2013 INFINITI M37

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1 quart per 1,000 miles or worse), Low oil pressure warning at idle when hot, Engine knock or rod bearing noise, Metal shavings in oil or oil filter, Check engine light with low oil pressure codes

Fix: The VQ37VHR has a known oil gallery gasket defect causing oil starvation to main and rod bearings. Once bearings are damaged, you need a complete engine rebuild or replacement short block. Rebuild involves 25-35 hours labor—pistons, rings, bearings, gaskets, machine work. Some shops recommend just swapping in a reman long block to save diagnostic time on internal damage extent.

Estimated cost: $6,500-12,000

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Pink or milky transmission fluid (coolant mixing), Overheating transmission temp gauge reading, Harsh shifts or limp mode, Coolant loss with no external leaks

Fix: The internal transmission cooler inside the radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix—this destroys the transmission rapidly. Proper fix requires new radiator, complete transmission fluid flush (multiple cycles), often new transmission if contamination went unnoticed. External cooler retrofit recommended. Radiator replacement alone is 3-4 hours, but if trans is damaged you're looking at 12-16 hours for R&R and rebuild.

Estimated cost: $800-1,200 (radiator only) or $4,500-7,500 (with transmission rebuild)

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in gear, Transmission 'thud' on acceleration or deceleration, Visible sagging or torn rubber on mount inspection

Fix: The rear transmission mount deteriorates, allowing excessive drivetrain movement. Replacement is straightforward—support transmission, unbolt old mount, install new. Takes about 2-3 hours including alignment check. OEM mount recommended over aftermarket for longevity.

Estimated cost: $350-600

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Hard starting or extended cranking when warm, Engine stumbling or cutting out under load, Low fuel pressure code (P0087), Whining noise from fuel tank area, Stalling after sitting in hot weather

Fix: The in-tank fuel pump assembly wears out, and the integrated filter can clog with sediment. Infiniti doesn't sell the filter separately—you replace the entire pump module. Requires dropping the fuel tank or removing rear seat and access panel depending on build date. 3-4 hours labor with tank drop method.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Harsh or delayed 2-3 or 3-4 upshifts, Transmission stuck in gear or won't shift, Check engine light with shift solenoid codes (P0745, P0750 family), Erratic shift points or hunting between gears, Whining or buzzing from transmission

Fix: The 7-speed transmission valve body develops worn solenoids or internal valve bore wear. Diagnosis requires pulling transmission pan, checking solenoid resistance, and often replacing valve body assembly. If caught early, solenoid replacement is 5-7 hours; full valve body is 8-10 hours since transmission must be partially disassembled in place.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,800

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Rattling or whirring noise at cold start that fades after 10-20 seconds, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0011, P0021), Rough idle or misfires, Metal debris in oil on analysis, Timing chain 'slap' noise under the timing covers

Fix: The primary and secondary timing chain tensioners wear, allowing chain slack that can jump teeth or break guides. Requires both timing covers off, all chains, tensioners, and guides replaced—this is a 12-16 hour job on the VQ37. Absolutely must be caught before chain jumps or you'll have valve-to-piston contact requiring head work or full rebuild.

Estimated cost: $2,500-4,200