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 2002 Infiniti I35 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2002 Infiniti I35. The contact stated while driving 70-75 MPH on the freeway, the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. Additionally, while driving on another occasion, the vehicle shut off but restarted. The check engine, traction control, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V455000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 279,000.
The contact owns a 2002 Infiniti I35. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V455000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
I own a 2002 Infiniti I35. While I was driving at approximately 35 miles per hour, making a left turn, I was hit on the rear driver's side (t-boned). Non of my air bags deployed and I was severely injured. I sustained injuries to my neck, both shoulders and my back. The driver of the other vehicle illegally ran a stop sign. My vehicle was taken to my residence and was not repaired. As a direct and proximate result of the accident I have been permanently disabled and constantly dealing with the pain. I'm sure I would be in much better shape if the airbag would have deployed. I called the police and reported the accident when it happened. I have not informed my manufacturer of the issues that I have experienced as of yet. My vehicle currently has about 166,000 miles. …
I had recently had some work done on my car to replace the right bearing wheel and the power steering line, as there was a leak and loud roaring noise when driving on the highway as confirmed by the mechanic. About a week later, I was driving on the highway (at about 65 MPH) when all of a sudden I felt a jerking in the car, suddenly the engine light turned on, and the the temperature gauge shot all the way up. I pulled to side of the road as soon as I could because I saw white smoke coming from under the hood. I had bought this car about 2 years ago from my uncle and I had taken the car to the dealer for the Takata recall. They never mentioned anything else. Then about a month before this all happen my uncle sent me a letter (as he had moved away, regarding another recall on the I35. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Infiniti I35. While driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact coasted to the side of the road and the vehicle came to a complete stop. The contact was able to start the vehicle when abnormal pressure was placed onto the steering wheel and the starter key. The vehicle was inoperable. The contact had a certified mechanic diagnose the vehicle. The mechanic diagnosed that the cam shaft sensors failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred and the electrical system stalled as well. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle's failures were similar to the consequence mentioned in NHTSA campaign number: 03V455000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …
The TCS off and slip lights after a noticeable miss while accelerating, the vehicle fails to accelerate when the accelerator pedal is depressed, and then the vehicle stalls, regardless of traveling speed, resulting in total loss of power steering and power braking. After stalling, the vehicle sometimes will restart on first attempt, other times it takes a few tries or turning the key to on position for 5 seconds and then turning it back to off, repeating 2-3 times then starts.the problem is persistent, the vehicle continues to fail at random almost every time it's driven as short as 1 mile distance, but has also been driven 20 miles without failing. While driving a daily route, the problem often occurs at a common location, whether related to distance, terrain, or coincidence is unknown.
Piston rings are failing in this vehicle. Many other vehicles that use this same engine May have the same piston rings, such as the Infiniti g35, or Nissan maxima which use the 3.5l vq35de engine of similar years. The piston rings were originally designed for the vq30 block, and were fitted to vq35de pistons. These rings are not capable of consistently handling the higher compression ratio of the vq35de engine found in this car. Symptoms include random misfiring of cylinders, whether the car is in motion or stationary, increased oil consumption (up to 2 qts/1000mi), loss of engine power that can result in a crash, damage to internal engine components,
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Infiniti I35. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the temperature gauge increased and the vehicle overheated. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and let it cool off before taking it to an independent mechanic. The mechanic stated that the radiator failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Infiniti I35. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the engine stalled. The vehicle was able to restart after one attempt. The failure recurred on one occasion. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the VIN was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 03V455000 (engine and engine cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Infiniti I35. While driving at approximately 45 MPH the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle but it continued to stall constantly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic. The mechanic stated the crank position sensor would have to be replaced and informed the contact there was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 03V455000 (engine and engine cooling) that May be related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
On certain passenger vehicles, the circuit board for the crank position sensor or cam position sensor May have an improper solder joint due to solder deformation caused by heat stress accelerated by the existence of flux residue during the soldering process.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the crank position sensors. Camshaft position sensor(s), and in some cases, the variable timing control sensor(s).
Engine complaints in other I35 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2002 Infiniti I35?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2002 Infiniti I35, 33% of the model year's 70 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Infiniti I35 engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-455 (engine and engine cooling, Nov 17, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Infiniti I35 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 141,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.