2010 INFINITI G37

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Burning 1+ quarts per 1,000 miles with no external leaks, Blue smoke on startup or acceleration, Check engine light for lean codes (P0171/P0174) as oil fouls sensors, Sudden rod knock or seizure if oil level drops unnoticed

Fix: Root cause is defective piston ring design causing bore glazing and blowby. Minor cases attempt piston ring replacement (18-22 hours), but most need short block or full rebuild due to cylinder wall damage. If spun bearings occurred, crankshaft machining adds 6-8 hours. Complete engine replacement is often more cost-effective than rebuild at indie shops.

Estimated cost: $6,500-12,000

Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid appears milky or strawberry-colored (coolant mixing), Harsh shifts or slipping after coolant intrusion, Overheating transmission temp warnings, Coolant loss with no visible external leaks

Fix: Factory oil cooler inside radiator develops internal leak, allowing coolant and ATF to mix—kills the transmission if driven. Requires radiator replacement, complete transmission fluid system flush (including cooler lines and external cooler), and often transmission replacement if contamination went unnoticed. Proper fix is 8-10 hours including multiple fluid exchanges. Many shops now install external cooler and bypass factory setup as preventive measure.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,800 (if caught early); $4,500-7,000 (with transmission damage)

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking on hard acceleration or deceleration, Vibration at idle in Drive, Shifter feels notchy or catches when moving between gears, Visible sagging of transmission tailshaft on lift

Fix: Rear transmission mount (crossmember mount) is hydraulic-filled and fails predictably. Not a safety issue but creates driveline slop and stress on exhaust hangers. Replacement is 1.5-2 hours—straightforward drop and swap. OEM part is superior to aftermarket.

Estimated cost: $350-550

Typical onset: 120,000-160,000 mi

Symptoms: Intermittent stumble or hesitation under load, Rough idle after sitting, Fuel trims significantly positive (ECU adding fuel), Long crank times, especially when hot

Fix: In-tank fuel filter/pump assembly gets clogged from sediment in older tanks. Nissan considers it lifetime part, but reality differs. Requires fuel tank drop and pump module replacement. Labor 3-4 hours. Some techs find cleaning strainer works temporarily, but replacement is proper fix.

Estimated cost: $650-1,100

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Oil seepage at timing cover/upper oil pan junction, Oil spots under vehicle after overnight parking, Burning oil smell from valve cover area (drips onto exhaust), No correlation with oil consumption—external leak only

Fix: Upper oil pan and timing cover gaskets weep over time. Not urgent unless leak is heavy. Timing cover requires accessory removal and careful RTV application (6-8 hours). Upper oil pan gasket can sometimes be addressed without full engine pull but tight quarters make it 8-10 hours. Many owners live with minor seepage and just monitor levels.

Estimated cost: $800-1,600

Symptoms: No-start condition with steering wheel locked, Dash warning: 'Steering lock malfunction', Clicking from steering column when attempting start, Happens suddenly, often after car sits overnight

Fix: Electronic steering lock actuator fails internally and won't release. Common enough that Infiniti extended warranty on some VINs, but many 2010s are out of coverage. When it fails, vehicle is immobilized. Replacement is 2-3 hours (column trim removal). Many owners proactively pull the fuse (disabling feature) to prevent being stranded—DIY workaround but disables theft deterrent.

Estimated cost: $650-1,100