My GarageIs Infiniti reliable?
Verdict scores Infiniti 4.0/5 overall, and the G37, Q50 and Q60 carry the lineup's strongest records. Reliability here tracks the specific model, engine and model year far more closely than the badge.
Buyer's Guide · Infiniti
Is Infiniti Reliable? A Used Buyer's Guide
3 min read
Also worth reading: Best Used Infiniti Models, Infiniti G35 Buying Guide and Infiniti Q50 Buying Guide.
Short answer: Infiniti is Nissan luxury — which means the VQ35 and VQ37 V6s are excellent and the platforms are largely durable. Unlike Nissan's mainstream lineup, most Infinitis use conventional automatic transmissions rather than the CVT, which is a major reliability advantage.
Quick Verdict
- Overall reliability
- 4.0/5 · Very good
- Most reliable models
- G37 (2008–2013), Q50 (2014+, non-hybrid V6), Q60 (2017+)
- Research carefully
- QX60 (2014+, CVT), M35h / Q70h (Hybrid), Q50 3.0T VR30DDTT (2016+)
- Ownership cost
- 4.0/5 · Very good
- Maintenance difficulty
- 4.0/5 · Very good
- Parts availability
- 4.3/5 · Very good
Bottom line: Infiniti is Nissan luxury — which means the VQ35 and VQ37 V6s are excellent and the platforms are largely durable.
Overall Verdict
★★★★★4.0/5
The G, Q50, Q60, and QX-family SUVs are dependable when serviced. The VQ V6s are among the most reliable modern V6s ever built.
Maintenance
★★★★★4.0/5
Parts availability
★★★★★4.3/5
Ownership cost
★★★★★4.0/5
Choose the naturally aspirated V6 models when possible. The newer 3.0T twin-turbo V6 is potent but less battle-tested. Ownership costs are close to Lexus and well below German competitors.
The VQ35DE-powered G35 is where most shoppers start, and because every year shares the same engine and platform, condition matters more than the badge on the trunk — our guide to the best years for the Infiniti G35 walks through which examples are worth paying up for.
Top Picks
Best Used Infiniti Models
Generations that have earned a strong long-term reputation.
G37 (2008–2013)
The bargain 370Z sedan
Pros
- • VQ37VHR V6
- • RWD or AWD
- • Cheap parts
Watch for
- • Timing chain guides on high-mileage examples
- • Trunk hinges can rust
Q50 (2014+, non-hybrid V6)
Sport-sedan value
Pros
- • VQ37VHR or twin-turbo VR30
- • Excellent RWD chassis
Watch for
- • Direct Adaptive Steering is an acquired taste on early builds
Q60 (2017+)
Luxury coupe with a V6
Pros
- • Twin-turbo 3.0L
- • Excellent chassis
Watch for
- • Newer engine — long-term data developing
QX60 (2014+, 2nd gen)
3-row luxury crossover
Pros
- • VQ35DE V6
- • Comfortable
Watch for
- • CVT — service fluid every 30k without exception
QX80 (2011+, Y62)
Full-size body-on-frame luxury
Pros
- • 5.6L Endurance V8
- • Overbuilt
- • Cheap parts vs LX/Escalade
Watch for
- • Fuel economy is honest
FX35 / FX37 / QX70 (2009–2017)
The sport-crossover pioneer
Pros
- • VQ V6
- • Excellent chassis
Watch for
- • Discontinued — parts still solid
Side by side
Used Infiniti models compared
| Model | Reliability | Maintenance | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| G35 | 4.4/5 · Very good | 4.2/5 · Very good | The 2003–2008 G35 is a cult reliability icon — VQ35DE with 6MT or 5AT is one of the strongest used-… |
| Q50 | 4.0/5 · Very good | 4.0/5 · Very good | VQ37VHR examples are the safest pick; VR30 twin-turbo is newer but potent — verify service history. |
Do your homework
Models to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
QX60 (2014+, CVT)
Same Jatco CVT concerns as the Pathfinder. Fluid service every 30k is critical — verify history.
