VehicleVerdict

2004 Infiniti FX35 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2004 Infiniti FX35 carries two red flags at once: 148 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 4.6× the FX35 norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture). It is one of the FX35 years to avoid.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across latches & locks (27), electrical system (19), and body & structure (19), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

148

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

3

Investigations · 2 open

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other FX35 years?

FX35 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted148 complaints2002: 3 complaints2003: 84 complaints2004: 148 complaints2005: 122 complaints2006: 55 complaints2007: 48 complaints2008: 41 complaints2009: 23 complaints2010: 17 complaints2011: 15 complaints2012: 20 complaints2013: 1 complaints
FX35 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all FX35 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Infiniti FX35 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Latches & Locks2718%
Electrical System1913%
Body & Structure1913%
Fuel System1611%
Airbags1510%
Other1510%
Lighting75%
Seats53%
Brakes53%
Visibility & Wipers43%
Seat Belts32%
Engine32%
Child Seat21%
Suspension21%
Transmission21%
Speed Control11%
Driver Assistance11%
Steering11%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 2004 Infiniti FX35 have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V008000AirbagsJanuary 9, 2020 · 307,962 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

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.

16V349000AirbagsMay 24, 2016 · 413,852 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

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.

15V287000AirbagsMay 15, 2015 · 1,090,569 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

15V226000AirbagsApril 17, 2015 · 12,606 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

06V328000LightingAugust 31, 2006 · 105,200 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

06V244000LightingJuly 11, 2006 · 105,200 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

05V555000Fuel SystemDecember 13, 2005 · 192,659 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FUEL FILLER HOSE MAY CRACK AND RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE HOSE WHILE REFUELING.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

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.

Open NHTSA investigations

EA21002

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

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 substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

EA15001

Air Bag Inflator Rupture

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 insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, areas with high absolute humidity and climatic conditions believed to be a significant factor in the inflator ruptures.As part of the recall actions, inflators removed from remedied vehicles are to be returned to Takata for testing.Takata's initial test results on passenger inflators from remedied vehicles indicated a much higher than anticipated rupture frequency for inflators returned from Florida.Accordingly ODI requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators to include other geographic areas where high absolute humidity conditions exist, including the Gulf States and other coastal areas.Takata's testing of the passenger inflators to date continues to indicate this geographic area as having the highest risk, with no ruptures occurring from inflators returned from outside the expanded recall regions.During PE14-016 four additional passenger inflator field events occurred, all in vehicles from the same expanded geographic region.Also during PE14-016 four additional driver inflator field events occurred including two in vehicles from regions not known for high absolute humidity, specifically California and North Carolina.Accordingly, ODI requested all five of the affected vehicle manufacturers currently using the subject Takata driver inflators expand to nationwide recalls.Significantly, neither of the affected vehicle manufacturers or Takata provided any explanation to account for these two driver air bag inflator ruptures outside the area of high absolute humidity.Takata testing of returned driver inflators indicates a lower rupture frequency as compared to passenger inflator testing.All test ruptures reported by Takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from high absolute humidity areas.The investigation now includes all manufacturers and vehicles known to be affected at this time.ODI's investigation will focus on, among other things, root cause analysis, other potential defect consequences, identification of affected vehicles scope, and adequacy of the remedy.The five ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“SOME OR ALL DOOR LOCKS FAIL TO FUNCTION, WITH NO PATTERN OF WHICH DOOR OR DOORS WILL DO IT NEXT. THIS ONLY HAPPENS WHEN IT IS HOT ENOUGH OUTSIDE (APPROX 85 DEGREES AND UP) TO MAKE IT HOT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THIS PROBLEM IS ALL OVER THE INTERNET, WITH NISSAN'S AND INFINITI'S AND APPROXIMATE YEARS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · September 1, 2009

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 INFINITI FX35. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS MELTING AND BUBBLES APPEARED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE COULD CAUSE THE AIR BAGS TO BE EXPOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 15, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 INFINITI FX35. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS MELTING AND BUBBLES APPEARED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE COULD CAUSE THE AIR BAGS TO BE EXPOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 15, 2014

“2004 FX35- BLACK SMOKE COMES FROM THE EXHAUST PIPES WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED FOR THE FIRST TIME EACH DAY. I HAVE SHOWN THE DEALERSHIP VIDEO OF THIS AND YET THEY STILL ARE RELUCTANT TO ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM. MY GAS MILEAGE IS FAR LESS THAT THE EPA ESTIMATES. THE TRANSFER CASE HAS ALSO BEEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 1, 2005

“THE DASHBOARD ON THIS VEHICLE IS SEVERELY DETERIORATING. 99% OF THE DASHBOARD IS HAS BEGAN TO MELT AND DEVELOPED MEDIUM TO LARGE SIZE AIR BUBBLES. WHEN IT IS SUNNY OUTSIDE THE BUBBLES CREATE A GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING DRIVING DISTRACTION. FROM RESEARCHING THIS MATTER, THERE ARE MANY CUSTOMER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 1, 2015

2004 Infiniti FX35 — common questions

Is the 2004 Infiniti FX35 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 148 complaints put the 2004 model at #1 of 12 FX35 years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the FX35 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 FX35 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are latches & locks (27 complaints), electrical system (19 complaints), body & structure (19 complaints).

Does the 2004 Infiniti FX35 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Infiniti FX35. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Infiniti FX35 under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — 2 investigations remain open (Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Infiniti FX35 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the FX35 years to avoid are 2004, 2005, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008. The cleanest record among FX35 years belongs to 2013.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.