Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2003 Infiniti FX35
The 2003 Infiniti FX35 presents potential airbag and brake issues, with frequent airbag recalls and several owner complaints. Prioritize checking the airbags, brakes, and fuel systems during inspection. Its performance and reliability might hinge on resolving these known deficiencies, making thorough documentation from the seller essential.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2003 Infiniti FX35 has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns and 60 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #21V139000 Front Passenger Air Bag Cushion May Tear NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V008000 Frontal Passenger Air Bag Inflators May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V349000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V287000 Passenger Air Bag Inflator may Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V226000 Passenger Air Bag Inflator may Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06V328000 FMVSS 108/HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06V244000 FMVSS 108/REAR COMBINATION LAMP NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #05V555000 FUEL FILLER HOSE CRACKING NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03V476000 NISSAN/FRONT BRAKE CALIPER MOUNTING BOLTS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03V164000 NISSAN/TRANSAXLE/DIFFERENTIAL BOLTS NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 13 complaints
- Latches/Locks/Linkages 12 complaints
- Electrical System 8 complaints
- Structure 8 complaints
- Seats 5 complaints
- Engine 4 complaints
Of the 60 complaints on file, 2 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 60 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag deployment problems
How to check: Verify recall compliance and replacement records for airbags.
Loose brake caliper bolts
How to check: Inspect the front brake caliper mounting bolts for tightness.
Fuel filler hose leakage
How to check: Check for cracks in the fuel filler hose area.
Faulty lighting assemblies
How to check: Test all headlights and taillights functionality per standards.
Loose propeller shaft bolts
How to check: Examine bolts attaching the propeller shaft for tightness.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Knocking or rattling noises
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Monitor dashboard lights for any warnings.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 03
City driving
What to check: Check for smooth acceleration and gear shifts.
Red flag: Jerky shifts or lagging response
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure stable handling and smooth speed increase.
Red flag: Vibrations or hesitant acceleration
- 05
First braking
What to check: Feel for firm brake pedal and effective stopping.
Red flag: Spongy pedal or long stopping distance
- 06
Turning corners
What to check: Listen for noises from suspension or steering.
Red flag: Clunking noises or resistance
- 07
Parking
What to check: Test all parking and exterior lights for function.
Red flag: Inoperative lights
- 08
After test drive
What to check: Inspect for fluid leaks under the vehicle.
Red flag: Visible leaks or strong odors
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall work been completed?
- Have the brake caliper bolts been repaired?
- Any history of fuel system repairs?
- Are there records of regular maintenance?
- Has the transmission been serviced recently?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Airbag recall service records
- Complete maintenance history
- Brake system repair receipts
- Fuel system inspection report
- Original owner's manual
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2003 Infiniti FX35 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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