2012 INFINITI M35h
The 2012 INFINITI M35h is a hybrid luxury sedan that offered a blend of performance and fuel efficiency. It featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 302 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A 7-speed automatic transmission was the only transmission option. The non-hybrid M37 and M56 were also available, equipped with a 3.7L V6 (330 hp) and a 5.6L V8 (420 hp) respectively, both also using the 7-speed automatic. Owners generally praised the M35h for its smooth ride, comfortable interior, and impressive fuel economy for its class. However, some criticisms included the complex hybrid system, which could lead to expensive repairs, and the somewhat dated infotainment system compared to newer competitors.
Electric Motor
Hybrid Electric Motor
- Inverter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Complete loss of hybrid system functionality, leading to the car being unable to start or drive. Warning lights related to the hybrid system illuminate on the dashboard.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty inverter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $6,000+
- Hybrid Battery Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced fuel economy, decreased acceleration, hybrid system warning lights illuminated, and potential inability to start the vehicle. Can sometimes present as a “Check Hybrid System” or similar error message.
- Solution: Replacement of the hybrid battery pack. In some cases, individual battery modules within the pack can be replaced, but this is often less reliable than replacing the entire pack.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $8,000+
Transmission
7-Speed Automatic
- Transmission Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, slipping gears, delayed engagement, or complete loss of drive. Warning lights on the dashboard may illuminate.
- Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the transmission.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
- Valve Body Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, hard shifts, or failure to shift properly. Can be intermittent.
- Solution: Replacement of the valve body within the transmission.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
Electrical
- Navigation Screen Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The navigation screen goes blank, flickers, or displays distorted images. May also affect the functionality of other systems integrated into the screen, such as climate control and audio.
- Solution: Replacement of the navigation screen or the entire head unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
- Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty pairing devices, dropped connections, poor audio quality, or inability to use Bluetooth for phone calls or audio streaming.
- Solution: Software update of the infotainment system. If the problem persists, replacement of the Bluetooth module might be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (software update), $500 - $1,200+ (module replacement)
Interior
- Center Console Trim Delamination
- Description/Symptoms: The silver painted trim on the center console (around the gear shift and cup holders) starts to peel and delaminate, especially in warmer climates.
- Solution: Replacement of the affected trim pieces.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
Summary
The 2012 INFINITI M35h, while a luxurious and relatively fuel-efficient hybrid, presents some potential issues, particularly related to its hybrid system components and the transmission. The hybrid system, including the inverter and battery pack, can be expensive to repair or replace. Electrical gremlins with the navigation screen and Bluetooth connectivity are also relatively common. While the vehicle is generally reliable, these potential issues should be considered when evaluating a used 2012 INFINITI M35h. The severity and cost of potential repairs lean towards the higher end due to the complexity of the hybrid system and the luxury brand.