Infiniti G35 coupe reliability - how does it compare?

[mkaresh]

In late 2005 I started conducting my own reliability research. I'm reporting absolute stats like "times in the shop" that will make the differences between cars much clearer. I’ll also be updating results four times a year, so there will be information on new models sooner.

I'm collecting data on the 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2007 G35.

For the last, results for the sedan and coupe will be analyzed separately. I may separate results for other years as well, depending on whether repairs tend to involve common or unique parts. If anyone has a sense of how this is going to shake out, feel free to share. Do problems with the G35 coupe tend to be unique to the coupe?

More cars would be helpful for all years. Participants simply report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, at the end of each quarter.

To encourage participation, panel members will receive full access to the results free of charge.

Details: Vehicle reliability research

Comments, questions, and suggestions welcome.

[Rphillips6487]

sounds great

but did you forget about 2006? you have all g35s there but the 06's

[mkaresh]

I haven't forgotten them, I just for some reason have fewer of them signed up. Need eight more 2006s to reach the minimum to start. So probably in March or April.

[fcarpio]

I have a 2006, what do I need to do? PM me.

[icab]

What sort of personal information do you require for the site?

I'd be hesistant to use it if you required mailing address, VIN, or anything, well, really personal. I'm OK if all you need is a email address and car brand/model/year.

Thanks.

[mkaresh]

I ask for the license plate and state, but the plate isn't absolutely required when you sign up--you can just enter 99. I just reserve the right to require it if responses seem questionable, to verify the existence of a car with the relevant DMV. I'll probably rarely if ever actually request a plate, but some people have asked how I'll know people aren't just making stuff up, and this is the answer.

I went with the plate rather than the VIN because it's easier to look up and it's about as public as personal info gets--hundreds of people see it every time you drive the car.

I don't currently require any other personal info, and anyone who joins now will be grandfathered if I ever do require it.

[mkaresh]

Still looking for more coupes.

I am collecting data on the 2006 as well now, though the number of cars enrolled is marginal.

I'll determine whether to report results for the coupe and sedan separately for 2003 through 2006 (2007 is clearly necessary) based on whether the problems reported affect shared bits. From reading this forum, this seems likely. Looking in CR's latest auto issue, they simply don't include results for the coupe.

[AAClaire420]

I have a 2006 coupe as well


Let me know if I can help =)

[heeb]

The only thing is.. this would only make up a small portion of the actual G35 owners opinions. For the record though I've got an 04 with over 40,000 miles and no problems besides sunroof squeek..

[mkaresh]

Originally Posted by AAClaire420

I have a 2006 coupe as well


Let me know if I can help =)

You can definitely help. I probably should provide a link further down the thread:

Vehicle reliability research

Heeb: in survey analysis, the size of the population is not a factor in accuracy. I'm finding that even with data on a couple dozen cars the results start to get stable. A larger sample is always better, but it's necessary to start small.

[nghiars]

i have an 03 coupe.. if you really need another one.. pm me the link

[mkaresh]

Done.

I can always use more participants. The larger the sample, the more precise the results will be.

[mkaresh]

Next results in a few weeks. Based on early responses, it looks like I'll have official results for the 2003 and for the 2007 sedan, and asterisked results due to an insufficient sample size for the other years. More participants will certainly help.

I'm not sure yet whether I'll be combining results for the coupe and sedan for years before 2007 (certainly not for 2007). It'll depend on whether problems seem specific to one body or the other.

What has been the experience here? Does the coupe have unique problem areas?

[partyman66]

Originally Posted by mkaresh

What has been the experience here? Does the coupe have unique problem areas?

I would say yes in some facets that the Coupe has unique problem areas from the sedan. For one, the Coupes side door windows don't have a sealed upper beam above the window, whereas the sedans do. This can lead to issues with the windows sealing properly and lining up correctly with the upper gasket and also creating wind noise.

There is also the huge issue of the 298 HP Rev Up motor that is much more commonly found in the Coupes vs the Sedans and that motor has been more prone to oil consumption problems... not to mention the fact that the 6-speed manual transmission that it is equipped with has also had some issues with people needing warrantied transmission replacements. Also packaged with the 6-speed manual transmission in '03 and '04 were the Brembo brakes, which are expensive to fix and wear out fast. '03 and '04 non-Brembo G35's also had brake wear issues, but they were covered under warranty up to I think it was 30K miles, whereas the Brembos were not warrantied to any extended repair interval.

Another difference would be the Rear Active Steer which is an option on the newer coupes only(not on sedans)... although I haven't heard of any problems yet with it.

The G35 Coupes have a Techical Service Bulletin regarding a Sunroof Squeak/creak problem(I had to bring mine in for this), whereas the Sedans didn't have this. From my experience with loaner G35 Sedans, I think the sunroof on the sedan was noticeably smaller than that of the Coupe.

There is also the issue of Tire Feathering which plauges the G35 Coupe.... I'm not sure if it also impacts the sedan though. Maybe someone else can chime in on that.

[bocatrip]

No feathering issues with the Sedan.