2012 INFINITI FX50

Introduction

The 2012 INFINITI FX50 is a mid-size luxury SUV powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 390 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a 7-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option.

The FX50 is known for its powerful V8 engine, spacious interior, and luxurious appointments. However, it has also been criticized for its high fuel consumption and stiff ride quality.

Engine

5.0L V8

• Engine knocking:
  • Description/Symptoms: Loud knocking noise coming from the engine, especially under acceleration or load.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the timing chain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: “None Found”
• Oil consumption:
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-ups.
  • Solution: Replace the piston rings, crankshaft, and oil pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,500 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: “None Found”
• Valve train noise:
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking or clattering noise coming from the engine, especially at idle.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty valve lifters.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: “None Found”

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic

• Delayed or hard shifting:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission hesitates to shift gears or shifts with a hard jerk.
  • Solution: Replace the transmission fluid or the faulty valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: “None Found”
• Slipping gears:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips out of gear while driving, causing a loss of power.
  • Solution: Replace the worn clutch packs or the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: “None Found”
• Leaking transmission fluid:
  • Description/Symptoms: Reddish-brown fluid leaking from the transmission housing.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking seals or gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: “None Found”

Suspension

• Strut failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Front suspension strut mounts fail, causing clunking or rattling noises, and reduced handling.
  • Solution: Replace the failed strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: “None Found”
• Rear suspension springs break:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear suspension springs break, causing the vehicle to sag and handle poorly.
  • Solution: Replace the broken springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: “None Found”
• Excessive body roll during cornering:
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle leans excessively into corners, reducing handling and stability.
  • Solution: Replace the worn sway bars or end links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: “None Found”

Electrical

• Battery discharge:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery drains quickly, even when the vehicle is not in use.
  • Solution: Replace the defective battery, alternator, or starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: “None Found”
• Electrical gremlins:
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical issues, such as flickering lights, malfunctioning gauges, or dead infotainment system.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the faulty electrical components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: “None Found”
• HID headlight failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights fail, reducing visibility at night.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty HID bulbs or ballasts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: “None Found”

Exterior

• Trim pieces fall off:
  • Description/Symptoms: Plastic trim pieces around the windows or body panels fall off, affecting the vehicle’s appearance.
  • Solution: Replace or reattach the loose trim pieces.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: “None Found”
• Chrome peeling:
  • Description/Symptoms: Chrome trim pieces, such as the grille or door handles, peel or become discolored.
  • Solution: Replace the affected chrome pieces.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: “None Found”
• Rearview camera failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rearview camera does not display a clear image or fails completely.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty camera.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: “None Found”

Interior

• A/C blower failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Air conditioning blower stops working, resulting in reduced cooling or heating efficiency.
  • Solution: Replace the defective blower motor or resistor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: “None Found”
• Sunroof leaks:
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof seal fails, allowing water to leak into the cabin.
  • Solution: Replace the sunroof seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: “None Found”
• Seat heating malfunction:
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters fail to work or heat unevenly.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty heating element or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: “None Found”

Summary

Overall, the 2012 INFINITI FX50 is a capable and luxurious SUV. However, it is not without its issues. Some of the most common problems reported by owners include engine knocking, oil consumption, delayed or hard shifting, strut failure, and a/c blower failure. While some of these issues can be costly to repair, such as engine or transmission repairs, others are relatively inexpensive to fix. It is important for potential owners to be aware of these potential issues before purchasing an FX50.