KnownCarProblems2003 Infiniti FX35 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 61 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Infiniti FX35, most often about the air bags (21% of complaints). It is the 3rd most complained-about FX35 model year since 2000 and has 10 recalls.
Most common 2003 Infiniti FX35 problems
Air bags
13 complaints · 21%Takata recall (previous case number 1039551) I have been following up with Infiniti consumer affairs since august 2016 and was advised today from [], regional manager that the official (not temporary piece) was available for installation. I am concerned because the NHTSA website states that as of 12/14/2016 "recall is…
The contact owns a 2003 Infiniti FX35. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 20v008000 (air bags) however, the VIN was not included. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure…
Doors and locks
12 complaints · 20%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2003 Infiniti FX35. The contact stated that the vehicle doors could not be unlocked or locked using the key fob or the interior door lock. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics. The technician replaced the driver side door lock actuator. After the repair the failure recurred. The…
I bought my vehicle used (2003 fx 35) in 2010 and have experienced what seems to be some very common complaints associated with the vehicle . Defects that the local dealers (mcallen , texas) have refused to address. 1) cracked dash. Several large cracks running the length of the dashes. 2) faulty car lock actuators.…
Body and structure
8 complaints · 13%Parts named most often: body.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Infiniti FX35. The contact stated that the vehicle has approximately 13 cracks across the dashboard. There are also approximately 4 cracks near the front passenger side air bag. The dealer and manufacturer were notified, but could not correct the failures. The VIN was unknown. The current…
The contact owns a 2003 Infiniti FX35. While examining the vehicle the contact noticed that the driver side dashboard area was fractured. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or serviced. The current and failure mileages were 20,000.
Engine
8 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 87,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system, cooling system.
2003 Infiniti FX35, engine broken with mileage only 89,992. No car accident record. Well maintenance done by dealer. Manufacturer has no idea what cause the engine broken.
The contact owns a 2003 Infiniti FX35. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. After waiting ten minutes, the vehicle resumed normal operation; however, the failure recurred three times before reaching his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not…
Electrical
8 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 98,000 miles.
I have a 2003 infinity FX35, for some time I have been having trouble with all the door actuators they sometime work and some not, now they don't work at all. It started with the drivers door and like 2 months later the rest of the doors including the trunk. I had it check with an electromechanical and he told me is…
Power door lock actuators operate intermittently. There has been several instances having the rear child door lock engaged and we could not open the rear doors from the outside because the actuators failed. Children had to exit out the front by climbing over the front seats. While at a parking garage a large vehicle…
Seats
5 complaints · 8%Parts named most often: front assembly.
Brakes
5 complaints · 8%Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components.
The brakes were defective. Dealer serviced the brakes several times, and the manufacturer stated that the problem will continue to exist because the parts being placed onto the vehicle were also defective. There was a constant squealing even when the brakes were not applied.
Transmission
4 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: driveline, axle assembly.
The contact owns a 2003 Infiniti FX35. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for routine maintenance when the mechanic advised that the heat shields that covered the catalytic converter and pipes were rusted and corroded. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and filed a complaint on behalf of the…
The contact owns a 2003 Infiniti FX35. While driving at an unknown speed, an abnormal noise was heard under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the transaxle and differential were fractured. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2003 Infiniti FX35 recalls
Air bags: cushion
Risk: A tear in the air bag may decrease air bag performance, and increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Infiniti will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on april 19, 2021. Owners may contact infiniti customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Infiniti's number for this recall is r20c2.
Full defect summary
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: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began february 12, 2020. Owners may contact nissan customer service at 888-737-9511 or infiniti customer service at 888-810-3715.
Full defect summary
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: inflator module
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began december 21, 2017. All owners should receive a second notice by may 15, 2017. Owners may contact nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Full defect summary
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, tenn
Air bags
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on june 15, 2015. Owners may contact nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: on december 18, 2015 nissan informed NHTSA of an amendment of this recall to remove 2004-2005 infiniti fx35 and fx45 vehicles.
