NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant breakdown after exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
This page covers 5 recalls, 20 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Infiniti M35.
19 mpg combined
12.4 L/100km
Large Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
Steering is the standout concern owners report for the 2010 Infiniti M35, with multiple drivers describing unexpected changes in steering behavior, most commonly a pulling sensation, stiffness, or sudden loss of responsiveness. A handful of owners also report unintended acceleration events where the vehicle sped up without any throttle input, though that pattern involves fewer reports. On the airbag side, several complaints center not on a mechanical failure but on parts availability, owners who were notified of a needed repair found that the replacement components were backordered and the work couldn't be completed. Tire-related complaints appear in a small cluster as well, with owners reporting premature wear or handling issues tied to tire condition. The radio volume adjusting on its own without driver input shows up in an isolated report.
20
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
By System
The 2010 Infiniti M35 has 5 recalls, the most serious being a Takata passenger-side airbag inflator that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
The airbag concern accounts for three filings that all describe the same defect: the inflator's propellant can degrade over time, and when the airbag deploys, the inflator casing can burst and scatter sharp metal fragments toward anyone seated in the front of the vehicle. This is one of the most consequential defects in modern automotive history, and it affects the passenger seat specifically.
On the mechanical side, the accelerator pedal position sensor can send incorrect signals to the engine over time, pushing the engine into a reduced-power mode. In that mode, deposits on the throttle can cause the engine to stall when slowing to a stop or sitting at idle, leaving the vehicle without power in traffic. There is also a tire pressure monitoring concern affecting vehicles originally sold or registered in certain northern and mid-Atlantic states: the system can fail to accurately warn the driver of low tire pressure, and if the warning is missed or ignored, the tire can lose air steadily and go flat while driving, raising the risk of a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant breakdown after exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bags with new desiccated inflators at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflators may rupture during a crash because the propellant inside degrades after long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture after prolonged exposure to humidity and temperature changes, caused by propellant degradation.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The accelerator pedal sensor can deteriorate over time and send an incorrect signal, causing the engine to enter fail-safe mode and reduce power.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the accelerator pedal assembly and reprogram the engine control module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The nut securing the tire pressure sensor can corrode and crack in areas with heavy road salt, potentially loosening and causing the tire pressure warning light to turn on.
What the fix does
Dealer will replace the tire pressure sensor nut with a more durable nut at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.