Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

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.

Combined MPG
18–19mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
14
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$4,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2012 Infiniti FX35 as of Nov 6, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

14 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2013 – May 2026
  1. Engine4
  2. Electrical system3
  3. Air bags3
  4. Structure1
  5. Visibility/wiper1
  6. Power train1
  7. Fuel system, gasoline1
  8. Fuel/propulsion system1
  9. Visibility1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each FX35 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200360
20080
201113
201214
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
3
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

4 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 19, 2026EngineODI 11738759

Electrical system

3 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 14, 2021Electrical systemODI 11424834

Air bags

3 reports
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 15, 2018Air bagsODI 11120141
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
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.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
FX35 RWD
Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
162319$4,200468
FX35 AWD
Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
162118$4,400494
  • FX35 RWD
    Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    16 city · 23 hwy · $4,200/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • FX35 AWD
    Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    16 city · 21 hwy · $4,400/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Infiniti FX35 as of Nov 6, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 6, 2026Vehicle 6562Vehicle 6186
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

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).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 6, 2026