The 2012 Infiniti FX35 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine from Infiniti's VQ family. It's a naturally aspirated gasoline motor designed to deliver smooth, linear power for daily driving and highway merging.
Engine design and family
The FX35’s heart is a 3.5-liter V6 from Infiniti’s VQ engine family. The motor is configured as a dual overhead cam design with 24 valves and features variable valve timing to optimize performance and efficiency across RPMs. It is not turbocharged or supercharged, relying on traditional tuning to provide a refined and flexible power curve. The engine typically uses an aluminum block and heads to balance strength with light weight, supporting the FX’s blend of performance and everyday practicality.
Engine family context
Infiniti's VQ family has powered a wide range of models with an emphasis on smoothness and reliability. In the FX35, the 3.5-liter V6 is paired with a conventional automatic transmission and tuned to provide steady, usable power for both city driving and highway cruising.
Performance and driving character
In daily use, the FX35 benefits from the V6’s broad torque band, delivering confident acceleration and quiet highway performance. The absence of forced induction means throttle response is predictable and linear, contributing to a refined driving experience for a mid-size luxury crossover. Fuel economy and real-world efficiency vary with drivetrain configuration (rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive) and driving style, but the engine is designed to balance performance with everyday usability.
Maintenance and reliability considerations
Reliability is a noted strength of the VQ engine family when properly maintained. The FX35’s 3.5-liter V6 uses a timing chain rather than a belt, reducing the risk of a catastrophic belt failure. Routine maintenance—oil changes, coolant service, and periodic checks of timing chain components and ancillary parts—helps keep the engine performing well. As with many aging VQ engines, owners should monitor the cooling system and related components, since failures there can be costly if neglected.
Summary
The 2012 Infiniti FX35 runs on a 3.5-liter V6 from Infiniti’s VQ engine family. It offers a refined, naturally aspirated powerplant that emphasizes smoothness and reliability for a mid-size luxury crossover, with maintenance practices aligned to the era’s standards.
What kind of engine does the 2012 FX35 have?
3.5-liter V6
The 2012 FX is offered in four models: FX50 AWD with 5.0-liter V8, FX35 AWD with 3.5-liter V6, FX35 RWD with 3.5-liter V6, and FX Limited Edition with 3.5-liter V6.
How many miles will a 2012 Infiniti FX35 last?
Your FX35 can last a long time if you take care of it properly. It can go over 200,000 miles with little to no problems as long as you follow its correct maintenance and service schedule. The Infinity FX35's engine power is paired with a responsive transmission that provides an excellent overall driving experience.
What are common problems with the FX35?
Most Problematic Model Years at a Glance. Three major clusters of FX35 model years stand out as especially problematic. The 2003-2004 models exhibit significant mechanical issues, including timing chain failures, wheel bearing wear, and power steering pump problems typically emerging around 75,000 miles.
What year does FX35 have the VQ35HR?
JDM Infiniti FX35 EX35 VQ35HR 3.5L Engine 2008-2012.