CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 INFINITI G37 electrical problems
moderate 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
When does it fail?
Of the 12 electrical 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
Among the 5 model years of INFINITI G37 in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 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 electrical 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.
CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗INTELLIGENT KEY NOT DETECTED / ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CAN COMMUNICATION â NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CAN COMMUNICATION CODES â DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report sudden, complete electrical system blackouts while driving at highway speeds—dash goes dark, all lighting and electronics cut out, yet the engine keeps running. After pulling over, the car won't restart immediately; sometimes it takes an alternate key or a reboot. The dealer can't diagnose the root cause, even with multiple service visits.
Starting problems plague many owners: the car cranks but won't start when the AC is on. One owner has six battery replacements and 38 pages of service records without a fix. Another reports the engine control module failed completely, leaving the vehicle running even after removing the key.
The passenger airbag sensor is a widespread failure—the light blinks, stays on even with someone seated, and Infiniti charges $5,000–$7,500 for the repair. This same sensor was recalled on 2007–2008 models, but Infiniti refuses to recall the 2009. Water leaks into both door frames during heavy rain, soaking the floor and exposing wiring. One owner notes the wiring uses soy-based insulation that rodents eat through, creating electrical hazards with no warranty coverage.
Check engine lights also return repeatedly after O2 sensor replacements, sometimes with the car stalling. A door lock on the remote keyless entry doesn't work, though the horn responds. Safety concerns about losing all power and lighting at 65 mph have not been addressed by the manufacturer.
Same INFINITI G37 electrical reports on nearby years: 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Complete electrical system blackout/loss of power
All dashboard displays, entertainment/navigation, climate control, lighting, and turn signals cut out without warning while driving. Vehicle becomes unresponsive but may restart after waiting and using alternate key.
When: Highway driving at 55–65 mph, some incidents on cold nights
Symptoms owners cite: All electronics go dark simultaneously; Loss of dashboard LCD display; Lighting and turn signals fail; Navigation/entertainment system goes offline; Engine continues running but no electrical systems respond; Car shakes or feels choppy when accelerating; Car will not restart immediately, requires alternate key or reboot
Codes mentioned: Loss of communication (dealer stated but unspecified)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to identify root cause; diagnostic testing inconclusive
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Infiniti could not identify or recreate the problem; dealer claimed all tests passed and vehicle safe to drive
Engine Control Module (ECM) malfunction
Electronic control module fails, preventing normal shutdown. Vehicle continues to operate even after ignition key is removed.
When: At 68,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle continues running after key removal; All warning indicators illuminate on instrument panel; Engine will not shut off normally
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer removed fuse to stop engine; ECM required replacement but repair not completed per report
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no further action documented
Persistent starting failure with AC on
Vehicle cranks but will not start when climate control is on. Recurring problem requires repeated battery replacements and multiple repair attempts.
When: Ongoing issue across vehicle ownership; 6 battery replacements including one 6 months after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cranks but fails to start when AC is on; Starting problem persists across multiple repairs; Repeated battery drain and failure
Repairs/costs cited: 38 pages of service records; repairs include 6 battery replacements, valve assembly, control module, and engine control module within last 5 years. Problem never resolved despite dozens of service visits
Occupant Classification Sensor failure (passenger airbag)
Sensor in passenger seat malfunctions, causing airbag warning light to blink. Sensor failure prevents airbag deployment and triggers 'off' indicator even when passenger is seated.
When: Low mileage instances documented (12K miles on one vehicle, under 90K miles on others)
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag light blinking on dashboard; Passenger airbag 'off' indicator remains illuminated; Airbag will not deploy if needed; Warning lamp persists after clearing codes
Codes mentioned: B1018 (Occupant Classification Sensor malfunction)
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement cost $5,000–$7,500 (entire passenger seat cushion and sensor); dealer charges $149 for diagnostics before quoting repair. Out-of-warranty repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not recalled for 2009 model year despite same sensor defect appearing in 2007–2008 G37 models (NHTSA recall #08V521000); Infiniti refuses to issue recall despite widespread reporting
Water intrusion into cabin
Heavy rain causes water to enter the vehicle through door seals on both driver and passenger sides, wetting the floor and exposing electrical wiring to moisture.
When: During heavy rain events
Symptoms owners cite: Water enters driver side door; Water enters passenger side door; Cabin floor becomes extremely wet; Electrical wiring exposed to moisture
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; owners believe Infiniti should issue recall
Soy-based wiring insulation degradation and rodent damage
Electrical wiring uses soy-based polymer insulation that is biodegradable and attractive to rodents. Rodents chew through insulation, creating electrical hazards and requiring expensive repairs.
When: Not specified; general issue affecting vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Wiring insulation damaged by rodent chewing; Electrical system hazards from exposed wiring; Intermittent electrical failures
Repairs/costs cited: Repair costs vary; Infiniti claims damage is not covered under any warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not covered under warranty per Infiniti claim
Service Engine Soon light with O2 sensor codes
Check engine light illuminates with alternating diagnostic codes for oxygen sensors. Replacements do not resolve the issue; vehicle can stall unexpectedly.
When: First noticed after two weeks of purchase on used vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Service Engine Soon light illuminates repeatedly; Light returns same day after sensor replacement; Alternating diagnostic codes (Bank 1 Sensor 1, Bank 2 Sensor 1); Vehicle stalls badly and shuts off; Engine can be restarted but issue persists
Codes mentioned: O2 Sensor Bank 2 Sensor 1, O2 Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 1
Repairs/costs cited: O2 sensor replaced; problem recurs same day; vehicle stalled during operation after repair
Door lock failure on remote keyless entry
Driver door does not lock when button is pressed on remote keyless entry system, though horn beeps normally. Manual lock with key works.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Remote door lock button does not lock driver door; Horn beeps normally (system recognizes button press); Manual key lock works correctly
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
The passenger airbag light is blinking due to a faulty sensor contained in the passenger seat. If this light does not turn off, no airbags will deploy in the event of an accident, which is a huge safety issue. Infiniti charges more than $7000 to replace the sensor and the seat to fix this out of warranty. Infiniti refuses to do a recall for this issue which has been found to be very common in…
I am the original owner of this 2009 G37 sedan with only 12K miles. This car has never been in an accident. It is perfectly maintained and sits in a garage 99% of the time. Last week the airbag light flashed on. The dealer said the error code was B1018 (Occupant Classification Sensor malfunction). The cost of the passenger seat cushion alone is $7,500. This problem was also found on the 2007…
My 2009 Infiniti g37x lost power without warning on 3 separate occasions. The first two times the problem occurred in jan 2013 (car was still under 60k miles warranty). I was driving on the highway on a cold night and my car stalled at around 55/65 MPH mark. The car was shaking when I tried to accelerate. When I pulled over to the emergency lane, my car had lost complete power. Then, I restarted…
When I press the button to lock the doors on my remote the horn beeps like normal, but the driver door does not lock. The lock operate manually with the key, so it look like its not the lock mechanism itself. *tr
Airbag light is blinking so took to dealership charged $149.00 and said they cleared codes...service man said that something about passenger seat needed to be replaced for around $7000.00...light has come back on😬
After purchasing the vehicle used, I been experiencing issues with the vehicle. The service engine soon indicator has illuminated on the dashboard after two weeks of the purchase. I took the vehicle to valvoline for the oil change service, and the light was still illuminated. Notified my personal mechanic of the issue as well as the dealer. Took the vehicle to autozone and used their free…
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2009 INFINITI G37?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 19,000 and 68,000 miles, with the median around 66,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 19,000; a quarter make it past 68,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.