YearToAvoid

2005 Infiniti G35 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2005 Infiniti G35 ranks worst of 5 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 215 complaints, mostly tied to the engine (31%), electrical system (25%), and airbags (21%). It carries an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
100/100
#1 of 5 G35 years
Verdict
Avoid
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
215
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
9
reported in complaints
Fires
5
Injuries
12
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2008
rated Good
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
19
16 city / 23 hwy
Injuries / deaths
12 / 1

Top 2005 Infiniti G35 problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine66 (31%)
  2. Electrical System53 (25%)
  3. Airbags46 (21%)
  4. Structure & Body24 (11%)
  5. Fuel System20 (9%)
  6. Brakes18 (8%)
  7. Other16 (7%)
  8. Suspension, Wheels & Tires16 (7%)
  9. Transmission & Powertrain14 (7%)
  10. Steering7 (3%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Owners report brake failure shortly after purchase or at low mileage, sometimes leading to crashes.
  • Some describe the engine revving on its own while the brake pedal is depressed, causing unwanted acceleration.
  • Several owners say the engine or car shut off suddenly while driving at highway speed.
  • Steering wheel locking up mid-turn has been reported, causing loss of control.
  • Airbags have reportedly failed to deploy in a crash, and in other cases deployed without any impact.
  • Owners describe smoke or fire coming from the dashboard or seat area while the car was parked or running.
2005 Infiniti G35 complaints: complaints filed per quarter172005 Q12007 Q22009 Q32012 Q22014 Q32017 Q12019 Q22023 Q3
215 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2005 Q1 to 2026 Q2; peak 2010 Q4 (17).

2005 Infiniti G35 recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 10V175000Apr 27, 2010Structure & Body134,215 vehicles

    Seats

    Nissan is recalling certain model year 2005 through 2007 infiniti g35 sedans manufactured from march 29, 2004 through august 25, 2006 and infiniti g35 coupes manufactured from april 1, 2004 through may 30, 2007. The wire harness connecting the belt tension sensor (bts) and the occupant detection sensor (ods) control unit under the front passenger seat can experience relative movement which can cause wear and oxidization of the terminals and may cause interruption of the signal.

    Risk: In the event of a crash, the airbag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Nissan will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on july 12, 2010. Owners may contact nissan toll-free at 1-800-662-6200.

2005 Infiniti G35 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
16 MPG
Highway
23 MPG
Combined
19 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,800
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2005 compared with other G35 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020052006200720082009
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2005Avoid100215119
2006Avoid75145219
2007Caution50114320

All Infiniti G35 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2005 Infiniti G35 reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 G35 ranks worst among the 5 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 215 complaints, mostly in the engine, electrical, and airbag systems.
What is the top problem area for the 2005 Infiniti G35?
Engine complaints make up 31% of reports, with a median failure mileage of 76,250 miles, followed by electrical system issues at 25% and airbag issues at 21%.
Does the 2005 Infiniti G35 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2005 G35, covering a wire harness connector issue in the structure and body category, with repairs done free of charge by dealers.
Which Infiniti G35 model years should I avoid?
Both 2005 and 2006 carry an Avoid verdict, with complaint indexes of 100 and 75. The 2008 model year has a Good verdict with a complaint index of 25.
What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Infiniti G35?
EPA rates it at 19 mpg combined (16 city / 23 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,800.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.