Infiniti USA Electronic Field Communication Subject: Takata Completion Objectives for Q3 INFINITI is continuing to ask its retailers to urgently help increase customer participation in the Takata recalls to help it achieve 100% customer recall participation for the following vehicles: ? 2001 I30 ? 2002-04 I35 ? 2003-08 FX ? 2002-03 QX4 ? 2006-10 M Sedan INFINITI expects to upload the next refreshed owner list to DBS within the next week. We will also be reassigning VINs to retailers based on information changes. We didn?t reassign any VINs in Q2 to avoid any mid-quarter objective impact. If VINs were repaired out of network, the retailer/region with the original assignment received credit fo
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 INFINITI G37 airbags problems
moderate 84 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
84
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
2crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 84 airbags complaints filed for the 2009 INFINITI G37, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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 carries the most owner complaints on file — 84.
Airbags accounts for 50% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 8 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags 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 Changes or modifications to the front seat assembly trim materials may affect the proper operation of the Front Seat-Mounted Side-Impact Supplemental Air Bags and Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor and could result in serious personal injury or death. Infiniti STRONGLY RECOMMENDS AGAINST making any change to seat trim materials from the factory equipped condition. This specifically applies to replacing the seat trim with non-factory materials; adding leather/cloth seat covers, seat pads, or seat storage pouches, etc. around or over the seat back and the passenger seat cushion. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗INFINITI: SRS PRECAUTIONS DURING SERVICE. INCLUDED IN THE RESTRAINTS SECTION OF THE ELECTRONIC SERVICE MANUAL (ESM) FOR EACH VEHICLE IS INFORMATION NECESSARY TO SERVICE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) SAFELY. IMPROPER MAINTENANCE, INCLUDING INCORRECT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF THE SRS, CAN LEAD TO A SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH CAUSED BY UNINTENTIONAL ACTIVATION OF THE SRS. NO MODEL OR MODEL YEARS LISTED. UPDATED 2/21/14.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safely is included in the "RESTRAINTS" section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for each vehicle IMPORTANT: Turn the ignition switch OFF, disconnect both battery terminals, and wait at least 3 minutes before performing any service on the SRS. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION: If the BCM in an Applied Vehicle is replaced for any reason and not configured correctly, the following issue may occur - When the driver door is opened, the convertible top opens. When replacing a BCM, make sure to - Follow information in the appropriate Service Manual - Use CONSULT-III plus to perform configuration - Select the correct vehicle in CONSULT-III plus - Confirm the VIN is correct (matches the vehicle) in CONSULT-III plus - Select/install the correct configuration
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently report a passenger-side occupancy classification system (OCS) sensor that fails without warning, disabling the airbag and lighting up the dashboard. The diagnostic code is B1018. This happens on low-mileage vehicles and high-mileage ones alike—anywhere from 4,000 to 100,000 miles—with no accident or rough treatment required.
The airbag light flashes whether someone's in the seat or not, and even 170-pound adults trigger the "passenger airbag off" warning. When you take it to a dealer, they quote $3,000–$8,000 to replace the entire bottom seat cushion and frame; Infiniti doesn't sell just the sensor. Some dealers have parts on backorder for months. Infiniti will throw $2,000 at the problem if you push, but you're still out thousands.
The kicker: 2007–2008 G37s got recalled (08V521000) for the exact same sensor issue. Nissan recalled over 990,000 vehicles globally in 2014 for the same failure. But the 2009 G37 is mysteriously excluded. Owners note the parts are identical and online forums overflow with identical complaints. A few also report dashboard cracks and melting that could interfere with airbag deployment, plus one case of airbags deploying after a minor pothole strike. Infiniti acknowledges receiving multiple failure reports but has not expanded the recall.
Same INFINITI G37 airbags reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Passenger Occupancy Classification System (OCS) Sensor Failure – Flashing Airbag Warning Light
The occupant classification system sensor in the front passenger seat fails, causing the airbag warning light to flash continuously on the dashboard and disabling the passenger-side airbag. The light flashes regardless of whether a passenger is present or their weight. Owners report this occurs without any accident, collision, or apparent cause. The entire SRS (Safety Restraint System) in the vehicle becomes disabled as a result of this single sensor failure.
When: Failures reported across varying mileages: 4,000–100,000 miles. Many occur on low-mileage vehicles with minimal use. Multiple owners report the light coming on suddenly without warning during normal driving or even just starting the car.
