Years
The Nissan FX was a mid-size crossover SUV sold primarily in Japan from 2003 to 2013, positioned as a sporty, style-focused alternative to traditional family SUVs. It was offered in two generations, the S50 (2003–2008) and the S51 (2009–2013), both built on Nissan's FM platform shared with the 350Z sports car. Typical strengths included powerful V6 and V8 engine options, rear-wheel-drive-based handling, and a distinctive coupe-like design. The model line was discontinued in 2013 and effectively succeeded by the Nissan Murano in Nissan's crossover lineup.
Manufacturer: Nissan
Nissan Motor Company was founded in Yokohama, Japan, in 1933 and became one of the world's largest automakers, forming a long-standing alliance with Renault beginning in 1999. The company released the Leaf in 2010 as one of the first mass-market electric cars and is also known for the GT-R performance car and its pioneering work with continuously variable transmissions. Nissan's reputation has been mixed in recent years, with its CVTs drawing reliability complaints and the company experiencing financial difficulties and leadership turmoil following the arrest of former chairman Carlos Ghosn in 2018.
Model: FX
The Nissan FX was a mid-size crossover SUV sold primarily in Japan from 2003 to 2013, positioned as a sporty, style-focused alternative to traditional family SUVs. It was offered in two generations, the S50 (2003–2008) and the S51 (2009–2013), both built on Nissan's FM platform shared with the 350Z sports car. Typical strengths included powerful V6 and V8 engine options, rear-wheel-drive-based handling, and a distinctive coupe-like design. The model line was discontinued in 2013 and effectively succeeded by the Nissan Murano in Nissan's crossover lineup.
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2004.0_FX45-35The 2004 FX45 was the second model year of the first-generation FX, carrying over the 4.5-liter V8 and five-speed automatic with all-wheel drive and receiving only minor equipment updates. Common service items include timing chain and tensioner wear, transmission fluid condition, and aging suspension components such as struts and bushings. Brake wear and the all-wheel-drive system's fluid maintenance are also worth monitoring on higher-mileage examples.
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2003_FX45-35The 2003 FX (marketed as the Infiniti FX35 and FX45) debuted as an all-new crossover for the model year, built on the FM platform shared with the G35 sedan. The FX35 used a 3.5L V6 while the FX45 featured a 4.5L V8, both paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Common service considerations include timing chain tensioner wear, transmission fluid condition, suspension component wear, and brake maintenance. The V8 engine can also develop oil consumption and carbon buildup as it ages.
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2006_FX45-35The 2006 Nissan FX lineup continued with the FX35 (V6) and FX45 (V8) variants, with only minor equipment and option changes from the prior model year. Both models use a five-speed automatic transmission and a fully independent suspension. Common service items include timing chain and tensioner wear, water pump and thermostat housing leaks, suspension bushings and ball joints, and brake component wear. Oil consumption and electrical gremlins are also reported with higher mileage examples.
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2005_FX45-35The 2005 Nissan FX35 and FX45 carried over their V6 and V8 powertrains with minor styling updates, including a revised grille and new wheel designs. The FX35 uses the 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6, while the FX45 uses the 4.5-liter VK45DE V8, both paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Common service items include timing chain tensioner wear on the V6, transmission fluid condition, front suspension component wear, and brake rotor warping. Regular fluid changes for the transmission and all-wheel-drive system are recommended to maintain reliability.
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2008_FX45-35The 2008 Nissan FX35 and FX45 carried over their 3.5-liter V6 and 4.5-liter V8 engines with only minor trim and equipment updates for the model year. The FX35 uses a continuously variable transmission, while the FX45 is paired with a seven-speed automatic, and both come standard with all-wheel drive. Common service items include CVT fluid condition on the V6 models, timing chain and oil consumption checks on the V8, and wear on suspension and brake components. Regular fluid changes and inspection of the all-wheel drive system are recommended to address age-related wear.
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2007_FX45-35The 2007 Nissan FX (FX35 with a 3.5L V6 and FX45 with a 4.5L V8) saw minor updates including revised exterior styling and the availability of new features such as an optional Around View Monitor. Both engines are paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, and routine maintenance includes regular fluid changes for the transmission and rear differential. Common service items reported over time include brake wear, suspension bushings and struts, and on the V6 engine, occasional timing chain tensioner concerns.
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2004.5_FX45-35The 2004.5 Nissan FX45 and FX35 arrived as mid-cycle updates with revised exterior styling, updated interior trim, and expanded standard equipment. The FX45 retained its 4.5-liter V8 with a five-speed automatic, while the FX35 used the 3.5-liter V6. Common service items include ignition coil failures, timing chain tensioner noise on the V8, and wear of front suspension components such as control arms and ball joints. Transmission fluid condition and cooling system maintenance are also worth monitoring on higher-mileage examples.