Full defect summary
Nissan north america, inc. (nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 nissan maxima, 2002-2004 pathfinder, 2002-2006 sentra, 2002-2003 infiniti qx4 and i35, 2003 fx35 and fx45, and 2001 i30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Air bags
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengerâs frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on june 16, 2015. Owners may contact nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: this recall supersedes recall 14v-701.
Full defect summary
Nissan north america, inc. (nissan) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 infiniti i35, 2003-2005 fx35 and fx45, and 2006 m35 and m45 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in florida, hawaii, puerto rico, the u.s. Virgin islands, saipan, guam, and american samoa, as well as alabama, mississippi, louisiana, texas, and georgia, are included. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Lights: headlights
Risk: This standard is to reduce traffic accidents and deaths and injuries resulting from traffic accidents, by providing adequate illumination of the roadway, and by enhancing the conspicuity of motor vehicles on the public roads so that their presence is perceived and their signals understood, both in daylight and in darkness or other conditions of reduced visibility.
Fix: Dealers will replace the headlamp assemblies. The recall began on december 18, 2006. Owners may contact infiniti at 1-800-662-6200.
Full defect summary
During a canadian compliance test, certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, 'lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.' the headlamp assemblies do not meet the headlamp photometric values requirements of the standard.
Lights: exterior lighting
Risk: This standard is to reduce traffic accidents and deaths and injuries resulting from traffic accidents, by providing adequate illumination of the roadway, and by enhancing the conspicuity of motor vehicles on the public roads so that their presence is perceived and their signals understood, both in daylight and in darkness or other conditions of reduced visibility.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rear combination lamp assemblies. The recall began on december 18, 2006. Owners may contact infiniti at at 1-800-662-6200.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: fuel system, gasoline
Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel filler hose. Recall began on february 27, 2006, for nissan owners, and on march 13, 2006, for infiniti owners. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261 or infiniti at 1-800-662-6200.
Full defect summary
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, the fuel filler hose may crack and result in fuel leakage from the hose while refueling.
Brakes: caliper
Risk: If this occurs, it would allow the caliper to rotate or separate from its mounting bracket. This could cause the brake to fail, reducing the vehicle's ability to stop. It could also damage the wheel, causing the tire to go flat. Either one of these conditions could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will tighten the front brake caliper mounting bolts to ensure that they are secure. Owner notification began on january 5, 2004. Owners should contact infiniti at 1-800-662-6200.
Full defect summary
On certain sport utility vehicles, the front brake caliper mounting bolts may not be adequately tightened. This could result in one or both of the caliper mounting bolts loosening.
Transmission: automatic transmission
Risk: If the bolts come loose, the propeller shaft may come off the vehicle which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the propeller shaft bolts and tighten the bolts to the proper specification. Owner notification began may 27, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact infiniti at 1-800-662-6200.
Full defect summary
On certain sport utility vehicles, the bolts which attach the propeller shaft(s) to the transaxle and differential(s) may not have been adequately tightened.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture
Summary
From 2000 through 2017, takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("psan") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004l. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 blomquist report at www.NHTSA.gov/sites/NHTSA.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substa
Air bag inflator rupture
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened pe14-016 in june 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.all six vehicles were operated in florida or puerto rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.during the course of pe14-016, odi determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.nonetheless, at odi's in
Air bag inflator rupture
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened pe14-016 in june 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.all six vehicles were operated in florida or puerto rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.during the course of pe14-016, odi determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.nonetheless, at odi's in
Questions about the 2003 Infiniti FX35
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Infiniti FX35?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (13 complaints); doors and locks (12 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles); body and structure (8 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2003 Infiniti FX35 have?
- 10 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from March 4, 2021 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2003 a bad year for the Infiniti FX35?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about FX35 model year since 2000, with 61 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.