2012 Infiniti FX35Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 14 owner complaints for the 2012 Infiniti FX35. Most complaints involve engine (4) and electrical system (3). The EPA rates it 18–19 mpg combined.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Engine4
- Electrical system3
- Air bags3
- Structure1
- Visibility/wiper1
- Power train1
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Visibility1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Engine
“This engine uses a metal timing chain inside the engine. Infinit chose to use plastic guides and tensors to keep the chain in place and not wear stretch. This choice of PLASTIC results in the eventual failure of the components that are needed to keep the chain in place. First signs of impending failure is a rattle inside the engine. Eventual the chain will break loose and destroy the engine. The parts themselves can be purchased at any auto parts store for under $50.00, however labor is in the thousands or engine complete failure. A simple search of the internet will show that nearly all owners experience this. Most opting to sell the vehicle or chance failure does not occur. My mechanic has confirmed and I will go to an Infiniti dealer if need be.”
Electrical system
“The contact owns a 2012 Infiniti FX35. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle failed to shift gears properly. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the PCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired however, the repair was pending. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Air bags
“TAKATA RECALL NEEDED ON INFINITI FX35 2012. I WAS IN MOTION, DRIVING 75 MPH ON THE FREEWAY. A PIECE OF DEBRIS BOUNCED OFF OF A CAR IN MY LEFT LANE AND FLEW UNDERNEATH MY CAR. BANG! MY AIRBAGS EJECTED AND SLAMMED MY FACE HARD. MY WHOLE FRONT WINDSHIELD BLEW WHITE. I COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING IN FRONT OF ME. TRYING TO PUSH THE AIRBAG DOWN WITH ONE HAND, WHILE STEERING WITH THE OTHER HAND AT THE SAME TIME, I WAS ESSENTIALLY DRIVING BLIND ON THE FREEWAY WITH SPEEDING CARS ALL AROUND ME. ON TOP OF THAT I COULDN'T MOVE, BECAUSE THE SEATBELTS LOCKED ME. IT'S A WONDER I DIDN'T SLAM ON THE BREAKS, OR SWERVE INTO THE OTHER LANES, A PERFECTLY NATURAL REACTION. I USED MY PERIPHERAL VISION TO MOVE INTO THE SLOWER LANES TO THE RIGHT OF ME. THE LAST LANE ENDED UP BEING THE EXIT LANE. WHEN THE FOUR OF US GOT OUT TO EXAMINE WHAT WE THOUGHT WOULD BE A HUGE DENT, WE WERE SHOCKED. THE CAR LOOKED PERFECT. NO COLLISION. NO DAMAGE. IT WAS THE AIRBAGS. HAD WE BEEN INJURED OR WORSE YET, KILLED IN A CRASH THAT DAY (NOT TO MENTION ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE SURROUNDING CARS) WE WOULD NEVER HAVE ASCERTAINED THAT IT WAS AS A RESULT OF THE FAULTY AIRBAG SENSOR. IT HAPPENED SO QUICKLY THAT I WOULD…”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S7)
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FX35 RWD Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $4,200 | 468 |
| FX35 AWD Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | $4,400 | 494 |
- 19mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2012 FX35 questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Infiniti FX35 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 6, 2026.
What are the most common 2012 Infiniti FX35 problems?
Owners filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (4), electrical system (3), air bags (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2012 Infiniti FX35 get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Infiniti FX35 at 18–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).