If you’re looking for a luxurious midsize SUV with a competent engine that performs smoothly, look no further than the Infiniti FX35. It’s a reliable luxury midsize SUV that can handle all of your day-to-day driving needs.
The FX35 had two generations. The first-generation model was made from 2003 to 2008. The second-generation FX35 ran from 2009 to 2012. Afterward, the FX35 was discontinued. However, its DNA can still be found in Infiniti’s other offerings such as the QX70 and QX55.
The FX35 had a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 280 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, making it quite a sporty SUV.
It holds value well, with the 2012 model only expected to depreciate by 12% in the next five years, according to AutoPadre.com. You can find many FX35’s for sale for around $5,000 to $12,000, depending on the model year, mileage, and generation.
Is the Infiniti FX35 Reliable?
The Infiniti FX35 received good reliability scores on RepairPal. It received a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0 and ranked 4th out of 14 SUVs in the same category.
Many owners have shared positive experiences with the FX35 and they claim the vehicle is quite reliable. That said, different owners have different experiences. Some owners have had some issues, particularly with the electronics. That said, the FX35 is generally highly-rated in terms of reviews.
The FX35’s engine power is paired with a responsive transmission that provides an excellent overall driving experience. Your FX35 can last a long time if you take care of it properly. It can go over 200,000 miles with little to no problems as long as you follow its correct maintenance and service schedule.
Top Infiniti FX35 Problems
Despite its impressive performance, some Infiniti FX35 models may have potential problems. Here are the most reported issues you may encounter with different FX35 models:
Prematurely Worn-out Wheel Bearings
One of the most widely reported problems with the 2003-2012 Infiniti FX35 is its front wheel bearings, which are prone to sustaining premature wear and damage. The worn-out wheel bearings may cause an abnormal grinding noise at the front of your SUV at around 94,000 miles. Some owners have reported that the noise would start while accelerating. According to reports, the only way to resolve this issue is to replace the bad wheel bearings. Replacement costs may vary, depending on different part and labor rates.
Fuel Leaks Due to Fuel Filler Hose Defect
The 2003-2010 Infiniti FX35 is prone to developing fuel leaks because of a defective fuel filler hose. The faulty fuel filler hoses may easily develop cracks, which can cause fuel leaks while refueling. Leaking fuel is extremely flammable. It can easily ignite and start fires. In order to avoid any accidental vehicle fires, Infiniti issued a recall for this problem. If you own an affected SUV, take it to your dealership, so that they can replace your fuel filler hose for free.
Abnormal Rattling Noise Due to Bad Timing Chain
2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 vehicles are known to develop abnormal rattling or tapping noises due to timing chain problems. These noises usually happen during cold starts. They’re produced by worn-out timing chain guide rails and tensioners. If not fixed immediately, the timing chain can detach, causing broken timing chain guide fragments to fall into your oil pan. This commonly happens to high-mileage SUVs at around 132,000 miles. You can get ahead of timing chain failure by installing a new one. However, replacement parts and installation may become expensive, depending on part and labor costs.
Premature Dashboard Damage
A cracked dashboard has been a common 2011 Infiniti FX35 problem.
A lot of owners have complained about this issue arising even when their vehicles are properly maintained.
Some drivers even took precautionary measures to protect their vehicle’s interior, such as parking in the garage and putting up a silver sunshade on the windshield.
Unfortunately, the dashboards continued to crack and chip away.
One of the most bothersome 2006 Infiniti FX35 problems you may encounter is premature bubbling on its dashboard, which usually happens at around 50,000 miles. Some owners were disappointed because their dashboards were severely ruined and damaged even if their vehicles were relatively new. Some of them decided to resolve this issue by installing a dash cover. However, the cost of buying a cover may also become pricey because of the vehicle make and model.
Defective Airbags
One of the most notable 2005 Infiniti FX35 problems is its defective airbags. Some units were built with flimsy inflators, which may rupture if the airbags are deployed. The inflators’ fragments may shoot at vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury and death. This defect was found in many vehicle models, prompting multiple recalls in 2016, 2017, and 2020. These recalls include numerous FX35 model years. Nissan North America, Inc. has guaranteed to fix all affected vehicles and replace all defective inflators for free. If you think your SUV is affected by this recall, look up your VIN on the Infiniti website or contact Nissan customer service immediately.
