Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Infiniti G35 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Car has unintended acceleration that can only be stopped by turning off ignition key. This happens without warning. When stopped and foot on brake car accelerates to top rpm then brake goes to floor resulting in no control of car.
Was maneuvering a gentle right hand curve on a 4 lane city street. The car just simply died. Without the engine running the power steering was nullified and the vehicle wanted to continue in a straight line. Approximately 200 ft. Ahead there was an area with a driveway belonging to the water dept. Which I was able to wrestle the vehicle onto, out of traffic. The car would not restart and aaa was called. It was towed to the garage where the mechanic informed me the cam position sensor was faulty and the vehicle was repaired with a new one. About a year later the same thing occurred again as I was turning a corner. Without power steering or brakes I collided with the vehicle waiting at the light. Fortunately, my speed was 10 to 15 MPH and damage to both vehicles was minimal. The cam position sensor was again, the culprit. Last wed. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 infinti G35. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration without warning. The accelerator pedal became stuck and the engine revved rapidly. The brake pedal was depressed numerous times before the vehicle came to a stop. The engine was turned off and smoke emitted from underneath the hood. There were no flames visible. After restarting, the vehicle resumed normal operation. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Vehicle was in motion on a city street when the engine seemed to acquire a life of its own and sped up, unresponsive to drivers application of brakes for several seconds.as driver brought the vehicle to a stop, a puff of white smoke emerged from under the hood.
As previously mentioned and depicted copious times on multiple sites, my 2004 G35 (built in 2003 and purchased 11/03 w/ only 43,544 miles) stalls w/o warning. Engine and vdc lights show only after engine stalls. If idle rpms are increased to 1,000, to prevent stalling, the engine idle lopes noticeably. This safety issue has occurred both while stopped (stop lights/signs) and while driving 4 out of the last 4 times driven. Research indicates the fix consists of camshaft position sensor and crankshaft angle sensors. It is patently obvious that regardless of mileage (I.e. 100K+ or in my case 43K miles) the engine will stall, jeopardizing the safety of the driver and passenger(s) resulting from being hit by other vehicles, thereby endangering the occupants of any/all vehicles. …
The car burned nearly 4.2. Qts of oil in under 4000 miles. Massive number of users indicate same problem of insane amounts of oil consumption on various forums on the internet. This is most likely also a serious smog violation in ca and also is causing engines to blow up. Numerous mechanics will verify that they have seen the same problem with engines blowing at under 100,00 miles do to excess oil consumption. I have proof of my last oil change and number of miles. Also the amount of oil that came out of my car was less than a quarter of quart after only 4,000 miles of driving. My mechanic verified that there are no leaks. Please NHTSA! Please investigate this issue further. 20,0000 dollar car is basically totaled now. All dealers and Nissan refuses to acknowledge the problem even though there is a high possibility they know of the problem and are hiding it. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Infiniti G35. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. After awaiting fifteen minutes, the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they were unable to locate or duplicate the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 03V455000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Infiniti G35. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the service engine soon and vdc off warning lights illuminated. The contact mentioned that the vehicle also stalled while stopped at a traffic light. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 infinti G35. While driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart. The vdcf and the service engine warning indicators illuminated. The failure occurred severals times. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the cam shaft needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 196,580.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Infiniti G35. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vdc, the slip and check engine warning lights illuminated as the engine stalled. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Engine complaints in other G35 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2004 Infiniti G35?
NHTSA has 63 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2004 Infiniti G35, 26% of the model year's 244 complaints. The component named most often is engine (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Infiniti G35 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2004 Infiniti G35, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Infiniti G35 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 4 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.