2003 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
2003 · All trims · All engines
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2003 Infiniti FX35 has 17 documented known issues, with 5 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), Propeller Shaft Attachment Bolts Under-Torqued / Driveshaft Separation (Recall 03V164) ($0-$0 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Nissan North America, Inc. (INFINITI) is recalling certain 2003 INFINITI FX35, 2006-2008 FX35 and FX45 vehicles that previously received a replacement front passenger air bag assembly under recall number 20V-008. The air bag cushion was folded incorrectly, which could increase internal pressure and tear the air bag cushion during deployment.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2003 Infiniti FX35 has 17 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, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2003 Infiniti FX35 has 17 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 5 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 Propeller Shaft Attachment Bolts Under-Torqued / Driveshaft Separation (Recall 03V164) 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.
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.
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.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2012 Nissan Versa hatchbacks originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A". Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Nissan is recalling certain 2009-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45 and 2009 Nissan Versa sedans and hatchbacks originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B". Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Nissan is recalling certain 2005-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45, 2006-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45, and 2007-2008 Nissan Versa vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
STEERING:COLUMN
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2008 Infiniti EX35 vehicles equipped with the power tilt/telescope option included in the premium package, manufactured June 29, 2007, to April 25, 2008, 2009 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles manufactured October 31, 2007, to April 16, 2008, and 2009 Nissan GT-R vehicles manufactured March 14, 2007, to April 25, 2008. The steering column outer tube may not be round, resulting in extra stress being applied to the upper steering bearing. This stress may cause the bearing retainer to fracture, creating extra play in the steering wheel or a possible loss of steering.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45, 2003-2004 Infiniti I35, 2006-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45, and 2007-2011 Nissan Versa vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Nissan is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45, 2003-2004 Infiniti I35, 2006-2008 Infiniti M35 and M45, and 2007-2008 Nissan Versa vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Nissan is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Infiniti I35 vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
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.
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.
Early-production 2003 FX35 and FX45 left the factory with the bolts attaching the propeller (drive) shaft to the transmission and rear differential not tightened to specification. Loose bolts can back out and allow the propeller shaft to separate from the vehicle, causing loss of… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
