2012 INFINITI EX35

The 2012 INFINITI EX35 is a compact luxury crossover known for its sporty handling, comfortable interior, and stylish design. It came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine (VQ35HR) producing 297 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate the EX35 for its responsiveness, luxurious features, and relatively nimble handling compared to larger SUVs. However, some common complaints include a somewhat small cargo area, dated infotainment system, and less-than-stellar fuel economy for its class.

Engine

3.5L V6 (VQ35HR)

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Symptoms include low oil level warnings, engine knocking, and potential engine damage if not addressed.
  • Solution: Monitor oil levels frequently and address any leaks promptly. Some owners have had success with using thicker oil or performing engine repairs/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (Oil change) - $5,000+ (Engine repair/replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets. This may lead to burning oil smell and low oil levels over time.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping/Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced transmission slipping between gears, especially during acceleration, or harsh and erratic shifting patterns. This can be caused by low transmission fluid, a faulty valve body, or worn clutch packs.
  • Solution: Check and replace transmission fluid. If the issue persists, the valve body or transmission may need repair or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (Fluid change) - $3,000+ (Valve body/Transmission replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature wear or failure of the front struts, leading to a bouncy ride, poor handling, and clunking noises over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the front struts. It’s often recommended to replace both front struts at the same time for balanced handling.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800 per pair.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear shock absorbers can degrade over time, leading to a bouncy or unstable ride, especially when loaded or driving on uneven surfaces.
  • Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 per pair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported unexplained battery drain, especially if the vehicle sits for extended periods. This can be caused by a parasitic drain from a faulty component or module.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic drain. This may involve testing various electrical components and modules.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Navigation/Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation/infotainment system can experience issues such as freezing, slow response times, or failure to boot up.
  • Solution: Software updates can sometimes resolve these issues. In more severe cases, the unit may need to be replaced or repaired.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Liftgate Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The automatic liftgate mechanism may fail, causing the liftgate to not open or close properly.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the liftgate motor or related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may get stuck, make excessive noise when opening/closing, or leak.
  • Solution: Clean and lubricate the sunroof tracks and seals. If the motor or mechanism is damaged, it may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $600+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2012 INFINITI EX35 has several potential issues, ranging from minor electrical glitches to more significant engine and transmission concerns. The most prevalent engine issue appears to be related to oil consumption and valve cover leaks. The transmission has potential for slippage and harsh shifting. Suspension components can fail, negatively impacting handling. While some issues are relatively inexpensive to fix, others, such as engine or transmission repairs, can be costly. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and have a thorough inspection performed before purchasing a used 2012 EX35. The severity of these issues ranges from inconvenient to potentially requiring significant repairs, and the costs can vary widely depending on the specific problem and the shop performing the work.