SERVICE INFORMATION When servicing run flat tires or low profile tires: - Special equipment and procedures are required to avoid damage. - Specifically, Tire Pressure Monitor transmitters (TPMS sensors) can be damaged when improperly dismounting and mounting tires. - TPMS sensors becoming damaged during mounting or dismounting tires are not covered under warranty. - To avoid such damage, ensure that the tire changer being used and the operator of the tire changer are capable of servicing run flat and low profile tires. - Operator?s manuals for such tire changers must be followed. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 INFINITI EX35 steering problems
moderate 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
When does it fail?
Of the 11 steering complaints filed for the 2008 INFINITI EX35, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Steering accounts for 25% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 4 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
SERVICE INFORMATION When diagnosing an applied vehicle for possible power steering gear (rack and pinion steering rack, or steering rack) leak issues, in some cases it may appear the steering rack is leaking when actually, it?s not. Use this service bulletin to help make a more accurate diagnosis of the steering rack. - Go to Power Steering Gear Inspection starting on page 2. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe has been chosen as the approved tool for rotor resurfacing. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe can be ordered from TECH-MATE at 1-800-662-2001. - ProCut technical support or service can be obtained by calling 1-800-543-6618. NOTE: Brake rotors may need to be resurfaced during routine brake repair or for brake "judder" incidents. - Brake judder: A brake pedal pulsation and/or steering wheel shimmy when braking that occurs when there is too mu
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake issues fall into the following categories: a. Brake Noise: A squeak, squeal, clunk, or groan that occurs when the brakes are applied or released. b. Brake Judder: A vibration that can be felt in the vehicle, steering wheel, or brake pedal when the brakes are applied. c. Pedal Feel: The effort needed to operate the brakes is too high or too low. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Verify the condition by road testing the vehicle with the customer. 2. Determine the specific brake issue based on th
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗INFINITI SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. SOME MODEL YEAR EX VEHICLES AND MODEL YEAR FX VEHICLES, THE STEERING COLUMN COMFORT ADJUSTMENT FEATURES (TILT AND TELESCOPIC) MAY STOP WORKING. THIS ISSUE DOES NOT AFFECT ONE'S ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 7/26/12.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe multiple distinct steering failures in the 2008 EX35, some involving total loss of control. The most severe cases involve the steering column separating from the shaft—ball bearings falling out, clock spring cables unraveling, and the steering wheel becoming completely detached. One driver experienced this at low speed entering a garage; another at 40 mph on an open road, both losing all steering response.
Excessive play in the steering wheel is another pattern. Owners report steering wheels that rotate freely 360 degrees without turning the vehicle's wheels, sometimes developing gradually before sudden failure. One owner heard abnormal noise and experienced steering wheel seizure at 30 mph shortly after dealer completion of NHTSA recall 15V054000.
Electronic tilt mechanisms malfunction, leaving wheels stuck in position. A steering column telescope mechanism appears to freeze, with dealers in some cases refusing to perform the official recall work until that unrelated component is fixed—quoted at $900.
The recall itself presents problems. One owner's steering column broke again about two years after the repair was completed under 15V054000. Dealers have also cited difficulties completing the recall; one case noted the technician mentioned difficulties performing the remedy despite reporting it completed.
Access and dealer refusal remain barriers. Owners reported dealerships refusing compensation to perform the recall, and one case involved a dealer 118 miles away with out-of-pocket towing costs.
Failure modes owners describe
Steering wheel tilt motor malfunction
Electronic tilt mechanism fails, leaving steering wheel stuck in position. Driver cannot reposition wheel for comfort or safety.
When: 68,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: steering wheel cannot be repositioned; electronic tilt does not function
Repairs/costs cited: Steering wheel tilt motor replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VIN not covered under NHTSA Campaign 15V054000 recall, no assistance offered
Steering column and shaft separation
Steering wheel and column separate from the main steering shaft, rendering the vehicle unable to steer. Can occur suddenly while driving or parked.
When: Unspecified; one failure noted after dealer service visit
Symptoms owners cite: steering wheel becomes loose; steering wheel and column separate from steering shaft; no steering control possible; ball bearings fall from steering column; clock spring cable unravels
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column and shaft replacement; steering shaft near failure at time of repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V054000 recall issued; dealer refused to perform recall in one case
Excessive steering wheel play and free rotation
Steering wheel develops play in both directions or loses all resistance, spinning freely without affecting vehicle wheels. Loss of steering control at speed.
When: 62,400 miles (one case); occurred during highway driving in another
Symptoms owners cite: excessive play in steering wheel; steering wheel rotates 360 degrees freely without controlling wheels; gradual increase in play before complete failure; loud abnormal noise before seizure
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed; one case repaired at dealership; another developed excessive play after recall service attempt
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V054000 recall; one repair completed with noted difficulties by technician
Steering wheel seizure during driving
Steering wheel suddenly locks up and becomes immobile while vehicle is in motion, accompanied by abnormal noise.
When: 62,400 miles; occurred approximately 30 mph after recall service
Symptoms owners cite: steering wheel seized; loud abnormal noise; loss of steering control at speed
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired per narrative
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Occurred after NHTSA Campaign 15V054000 recall service; manufacturer notified but no follow-up documented
Steering column telescope mechanism failure
Adjustable steering column telescope becomes frozen or damaged, preventing adjustment. Dealers have refused to perform steering recalls without first addressing this issue.
When: Unspecified; some cases claim no prior issues with telescope
Symptoms owners cite: telescope mechanism frozen; steering column cannot be adjusted
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quoted $900 to repair before proceeding with recall; one case suspected part damage from faulty column component
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V054000 recall; dealers refusing to perform recall citing unrelated telescope repairs needed first
Steering column failure after recall repair
Steering column breaks and fails after being repaired under the official recall, causing excessive play in steering wheel during highway driving.
When: Failure on 05/08/2017, approximately 2 years after recall repair on 04/06/2015
Symptoms owners cite: excessive play in steering wheel; broken steering column
Repairs/costs cited: Original repair completed under recall 15V054000 on 04/06/2015
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V054000 recall applied; repair failed and steering column broke 2 years later
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Took the car to dealer for fixing the below recall notice. Manufacturer recall numberr1501 NHTSA recall number15v-054 however, the dealership is saying something else in the steering need to be fixed before applying the fix and refusing to do the recall. I believe the part was damaged, because of the faulty steering column component.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Infiniti ex35. While the vehicle was stationary, the steering wheel became detached from the vehicle. The contact was able to re-attach the steering wheel to the steering column temporarily and drove the vehicle to the dealer. Nalley Infiniti of marietta, georgia (2020 cobb parkway se, 30060) stated that the vehicle could not be repaired due to the contact's failure to…
Lost steering completely. Steering wheel would rotate 360 degrees freely without affecting wheels. While driving down road at approximately 40 miles per hour, began to have play in steering wheel. Slowed down while play worsened.. Lost steering and stopped at an intersection. Had no steering whatever; steering wheel would free spin 360 degrees. Vehicle towed to dealership. *tr.... Updated…
Had steering trouble with your 2008 INFINITI EX35?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2008 INFINITI EX35?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 11 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 73,696 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/INFINITI/EX35.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.