Used Infiniti FX35 Buying Guide (2003-2012): Recalls and Checks

A used Infiniti FX35 is worth a look only after you confirm its air bag recalls by VIN. First-generation cars (2003-2008) carry several passenger inflator campaigns. One later recall, 21V139000, covers certain 2003 and 2006-2008 cars whose replacement air bag from an earlier recall was folded wrong. A car can show a recall as done and still need this second fix.

Which FX35 are you looking at?

• First generation (2003-2008): the 3.5-liter V6 FX35, with the V8 FX45 alongside it.
• Second generation (2009-2012): a revised body and engine, sold as the FX35 until the lineup was renamed.

The V6 is closely related to the engine in the Nissan 350Z, so our used 350Z buying guide is useful background on oil use and common leaks.

NHTSA recalls by campaign number

From the NHTSA recalls API, queried Nov. 5, 2026:

• 03V164000: propeller shaft bolts.
• 03V476000: front brake caliper bolts.
• 05V338000: child seat LATCH anchors did not meet FMVSS 225.
• 05V555000: the fuel filler hose can crack.
• 06V244000 and 06V328000: lighting items.
• 15V226000 and 15V287000: passenger air bag inflators on cars in high humidity regions.
• 16V349000: 2003-2008 FX35 and FX45 passenger inflators.
• 17V028000 and 20V008000: further inflator campaigns.
• 21V139000: certain 2003 and 2006-2008 cars that got a replacement bag under 20V008000 may have had it folded incorrectly.
• 15V054000: 2009 FX35 and FX45 built in a set window, where the steering column outer tube may not be round, stressing the upper bearing.

Run the VIN at NHTSA and see our Infiniti recall check by VIN guide. For background on inflator recalls on any used car, read checking a Takata air bag recall on a used car.

Mechanical checks

Check the oil level and ask how often it needed topping up. Listen for timing chain noise at a cold start. Look for leaks at the valve covers and the rear main seal. These are heavy cars on big wheels, so brakes, tires and suspension bushings wear quickly; budget for them. Check the dash for cracks and the sun visors and switches for sticky coatings, which are common on older Infiniti interiors and cost money to sort out.

An inspection costs less than most of these repairs; see our inspection cost guide.

Reading the history report

Look for any record of an air bag deployment and the repair that followed. Check for salvage or flood brands, lease returns that went straight to auction, and odometer gaps. A history report often shows recall work done at a dealer, but it can miss work that went unreported, which is why NHTSA comes first. Our note on NHTSA recalls versus CARFAX explains the gap.

How to price it

Most first-generation FX35s are cheap now, which makes open recalls and deferred maintenance a large share of the real cost. Price the car against others with the same drivetrain and mileage, then subtract tires, brakes and any repair the inspection finds.

When to walk away

• Open inflator recalls and a seller who will not wait for a dealer visit.
• An air bag warning light that stays on.
• A branded title the ad left out.

Questions to ask the seller

• Were the air bag recalls done, including the refold fix?
• How much oil does it use between changes?
• Any accidents or deployed air bags?

On the day you buy

Bring the history report and match the VIN on the dash, the door jamb and the title. Check that the name on the title matches the seller ID. If a lender is listed on the title, get the lien release or have the payoff go through the bank before you pay. Drive the car from a cold start, test every switch, and keep the ad screenshots until the title is in your name.

All-wheel drive checks

Many FX35s are all-wheel drive. Mismatched tires can strain the transfer case, so check that all four tires are the same brand, size and wear. Feel for binding in tight, slow turns in a parking lot, and ask when the differential and transfer fluids were last changed.

What the report costs

As of early November 2026 a CARFAX bought direct usually costs around $44.99, and AutoCheck sits a little lower. We are a licensed CARFAX and AutoCheck reseller, not affiliated with CARFAX, AutoCheck or Experian. Our guest price has been about $5.50 a report, about $4.50 for members, and about $6.75 for a CARFAX and AutoCheck bundle. Confirm the price at checkout, since it can change.

Sources

• NHTSA recall lookup by VIN
• NHTSA vPIC VIN decoder
• NMVTIS title history (U.S. DOJ)
• IIHS crash test ratings