Is the 2005 Infiniti G35 a bad year?
215 owner complaints to NHTSA. Engine complaints: 56, 3.1× a quiet G35 year.
Keep it, but watch the engine
The engine draws 3.1× the complaints of a quiet G35 year, spread over 51k–115k miles, so there's no single mileage to plan around.
The verdict moves with mileage: the same car reads differently at 30,000 and at 150,000 miles.
What 2005 G35 owners report, by mileage
Each system owners named in five or more complaints, with the mileage range where the middle half of those complaints were filed. Read at 85,000 miles.
| SYSTEM | COMPLAINTS | MIDDLE HALF FILED AT | TYPICAL US REPAIR BILLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| EngineSTANDS OUT | 55 (26%) | 53k–116k miles · around this mileage | Valve cover gasket replacement $110–$500 · Timing chain replacement $1,000–$4,000 |
| Air bagsSTANDS OUT | 46 (21%) | 66k–109k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Exterior lighting | 30 (14%) | 58k–100k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Electrical system | 24 (11%) | 84k–151k miles · around this mileage | 12-volt battery replacement $100–$400 · Starter motor replacement $350–$1,200 |
| Fuel system | 20 (9%) | 59k–127k miles · around this mileage | Fuel pump replacement $220–$1,500 · Fuel injector replacement (one injector) $300–$1,200 |
| Brakes | 18 (8%) | 16k–92k miles · around this mileage | Brake pad replacement (one axle) $115–$390 · Brake pads and rotors replacement (one axle) $200–$1,084 |
| Seats | 14 (7%) | 60k–114k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Speed control | 12 (6%) | 16k–110k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Transmission and drivetrain | 14 (7%) | 7k–72k miles · mostly behind | — |
| Suspension | 13 (6%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Body structure | 10 (5%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Steering | 7 (3%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Visibility and wipers | 5 (2%) | too few with a mileage | — |
Bills are typical US ranges from the sources named in the tool (J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, CarParts.com and others), printed only for systems that stand out or sit at or ahead of 85,000 miles. Not a quote.
What owners reported alongside their complaints
Of 215 complaints: 9 mention a crash · 5 mention a fire · 8 report an injury · 4 say the car was towed.
2 complaints were filed in the last 12 months, the newest in May 2026.
Counts of what owners wrote in their complaints, not verified by anyone.
In owners' own words
Cam shaft sensor check engine light came on saying it was that. Replaced both sensors costing $150 for autozone parts light still on.
The VDC and service engine warning lights were illuminated and causing the vehicle to fail to start or stall continuously.
I own a 2005 Infiniti G35 manual trans. It suffers from the common oil consumption issue.
Unedited excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, chosen by mileage (nearest 85,000 miles), not by content. Unverified.
Recalls for the 2005 Infiniti G35: 1
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. In the event of a crash, the airbag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
A recall may cover only some cars of a model year; the campaign size counts every model and year it lists. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls: dealers fix open recalls free.
Service bulletins from Infiniti: 50
Repair instructions Infiniti sent its dealers for symptoms seen in the shop on the 2005 Infiniti G35. Ask a dealer or mechanic for a bulletin by its number.
OBD II EVAP Tube Warranty Enhancement UPDATE August 17, 2018
Replacement 5-speed rear wheel drive Automatic Transmission (A/T) assemblies and replacement control valves…
If a customer describes lack of power or poor acceleration, perform the following checks before attempting any repair: * Check for stored DTCs. * Check if…
5 speed a/t DTC diagnoses for P1701, P1702, P1703, P1704, P1705, P1754, P1759, P1764, P1769, P1774
Neighbouring years
2004 G35: 244 complaints, keep it, but watch the engine · 2006 G35: 145 complaints, keep it.
Every Infiniti G35 year
2002 · 2003 · 2004 · 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · All G35 years side by side
Other Infiniti models: Infiniti FX35 · Infiniti G37 · Infiniti I35 · Infiniti JX35 · Infiniti M35 · Infiniti M45 · Infiniti Q50 · Infiniti QX4 · Infiniti QX50 · Infiniti QX56 · Infiniti QX60. All makes and models.
Questions
Is the 2005 Infiniti G35 a bad year?
215 owner complaints to NHTSA. Engine complaints: 56, 3.1× a quiet G35 year. At 85,000 miles the tool says: Keep it, but watch the engine. The engine draws 3.1× the complaints of a quiet G35 year, spread over 51k–115k miles, so there's no single mileage to plan around.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Infiniti G35?
By owner complaints to NHTSA: engine (55), air bags (46), exterior lighting (30), electrical system (24), fuel system (20). Half of the engine complaints were filed between 51k–115k miles.
How many recalls does the 2005 Infiniti G35 have?
1 recall campaign list this model year: Seats (NHTSA 10V-175). A recall may cover only some cars; check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Method: counts of unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA, compared only with other years of the same model (sales volumes are unknown, so no failure rate is computed). A system stands out at 40+ complaints and at least twice the model's quiet (lower-quartile) year, or twice the share across every vehicle of that model year. The mileage range is the 25th to 75th percentile of the mileages owners reported. Data received by NHTSA through November 5, 2026. Repair prices are typical US ranges from named sources, not quotes. Not a diagnosis and not financial advice. PulsCar is not affiliated with NHTSA. Check this car at your own mileage.