Common Infiniti FX35 Faults: Reliability, Problems And More!

If you’re looking for a luxurious mid-size SUV with a competent engine that runs smoothly, look no further than the Infiniti FX35. It’s a reliable mid-size luxury SUV that can handle all your day-to-day driving needs. But before considering buying a car of this model, it would be ideal for you to know the common faults of the Infiniti FX35.

It holds its value well, as the 2012 model is only expected to depreciate 12% over the next five years.

How good is the Infiniti FX35?

The Infiniti FX35 received good reliability scores on some websites. It received a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0 and ranked fourth out of 14 SUVs in the same category. 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 proper care of it . You can go over 200,000 miles with hardly any problems as long as you follow the correct maintenance and service schedule.

Common failures of the Infiniti FX35

Despite its impressive performance, some Infiniti FX35 models may have potential issues. These are the common Infiniti FX35 faults that you can find in the different model years:

1- Worn wheel bearing problems

One of the most reported problems with the 2003-2012 Infiniti FX35 is the front wheel bearings, which are prone to premature wear and damage. Worn wheel bearings can cause an abnormal squealing noise in the front of your SUV around 94,000 miles.

Some owners have reported that the noise starts when accelerating. The only way to resolve this problem is reportedly to replace the bad wheel bearings. Replacement costs may vary, depending on different parts and labor rates.

2- Fuel leak problems due to filler hose failures

The 2003-2010 Infiniti FX35 is prone to developing fuel leaks due to a faulty fuel filler hose. Faulty fuel filler hoses can easily develop cracks, which can cause fuel to leak when refueling.

Fuel leaks are extremely flammable. They can easily ignite and cause a fire. To prevent any accidental vehicle fire, Infiniti has issued a recall for this issue. If you have an affected SUV, take it to your dealer to have the fuel filler tube replaced for free.

3- Noise problem due to timing chain failure

2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 vehicles are known for developing abnormal rattling or knocking noises due to timing chain issues. These noises usually occur during cold starts. They are produced by the wear of the guide rails of the distribution chain and the tensioners.

If not repaired immediately, the timing chain can come loose , causing broken timing chain guide fragments to fall into the oil pan. This commonly happens on high mileage SUVs around 132,000 miles.

You can get ahead of timing chain failure by installing a new one. However, replacement parts and installation can be expensive, depending on parts and labor costs.

4- Damage to the control panel

One of the most annoying 2006 Infiniti FX35 problems you can encounter is premature control panel bubbling, which typically occurs around 50,000 miles. Some owners were disappointed that their control panels were badly ruined and damaged even if their vehicles were relatively new.

Some of them decided to solve this problem by installing a cover for the panel. However, the cost of purchasing a cover can also be expensive due to the make and model of the vehicle.

5- Failures in the Airbags

One of the most notable problems with the 2005 Infiniti FX35 is its faulty airbags. Some units were built with flimsy inflators, which can rupture if the airbags deploy. Fragments from the inflators can be thrown toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury and death.

This defect was found in many vehicle models, leading to multiple recalls in 2016, 2017, and 2020 . These recalls include numerous years of FX35 models. Nissan North America, Inc. has guaranteed repair to all affected vehicles and free replacement of all defective inflators.

If you believe your SUV is affected by this recall, look up your VIN on the Infiniti website or contact Nissan Customer Service immediately.

6- Problems with door locks

Door lock problems on the 2004 Infiniti FX35 can be difficult to diagnose because they can be related to multiple other issues on the SUV. Some owners have shared that the locks on their 2004 FX35 suddenly stopped working when they used the lock switch or keyless entry.

You may start with just the driver’s side door lock, but all door locks can randomly actuate or jam over time. Some owners have reported that they were able to resolve these door lock problems by replacing their door actuators, but this may not always be the case.

Some owners have shared that the issue could be related to faulty wiring , a dead remote key battery, and Body Control Module complications.

Door lock problems may not cause damage right away, but they can pose several security risks. Emergencies can also go from bad to worse if the door locks do not unlock quickly enough.

However, many SUV owners who have experienced similar door lock problems say that you should try troubleshooting the door locks first before replacing any parts to avoid unnecessary costs. You can also consult a mechanic about your door locks for a specific diagnosis.

7- Problems with the operation of the 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 not respond quickly.

They have also shared that their vehicles often shake and move unexpectedly while changing gears. These issues can reportedly 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 the mechanics were unable to resolve the issue. However, they have shared that a total transmission replacement can help fix your vehicle .

It can get expensive, depending on component costs and labor rates. If you’re experiencing streaming-related issues, you’re definitely not the only one.

To end

The Infiniti FX35 is a great luxury SUV that you can drive for a long time, but you have to be aware of its potential problems. Buying an SUV always carries some risk. Just do your research on the model year you’re interested in to get ahead of any common issues. Whether you’re looking to buy a new or pre-owned FX35, be sure to clear all the details with the seller before closing the deal.