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MajorCommonFluid Leaks

Infiniti G35: HICAS Rear-Wheel Steering Hydraulic Fluid Leak

HICAS Rear-Wheel Steering Hydraulic Fluid Leak is a common fluid leaks fault on the Infiniti G35 on the 2001–2014 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $500 to $2,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 10 documented faults on the Infiniti G35.

Vehicle
Infiniti G35
Years
2001–2014
Fuel
petrol
Gearbox
auto
System
Fluid Leaks

This page covers the Infiniti G35 as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Infiniti G35 faults10 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph for this fault yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of something else.

What goes wrong

V35/V36 Skylines equipped with HICAS (High Capacity Active Steering) rear-wheel steering develop weeping leaks at the hydraulic actuator seals and high-pressure hose connections. Hydraulic fluid loss leads to loss of rear steering function and elimination error codes. Many NZ buyers elect to fit a HICAS eliminator bar rather than repair the system, making this a widely accepted failure in the market. Vehicles retaining active HICAS require thorough inspection of the hydraulic circuit.

What you would notice

  • Power steering fluid loss without visible front steering rack leak
  • Rear end feels vague or unpredictable at speed
  • HICAS warning light illuminated
  • Wet staining under rear subframe area

How to check it

Where to look. Rear subframe, HICAS hydraulic actuator and hose connections

  1. Inspect rear subframe area for hydraulic fluid staining.

  2. Check HICAS actuator and associated hoses for seeping.

  3. Confirm whether a HICAS eliminator bar has been fitted.

  4. Check fluid reservoir level and note any evidence of repeated top-up.

What it costs to put right

$500 to $2,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

  • “Has a HICAS eliminator bar been installed?”
  • “Is the power steering fluid level stable with no top-ups?”
  • “Any rear handling oddness or vagueness at motorway speed?”
  • “Are there any HICAS-related warning lights currently on?”

Now check the Infiniti G35 you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.

Infiniti G35 buyer questions

Is hicas rear-wheel steering hydraulic fluid leak serious on a Infiniti G35?

We rate it major and common on the Infiniti G35. V35/V36 Skylines equipped with HICAS (High Capacity Active Steering) rear-wheel steering develop weeping leaks at the hydraulic actuator seals and high-pressure hose connections. Hydraulic fluid loss leads to loss of rear steering function and elimination error codes. Many NZ buyers elect to fit a HICAS eliminator bar rather than repair the system, making this a widely accepted failure in the market. Vehicles retaining active HICAS require thorough inspection of the hydraulic circuit.

How much does it cost to fix on a Infiniti G35?

$500 to $2,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Infiniti G35 years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2001–2014 Infiniti G35. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

Inspect rear subframe area for hydraulic fluid staining. Check HICAS actuator and associated hoses for seeping. Confirm whether a HICAS eliminator bar has been fitted. Check fluid reservoir level and note any evidence of repeated top-up. Look here: Rear subframe, HICAS hydraulic actuator and hose connections