DecodedCars2012 Infiniti M35
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- H 4dr Sedan M Hybrid
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 27 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 194.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,129 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 21% better than the average 2012 midsize car (23.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Infiniti M35 is a midsize car offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 195 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,129 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (27 city / 31 highway), 21% better than the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,850 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2012
- New hybrid version
- All-wheel / four-wheel drive no longer offered
- Best combined MPG up from 19 to 29
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 M35 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H 4dr Sedan M Hybrid | 194.9 in | 72.8 in | 59.1 in | 114.2 in | 62.2 / 61.8 in | 4,129 lb | 51/49 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M35h Hybrid | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 27 / 31 / 29 | +21% | $2,850 | 306 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Infiniti M35.
Similar 2012 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Infiniti M35 (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 BMW 5 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Audi A4 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Lexus LS | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Jaguar XJ | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Jun 21, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V470000 · 7,222 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (INFINITI) is recalling certain 2011-2013 M56, 2012-2013 M35 Hybrid, 2014-2018 Q50, Q70 Hybrid, 2014-2019 Q70, and 2015-2019 Q70L two-wheel drive vehicles. The driveshaft can fatigue and break.
- Risk
- A broken driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power, or a vehicle roll away when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 13, 2024. Owners may contact INFINITI's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. INFINITI's numbers for this recall are R24A5 and R24A7.
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Dec 7, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V755000 · 2,708 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Infiniti M56, 2012-2013 M35 Hybrid, and 2014 Q70 and Q70 Hybrid vehicles. These models, equipped with 2WD and with a hybrid or VK56 powertrain, have a driveshaft that may break.
- Risk
- A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash, or may disable the parking brake, increasing the risk of a rollaway and injury.
- Fix
- Infiniti will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2021. Owners may contact Infiniti customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Jul 12, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V527000 · 1,140 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Infiniti M35 Hybrid vehicles manufactured March 23, 2010, to September 9, 2013. A system overheat condition may cause the hybrid powertrain control module to shut off the engine.
- Risk
- If the engine shuts off while driving, there is an increased risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the hybrid control module, automatic transmission control unit, and inverter software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Not every 2012 Infiniti M35 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Infiniti M35 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Visibility/Wiper — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Service Brakes — 1 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 160,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Infiniti M35. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other M35 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Infiniti. How we calculate this →