M35h / Q70h (Hybrid)
Rare hybrid; battery service and dealer familiarity vary by region.
Q50 3.0T VR30DDTT (2016+)
Newer twin-turbo V6 — much less long-term data than VQ37. Direct injection carbon buildup is a future consideration.
Engines
Best Infiniti Engines
Powertrains that have earned a bulletproof reputation.
★★★★★
VQ35DE (3.5L V6)
Typical lifespan: 250k+ miles
M35, QX60, older G35. One of Nissan's best.
★★★★★
VQ37VHR (3.7L V6)
Typical lifespan: 200k+ miles
G37, Q50, Q60, QX70. Refined evolution — timing chain guides deserve inspection past 150k.
★★★★★
5.6L Endurance V8 (VK56VD)
Typical lifespan: 250k+ miles
QX80. Truck V8 with a strong record.
Do your homework
Engines to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
VR30DDTT (3.0L twin-turbo, Q50/Q60)
Powerful and refined but newer. Direct injection means carbon buildup is a long-term consideration.
Inspection checklist
Common Problems
Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
- ✓Timing chain guides on VQ37 at high mileage
- ✓CVT longevity on QX60 without fluid service
- ✓Trunk hinge rust on older G37
- ✓Steering rack seals on early Direct Adaptive Steering
- ✓Fuel level sender inaccuracy on some Q50s
Ownership
Maintenance Costs
Infiniti service costs sit between Nissan and Lexus. Independent Nissan-familiar shops handle most Infiniti work identically.
The VQ V6s use conventional service intervals and standard fluids. The only exception is the CVT-equipped QX60, where 30k CVT fluid service is essential.
The Verdict
Should You Buy a Used Infiniti?
A used Infiniti is a strong value if you pick the powertrain carefully. The important buying factors are:
- • Powertrain — VQ V6 models are the safest bet
- • CVT service history on QX60
- • Timing chain guide inspection on high-mileage VQ37
- • Direct-injection carbon buildup on VR30
- • Rust on Northeast examples
People Also Ask
Which Infiniti is most reliable?
The G37, Q50 and Q60 have the strongest long-term records in the Infiniti lineup. Pair the right model with the right model year and you avoid most of the brand's known trouble spots.
Should I buy a used Infiniti?
Yes, with the usual condition: buy the right model and year rather than the brand — start with the G37, Q50 and Q60. Records and an independent pre-purchase inspection decide the outcome more than anything on the window sticker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Infinitis reliable?
Verdict scores Infiniti 4.0/5 overall. Reliability tracks the individual model, engine and model year much more closely than the badge does, and the sections below name which is which.
Are Infinitis expensive to maintain?
Maintenance rates 4.0/5 across the Infiniti lineup, with parts widely available. Costs separate by model and engine rather than by badge.
Which Infiniti models last the longest?
The G37, Q50, Q60 have the strongest long-term track records in the Infiniti lineup.
Should I buy a used Infiniti?
Yes — provided you shop by model and year rather than by badge. Start with the recommended models above, insist on service records, and have an independent shop inspect the specific car.
What are the most common Infiniti problems?
The issues that come up most often on used Infinitis are: Timing chain guides on VQ37 at high mileage; CVT longevity on QX60 without fluid service; Trunk hinge rust on older G37; Steering rack seals on early Direct Adaptive Steering; Fuel level sender inaccuracy on some Q50s.
Which Infiniti engine is the most reliable?
VQ35DE (3.5L V6) — M35, QX60, older G35. One of Nissan's best.
Are there any Infiniti models to avoid?
None are outright avoids, but QX60 (2014+, CVT), M35h / Q70h (Hybrid), Q50 3.0T VR30DDTT (2016+) deserve a more careful pre-purchase inspection.
How long do Infiniti vehicles typically last?
A well-maintained Infiniti from the recommended years should comfortably clear 200,000 miles, and the strongest powertrains in the lineup regularly see 300,000+.
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