IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2010 Infiniti Q70 (M)

The Y51-generation Infiniti M launched in the UK in late 2010 with M37 petrol and M30d V6 diesel engines, joined in 2011 by the 359bhp M35h petrol-electric hybrid.

What changed for 2010

  • •UK launch of the Y51 saloon with 316bhp 3.7 V6 petrol (M37) and 235bhp 3.0d V6 turbodiesel (M30d)
  • •Introduction in 2011 of the M35h hybrid pairing a 3.5-litre V6 with a 50kW electric motor and lithium-ion battery
  • •Standard seven-speed automatic transmission with Drive Mode Selector and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
  • •GT, GT Premium, and sportier S/S Premium trims with 4-Wheel Active Steer and 20-inch alloy wheels

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Rear active steering actuator sensor faults or seized linkage ball joints on 4WAS-equipped S models
  • !Front brake disc warping and uneven pad wear under the vehicle's substantial 1.8-tonne to 1.9-tonne kerbweight
  • !Exhaust heat shield corrosion and loose catalytic converter mounting brackets on early petrol and diesel models
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Known Issues
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Serious
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Moderate
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All Known Issues

4-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) Rear Actuator Failure

SeriousSteering

High-specification S, S Premium, and Sport Tech versions of the M and Q70 were fitted with Infiniti's 4-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) system, which uses an electronically controlled electric motor and mechanical actuator rack on the rear axle to turn the rear wheels up to one degree. Exposed to UK road spray and winter road salt, the rear steering actuator housing and wiring connectors suffer from corrosion, water ingress, or internal sensor failure. When the actuator faults, the rear wheels can lock in an off-centre position, causing the car to pull or feel nervous on the motorway and triggering an amber 4WAS warning light on the instrument binnacle.

Est. Repair Cost: £600–£1,600
Warning Signs:

Amber '4WAS' warning lamp continuously illuminated on the instrument cluster, Steering wheel sitting noticeably off-centre when driving straight on a level motorway, Unsettled or twitchy handling feel from the rear axle during high-speed lane changes, Diagnostic trouble codes relating to the rear steering angle sensor or actuator motor circuit

What to Inspect:
  • Scan the 4WAS control unit for active or historic diagnostic trouble codes such as C1604 or C1608
  • Inspect the rear subframe actuator rack and rubber gaiters for signs of road salt corrosion, splits, or moisture ingress
  • Drive the vehicle on a straight, flat dual carriageway at 60 to 70mph to verify straight tracking without wandering
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2010 Infiniti Q70 (M)

  • Test all active safety systems including Blind Spot Intervention and Lane Departure Prevention on a test drive
  • Verify that the hybrid battery charges and assists without warning lights on the instrument cluster
2011–2014
Check a 2010 Infiniti Q70 (M) by Registration