Door Lock Problems
The 2004 Infiniti FX35’s door lock problems can become difficult to diagnose because they may be linked with multiple other problems in the SUV. Some owners have shared that their 2004 FX35’s locks suddenly stopped working when they used the lock switch or keyless entry. It may start with just the driver’s side door lock, but all door locks may act up or become randomly stuck over time. Some owners have reported that they were able to resolve these door lock issues by replacing their door actuators, but this may not always be the case. Some owners have shared that the issue could be linked to faulty wiring, a drained key remote battery, and body control module complications.
Door lock issues may not cause harm right away, but these may pose various security risks. Emergency cases can also go from bad to worse if your door locks don’t unlock quickly enough. However, many SUV owners who have experienced similar door lock problems say that you should try troubleshooting your door lock issues first before replacing any parts to avoid unnecessary costs. You can also consult a mechanic regarding your door locks to get a specific diagnosis.
Malfunctioning Transmission
2003 Infiniti FX35 transmission problems are known to happen a lot with high-mileage SUVs. Some owners have shared that their transmissions may shift erratically or fail to promptly respond. They’ve also shared that their vehicles often jerk and move unexpectedly while shifting. According to reports, these issues may start showing up at low speeds once your FX35 has reached around 90,000 miles or more. Some owners have reported that they took their SUVs to their dealerships, but mechanics couldn’t figure out the problem. However, they’ve shared that a total transmission replacement may help fix your vehicle. It may become pricey, depending on varying component costs and labor rates. If you’re experiencing transmission-related problems, you’re definitely not the only one.
Erratic Idling
Erratic idling has been a common 2006 Infiniti FX35 problem.
Several owners have reported that their vehicles exhibited signs of high idling and unpredictable power surging even after cleaning the throttle body.
According to experts, this is an effect of normal electronic control module (ECU) adaptation.
When the carbon is removed from the throttle body, the ECU tends to register too much air and might be unable to return to its original settings. Rough idling is the effect of such adjustments.
Experts recommend cleaning the throttle body every 12,000 miles without tampering the flap.
What Is the Infiniti FX35’s Best Year?
This question has been up for debate for quite some time, but the first-generation FX (2003-2008) remains a popular answer.
The FX35 was created with performance and handling in mind. The FX35 served as the base model, but it still produced an admirable 280 hp with Nissan’s 3.5-liter VQ V6 engine.
The Infiniti FX35 is a great luxury SUV that you can drive for a long time, but you should be aware of its potential problems. SUV-shopping always comes with some risk. You just need to research about the model year you’re interested in to get ahead of any common issues. Whether you plan to buy a new or used FX35, make sure to clarify all details with your seller before making a deal.
Where to Buy Parts for Your Infiniti FX35
As we listed above, prematurely worn-out wheel bearings, fuel leaks, and defective airbags are some common issues Infiniti FX35 owners face. All of them have one thing in common, and that’s you’ll need to replace certain components to resolve them. Luckily, getting replacement parts online is made easier, thanks to CarParts.com!
We want to give you the best value for your money, so we made sure to offer high-quality auto parts by partnering with only the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. This means you can expect your new part to perform like your stock part. If you have any questions, use our toll-free hotlines, and our round-the-clock customer service team will help you out.
Make the most of our competitive prices. Shop now and take advantage of the best deals on Infiniti FX35 parts!
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
IVE OWNED MY 2005 FX 35 FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS NOW I CAN SAY ITS MY FIRST SUV AND I LOVE IT REPAIRS ARE AVERAGE VERY RELIABLE NEVER LET ME DOWN JUST KEEP OIL CHANGED. 154.000 MILES FOR 2005 NOT BAD NO RUST. THE DOWN SIDE IS THE GAS MILEGAGE MPG. IT SUCKS ESPECIALLY IF YOU USE 93 WICH IS RECOMENDED FOR THESE ENGINES FOR BEST PERFORMANCE. BUT YOU CAN ALSO USE 87 WICH I WOULD NEVER. SHELL GAS ONLY ALSO LOL.