2006 INFINITI FX35

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Burning 1+ quart per 1,000 miles without visible leaks, Blue smoke on cold start or acceleration, Fouled spark plugs and misfires (P0300-P0306), Low oil pressure warning if run too low

Fix: Piston ring replacement requires full engine disassembly. Rings collapse due to oil coking from extended drain intervals. Many owners opt for used low-mileage engine swaps (12-16 hours) over rebuild (25-35 hours) due to labor costs. Prevention: strict 3,500-mile synthetic oil changes.

Estimated cost: $4,500-8,500

Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Milky pink fluid in radiator overflow or transmission dipstick (strawberry milkshake), Transmission slipping, delayed engagement, or no movement, Overheating transmission temp gauge readings, Coolant loss without external leaks

Fix: Internal radiator failure allows coolant into ATF, destroying transmission clutches within miles. Requires radiator replacement, external cooler install, transmission rebuild or replacement (8-12 hours), and complete flush of all cooling systems. Catch it early (just cooler pink) and you may save the trans with flush only (3 hours).

Estimated cost: $800-6,500

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Harsh clunk on 1-2 or 2-3 upshifts, Vibration at idle in Drive, Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive drivetrain movement visible from underneath

Fix: Rear transmission mount (often called crossmember mount) is fluid-filled and fails internally. Replacement is straightforward but requires trans support (2-3 hours). OE Nissan part recommended over aftermarket.

Estimated cost: $350-550

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Random no-start condition when hot, Stalling at idle or while driving with immediate restart ability, P0335 or P0340 codes stored, Intermittent tach drop to zero while running

Fix: Sensor located at rear of engine block near bellhousing, heat-soaks and fails. Access requires removing starter and working blind (1.5-2.5 hours). Use OE Nissan sensor only; aftermarket has high failure rate.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: P0455 or P0442 (large or small EVAP leak), Fuel tank difficult to fill, pump clicks off repeatedly, Hissing sound when opening fuel cap, Check engine light after multiple short trips

Fix: Vent valve near fuel tank fails stuck closed, creating vacuum in tank. Located forward of tank on driver side frame rail (1-1.5 hours). Test with scan tool active test before replacing.

Estimated cost: $250-400

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front suspension, Steering wander or vehicle pulls under braking, Uneven inner tire wear, Vibration through steering wheel 40-60 mph

Fix: Front lower control arm bushings (both front and rear positions per arm) deteriorate. Many techs replace entire arms with bushings pre-installed rather than press bushings (2.5-3.5 hours both sides). Alignment required after.

Estimated cost: $600-1,100

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Oil smell after engine heat-soak, Oil visible on rear of valve covers dripping to exhaust, Oil consumption without smoking (slow external leak), Visible oil residue around spark plug tube seals

Fix: Both valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals harden and seep. Replace both covers simultaneously with OE gaskets (3-4 hours). Good time to check/replace ignition coils if never done.

Estimated cost: $450-750