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag warning light flashing continuously on dashboard; Message displayed on instrument panel: 'Passenger Air Bag Off' or similar; Passenger-side airbag does not deploy even with adult occupant present; Light flashes regardless of passenger weight, height, or presence; Entire SRS system disabled due to single sensor fault; Diagnostic fault code B1018 (Occupant Sensor Unit Fail); Light remains illuminated while vehicle power is on, whether stopped or moving
Codes mentioned: B1018
Repairs/costs cited: Infiniti does not sell the sensor as a standalone part. The entire front passenger seat bottom cushion and frame assembly must be replaced. Quoted repair costs range from $3,000 to $8,000+ in parts alone; labor adds $650–$2,000. Some dealers quote $4,400–$6,900+ including labor. Infiniti offers partial reimbursement (up to $2,000) for affected owners not covered by recall, leaving owners to pay the balance. Some dealers indicate the sensor part is backordered for extended periods (several months or longer), during which the vehicle has no airbag protection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2007–2008 G37/G35 models were recalled (Recall #08V521000) for the same OCS control unit issue. Nissan issued a global recall in 2014 for over 990,000 vehicles with similar airbag sensor faults. Nissan/Infiniti conducted voluntary inspections in 2008 and 2009 for this issue. However, the 2009 G37 is not included in any official recall despite identical parts and the same failure mode. Infiniti customer support acknowledges the problem and offers partial financial assistance ($2,000) but claims the vehicle does not qualify for full recall coverage. Infiniti Corporate and dealers state they cannot assist beyond this contribution. One owner reports Infiniti case number 26607927 for their failure; manufacturer confirmed receiving multiple reports of the failure.
Dashboard Cracking and Melting – Airbag Deployment Obstruction Risk
The dashboard covering the frontal airbag areas develops extensive cracks and melting, particularly in vehicles aged 8–12 years. Owners express concern that cracked or melting dashboard material may not respond as intended during airbag deployment and could cause secondary injuries from plastic fragments or splinters ejected at high velocity during deployment.
When: Occurs on vehicles with 50,000–92,000 miles; some owners report the issue as a known, widespread design defect on 2008–2009 G37 models that manifests as the vehicle ages.
Symptoms owners cite: Visible extensive cracks in dashboard covering airbag modules; Dashboard material melting or warping; Glare from melted/degraded dashboard affecting visibility; Concern that cracked material will fragment or detach during airbag deployment
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair cost cited for dashboard cracks alone. Infiniti extended warranty and replaced dashes for FX model owners with similar issues but has not extended this to 2009 G37 owners. Dashboard replacement cost not specified in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Infiniti acknowledges dash cracks on FX models and extended warranty/replacement for those vehicles. For 2009 G37 owners, Infiniti claims responsibility falls on the individual owner. Multiple owners note that similar dashboard issues were recalled in other Nissan/Infiniti models but the 2009 G37 was excluded.
Airbag Deployment After Minor Impact – Post-Deployment Light Illumination
Airbags deploy after a minor collision (e.g., hitting a pothole at 35 mph or low-speed rear-end impact). After deployment, the airbag warning light illuminates and remains on. One owner reported the airbags deployed without visible damage to the vehicle, suggesting possible premature or unintended deployment.
When: One incident reported at 5,800 miles (pothole strike at 35 mph); another after minor collision during low-speed traffic.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags deploy after minor impact (pothole, low-speed collision); Airbag warning light illuminates post-deployment; No clear vehicle damage visible despite deployment; Occupant burns from airbag deployment (reported on arms)
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost $6,000–$14,000. One owner reported burns to arms from deployment. Manufacturer sent inspector to diagnose vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer corporate office sent inspector to diagnose. Infiniti case number 6673885 filed.
Intermittent Passenger Airbag Off Light – Insufficient Occupancy Detection
The passenger airbag off warning light illuminates intermittently or intermittently during driving, even when an adult (170+ lbs) is seated in the passenger seat. The light appears at various speeds and becomes more frequent on longer drives. The root cause is occupancy sensor malfunction.
When: Failures occur at various mileages and speeds; one owner reports the light illuminating more frequently during longer drives.
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag off light illuminates intermittently while passenger is seated; Light appears and disappears unpredictably; Occurs regardless of passenger weight (170+ lbs adults reported); Light frequency increases during longer driving distances
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosis via dealer; repair details not provided in all narratives. When repair is attempted, full seat replacement is required (see OCS sensor failure mode above).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to duplicate the failure and state there is nothing to repair. Manufacturer contacted but has not responded to some complainants.
Synthesized from 84 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Upon starting the 2009 g37 with just over 73k miles on it, the airbag light began flashing.the following week, on december 28, 2020, I took the car to sewell Infiniti of ft. Worth to have the problem diagnosed. The fault code "b1018 occupant sensor unit fail" was found. The only remedy is to replace the passenger seat lower cushion assembly for $6575.89. The upshot is the car is unsafe to drive…
Airbag sensor faulty in passenger seat. Known issue among Infiniti owners. Infiniti dealers stating that seat must be replaced, which costs upwards of $5000. Car only has 32k miles on it
The airbag of the front row passenger seat turns off even there is an adult passenger sitting on it. I've searched online and did some diagnostics, and based on the flashing pattern on the console, it seems the problem is with the SRS (safety restrain system) ocs (occupant classification system), as such even an adult is sitting there, in an accident the airbay may not be deployed. This is a…
The airbag light flashes red on the dash panel indicating the passenger airbag is not on. It also shows on the panel under the air conditioner controls that the passenger air bag is off. This is a safety issue and it is due to a faulty safety restraint system sensor the in the passenger bottom seat. Infiniti has had recalls and issues with this SRS system in the passenger seat while they did not…
Had airbags trouble with your 2009 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 2009 INFINITI G37?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 84 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?
Across the 59 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 54,000 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 54,000; a quarter make it past 90,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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/2009/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.