2009 INFINITI EX35

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Cold-start rattle for 2-5 seconds that worsens over time, Metallic whining or grinding from timing cover area, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0011, P0021), Catastrophic engine failure if guides disintegrate into the chain

Fix: Complete timing chain system replacement including guides, tensioners, chains, and oil pump drive chain. Requires front engine disassembly, 12-16 hours labor. Often discover camshaft and crank sprocket damage requiring additional parts. This is a known weak point on VQ35HR engines.

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid dripping from radiator area, Pink or red fluid in coolant reservoir (cooler rupture mixing fluids), Harsh shifting or slipping after coolant contamination, Low transmission fluid level warnings

Fix: Replace transmission cooler lines and external cooler if ruptured internally. If coolant mixed with ATF, requires complete transmission flush or rebuild depending on damage. Steel lines rust through where they pass under engine. Prevention: inspect annually after 60k miles. 3-5 hours for lines only, 20+ hours if transmission rebuild needed.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200 (lines only), $3,500-5,500 (if transmission damaged)

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Harsh or delayed 2-3 upshifts when warm, Flare or slip during upshifts under moderate throttle, Check engine light with shift solenoid codes, Limp mode with transmission stuck in 3rd or 5th gear

Fix: Replace valve body assembly or individual solenoid pack. Requires transmission pan removal, valve body disassembly, and careful calibration. Often caused by degraded ATF not changed at 60k intervals. 4-6 hours labor. Replace all solenoids as a set to prevent repeat failures.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunk or thud when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in gear, Visible powertrain movement when revving in Park, Transmission tunnel heat and noise increase

Fix: Replace rear transmission mount, sometimes front engine mount simultaneously. Rubber deteriorates from heat and age. Simple job with transmission jack support, 1.5-2.5 hours labor. Use OEM or quality aftermarket — cheap mounts fail within 20k miles.

Estimated cost: $300-550

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Long crank time when starting, especially hot restarts, Rough idle with lean codes (P0171, P0174), Hesitation or stumble under acceleration, Fuel smell from engine bay after shutdown

Fix: High-pressure fuel pump (in-tank) or injectors develop wear. Tank must be dropped to replace pump (3-4 hours). Injector replacement requires intake manifold removal and fuel rail work (5-7 hours for all six). Common on vehicles with neglected fuel filter maintenance or poor fuel quality. Diagnose with fuel pressure and injector flow testing before parts-shotgunning.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400 (pump), $1,200-2,000 (injectors)

Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Coolant seepage from radiator end tanks (plastic failure), Hose rupture at lower radiator or heater core connections, Overheating under load or in hot weather, Sweet coolant smell or visible steam from engine bay

Fix: Replace radiator when plastic end tanks crack, common failure point. Lower hoses collapse internally causing flow restriction. Replace radiator, all hoses, and thermostat as a cooling system refresh at 100k. 3-4 hours labor for complete job. Use OEM or Koyo radiator — cheap units fail quickly.

Estimated cost: $600-1,100