The 2008 FX45 with its VK45DE V8 is a powerful luxury crossover plagued by catastrophic engine failure issues related to the galley gasket defect, plus typical Nissan/Infiniti transmission cooler problems. When the engine doesn't grenade, it's a solid performer, but that's a massive 'if.'
Galley Gasket Failure Leading to Catastrophic Engine Damage
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Low oil pressure warning at idle when engine is hot, Ticking or knocking from lower engine block, Metal shavings in oil during changes, Sudden loss of oil pressure followed by engine seizure
Fix: The internal galley gasket fails, starving rod and main bearings of oil. By the time symptoms appear, bearing damage is often done. Requires complete engine teardown and rebuild or replacement. Budget 35-50 labor hours for rebuild, 18-25 for used engine swap.
Estimated cost: $6,500-12,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure and Cross-Contamination
Common · high severityTypical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission slipping or erratic shifting, Coolant in transmission fluid (strawberry milkshake appearance), Transmission fluid in coolant reservoir, Check engine light with transmission temp codes
Fix: The internal cooler in the radiator corrodes and allows coolant/ATF mixing, destroying the transmission. Requires radiator replacement, complete transmission flush or rebuild if contamination was severe, plus all cooling system hoses. If caught early (flush only), 8-10 hours; if transmission is cooked, add 20-25 hours for rebuild.
Estimated cost: $1,800-7,500
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from park to drive or reverse, Vibration during acceleration, Excessive driveline movement visible during throttle transitions
Fix: The hydraulic transmission mount deteriorates, allowing excessive powertrain movement. Replacement is straightforward but requires supporting the transmission. Typically 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Fuel Filter Clogging (High-Pressure In-Tank)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Hesitation or stumble under acceleration, Rough idle when fuel level is low, Check engine light with fuel trim codes, Extended cranking before start
Fix: The high-pressure fuel filter is part of the in-tank pump assembly. Nissan/Infiniti doesn't officially list it as serviceable separately, but it clogs with age. Requires dropping the fuel tank and replacing the entire pump module. 3-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $650-1,100
Valve Cover Gasket and VTC Solenoid Oil Leaks
Common · low severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Oil smell from engine bay after driving, Visible oil seepage on valve covers, Oil dripping onto exhaust manifolds causing smoke, Low oil level between changes
Fix: Valve cover gaskets harden and leak, as do the VTC solenoid O-rings on top of each bank. Both valve covers need removal; good time to replace spark plugs and inspect coils. 4-5 hours labor for both sides.
Estimated cost: $800-1,300
Front Lower Control Arm Bushings
Occasional · low severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front suspension, Wandering or imprecise steering feel, Uneven tire wear on inside edges, Steering wheel off-center after hitting bumps
Fix: The front lower control arm bushings wear and tear, especially the rear position. Many techs replace the entire control arm assembly rather than pressing bushings. Requires alignment afterward. 3-4 hours labor for both sides plus alignment.
Estimated cost: $900-1,400
Only buy if the engine has already been rebuilt with updated galley gaskets and the transmission cooler has been replaced — otherwise you're playing Russian roulette with a $10k repair bill.
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.