Infiniti G35 (V35) known problems: a buyer's checklist
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What should I check before buying a 2003-2007 Infiniti G35?
Short answer: It depends on the car. Run the VIN for open recalls first, especially the 2005-2007 passenger seat sensor harness. On a 2005-2007 manual (Rev-up engine), watch oil use and ask about ITB08-002d history. On a 2003-2004 6MT car, test every gear for grinding synchros. Then look at the rear diff and front compression arm bushings, and the wiring harness into the trunk lid.
The checklist at a glance
Facts as of 2026-10-28. Each row summarizes a known-problem entry linked further down this page; the confidence tier of each entry is shown there. The 2007-2008 G35 sedan is the next generation (V36) and is not covered here.
| Area | Look or listen for | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Open recalls | Crank and cam sensors, fuel pump outlet hose, stop lamp switch; fuel filler hose; passenger seat sensor harness | 2003; 2003-2004; 2005-2007 |
| Rev-up oil use | Low oil between changes; no record of ITB08-002d checks | 2005-2006 manual sedan; 2005-2007 manual coupe |
| 6MT synchros | Grinding shifts | 2003-2004 6MT |
| Rear diff bushings | Oil under the diff mounts; wheel hop; knock on clutch take-up | 2003-2007 |
| Front compression arm bushings | Worn bushings | 2003-2007 |
| Trunk lid harness | Pinched, frayed or cut wires where the harness enters the lid | 2003-2007 |
1. Recalls: run the VIN first
Several NHTSA recalls cover the V35 G35. On 2003 cars: crank and cam position sensor boards whose solder joints can crack, causing stalling or a no-start (03V-455); a fuel pump outlet hose on top of the tank that may not have been attached properly (02V-245); and a brake stop lamp switch that may malfunction (03V-200). On 2003-2004 cars the fuel filler hose can crack and leak (05V-555).
On sedans built from 3/29/2004 to 8/25/2006 and coupes built from 4/1/2004 to 5/30/2007, the harness between the seat belt tension sensor and the occupant detection unit can wear and oxidize, so the passenger airbag may not work as designed (10V-175). Coverage is by VIN; check it with NHTSA's recall lookup. No Takata inflator recall came back for the V35 G35 in our searches.
2. 2005-2007 manual cars: Rev-up oil use
Infiniti bulletin ITB08-002d covers low engine oil level on 2005-2006 manual sedans and 2005-2007 manual coupes built before May 29, 2007. Under it, the dealer measured oil consumption and replaced the engine if it failed. An owner guide blames soft piston rings on early 2005 6MT cars and PCV blow-by more generally, and suggests a catch can.
On one of these cars, check the dipstick, ask whether the engine was tested or replaced under the bulletin, and keep checking oil at every fill-up. Whether the bulletin still helps depends on warranty status.
3. Drivetrain: synchros and diff bushings
Owners complain of crunchy or failed synchros on 2003-2004 6MT cars; 2005 6MT cars got the revised CD009 transmission. Test every gear on the drive and budget for a rebuild if it grinds. This is owner-reported only.
A repair shop and an owner guide both say the oil-filled rear diff bushings dry out and crack. Look for oil under the diff mounts and note wheel hop or a knock when the clutch engages. Replacing them means dropping the diff.
4. Chassis and body: compression arms and trunk harness
An owner guide calls the factory front compression arm bushings substandard. Replacing them (the guide prefers polyurethane over harsher spherical bushings) needs an alignment afterward.
The same guide says the wiring harness into the trunk lid is frail and gets pinched or frayed from opening and closing the lid. Check it where it enters the lid. Both items are community-reported only.
Related known problems
- Recall: crank and cam position sensors can cause stalling or a no-start (2003) Reported
- Recall: fuel filler hose can crack and leak (2003-2004) Reported
- Recall: passenger seat sensor harness can disable the airbag (2005-2007) Reported
- Recall: fuel pump outlet hose may not be attached (2003) Reported
- Recall: brake stop lamp switch can malfunction (2003) Reported
- Rev-up engine oil consumption (2005-2007 manual cars) Confirmed
- Community-reported: trunk lid wiring harness frays Limited
- Community-reported: front compression arm bushings wear early Limited
- Community-reported: crunchy or failed synchros on 2003-2004 6MT cars Limited
- Rear differential bushings crack and leak Limited
FAQ
Which G35 years burn oil?
Infiniti's bulletin ITB08-002d covers low oil level on 2005-2006 manual sedans and 2005-2007 manual coupes built before May 29, 2007 (the Rev-up engine). Check the dipstick and ask for the car's bulletin history.
Do 2003-2004 G35 manuals have transmission problems?
Owners complain of weak synchros on 2003-2004 6MT cars, and 2005 cars got the revised CD009 gearbox. Test every gear and budget for a rebuild if it grinds.
What recalls does the V35 G35 have?
NHTSA lists 2003 recalls for the crank and cam sensors, fuel pump outlet hose and stop lamp switch, a 2003-2004 fuel filler hose recall, and a 2005-2007 passenger seat sensor harness recall. Check the VIN.
Keep exploring
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- Newsletter archive (past issues)
Sources
- NHTSA recall record 03V-455 (2003 350Z and G35 among others, crank/cam position sensors) — NHTSA recalls API (regulatory; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- NHTSA recall record 05V-555 (2003-2004 350Z and G35, fuel filler hose) — NHTSA recalls API (regulatory; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- NHTSA recall record 10V-175 (2005-2007 G35 sedan and coupe, belt tension sensor harness) — NHTSA recalls API (regulatory; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- NHTSA recall record 02V-245 (2003 G35, fuel pump outlet hose) — NHTSA recalls API (regulatory; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- NHTSA recall record 03V-200 (2003 G35 sedan and coupe, brake stop lamp switch) — NHTSA recalls API (regulatory; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- ITB08-002d: 2005-2007 G35; Engine Oil Level Is Low — Infiniti technical service bulletin (PDF attachment hosted on g35driver.com) (mfr spec; read 2026-10-26; full page read)Third-party mirror of the complete 8-page Infiniti bulletin ITB08-002d (classification EM07-003d), dated July 30, 2010, amending ITB08-002c. Kept as mfr_spec under the mirror rule (identified by bulletin number).
- Owners of VQ oil consumption — G35Driver (forum) (forum thread; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- Infiniti G35: a buyer's guide — Grassroots Motorsports (forum post) (forum thread; read 2026-10-26; full page read)Owner-written buyer's guide in the magazine's forum; tier 1.
- Recurring problems (350Z / G35 / 370Z / G37) — GZ Motorsports (repair shop and parts store, Quebec) (vendor article; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
Summaries are in our own words. Fitment is not guaranteed; wheels, hubs and suspension are safety-critical. Disclaimer.
Report a correction — spotted an error or have a better source? Email hello@chassisdex.com.