES A JUMP START. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10619376
“AFTER 3 DAYS PARKING IN GARAGE, THE BATTERY WAS DRAINED. WE HOOKED UP A BATTERY CHARGER. THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLASHED A FEW TIMES AND THEN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. THE CAR WENT TOTALLY DEAD. NONE OF THE BUTTONS WAS WORKING, NOT EVEN THE TRUNK LID. SIMILAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10629983

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)

22 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.

4

complaints mentioning a crash

0

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 M37 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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