2006 INFINITI FX45

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

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

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

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

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

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

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