Passenger airbag occupant classification sensor (OCS) failure — recall gap for 2009+
Error code B1018, requiring full seat replacement
Check engine light: Off
By far the most-reported issue among NHTSA complaints (60+ of 167 for MY2009), triggering error code B1018 and requiring full seat replacement. NHTSA Campaign 08V521000 recalled this exact defect for 2007-2008 G37s, but was NOT extended to 2009+ models, despite multiple owners reporting identical symptoms. That means 2009+ owners aren't currently covered by the recall. This is an airbag sensor fault, not an engine one, so it doesn't trigger a check-engine light (it has its own airbag warning light).
$4,000 – $7,500+
2007-2008 models were recalled for this exact defect (Campaign 08V521000); 2009+ were not, despite matching symptoms.
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Dashboard deterioration
Sticky, melting, or cracking dashboard surface
Check engine light: Off
The same sticky/melting/cracking dashboard pattern seen on the Lexus ES, Toyota Camry/Avalon, and Prius — but unlike those cases, no confirmed goodwill program was identified for this vehicle. It appears to be a straightforward common problem, most prevalent in warmer climates per NHTSA complaints. A cosmetic/material fault doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
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Water intrusion
Rainwater entering through the A-pillar and floor, wet wiring
Check engine light: Off
Rainwater entering through the A-pillar and floor areas, causing wet wiring and downstream electrical damage — distinct from general electrical gremlins given the water-damage risk. Not a check-engine-light fault on its own, though downstream electrical damage could trigger various codes.
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Throttle body / electronic fuel throttle failure
Loss of throttle response, throttle malfunction
Check engine light: On
Loss of throttle response tied to the throttle body/electronic fuel throttle, ranging from a warranty-covered repair to a documented $360 case. A throttle fault like this triggers a check-engine light.
warranty-covered to $36046,000 – 96,000 mi
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Sensor failures (camshaft position, throttle position, temperature)
Check engine light, car died in one case
Check engine light: On
Camshaft position sensor, throttle position sensor, temperature sensor, and other engine sensor failures, including one case where the car died. No cost figures were given. Sensor faults like these trigger a check-engine light.
24,000 – 127,000 mi
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Rev limiter fault
"Vehicle would not rev above 2200 rpm"
Check engine light: On
One documented case of the vehicle refusing to rev above 2,200 RPM, tied to the engine control module/software. An engine control fault like this triggers a check-engine light.
26,000 mi
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Thermostat failure
Check engine light
Check engine light: On
One documented thermostat failure at 125,000 miles, with a check-engine light explicitly reported. By definition, this problem involves a check-engine light.
125,000 mi
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Alternator bearing failure
Bearing noise
Check engine light: Off
One documented alternator bearing failure/noise at just 18,000 miles — notably early. A bearing/noise fault like this doesn't typically trigger a check-engine light.
18,000 mi
Notably early-life (18,000 mi).
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Limp mode at highway speed
RPM limited to ~2,500 at highway speed
Check engine light: On
RPM limited to roughly 2,500 at highway speed, with gallery gasket (paper material) failures cited as a contributing cause in some reports; engine stalling and power loss also reported. A power-loss condition like this typically triggers a check-engine light.
12,000 mi
Named contributing cause: gallery gasket (paper material) failures in some reports.
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Harsh Downshift From 4th to 3rd Gear, Automatic Transmission
Harsh downshift from 4th to 3rd gear on automatic-transmission cars
Check engine light: Off
Harsh downshift from 4th to 3rd gear on automatic-transmission cars. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 64 owner reports on file.
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"Tapping sound" From Driver's Side of Engine
Tapping sound from the driver's side of the engine
Check engine light: Off
Tapping sound from the driver's side of the engine. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 40 owner reports on file.
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"Brake" Warning Light Stays Illuminated With Parking Brake Released
"Brake" warning light stays illuminated even with the parking brake released
Check engine light: Off
"Brake" warning light stays illuminated even with the parking brake released. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 20 owner reports on file.
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Engine RPM Increases Up to 500 RPM During Braking
Engine RPM increases by up to 500 RPM while braking
Check engine light: Off
Engine RPM increases by up to 500 RPM while braking. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 18 owner reports on file.
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Check engine light due to canister purge valve fault
Check engine light due to a canister purge valve fault
Check engine light: On
Check engine light due to a canister purge valve fault. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 10 owner reports on file.
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The standout problem on this vehicle is a passenger airbag occupant classification sensor (OCS) failure — the most-reported NHTSA issue by far (60+ of 167 complaints), triggering error code B1018 and requiring full seat replacement at $4,000-$7,500+. NHTSA Campaign 08V521000 recalled this exact defect for 2007-2008 G37s, but was NOT extended to 2009+ models despite matching symptoms. Since it isn't currently recall-covered for 2009+ years, it's listed below as a problem for those model years.