2012 INFINITI M35h
2012 INFINITI M35h
Overview
The 2012 INFINITI M35h, a luxury hybrid sedan, aimed to blend performance with fuel efficiency. It featured a sophisticated hybrid powertrain combining a V6 gasoline engine with an electric motor. While generally well-regarded for its comfortable ride and advanced technology for its time, like any vehicle, it has specific areas where owners have reported concerns. This analysis focuses on documented technical reliability issues, excluding routine maintenance and normal wear and tear, to provide a clear picture of potential long-term ownership considerations for this model.
Engine
3.5L V6 Hybrid (VQ35HR)
Hybrid Battery Degradation
- Symptoms: Reduced electric-only driving range, decreased overall fuel economy, potential for reduced acceleration.
- Solution: Hybrid battery pack replacement.
- Cost: $3,000 - $6,000
Inverter Cooling Pump Failure
- Symptoms: Overheating warnings, loss of hybrid system power, dashboard warning lights.
- Solution: Replacement of the inverter cooling pump.
- Cost: $300 - $600
Transmission
7-Speed Automatic Hybrid Transmission
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Suspension
Standard Chassis
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Electrical
Hybrid System Electronics
12V Battery Failure
- Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle, electrical system malfunctions, warning lights.
- Solution: Replacement of the 12V auxiliary battery.
- Cost: $200 - $400
Infotainment System
Navigation System Glitches
- Symptoms: Freezing screen, inaccurate GPS location, unresponsiveness.
- Solution: Software update or head unit replacement.
- Cost: $500 - $1,500
Exterior
Body and Trim
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Interior
Cabin Electronics
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Summary Verdict
The 2012 INFINITI M35h presents a generally reliable package, particularly in its conventional mechanical components like the transmission and suspension. The primary areas of concern revolve around the hybrid system’s battery pack and associated cooling components, which can incur significant repair costs upon failure. Electrical issues, such as 12V battery premature failure and infotainment system glitches, are also noted. Owners should be aware of the potential for hybrid battery degradation over time and budget for its eventual replacement. Despite these hybrid-specific concerns, the M35h offers a comfortable and technologically advanced driving experience for its era.