2000 INFINITI G20

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Blue smoke on startup or acceleration, Low oil warning between changes—needing 1+ quarts per 1,000 miles, Pinging or knocking under load despite proper fuel, Loss of power and rough idle as damage progresses

Fix: SR20DE engines suffer from worn piston rings and carbon buildup causing oil burning, which leads to pre-ignition and eventual piston/ring land damage. Many require full engine rebuild (rings, bearings, honing) or short block replacement. Expect 18-25 labor hours for rebuild, 12-16 for short block swap.

Estimated cost: $2,800-5,500

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Pink or milky transmission fluid (coolant mixing), Harsh or delayed shifts, Transmission overheating, Coolant level dropping without visible leaks

Fix: The internal trans cooler in the radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix—this destroys the transmission quickly. Requires radiator replacement, full trans fluid flush, and often transmission replacement if contamination sat for any time. Preventive external cooler highly recommended. 8-12 hours for radiator + flush, add 12-18 if trans is toast.

Estimated cost: $800-1,200 (caught early), $3,000-4,500 (trans damaged)

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting into gear or on throttle lift, Excessive drivetrain vibration at idle in gear, Visible engine movement when revving in park

Fix: The front and rear transmission mounts deteriorate and cause harsh engagement and vibration. Often mistaken for transmission problems. Replace both mounts as a set—2-3 labor hours.

Estimated cost: $350-600

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: No-start condition with cranking but no fire, Intermittent stalling while driving, especially when hot, Engine cuts out and restarts randomly

Fix: The crank position sensor fails due to heat cycling and leaves you stranded. Common no-start culprit on SR20 engines. Sensor is accessible but requires removing intake components. 1.5-2.5 labor hours.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi

Symptoms: Hard starting when hot, Random misfires and stumbling, Check engine light with ignition-related codes, Poor fuel economy and hesitation

Fix: The distributor shaft bushings wear, causing timing instability. Rebuild kits available but many opt for reman or used distributor. 2-3 labor hours for replacement.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Symptoms: Hesitation or stumbling under acceleration, Difficulty starting after sitting, Stalling at idle or low speeds, Loss of power at highway speeds

Fix: In-tank fuel filter clogs over time, especially if fuel quality has been poor. Often overlooked in diagnosis. Requires dropping fuel tank. 2-3 labor hours.

Estimated cost: $280-450

Typical onset: 150,000+ mi

Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, Overheating with no visible coolant leaks, Bubbles in coolant reservoir or oil in coolant, Rough idle and loss of compression

Fix: Usually results from overheating or neglected cooling system. Requires head removal, resurfacing, and new gasket. Often find warped head on SR20s. 12-16 labor hours, more if machine work extensive.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200