Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2002 Infiniti I35
The 2002 Infiniti I35 exhibits several notable issues involving engine sensors, airbag defects, suspension control arm integrity, and throttle control flaws, as evidenced by recalls and complaints. Despite these problems, it remains a solid option if prior recalls have been addressed, and comprehensive inspections are conducted.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2002 Infiniti I35 has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 70 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #20V008000 Frontal Passenger Air Bag Inflators May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V287000 Passenger Air Bag Inflator may Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03V455000 NISSAN/CRANK/CAM POSITION SENSOR WELD NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #02V146000 NISSAN/LOWER CONTROL ARM NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #02V043000 NISSAN/THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 14 complaints
- Air Bags 12 complaints
- Engine 11 complaints
- Suspension 10 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 9 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 7 complaints
Of the 70 complaints on file, 11 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 70 complaints, owners report 15 injuries and 11 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Crank sensor failure
How to check: Inspect engine light status and sensor condition.
Airbag inflator rupture
How to check: Verify recall completion for airbags.
Lower control arm pin breakage
How to check: Check for suspension integrity and damages.
Throttle control issue
How to check: Test accelerator for over-travel responsiveness.
Service brakes complaints
How to check: Inspect for unusual wear or noise while braking.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Notice engine start-up smoothness and sounds.
Red flag: Rough idle or strange noises
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent engine or airbag lights
- 03
City driving
What to check: Evaluate acceleration response and control.
Red flag: Delayed or jerky throttle response
- 04
Steady driving
What to check: Monitor for suspension noise or roughness.
Red flag: Clunking or harsh ride
- 05
Braking
What to check: Assess brake pedal firmness and noise.
Red flag: Soft pedal or unusual sounds
- 06
Parking maneuver
What to check: Observe steering smoothness and response.
Red flag: Difficult or noisy steering
- 07
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for engine power and smooth shifts.
Red flag: Engine hesitation or transmission issues
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been completed?
- Any recent engine or throttle issues?
- Have you noticed suspension noises?
- When were the brakes last serviced?
- Any dashboard warning lights recently?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Service history
- Title and registration
- Accident history report
- Emission test results
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2002 Infiniti I35 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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