The 2003 FX35 is an early first-generation luxury crossover built on the FM platform with Nissan's VQ35DE V6. While innovative for its time, it suffers from catastrophic transmission cooler failures and oil consumption issues that can grenade the engine if ignored.
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure Leading to Cross-Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Milky or strawberry-colored transmission fluid on dipstick, Coolant level dropping without visible leaks, Transmission slipping or delayed engagement after highway driving, Check engine light with transmission temp codes
Fix: The internal transmission cooler inside the radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. This destroys both the transmission and potentially the engine. Requires radiator replacement with external cooler bypass, full transmission fluid flush (multiple cycles), and often transmission rebuild or replacement if caught late. 8-12 hours labor for radiator and flush, add 16-24 hours if transmission needs rebuild.
Estimated cost: $1,200-$6,500
VQ35DE Oil Consumption and Piston Ring Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning one quart or more per 1,000 miles, Blue smoke on cold start or deceleration, Fouled spark plugs on cylinders 2, 4, or 6, Loss of power and rough idle as rings collapse
Fix: The VQ35DE in this generation develops excessive oil consumption due to piston ring land wear and oil control ring failure. Initially manageable with frequent top-offs, but progresses to catastrophic failure if run low on oil. Proper fix requires engine removal, complete teardown, new pistons, rings, honing, and often head work. 28-35 hours labor for full rebuild, or 18-22 hours for short block replacement.
Estimated cost: $4,500-$8,000
Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration at idle that disappears in gear, Visible sagging of transmission when inspected from below, Delayed or harsh 1-2 upshift
Fix: The rear transmission mount is hydraulic-filled and fails frequently, allowing excessive drivetrain movement. This accelerates CV axle wear and creates driveline shudder. Replacement requires subframe lowering or partial drop. 2.5-3.5 hours labor with proper alignment afterward.
Estimated cost: $400-$700
Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front suspension, Wandering or vague steering feel, Uneven inner tire wear, Vibration through steering wheel at highway speeds
Fix: The front lower control arm bushings deteriorate and separate, causing alignment issues and poor handling. Infiniti does not sell bushings separately—requires complete control arm assemblies. Both sides should be done together along with alignment. 3-4 hours labor for both sides.
Estimated cost: $800-$1,400
Fuel Pump and Fuel Level Sender Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Fuel gauge reading erratically or stuck at full/empty, Hesitation or stumbling during acceleration, No-start condition with whining noise from tank area, Check engine light with lean codes
Fix: The in-tank fuel pump assembly fails, often starting with sender issues before pump death. Requires fuel tank drop and complete pump module replacement. Fuel system cleaning recommended if contamination present. 3-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $600-$1,100
Front Brake Caliper Seizing
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Pulling to one side during braking, One front wheel noticeably hotter after driving, Premature pad wear on one side, Grinding or dragging noise from front corner
Fix: Front brake calipers develop sticking slide pins or piston seals, causing uneven braking and rapid pad consumption. Affected caliper should be replaced, not rebuilt, due to Akebono caliper bore corrosion issues. Replace in pairs for consistent braking. 2-3 hours labor for both sides with pad replacement and fluid flush.
Estimated cost: $700-$1,200
Radiator Side Tank Cracking
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant dripping from passenger side of radiator, Overheating at idle or in traffic, Sweet smell from engine bay, Coolant level slowly dropping
Fix: The plastic side tanks on the radiator crack at the crimped joint, especially on the passenger side. Even if not leaking yet, replace preemptively when doing transmission cooler repair—this radiator design is the root cause of the transmission cooler failure epidemic. Install aftermarket radiator with external transmission cooler. 3-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $500-$900
Owner tips
Inspect transmission fluid color every oil change—any pink tint means immediate radiator replacement before transmission damage occurs
Monitor oil consumption religiously starting at 80k miles; if using more than 1 qt per 2,000 miles, budget for engine work
Replace radiator and install external transmission cooler as preventive maintenance at 100k miles—it's cheaper than a transmission
Use Nissan Matic-S or equivalent ATF only; aftermarket fluids accelerate RE5R05A transmission clutch pack wear
Replace transmission mount at first sign of clunking to prevent CV axle and differential damage
Only buy if you can verify the radiator has been replaced with external trans cooler and the engine doesn't burn oil—otherwise you're buying someone else's $10k repair bill waiting to happen.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Be the first to unlock repairs for the 2003 Infiniti FX35
Procedures haven't been generated for this vehicle yet. Become the founding sponsor and we'll generate expert-grade, step-by-step repair walkthroughs for every common job on it — free for every mechanic and DIYer who looks it up after, forever.
