Infiniti · Known Issues

2004 Infiniti FX35 Problems: 16 Known Issues

2004 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2004 Infiniti FX35 has 16 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are Timing Chain Guide / Whine from Front Cover ($1,500-$3,000 repair), Radiator Crack and Coolant / Transmission Cross-Contamination ($400-$5,500 repair), Fuel Filler Hose Cracking / Fuel Leak While Refueling (Recall 05V555) ($0-$250 repair) and Takata Passenger Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture (Multiple Recalls, 2003-2008) ($0-$0 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $5,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Infiniti FX35 problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2004 Infiniti FX35 has 16 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Timing Chain Guide / Whine from Front Cover, Radiator Crack and Coolant / Transmission Cross-Contamination, Fuel Filler Hose Cracking / Fuel Leak While Refueling (Recall 05V555). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Infiniti FX35 reliable?

The 2004 Infiniti FX35 has 16 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Timing Chain Guide / Whine from Front Cover and Radiator Crack and Coolant / Transmission Cross-Contamination and Fuel Filler Hose Cracking / Fuel Leak While Refueling (Recall 05V555) and Takata Passenger Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture (Multiple Recalls, 2003-2008). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Infiniti FX35 problems?

Repair costs for known Infiniti FX35 issues range from $0 to $5,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Timing Chain Guide / Whine from Front Cover, typically costs $1,500-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2003-2007 Infiniti FX35 Timing Chain Guide / Whine from Front Cover?

Early VQ35DE-equipped FX35 models are known for a whining or supercharger-like noise caused by wear in the timing chain guides and related front timing components. Infiniti issued service information for replacing the primary timing chain, guides, tensioners, and sprockets when a… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 Radiator Crack and Coolant / Transmission Cross-Contamination?

On first-generation FX35 models with the automatic transmission cooler integrated into the radiator, internal radiator failure can allow coolant and ATF to mix. Owners report radiator tank cracking or internal cooler failure, which can quickly damage the transmission if not caugh… Repairs typically run $400-$5,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2003-2004 Infiniti FX35 Fuel Filler Hose Cracking / Fuel Leak While Refueling (Recall 05V555)?

On 2003-2004 FX35 (and 2003-2006 FX45, plus 2003-2004 G35 and 2003 350Z) the rubber fuel filler hose degrades from ozone exposure and cracks. Fuel then leaks from the hose while the tank is being filled, which is a fire hazard if an ignition source is present. Owners typically no… Repairs typically run $0-$250. Severity: high.

What is the 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 Takata Passenger Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture (Multiple Recalls, 2003-2008)?

Every first-generation FX35 is covered by the Takata passenger-side frontal airbag inflator recalls. The non-desiccated PSAN inflators can rupture on deployment after long-term humidity and heat exposure, sending metal fragments at occupants. The FX was recalled repeatedly as cov… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2003-2012 Infiniti FX35 Brake Rotor Warping / Front Brake Vibration?

Infiniti service bulletin ITB00-024I applies to all Infiniti vehicles and defines brake judder as vibration felt through the vehicle, steering wheel or brake pedal while braking. The bulletin identifies rotor thickness variation and/or rotor runout as the cause; brake-pedal pulsa… Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2012 Infiniti FX35 Camshaft / Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure?

The FX35 commonly develops intermittent failures of the camshaft position sensors and sometimes the crankshaft position sensor, causing stalling, hard starts, or limp operation. Heat and age degrade the sensor electronics, and this issue is widely reported across Nissan/Infiniti… Repairs typically run $150-$450. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2012 Infiniti FX35 Fuel Gauge Sending Unit Failure?

A common Nissan/Infiniti issue on this era of FX35 is inaccurate fuel level readings caused by wear or contamination of the fuel level sending unit inside the tank. Owners report the gauge sticking, dropping suddenly, or showing empty with fuel still in the tank, sometimes accomp… Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 Catalytic Converter Efficiency Failure (P0420 / P0430)?

First-generation FX35s commonly set P0420 and/or P0430 (catalyst efficiency below threshold, bank 1/bank 2) as the two close-coupled converters degrade, often between 80,000 and 130,000 miles. Contributing causes on this engine are oil consumption coating the catalyst and rich ru… Repairs typically run $600-$3,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2012 Infiniti FX35 Front Suspension Clunk / Worn Control Arm Bushings?

The FX35 is well known for front-end clunks, loose steering feel, and uneven tire wear caused by worn front lower control arm bushings, compression rod bushings, and sway bar end links. The vehicle's weight and sporty suspension tuning accelerate bushing wear, especially on rough… Repairs typically run $300-$1,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 Door Lock Actuator Failure (Doors Won't Lock/Unlock Electrically)?

