Why is the dashboard on my Infiniti FX35 or FX45 bubbling or sticky?

Short answer: Bubbling, warping or a sticky, shiny dash top is a well-known problem on first-generation FX35 and FX45s, mostly 2003–2005 models. The dash covering breaks down with heat and sun. Infiniti once offered extended coverage, but owners say it has expired. Most owners now use a dash cover or have the dash replaced, and you should be careful near the passenger airbag area.

Symptom: Raised bubbles or ripples on the dash top, a shiny or sticky surface that gets worse in the sun, or glare on the windshield.

What to check first

1. Ask an Infiniti dealer to check your VIN for any open campaign, just in case.
2. Choose a cover that doesn't block the passenger airbag door on the dash.
3. Keep the car shaded or use a sunshade to slow it down.

Likely causes

1. Dash covering breaking down from heat and sun. InfinitiFX.org owners report it mostly on 2003–2005 cars.

What it usually costs

InfinitiFX.org owners mentioned a $27 carpet-style cover, a molded cover for about $185, and dealer replacement around $1,500 for the part plus about $1,000 to install, with one dealer quoting $3,000. One owner said they got a free replacement.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Yes. It's mostly cosmetic, but glare can make it harder to see, and anything that covers or blocks the passenger airbag door is a safety risk. Verify with a mechanic.

DIY or shop?

DIY for a dash cover. Shop for dash replacement, because the airbag has to be handled correctly.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• No current recall covers the dashboard. Owners say Infiniti's earlier extended coverage has run out.
• NHTSA complaints: 86 keyword-matched complaints for Infiniti FX35/FX45 2003–2008 (of 369 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-17; keywords: dash, bubbl, sticky, instrument panel, melt) (NHTSA returned no complaint data for 1 model-year queries).

What owners report

• In Bubbling dash status, an original 2004 owner found the special extended coverage had expired. Members shared their fixes: dash covers that take about two hours to install, a cheap carpet-style cover, dealer quotes in the thousands, and one owner who got a free replacement.
• On Infiniti Scene, owners discussed dash bubbling and asked why the top of the dash gets super sticky after a couple of minutes in the sun.

My take

My advice as a former detailer: don't use harsh cleaners or shiny dressings on a dash that's already going sticky. They make it worse. A mild cleaner and a good sunshade are all I'd use.

Vehicle focus: 2003–2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 (first generation), mostly 2003–2005.

Safety / mechanic note

Never block or glue over the passenger airbag door. Verify with a mechanic.