6 Best & Worst Infiniti G35 Years (With Facts & Stats)

The Infiniti G35 is a sporty sedan (with a coupe counterpart) that started in 2003 and ended with the 2008 model year. 

It offers a pleasing blend of sporty performance, upscale features, and great value. 

In this article, we’ll be covering all of the best and worst model years of the G35.

Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Infiniti G35 Are:

The best Infiniti G35 model years are 2008 and 2007. The worst model years of this model are 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.

What Are The Best Years For The Infiniti G35?

2008 and 2007 Infiniti G35

The 2008 and 2007 G35 model years are the final two versions of the G35 before the line was discontinued. They are considered to be the best and most reliable model years.

The 2007 model year introduced a major redesign that also solved many of the issues and problems of the predecessors.

Highlights of this major redesign include:

  • Stiffer body structure
  • Revised chassis tuning for better handling
  • More powerful V6 engine
  • Updated interior and exterior styling

There are 4 trims to choose from: Base, Journey, Sport 6 MT, and X. All are powered by a huge 3.5-liter V6 engine (306 horsepower, 268 pound-feet of torque). 

According to the EPA, these models can achieve as much as 20 MPG for combined city and highway driving.

The 2007 and 2008 Infiniti G35 models feature interiors that are notably improved over their predecessor, focusing on enhanced material quality and design refinements.

The cabin offers user-friendly controls and is adorned with materials like leather and optional wood trim, alongside unique ‘Japanese Washi-paper finish’ aluminum accents.

Despite these upgrades, some critiques have been noted regarding the functionality of interior storage and cupholders, especially in models equipped with manual transmissions.

Key safety features include a built-in alarm system, tire pressure warning, and stability control. 

2008 Infiniti G35:

  • Edmunds: 4.9 / 5.0
  • Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
  • JD Power: 82 / 100

2007 Infiniti G35:

  • Edmunds: 4.8 / 5.0
  • Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
  • JD Power: NA

2008 Infiniti G35, Edmunds Review:

“Got this car to replace a totalled ’02 bmw 325xi. Shopping for cars was a real disappointment, everything was either too underpowered or too expensive. Infiniti’s value blew me away; I test drove a 2008 g35 and bought it later that day. Sure, the Germans make a smoother ride, but the G35 is quicker. The 306HP V6 is a blast to drive and its interior is feature rich and well designed…”

Consumer Scores For Best Infiniti G35 Years

Model YearEdmunds
Consumer Rating
Kelley Blue Book
Consumer Rating
JD Power
Consumer Rating
2008 Infiniti G354.9 / 5.04.7 / 5.082 / 100
2007 Infiniti G354.8 / 5.04.7 / 5.0NA

Related: How Long Do Infiniti Q50 Last? (Solved and Explained)

What Are The Worst Years For The Infiniti G35?

2003 Infiniti G35

The 2003 G35, the first ever version produced, also happens to be the most problematic model ever (by a landslide).

Owners of this model complained about a variety of widespread and recurring electrical issues, including but not limited to the following:

  • Interior and exterior lighting issues
  • Vehicle stalling
  • Air conditioning malfunctions
  • Audio system malfunctions
  • Illumination of various warning indicators
  • Spontaneous electrical fires
  • Ignition switch issues

Clearly, these anomalies are caused by a faulty production process and sourcing of electronic components.

“While you’re driving you lose control of heating controls. It was raining and I had to defrost windows. Well it started heating the floor and I could not control where to direct heat. And note the radio doesn’t work when it occurs as well.” – CarProblemZoo.com

“The complete console lighting has gone out in my car. It only works when the exterior lights are off. Not able to drive at night and difficult to drive during daylight due to not being able to see the speedometer. Very much a safety issue.” – CarProblemZoo.com

  • The 2003 Infiniti G35 had a total of 21 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 708 problems based on NHTSA.gov data.

Common problems:

  • Premature brake and rotor wear
  • Steering rack leakage
  • Rear window shattered

2004, 2005, and 2006 Infiniti G35

The 2004, 2005, and 2006 G35 model years suffered from an identical set of engine-related issues. 

While not as frequent or plentiful as the complaints logged for the 2003 model year, the issues experienced by owners of these three models were arguably far more severe and hazardous.

Owners reported frequent unintended acceleration, vehicle stalling, loss of power, faulty sensors, and excessive oil consumption, all of which contributed to a highly unreliable driving experience.

“The Infiniti G35 2004 model will completely shut off when driving the car. I found out that the camshaft sensor was the issue and the 2003 model had a recall however the 2004 does not. This issue is very concerning since the car will shut off while one is driving. This is a danger to other individuals on the road as well as the individuals driving the car.” – CarProblemZoo.com

“I was on the side of a mountain road when suddenly the car started shaking and I lost engine power as well as power steering. All engine lights turned on. I looked this up, and it seems like many people have had this problem so there was a recall on the Infiniti G35 sedan, but interestingly not on the coupe…” – CarProblemZoo.com

  • The 2004 Infiniti G35 had a total of 7 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 339 problems based on NHTSA.gov data.
  • The 2005 Infiniti G35 had a total of 3 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 385 problems based on NHTSA.gov data.
  • The 2006 Infiniti G35 had a total of 8 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 247 problems based on NHTSA.gov data.

Common problems:

  • Bad smell in the car
  • Complete loss of power
  • Malfunctioning window motor
  • Melted dashboard
  • Excessive oil consumption
  • Malfunctioning steering wheel controls

What Years Have The Most Complaints?

Model YearComplaints
(CarComplaints.com)
Problems
(NHTSA.gov)
Recalls
(NHTSA.gov)
2008 Infiniti G3531211
2007 Infiniti G3581493
2006 Infiniti G3582472
2005 Infiniti G3533851
2004 Infiniti G3573393
2003 Infiniti G35217087

What Problems Do Infiniti G35 Have?

  • Premature brake and rotor wear
  • Steering rack leakage
  • Transmission failure
  • Rear window shattered
  • Bad smell in the car
  • Complete loss of power
  • Malfunctioning window motor
  • Melted dashboard
  • Excessive oil consumption
  • Malfunctioning steering wheel controls

References

Author:

  • Ian Sawyer

    Growing up with a father who was a mechanic I had an appreciation for cars and motorcycles from an early age. I shared my first bike with my brother that had little more than a 40cc engine but it opened up a world of excitement for me, I was hooked. As I grew older I progressed onto bigger bikes and...

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