First-generation FX35/FX45 (shared with the G35 and Murano) chronically burn out the door lock actuators. One door stops responding to the fob or the master switch, and owners commonly end up replacing three or all four over the life of the car; an actuator failing in the locked… Repairs typically run $150-$2,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2012 Infiniti FX35 Front Wheel Bearing / Hub Assembly Premature Failure (Roaring Noise)?

Premature front wheel hub bearing wear is one of the most widely reported FX35 faults across both generations, with owners reporting failures anywhere from 30,000 to 100,000 miles and frequently both sides within a short interval. The bearing is pressed into a sealed hub unit, so… Repairs typically run $250-$1,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 VQ35DE Excessive Oil Consumption via PCV / Valve Cover Oil Ingestion?

The first-generation FX35 uses the VQ35DE, an engine known for oil consumption once ring wear sets in. On the FX the more common mechanism reported by owners is oil pulled through the PCV system: the narrow baffle channels in the passenger-side valve cover gum up and the PCV valv… Repairs typically run $150-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2012 Infiniti FX35 RE5R05A Automatic Transmission Harsh 4-3 Downshift / Erratic Shifting (TCM Reflash and Valve Body)?

Both FX35 generations use the Jatco RE5R05A 5-speed automatic. Owners report a harsh or lurching 4-to-3 downshift when slowing, shudder or flare on 4th/5th engagement, and in worse cases a transmission stuck in 3rd or 4th that will not select 5th with the manual mode showing only… Repairs typically run $100-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 Power Steering Pump Seal / High-Pressure Hose Leak?

First-generation FX35 owners frequently trace a power steering fluid loss to the pump's shaft seal and O-rings, or to the high-pressure line where it joins the pump or rack, typically around 85,000-130,000 miles. Fluid sprays onto the belt and lower engine, the reservoir runs low… Repairs typically run $100-$1,800. Severity: low.

What is the 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 Rear Liftgate Latch Actuator Failure (Hatch Won't Open From Button or Fob)?

On 2003-2008 FX the rear hatch stops releasing from the exterior button or key fob while the interior emergency release still works. Failures are usually intermittent at first (one owner reported sporadic failure at 90,000 miles) and progress to complete non-response. The cause i… Repairs typically run $100-$400. Severity: low.

What is the 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 Dashboard Vinyl Bubbling / Melting Delamination (Sun-Exposure Defect)?

First-generation (S50) FX35 dashboards develop raised bubbles, blisters and a sticky, melting surface, typically starting around the navigation screen and air vents and spreading across the top pad. The adhesive and vinyl skin fail under heat and UV exposure, so Sun Belt cars are… Repairs typically run $500-$2,500. Severity: low.

In This Article

All 16 Known Issues

2003-2007 Infiniti FX35: Timing Chain Guide / Whine from Front Cover#

2003-2008 Infiniti FX35: VQ35DE Excessive Oil Consumption via PCV / Valve Cover Oil Ingestion#

2003-2004 Infiniti FX35: Fuel Filler Hose Cracking / Fuel Leak While Refueling (Recall 05V555)#

2003-2012 Infiniti FX35: Fuel Gauge Sending Unit Failure#

2003-2008 Infiniti FX35: Radiator Crack and Coolant / Transmission Cross-Contamination#

2003-2008 Infiniti FX35: Takata Passenger Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture (Multiple Recalls, 2003-2008)#

2003-2012 Infiniti FX35: Camshaft / Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure#

2003-2008 Infiniti FX35: Door Lock Actuator Failure (Doors Won't Lock/Unlock Electrically)#

2003-2012 Infiniti FX35: Front Suspension Clunk / Worn Control Arm Bushings#

2003-2012 Infiniti FX35: Front Wheel Bearing / Hub Assembly Premature Failure (Roaring Noise)#

2003-2012 Infiniti FX35: Brake Rotor Warping / Front Brake Vibration#

2003-2008 Infiniti FX35: Catalytic Converter Efficiency Failure (P0420 / P0430)#

2003-2012 Infiniti FX35: RE5R05A Automatic Transmission Harsh 4-3 Downshift / Erratic Shifting (TCM Reflash and Valve Body)#

2003-2008 Infiniti FX35: Power Steering Pump Seal / High-Pressure Hose Leak#

2003-2008 Infiniti FX35: Rear Liftgate Latch Actuator Failure (Hatch Won't Open From Button or Fob)#

2003-2008 Infiniti FX35: Dashboard Vinyl Bubbling / Melting Delamination (Sun-Exposure Defect)#

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