Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (210 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2004
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability and value for money, particularly for well-maintained, high-mileage examples.
6 problems reported (1 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 3 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentEngine oil consumption/burning
Very frequent mention of the 3.5L V6 burning oil, especially at higher mileages. Symptoms include white/grey smoke on cold start. Suspected causes include worn piston rings, valve stem seals, and PCV valve issues.
- RecurrentHigh-mileage suspension wear
Shocks, struts, and wheel bearings noted as common wear items needing replacement, often described as "shot" or loud after 150,000+ miles.
- RecurrentIgnition coil failures
Mentioned as a common problem leading to misfires.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedCamshaft/Crankshaft Position Sensor failures
Sensors cited as going bad, triggering check engine lights and rough running.
- IsolatedCooling system vulnerability
Isolated report of a metal coolant pipe under the crank pulley failing, leading to overheating.
- IsolatedElectrical gremlins
Isolated mentions of odd electrical issues, such as all dashboard lights illuminating, potentially related to aged fuses or wiring.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to distinguish between model years or trims. Feedback is generalized across the 2002-2004 production run.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Nissan Maxima, Toyota Avalon, Lexus ES 300, Lexus GS 300 and Infiniti G35.
Is the I35 right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability and value for money, particularly for well-maintained, high-mileage examples. The vehicle is consistently praised for its robust VQ35DE V6 engine, which, with regular oil changes, is reported to reliably exceed 200,000 miles, with multiple owner reports of 250,000 to over 400,000 miles (644,000+ km). Owners appreciate the significant jump in performance and luxury over its predecessor, the I30, and its role as a comfortable, practical sedan. The primary criticism centers on the known tendency for the 3.5L engine to consume or burn oil at higher mileages, which is noted as a common, expected issue. Other critiques are isolated to specific high-mileage maintenance items. The consensus positions the I35 as a durable, affordable used luxury sedan that delivers strong value when purchased at a low price point ($2,800-$4,000 USD range).
Positioning vs competitors
Universally identified as a rebadged Nissan Maxima, offering superior luxury features (e.g., standard HID headlights, more posh interior) over the mainstream donor car. Positioned as a more affordable and often more powerful alternative to contemporary Lexus ES 300 and Toyota Avalon models, though those competitors are frequently cited for potentially superior reliability and lower running costs. Viewed as a step up in performance and refinement from the preceding Infiniti I30. Compared to the sportier Infiniti G35, the I35 is seen as more of a comfortable cruiser with a less engaging driving experience and a less refined interior. Generally considered a high-value, low-cost entry into used luxury sedans, especially when compared to German alternatives.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available on specific trim or option recommendations. The primary configuration advice from the community is to prioritize a vehicle with a verifiable maintenance history and to avoid examples with obvious neglect.
General recommendations
Highly recommended as a reliable, low-cost used car for buyers on a tight budget, with purchase prices ideally between $2,800 and $4,000 USD. Suitable for commuters seeking a comfortable, powerful V6 sedan. Essential to verify maintenance history, with a specific emphasis on regular oil changes. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is strongly advised to check for oil consumption, timing chain noise, rust (in relevant regions), and transmission health. Buyers should be prepared for the common oil-burning issue and budget for potential repairs related to suspension components (shocks, struts, wheel bearings) and ignition parts (coil packs) as mileage increases. Not recommended for those unwilling to address age-related maintenance.
Remarks
The I35's reputation for durability is intrinsically linked to the Nissan VQ35DE engine and its shared platform with the Maxima. The widespread owner reports of extreme longevity (300,000-400,000 miles / 483,000-644,000 km) form the core of its positive reputation. The oil-burning issue is so frequently acknowledged that it is considered a characteristic of high-mileage examples rather than a deal-breaking flaw. Much of the purchasing advice revolves around the car's age and the necessity of diligent maintenance; it is seen as an excellent value only if the buyer is mechanically inclined or has a trustworthy mechanic, as dealer repair costs for an aged luxury brand can be high. Analysis based on approximately 35 substantive owner discussions and reports.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2002. Years to avoid: 2002Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Infiniti I35 years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 35 | 3 | air bags |
| 2003 | 95 | 5 | engine |
| 2002 | 76 | 5 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2001 | 2 | 2 | power train |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices15 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2004 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 20V008000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
2004 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 16V349000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45, 2003-2004 Infiniti I35, 2006-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45, and 2007-2011 Nissan Versa vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Nissan is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45, 2003-2004 Infiniti I35, 2006-2008 Infiniti M35 and M45, and 2007-2008 Nissan Versa vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Nissan is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Infiniti I35 vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
2004 · air bagscampaign 15V226000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Infiniti I35, 2003-2005 FX35 and FX45, and 2006 M35 and M45 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa, as well as Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Georgia, are included. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
2003 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 20V008000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
2003 · air bagscampaign 15V226000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Infiniti I35, 2003-2005 FX35 and FX45, and 2006 M35 and M45 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa, as well as Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Georgia, are included. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
2003 · air bagscampaign 15V287000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
2003 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 16V349000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45, 2003-2004 Infiniti I35, 2006-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45, and 2007-2011 Nissan Versa vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Nissan is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45, 2003-2004 Infiniti I35, 2006-2008 Infiniti M35 and M45, and 2007-2008 Nissan Versa vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Nissan is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Infiniti I35 vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
2003 · engine and engine coolingcampaign 03V455000
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.
2002 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 20V008000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
2002 · air bagscampaign 15V287000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
2002 · suspension:front:control arm:lower armcampaign 02V146000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PIN AT THE END OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRANSVERSE LINK (LOWER CONTROL ARM) COULD BREAK WHERE IT IS MOUNTED TO THE FRAME.
2002 · engine and engine coolingcampaign 03V455000
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.
2002 · vehicle speed controlcampaign 02V043000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM, THE STOPPER FOR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WILL PREVENT EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR. IF THE DRIVER APPLIES OVERLY EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHILE AT THE SAME TIME PUSHING IT TO THE RIGHT, THE PEDAL CAN "OVER TRAVEL" DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE PEDAL STOPPER.
2001 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 20V008000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
2001 · suspension:front:control arm:lower armcampaign 02V146000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PIN AT THE END OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRANSVERSE LINK (LOWER CONTROL ARM) COULD BREAK WHERE IT IS MOUNTED TO THE FRAME.
Specifications
3.5 i V6 24V
3.5L 6-cylinder · 259 hp · FWD · automatic
Built 1998–2004