Air bag sensor suddenly come on. It cost $500 to diagnose that it was "probably" the sensor of the passenger seat. Cost to repair estimated at $5000. I see that this is a more common problem than Nissan admits. It should be recalled as others have. Not sure why it hasn't been. The car is worth less than $10,000. So I'm driving it in an unsafe condition but have no other choice financially.…
2008 INFINITI G37 airbags problems
moderate 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
When does it fail?
Of the 14 airbags complaints filed for the 2008 INFINITI G37, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
Of the 6 model years of INFINITI G37 we track for airbags problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (14).
Airbags accounts for 21% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 8 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2008 Infiniti G37 has a well-documented passenger airbag sensor problem that Infiniti knows about but won't fully recall; expect a warning light and disabled passenger airbag, with repairs costing $3,500–$5,000 that may not be covered. One unverified report of unintended dual airbag deployment on minor impact, plus intermittent SRS system issues after battery service.
Owners report the passenger airbag warning light coming on or flashing intermittently, traced to a failed Occupant Classification System sensor in the passenger seat. The problem is known enough that Infiniti issued recall P8243, but the recall does not cover all 2008 G37 VINs—many owners with the exact same issue find their vehicle excluded. Infiniti's earlier recall supposedly fixed only a wire, not the sensor, leaving the underlying defect unaddressed. Once the light comes on, the passenger airbag stays disabled. Repair estimates run $1,300–$2,000 for sensor replacement plus labor, or $3,500–$5,000 for a full passenger seat swap. Out-of-warranty owners get no manufacturer assistance.
One complaint describes both front airbags deploying unexpectedly at 30 mph after hitting a small bump—a rare but serious report, though unverified. Infiniti opened an investigation but refused to provide a loaner vehicle and did not return the owner's calls.
A separate issue appears when the battery is disconnected or jump-started: the airbag warning light activates and the SRS disables until the airbag control module is removed and reset. One owner also reported steering wheel controls and the horn stopping work alongside the passenger airbag light fault.
Same INFINITI G37 airbags reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Passenger Airbag Warning Light - Occupant Classification System (OCS) Sensor Failure
The passenger airbag warning light illuminates or flashes intermittently due to a faulty Occupant Classification System varistor or sensor in the passenger seat. Owners report this as a known defect referenced in service bulletins, with multiple complaints indicating it affects 2008-2010 Infiniti vehicles. The failure leaves the passenger airbag disabled even when occupied.
When: Occurs across various mileages; one documented case at 140,000 miles; some with under 50k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag warning light illuminates or flashes intermittently; Passenger airbag remains disabled/will not deploy; No impact or collision required to trigger warning
Codes mentioned: P8243
Repairs/costs cited: Sensor replacement quoted at nearly $1300 plus $700 labor; alternatively, full passenger seat replacement quoted at $3500-$5000. One owner obtained replacement under extended warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Infiniti recall P8243 (Ref ITB08-045e, NHTSA #08-521) was issued but does not cover all 2008 G37 VINs; many owners report their VINs not listed despite having identical issues. Infiniti states earlier recall addressed only a wire, not the sensor itself. No compensation offered for out-of-warranty vehicles. Service bulletin referenced as known defect but no recall expansion.
Unintended Dual Airbag Deployment on Minor Impact
Both front airbags deploy unexpectedly while driving at low speed (30 mph or less) after hitting a small bump. No collision or accident occurred. Vehicle performs normally otherwise. Infiniti opened a case but indicated 6-8 weeks to determine liability and refused to provide a loaner vehicle while investigation pending.
When: At 30 mph or less while driving over a bump; no prior issues reported until incident
Symptoms owners cite: Both front airbags deploy simultaneously; Triggered by minor bump at low speed; No collision or accident
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; vehicle unable to be driven pending manufacturer investigation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Infiniti opened 'open case' with 6-8 week investigation timeline. Case manager assigned but did not return calls (owner reported 30+ unanswered calls). Infiniti refused to provide loaner vehicle despite owner making payments on undriven car.
Airbag Control Module Reset Required After Battery Service
The airbag warning light activates and the SRS system disables whenever the battery is disconnected, reconnected, or jump-started. The airbag control module must be removed and sent out for reset. This has occurred three times in four years. While reset cost is modest, the repeated need to disassemble the center console is inconvenient and leaves the vehicle with deactivated airbags during the process.
When: Occurs after each battery disconnect/reconnect or jump-start event; documented three times over 4 years
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminates; SRS system deactivates; Triggered by battery disconnect, reconnect, or jump-start
Repairs/costs cited: Airbag control module must be removed from center console and sent out for reset. Owner states cost is not expensive but labor-intensive.
Steering Wheel Control Malfunction Associated with Airbag Light
Steering wheel controls including horn and audio buttons stop functioning. This occurs concurrently with passenger airbag light remaining on and flashing. The connection between the airbag system fault and steering wheel control failure is not explicitly explained by the complainant but appears to occur together.
When: Vehicle running; timing relative to airbag light onset not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag light on and flashing; Steering wheel controls non-functional; Horn non-functional
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Passenger seat air bag sensor does not work. Infinity had an earlier recall and said problem was fixed in 2009. Infinity says automobile is now out of warranty and only fix is to replace seat at cost of $3500.00. I was told by infinity the recall was just to fix a wire not the sensor. Wanted to notify you of continued problem and see if more owners are reporting continued problem with air bag.…
Three times in the past 4 years, the air bag warning light was triggered when the battery was either disconnected/reconnected or jump started. Each time to re-activate the airbag safety system, I had to send out the air bag control module to have it reset. It is not expensive to do that , but it does mean one has to disassemble the center console, remove airbag control module and send it out to…
While driving down the road at 30 MPH or less, I hit a bump and both airbags deploy. Infiniti has an "open case" with me but tells me it will take 6-8 weeks to determine if it even is their liability. The car drives fine and has had no issues until this. Infiniti does not return calls as I have called over thirty times and left messages. I have a case manager, [xxx], whom I leave voice mail. My…
Passenger seat air bag sensor does not work. Checked with Infiniti and VIN doesn't fall under any recall. Getting the sensor replaced under the extended warranty. Seeing similar complaints from other owners. *tr
Had airbags trouble with your 2008 INFINITI G37?
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 airbags problem on the 2008 INFINITI G37?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 14 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Based on the 14 complaints filed, airbags issues most often appear around 84,339 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 $1,100 for airbags 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 airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags 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/G37.
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.