2003 Infiniti Fx problems

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The Infiniti QX70, formerly called the Infiniti FX until 2013, is a compact luxury crossover SUV produced by the Nissan-owned Infiniti luxury vehicle brand between 2002 and 2017. The FX replaced the QX4 as Infiniti's mid-size SUV. It shares the same FM platform as the rear-wheel drive Nissan 370Z, and it "made no claims of climbing mountains." Rather, its aggressive shape promised style and quick handling. The similarly sized Nissan Murano is based on the same D platform as the front-wheel drive Nissan Altima. The FX does not have a Nissan-branded equivalent and is not sold in Japan.

The FX introduced its second generation for the 2009 model year as the FX35 and FX50.

First generation (S50; 2003)

The nameplates FX35 and FX45 refer to the two available engines. The FX35 is available in two drivetrains, the RWD and the AWD, which are both fitted to a dual overhead cam 3.5-liter 24-valve V6 VQ35DE gasoline engine, with aluminum-alloy block and heads, electronically controlled throttle system, and low-friction molybdenum-coated pistons that makes use of the continuous variable valve timing which in part optimizes the opening of intake valves. This is also coupled with an electronically controlled super-wide ratio five-speed automatic with a manumatic shift mode that includes the option of sequentially selected manual gearshifts and downshift rev-matching.

The AWD FX45 incorporates a 4.5 L (4,494 cc) 32-valve V8 DOHC VK45DE gasoline engine with four valves per cylinder, microfinished camshafts with aluminum-alloy block and heads, low-friction molybdenum-coated pistons, titanium intake and exhaust valves, modular cylinder heads, microfinished crankshaft, lightweight pistons, super-silent single stage cam drive chain, and a Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System that optimizes opening of intake valves. Development began in 1999 under newly appointed CEO Carlos Ghosn's NRP. Design work was completed in rapid succession in 2000, for late 2002 production. Designed prior to that, earlier on in 2000 under the "Bionic Cheetah" theme, the 2001 Infiniti FX45 Concept was introduced at the NAIAS in January 2001. From mid-2001, a new concept based on the production design was developed and completed in late 2001. Sketches were first released in late November 2001. The second-generation 2002 FX45 Concept was introduced in January 2002 at the NAIAS '02 as a thinly-veiled production FX (S50) and planned production was announced for early 2003. In January 2003, the 2003 FX45 made its debut at the 2003 NAIAS and went on sale January 24, 2003.

In 2003 for the 2004 model, changes were the addition of a standard eight-way power front passenger seat that replaced the previous four-way design, the availability of aluminum roof rails and chrome-plated 20-inch wheels. Also new were a dark silver metallic finish for the 20-inch wheels (non-chrome-plated), the addition of a standard HVAC filter for all models and the addition of a new Snow-Mode function.

In September 2004 for the 2005 model year, the FX range received enhancements such as a lane departure warning (LDW) system that helps alert drivers to an unintended movement of the vehicle out of a designated traffic lane. Infiniti's system monitored the lane markings to alert passengers via an audible buzzer that the driver is drifting unintentionally. The LDW system, which utilizes a small camera, speed sensor, an indicator, and an audible warning buzzer, was offered on models. The 2005 Infiniti FX was the first passenger vehicle to offer a lane departure warning system in the United States market. In addition to LDW, the 2005 Infiniti FX range was now equipped with standard roof-mounted curtain supplemental curtain airbags with rollover protection for front and rear outboard seat occupants.

Other changes included the addition of a dark chrome grille, headlight, and clear taillight accents to the FX45 (also available as part of the V6 Sport Package on FX35 models), a new key fob design for the Infiniti Intelligent Key system, and two new exterior colors, Sapphire and Sheer Platinum. Interior changes included a new standard etched aluminum trim.

Total 2007 sales of the FX45 were 1,598 units, about a tenth of the FX35s.

