2003-2008 Infiniti FX45 Problems: 6 Known Issues
2003-2008 model years · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2003-2008 Infiniti FX45 has 6 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Radiator Failure Causing Overheating ($450-$950 repair) and Timing Chain Guide Wear and Chain Noise ($1,800-$3,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $180 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 6 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls10 recalls
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
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.
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
DURING A CANADIAN COMPLIANCE TEST, CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.' A REAR COMBINATION LAMP ASSEMBLY DID NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Infiniti FX45 problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2003-2008 Infiniti FX45 has 6 documented issues. Documented issues include: Radiator Failure Causing Overheating, Timing Chain Guide Wear and Chain Noise, Camshaft and Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Infiniti FX45 reliable?
The 2003-2008 Infiniti FX45 has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Radiator Failure Causing Overheating and Timing Chain Guide Wear and Chain Noise. 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 FX45 problems?
Repair costs for known Infiniti FX45 issues range from $180 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Radiator Failure Causing Overheating, typically costs $450-$950 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Infiniti FX45 is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Infiniti FX45. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2003-2008 Infiniti FX45 with 6 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
What is the 2003-2008 Infiniti FX45 Radiator Failure Causing Overheating?
A common aging issue on the FX45 is radiator tank cracking or seam leakage, especially on higher-mileage vehicles exposed to heat cycling. Coolant loss can lead to overheating, and if ignored, the VK45DE can suffer head gasket damage or warped components. Repairs typically run $450-$950. Severity: high.
What is the 2003-2008 Infiniti FX45 Timing Chain Guide Wear and Chain Noise?
The VK45DE V8 used in the FX45 can develop timing chain guide and tensioner wear, leading to chain rattle on startup or at idle. Owners report the issue more often on higher-mileage engines or vehicles with poor oil change history, where sludge and low oil pressure accelerate gui… Repairs typically run $1,800-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2003-2008 Infiniti FX45 Camshaft and Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure?
Camshaft and crankshaft position sensors are a well-known failure point on many Nissan and Infiniti vehicles of this era, including the FX45. Heat and age can cause intermittent signal loss, resulting in stalling, hard starting, limp operation, or a no-start condition. Repairs typically run $180-$500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2008 Infiniti FX45 Front Suspension Control Arm and Bushing Wear?
The FX45 is known for front suspension wear, especially in the upper and lower control arm bushings and ball joints. The vehicle's weight, wheel/tire package, and sporty suspension tuning contribute to clunks, looseness, and uneven tire wear as the bushings deteriorate. Repairs typically run $500-$1,400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2008 Infiniti FX45 Brake Rotor Warping and Premature Front Brake Wear?
Owners frequently report front brake pulsation and rapid pad/rotor wear on the FX45, especially with aggressive driving or heavy wheel/tire setups. Repairs typically run $350-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2003-2008 Infiniti FX45 Fuel Level Sending Unit Failure?
The FX45 can develop inaccurate fuel gauge readings due to wear or contamination in the fuel level sending unit. This may cause the gauge to stick, read empty when fuel remains, or trigger low-fuel warnings inconsistently, which is a known Nissan/Infiniti issue from this era. Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: low.
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.