2012 INFINITI M37

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1+ quart per 1,000 miles), Low oil pressure warning, ticking/knocking from engine, Metal shavings in oil, scored cylinder walls, Complete engine seizure if oil starvation occurs

Fix: The VQ37VHR has known gallery gasket failures causing oil starvation to critical components. Many engines develop excessive bore wear and piston ring issues. Requires complete engine rebuild with new pistons, rings, bearings, and gaskets (80-100 hours labor) or short block replacement (60-80 hours). Some owners catch it early enough for just rings and gaskets, but most need full internal work.

Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000

Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Coolant in transmission fluid (strawberry milkshake color), Transmission fluid in coolant reservoir, Harsh shifting, slipping, or complete transmission failure, Overheating engine or transmission

Fix: The internal transmission cooler in the radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. This destroys the transmission if not caught immediately. Requires radiator replacement, complete transmission fluid system flush (or transmission rebuild if contamination occurred), and cooling system flush. If caught early: 6-8 hours labor. If transmission damaged: add 20-30 hours for rebuild or replacement.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,500 early / $5,000-8,000 with transmission damage

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse, Vibration during acceleration or deceleration, Visible transmission sag or torn rubber in mount

Fix: The rear transmission mount deteriorates and tears, allowing excessive drivetrain movement. Replacement requires lifting the transmission slightly (3-4 hours labor). OEM mounts recommended as aftermarket often fail prematurely.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Hard starting, especially when hot, Rough idle, hesitation under acceleration, P0087 code (fuel rail pressure too low), Loss of power, limp mode

Fix: The direct-injection high-pressure fuel pump can fail or the in-tank filter/sending unit assembly clogs. Tank pump replacement requires dropping the fuel tank (3-4 hours). High-pressure pump on engine is 4-5 hours. Often both fuel filter and pump need attention together on higher-mileage examples.

Estimated cost: $800-1,800

Typical onset: any mileage

Symptoms: No-start condition, crank but no fire, Random stalling while driving, P0335 or P0340 codes, Intermittent tach dropout

Fix: The crank position sensor fails without warning, leaving you stranded. Located behind the starter motor on this engine, requiring starter removal and working in tight quarters (2-3 hours labor). Always replace with OEM Hitachi sensor—aftermarket versions often fail within months.

Estimated cost: $350-600

Typical onset: any mileage

Symptoms: Steering wheel won't unlock, can't start car, Clicking noise from steering column when starting, Red steering wheel warning light

Fix: The electronic steering lock module fails and prevents starting. Some owners have been stranded. Nissan/Infiniti issued a warranty extension to 10 years/120k miles on some VINs. Replacement requires column disassembly and programming (3-4 hours labor). Many owners permanently disable this system after failure.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400