The 2006 G35 is a solid sport sedan built on Nissan's FM platform with the legendary VQ35DE/HR engine, but it suffers from a few expensive chronic issues — particularly premature transmission cooler failure and occasional catastrophic engine damage from oil consumption leading to bearing failure.
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure (Radiator Internal)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid mixing with coolant ('strawberry milkshake' in overflow tank), Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Overheating transmission, Coolant level dropping without external leaks
Fix: Replace radiator assembly (internal cooler cannot be separated), flush transmission completely, replace transmission fluid and filter. If contamination went unnoticed, transmission rebuild/replacement often required. 4-6 hours labor for radiator and flush; add 12-20 hours if transmission needs rebuild.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 (radiator/flush only); $3,500-5,500 (with transmission rebuild)
Excessive Oil Consumption Leading to Engine Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning oil 1+ quart per 1,000 miles, Blue smoke on startup or acceleration, Check engine light with cylinder misfire codes, Catastrophic rod knock if oil level runs too low
Fix: VQ35DE engines can consume oil through worn piston rings or valve stem seals. Minor consumption can be managed with frequent top-offs. Severe cases require engine rebuild (pistons, rings, bearings) or short block replacement. 18-25 hours labor for rebuild, 12-16 for short block swap.
Estimated cost: $4,000-7,000 (rebuild); $3,500-5,500 (used/reman short block)
Rear Subframe and Differential Bushing Failure
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking from rear on acceleration or deceleration, Vibration or shudder during hard launches, Wandering rear end over bumps, Visible cracking or tearing of rubber bushings
Fix: Rear subframe bushings and differential mount bushings deteriorate, especially on cars driven aggressively. Replace all four subframe bushings and differential mounts. Many opt for polyurethane aftermarket upgrades. 3-5 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Intermittent no-start or long crank, Check engine light with P0340 or P0345 codes, Rough idle or stalling when warm, Car dies while driving then restarts after cooling
Fix: Cam sensors (one per bank) fail due to heat cycling. Replace both sensors preventively as second failure usually follows within 10k-20k miles. 1.5-2.5 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Window Regulator Failure
Common · low severityTypical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Window drops into door or won't stay up, Grinding or clicking noise when operating window, Slow or jerky window movement, Window off track or tilted
Fix: Plastic window regulator clips and cables break, most commonly on driver and front passenger doors. Replace regulator assembly (motor usually included). 1.5-2 hours per door.
Estimated cost: $300-500 per door
VIAS Actuator Motor Failure
Occasional · low severityTypical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with P1078 or P1084 codes, Slight loss of top-end power (usually unnoticeable), Rattling from intake manifold area
Fix: Variable Intake Air System actuator motors seize or strip gears. Does not affect driveability significantly but triggers CEL. Replace actuator motors (two units). 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive drivetrain movement on launch or shifts, Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive, Vibration at idle in gear, Visible sagging or torn rubber on mount
Fix: Hydraulic transmission mount fails, allowing excessive movement. Replace transmission mount. Often done alongside rear subframe bushings. 1.5-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Buy one if the radiator and transmission have been replaced or verified clean; otherwise budget $2,000-3,000 for preventive cooler/mount work and walk away from high oil consumers.
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.