Nissan North America, Inc. (INFINITI) is recalling certain 2003 INFINITI FX35, 2006-2008 FX35 and FX45 vehicles that previously received a replacement front passenger air bag assembly under recall number 20V-008. The air bag cushion was folded incorrectly, which could increase internal pressure and tear the air bag cushion during deployment.
Consequence: A tear in the air bag may decrease air bag performance, and increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: INFINITI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on April 19, 2021. Owners may contact INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200. INFINITI's number for this recall is R20C2.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 20V008000
2020-01-09 · EA15001
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 888-737-9511 or Infiniti customer service at 888-810-3715.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 16V349000
2016-05-24 · EA15001
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45, 2003-2004 Infiniti I35, 2006-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45, and 2007-2011 Nissan Versa vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A."
Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Nissan is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45, 2003-2004 Infiniti I35, 2006-2008 Infiniti M35 and M45, and 2007-2008 Nissan Versa vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B."
Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Nissan is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Infiniti I35 vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2017. All owners should receive a second notice by May 15, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
AIR BAGS · 15V287000
2015-05-15 · EA15001
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: On December 18, 2015 Nissan informed NHTSA of an amendment of this recall to remove 2004-2005 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles.
AIR BAGS · 15V226000
2015-04-17 · PE14016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Infiniti I35, 2003-2005 FX35 and FX45, and 2006 M35 and M45 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa, as well as Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Georgia, are included. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-701.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · 06V328000
2006-08-31
DURING A CANADIAN COMPLIANCE TEST, CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.' THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES DO NOT MEET THE HEADLAMP PHOTOMETRIC VALUES REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Consequence: THIS STANDARD IS TO REDUCE TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS AND INJURIES RESULTING FROM TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, BY PROVIDING ADEQUATE ILLUMINATION OF THE ROADWAY, AND BY ENHANCING THE CONSPICUITY OF MOTOR VEHICLES ON THE PUBLIC ROADS SO THAT THEIR PRESENCE IS PERCEIVED AND THEIR SIGNALS UNDERSTOOD, BOTH IN DAYLIGHT AND IN DARKNESS OR OTHER CONDITIONS OF REDUCED VISIBILITY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 06V244000
2006-07-11
DURING A CANADIAN COMPLIANCE TEST, CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.' A REAR COMBINATION LAMP ASSEMBLY DID NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS.
Consequence: THIS STANDARD IS TO REDUCE TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS AND INJURIES RESULTING FROM TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, BY PROVIDING ADEQUATE ILLUMINATION OF THE ROADWAY, AND BY ENHANCING THE CONSPICUITY OF MOTOR VEHICLES ON THE PUBLIC ROADS SO THAT THEIR PRESENCE IS PERCEIVED AND THEIR SIGNALS UNDERSTOOD, BOTH IN DAYLIGHT AND IN DARKNESS OR OTHER CONDITIONS OF REDUCED VISIBILITY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR COMBINATION LAMP ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INFINITI AT AT 1-800-662-6200.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · 05V555000
2005-12-13
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FUEL FILLER HOSE MAY CRACK AND RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE HOSE WHILE REFUELING.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILLER HOSE. RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 27, 2006, FOR NISSAN OWNERS, AND ON MARCH 13, 2006, FOR INFINITI OWNERS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER · 03V476000
2003-11-14
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER MOUNTING BOLTS MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED. THIS COULD RESULT IN ONE OR BOTH OF THE CALIPER MOUNTING BOLTS LOOSENING.
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, IT WOULD ALLOW THE CALIPER TO ROTATE OR SEPARATE FROM ITS MOUNTING BRACKET. THIS COULD CAUSE THE BRAKE TO FAIL, REDUCING THE VEHICLE'S ABILITY TO STOP. IT COULD ALSO DAMAGE THE WHEEL, CAUSING THE TIRE TO GO FLAT. EITHER ONE OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER MOUNTING BOLTS TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE SECURE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · 03V164000
2003-05-05
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE BOLTS WHICH ATTACH THE PROPELLER SHAFT(S) TO THE TRANSAXLE AND DIFFERENTIAL(S) MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED.
Consequence: IF THE BOLTS COME LOOSE, THE PROPELLER SHAFT MAY COME OFF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PROPELLER SHAFT BOLTS AND TIGHTEN THE BOLTS TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 27, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.