2012 INFINITI EX35

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Cold-start rattle for 2-3 seconds that progressively worsens, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0011, P0021), Sudden catastrophic failure: metal shavings in oil, loss of power, or no-start, Rattling from front of engine that doesn't go away after warm-up

Fix: Primary timing chain guides (plastic-backed) wear and fragment, letting chain slap around and jump teeth. Requires front engine disassembly: timing cover off, all three chains, guides, tensioners, and both VVT actuators replaced. Often discover piston/valve contact or rod bearing damage after teardown, turning it into short-block or full rebuild territory. 12-18 hours labor if caught early and no internal damage; 25-35 hours for engine rebuild.

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500 preventive replacement; $6,500-12,000 if internal damage occurred

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid looks milky or strawberry-milkshake pink, Harsh or delayed shifts, especially when cold, Coolant loss with no visible external leaks, Transmission slipping or limp mode after cooler fails

Fix: Factory cooler inside the radiator develops internal leak, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. Coolant contamination destroys clutch packs and valve body rapidly. Requires radiator replacement, full trans fluid flush (multiple cycles), and often transmission rebuild if caught late. If trans is already slipping, you're looking at reman or used unit. Preventive external cooler install is cheap insurance. 3-4 hours for radiator/cooler fix alone; add 15-20 hours if trans needs rebuild.

Estimated cost: $800-1,200 radiator replacement + flush; $3,500-5,500 if transmission rebuild needed

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Harsh 2-3 or 3-4 shifts, especially under light throttle, Transmission hunts between gears or won't downshift properly, Check engine light with shift solenoid or pressure control codes, Occasional flare or slip during upshifts

Fix: Step motors inside the valve body wear out; Nissan updated the design mid-production. Requires trans pan drop, valve body removal, and step motor replacement (comes as an assembly). Sometimes the valve body itself has worn bore sleeves. 4-6 hours labor. Use only OEM or Nissan reman parts—aftermarket step motors fail quickly.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000

Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Fuel gauge reads empty, full, or bounces erratically regardless of actual level, Intermittent no-start or extended crank, especially below 1/4 tank, Fuel pump whine or buzz from rear seat area, Car dies or stumbles during acceleration when tank is low

Fix: Fuel level sender develops bad solder joints or the pump itself fails. Entire fuel pump module comes out through top of tank (accessible under rear seat). 2-3 hours labor. Always replace with OEM Nissan unit—aftermarket pumps are hit-or-miss on longevity and flow rate.

Estimated cost: $650-1,000

Typical onset: 70,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front suspension, Steering feels vague or car wanders slightly on highway, Inner tire edge wear due to shifting camber, Visible cracks or separation in rubber bushings during inspection

Fix: Front lower control arm bushings (especially rear bushings in the arms) deteriorate. Nissan sells only complete control arms, not serviceable bushings. 2-3 hours per side; alignment mandatory afterward. Some shops press in aftermarket bushings to save cost, but arms aren't expensive and replacement is straightforward.

Estimated cost: $600-900 both sides with alignment

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Coolant seepage or drips under front of vehicle, Plastic radiator end tanks develop hairline cracks, Upper or lower radiator hose splits near crimp, spraying coolant, Overheating or low coolant warning

Fix: Plastic end tanks and molded hose connections become brittle over time. At 10+ years, radiator replacement is often due regardless of mileage. Factory hoses have molded quick-connects that can't be reused once removed. Replace radiator, both hoses, and thermostat as a kit. 2-3 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $500-800