2004 INFINITI I35

The 2004 INFINITI I35 is a mid-size luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and reliable performance. It came equipped with a single engine option: the 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6, producing 255 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the I35’s smooth ride, comfortable seats, and luxurious features for its price point. However, some common complaints include issues with the aging electrical components, suspension wear, and certain engine-related problems due to the vehicle’s age.

Engine

3.5L VQ35DE V6

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners report higher than normal oil consumption, sometimes requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Blue smoke may be visible from the exhaust upon startup or acceleration.
  • Solution: Replacing valve stem seals may help reduce oil consumption. In severe cases, piston ring replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ depending on the extent of the repairs
  • Recalls: None Found
• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illuminated with codes indicating catalytic converter inefficiency (typically P0420 or P0430). The car may fail emissions testing.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty catalytic converter(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ depending on location and parts used.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine may run rough, stall, or have difficulty starting. Check engine light may illuminate.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty camshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping/Hard Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips between gears, shifts harshly, or hesitates to shift.
  • Solution: Fluid flush and filter change may provide temporary relief. In severe cases, a transmission rebuild or replacement is required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300 for fluid change; $1500 - $3500+ for rebuild/replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bumpy ride, excessive bouncing, poor handling, and clunking noises from the suspension.
  • Solution: Replacement of worn struts/shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per axle.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Control Arm Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Poor handling and alignment issues.
  • Solution: Replacement of worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per control arm.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows operate slowly, erratically, or stop working altogether.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks fail to lock or unlock with the key fob or interior switch.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350+ per door.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, difficulty starting, battery light on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Rear Quarter Panels/Wheel Wells
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust develops on the rear quarter panels and around the wheel wells due to moisture and road salt exposure.
  • Solution: Rust repair, which can involve sanding, patching, and repainting.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per area, depending on the severity of the rust.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may get stuck, not open or close properly, or make unusual noises.
  • Solution: Lubricating the sunroof tracks may resolve minor issues. More severe cases may require repair or replacement of the sunroof motor or mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 INFINITI I35, while a comfortable and reliable vehicle in its time, is now showing its age. Common issues include engine-related problems like oil consumption and catalytic converter failure, transmission slipping, suspension wear, and electrical gremlins. The severity and cost of repairs can vary widely depending on the specific issue and the extent of the damage. While some repairs can be relatively inexpensive, others, such as transmission rebuilds or extensive rust repair, can be quite costly. Prospective buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection performed to identify potential problems before making a purchase.