The 2006 FX45 pairs Nissan's robust VK45DE V8 with the RE5R05A five-speed automatic—a solid drivetrain when maintained, but catastrophic transmission failure and engine oil consumption are the platform's Achilles heels that can total an otherwise excellent luxury SUV.
RE5R05A Transmission Failure (Valve Body & Torque Converter)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh or delayed 2-3 and 3-4 shifts, especially when cold, Limp mode with P0868 or P0745 codes (line pressure/solenoid issues), Shuddering during light acceleration or lockup, Complete loss of forward gears or stuck in third gear
Fix: Valve body replacement often buys time (8-12 hours labor), but torque converter and clutch pack wear typically means full rebuild or reman unit. Many shops won't touch rebuilds on this transmission—expect R&R plus reman exchange. 12-16 hours total.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,800
VK45DE Excessive Oil Consumption & Piston Ring Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning a quart every 500-800 miles without visible leaks, Blue smoke on startup or hard acceleration, Fouled spark plugs causing misfires (P0300-P0308 codes), Oil pressure warning under load if oil level drops critically
Fix: Root cause is poor piston ring design allowing oil past compromised rings. Requires complete engine teardown—piston ring replacement, honing, deck resurface. Many opt for short block or used engine swap instead of in-chassis rebuild. 24-32 hours for proper rebuild, 16-20 for swap.
Estimated cost: $4,500-8,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line & Radiator Cross-Contamination
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid in coolant (strawberry milkshake appearance in overflow), Coolant in transmission causing erratic shifting and bearing damage, Overheating transmission or engine temps, Sudden transmission failure after coolant contamination event
Fix: Factory oil cooler integrated into radiator fails internally. Requires radiator replacement, external transmission cooler install (mandatory to prevent repeat), full trans fluid flush minimum—if caught early. If contamination circulated, transmission rebuild required. Radiator/cooler: 4-6 hours. Full recovery: 18-24 hours.
Estimated cost: $1,200-6,000
Rear Differential Pinion Seal & Carrier Bearing Wear
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil leak from pinion seal visible on driveshaft, Whining or howling from rear on deceleration, Clunking on direction changes if carrier bearing preload is lost, Low differential fluid causing accelerated wear noise
Fix: Pinion seal alone is 3-4 hours if caught early. Carrier bearing preload requires full differential teardown, shim set, and setup—8-10 hours. If ring/pinion damaged from running dry, complete carrier replacement. Always replace crush sleeve on pinion work.
Estimated cost: $600-2,200
Front Lower Control Arm Bushings & Ball Joints
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps or turning at low speed, Steering wander and vague on-center feel, Uneven inner tire wear from camber shift, Vibration through steering wheel at highway speed
Fix: Infiniti uses bonded bushings—must replace entire lower control arms, cannot press bushings separately. Both sides plus alignment: 4-5 hours. Ball joints can be done separately if caught early but usually done together given labor overlap.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800
Timing Chain Guides & Tensioner Wear (VK45DE)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling from front of engine on cold start that fades after 5-10 seconds, Chain slap noise under throttle if guides badly worn, P0011/P0021 cam timing codes in advanced stages, Metal shavings in oil if guides have fragmented
Fix: VK45 uses three chains (primary plus two secondary). Proper job requires front cover removal, all three chains, guides, tensioners, and upper oil pan gasket. 14-18 hours. Some shops shortcut by leaving secondaries—don't accept that. Inspect oil pickup screen for debris during job.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
HVAC Blower Motor & Final Stage Resistor Failure
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Blower only works on highest speed setting, No air flow from vents regardless of setting, Squealing or grinding noise from behind glove box, Intermittent operation—works after hitting bumps
Fix: Final stage resistor behind glove box fails from heat cycling (1.5 hours). If blower motor itself fails, it's accessible from passenger side under dash—2-3 hours. Common wear item but not catastrophic. Replace both together to avoid repeat visits.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 30k miles with Nissan Matic-S ONLY—aftermarket fluids accelerate valve body wear on RE5R05A
Monitor oil consumption religiously starting at 60k miles; catch ring issues early before bearing damage occurs
Install aftermarket transmission cooler preemptively if towing or in hot climates—$300 prevents $5k failure
Inspect radiator coolant for ANY discoloration—cross-contamination is a ticking time bomb for the transmission
Use quality synthetic 5W-30 and don't extend oil changes past 5k miles—VK45 is hard on oil with DI heat and blow-by issues
Buy only with full service records showing religious transmission maintenance and proof of no oil consumption—otherwise you're gambling $8k-12k on powertrain replacement within 20k miles.
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.
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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 · 17V028000
2017-01-10 · EA15001
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2012 Nissan Versa hatchbacks 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, if not included in "Zone A" above, Nissan is recalling certain 2009-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45 and 2009 Nissan Versa sedans and hatchbacks originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the 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".
Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Nissan is recalling certain 2005-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45, 2006-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45, and 2007-2008 Nissan Versa vehicles originally sold, or ever 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 used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, 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 front passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began on June 8, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
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.
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.
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