2003 Infiniti Fx

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Common 2003 Infiniti Fx problems

The 2003 Infiniti FX35 has been reported to have several common problems based on owner complaints:

  1. Poor Acceleration: Owners have experienced issues with poor acceleration, where the car drives heavy and slow on the road despite normal acceleration inputs. This problem can be frustrating and may lead to discomfort while driving.
  2. MAF Sensor or CAS Issues: Some driving issues in the Infiniti FX35 can be attributed to problems with the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor or the Crankshaft Position Sensor (CAS). These components are crucial for proper engine performance and can impact acceleration and overall drivability.
  3. Transmission Problems: The transmission in the 2003 Infiniti FX35 has been a concern for some owners. Issues such as gear selection problems, sluggish shifting, or transmission slipping can affect the overall driving experience and may require attention from a mechanic.
  4. Cooling System: The cooling system, particularly the radiator, has been highlighted as a potential problem area. Leaks in the radiator or issues with the cooling fan can lead to overheating, which, if not addressed promptly, can cause significant damage to the engine.
  5. Oil Leaks and Consumption: Some owners have reported oil leaks and excessive oil consumption in the FX35. This can be indicative of various issues, such as worn piston rings, valve cover gasket leaks, or other engine-related problems that need to be diagnosed and repaired.
  6. Brake System Concerns: Problems with the brake system, including issues with brake discs, brake pads, or brake fluid leaks, have been noted by owners. Maintaining a healthy brake system is crucial for safety and overall vehicle performance.
  7. Electrical Issues: Electrical components like the MAF sensor, CAS, or other sensors can sometimes malfunction, leading to drivability issues. Electrical problems can be complex to diagnose and may require professional attention to resolve effectively.

These common problems with the 2003 Infiniti FX35 can impact the overall driving experience and may require timely maintenance and repairs to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and longevity.

2003 Infiniti Fx engine

Is Infiniti FX a reliable car?

The Infiniti FX35 has above average reliability scores (3.5 out of 5.0) from RepairPal. With proper maintenance, this SUV can go over 200,000 miles without major repairs.

What is the major problem of INFINITI FX35?

Most Common 2012 INFINITI FX35 Problems

Owners have reported a number of prematurely worn front wheel bearings.

Are INFINITI FX35 expensive to maintain?

The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a INFINITI FX35 is $617, compared to an average of $807 for luxury midsize SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.

What is the starting problem for INFINITI FX35?

The most common reasons an INFINITI FX35 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.

2003 Infiniti Fx car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Infiniti Fx problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Infiniti Fx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2003 Infiniti Fx complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Infiniti Fx.

2011-09-26

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2011-09-05
  • VIN: JNRBS08W53X
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: HELLO, I RECENTLY PURCHASED A USED 2003 INFINITI FX 45 FROM A PRIVATE SELLER. I NOTICED IMMEDIATELY THAT THE GAS CLUSTER READING WAS INACCURATE. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED MY MECHANIC AND CONDUCTED A RESEARCH TO LEARN THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH INFINITI MODELS FROM 03-04. I DO NOT HAVE WARRANTY AND BELIEVE AN IMMEDIATE RECALL ON THIS PART MUST BE ISSUED. THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER AND CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS ON LOCAL ROADS AND HIGHWAYS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2003 Infiniti Fx problems:

2003 INFINITI FX35 Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
2003 INFINITI FX35 Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2003-infiniti-fx35/problems

Top 2003 INFINITI FX35 Problems · Bad Wheel Bearing. 29 people have reported this. 9 · Timing Chain Rattle and Tapping Noise. 15 people have reported this. 3 ...

Experiences or known problems with FX35 AWD option? — Car ...
Experiences or known problems with FX35 AWD option? — Car ...
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/10110/infiniti/fx35/experiences-or-known-problems-with-fx35-awd-option

Jun 3, 2008 ... Infiniti FX35 · SUVs · Hybrids & EVs · Repairs ... I have a 2003 FX45, recently it started doing some strange things. ... Infiniti has indicated ...

Infiniti FX35 Reliability and Common Problems - In The Garage with ...
Infiniti FX35 Reliability and Common Problems - In The Garage with ...
https://www.carparts.com/blog/infiniti-fx35-reliability-and-common-problems/

Jan 31, 2024 ... One of the most widely reported problems with the 2003-2012 Infiniti FX35 is its front wheel bearings, which are prone to sustaining premature ...

2003 FX35 reliability vs. current gen FX50 | Infiniti FX Forum
2003 FX35 reliability vs. current gen FX50 | Infiniti FX Forum
https://www.infinitifx.org/threads/2003-fx35-reliability-vs-current-gen-fx50.20811/

Mar 12, 2012 ... Their reliability ratings were much lower even though they scored high in other areas. Four neighbors I talked to, while they loved their cars, ...

Infiniti FX VERY Reliable Car |
Infiniti FX VERY Reliable Car |
https://www.infinitiscene.com/threads/infiniti-fx-very-reliable-car.39193/

Jun 4, 2012 ... Hey guys, wanted to start this thread because ive been hearing and seeing so many people questioning about the 1st Gen FX reliability.

Other years of Infiniti Fx

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