Thinking about buying a used Infiniti G35 (1989–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 40 known faults for this model spanning engine, electrical, fluid leaks, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
40
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$700–$2,200
Typical repair
7
Systems covered
Known Infiniti G35 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
The banjo bolt screen on the RB25DET turbocharger oil feed line becomes partially or fully blocked by carbon deposits and sludge, starving the turbo of lubrication. This is a well-documented failure mode on high-mileage RB25 engines, particularly those with infrequent oil changes or low-quality oil use. Turbo bearing failure follows, producing shaft play, oil burning and eventual seizure.
Symptoms to notice
Blue smoke from exhaust under boost or on overrun
Whining or grinding noise from the turbocharger
Shaft play detectable by hand through the intake pipe
Oil burning smell and oil consumption increase
What to check
With the engine off and cool, check turbocharger shaft play through the intake by pressing the shaft radially — any perceptible lateral movement indicates bearing wear. Inspect exhaust for blue smoke under acceleration. Check engine oil for metallic contamination and smell of burning.
Where to look: Turbocharger oil feed banjo bolt and line, top of RB25 engine
Ask the seller
“Has the turbo oil feed banjo bolt been cleaned or replaced?”
“Any history of blue smoke or excessive oil consumption?”
“Has the turbocharger been rebuilt or replaced?”
02VR30DDTT Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator Rattle
MinorCommonEngine $400–$2,200 to fix
The twin turbochargers on the VR30DDTT use electronically-controlled wastegate actuators. The actuator arm and pivot develop play over time, causing a metallic rattling noise that is most audible at cold idle and on deceleration. Nissan dealers documented this as a known characteristic in some service communications, but significant play can cause inconsistent boost control, leading to over-boost or under-boost conditions logged as fault codes. On high-mileage examples the actuator can seize in an open position, resulting in reduced power and turbo fault codes. Some affected units also exhibit compressor wheel contact with the housing (wheel rub) if turbo oil feed is neglected.
Symptoms to notice
Metallic rattling noise from engine bay at idle that diminishes as engine warms
Rattle audible on deceleration and overrun
Stored boost fault codes P0234 or P0299
Intermittent hesitation or flat spot under full-throttle acceleration
Reduced top-end power output on dyno or spirited driving
What to check
At cold idle listen for metallic rattling from the turbo area. With engine off and cool, locate each wastegate actuator arm and check for free play by hand — excessive movement beyond 1–2 mm indicates wear. Scan for boost-related fault codes (P0234 over-boost, P0299 under-boost). Check turbo oil feed lines for leaks or blockage. Rev the engine gently and listen for any grinding or metallic scraping suggesting wheel contact.
Where to look: Twin turbocharger wastegate actuators, both turbos mounted low on VR30DDTT engine block
Ask the seller
“Has any rattle been noticed from the engine bay on startup or at idle, and has a mechanic investigated it?”
“Has the vehicle thrown any boost-related fault codes or experienced power loss under hard acceleration?”
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Fluid LeaksCritical
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38 more documented faults on the Infiniti G35
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 40 documented faults for the Infiniti G35, the recurring problem areas are engine, electrical, and fluid leaks. A Infiniti G35 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Infiniti G35?
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We've catalogued 40 known faults for the Infiniti G35, covering engine, electrical, and fluid leaks. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Infiniti G35?
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Most single repairs on the Infiniti G35 fall between $700–$2,200 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 40 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Infiniti G35?
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Yes. A Infiniti G35 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.