Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
While driving on 3 separate occasions my vehicle just stopped. First incident while drive on highway, my vehicle shut off, I was unable to steer or control the vehicle. While stopped, I restarted the vehicle. The second occasion , I was traveling 30 MPH and the vehicle just stopped. I restarted it. On the most recent occasion, January 13, 2015, I was at a red light, the car stopped running. When I restarted the car I experienced an electric shock through my car key. I am having a mechanic check out what is happening. This is extremely dangerous and frightening.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Infiniti I35. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart after the battery was recharged, but it failed to accelerate over 5 MPH. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 03V455000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 208,000.
Camshaft sensor according to the Infiniti dealership (Ray Brandt on Causeway in Metairie La.) Is malfunctioning at makes the car engine die while driving. Then when you restart the car the engine revs fine in neutral but once in drive it won't go over 5 mph. Also the timing chain tensioner fails on this car and can cause severe engine damage while the car is being driven. I've looked up both of these problems and have spoken with Nissan and Infiniti and a simple internet search will also confirm that these 2 problems are extremely common on this 5th generation engine. Nissan even lost 2 class action lawsuits on the timing tensioner. Well if Nissan lost 2 court battles over an engine defect that every Nissan internet forum says is a very very common problem then why isn't there a recall. And shouldn't hazing headlights be a safety issue on ALL cars? …
My 2003 infinity I35 stalsl while driving on local roads and busy state highways located in the greater hilton head sc area. It requires coasting to the side of the road, turning the vehicle off. The service engine light turns on. I then can restart the engine and return to my home as soon as I can. I researched the problem and found a recall notice that described my problem. Since discovering the problem, I took it to the dealer and they informed me that my vehicle was not covered by the recall. I have taken it back to them twice now to fix this problem at my expense. The problem has again returned and I don't want to pay a 3rd repair bill to fix a problem that others are getting fixed under the recall ( 03V455000). This is getting expensive, very dangerous, and eliminates the use of my car by my wife. She is afraid to drive it and I understand her fear. …
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.
Related recalls (1)
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).
Frequently asked questions
Which Infiniti I35 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (69), 2002 (23) and 2004 (10) model years. Engine complaints make up 74% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Infiniti I35 engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 03V-455 (engine and engine cooling, Nov 17, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Infiniti I35 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 106,000 miles; 10% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (5 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (4).
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.