VehicleVerdict

2003 Infiniti M45 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 178 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.2 times the median M45 year — the 2003 model ranks #1 of 7 M45 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 46% of all reports (82 of 178), far ahead of engine at 42.

178

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other M45 years?

M45 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted178 complaints2003: 178 complaints2004: 49 complaints2006: 102 complaints2007: 34 complaints2008: 6 complaints2009: 2 complaints2010: 1 complaints
M45 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all M45 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Infiniti M45 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System8246%
Engine4224%
Electrical System2514%
Seats53%
Transmission42%
Body & Structure42%
Airbags32%
Other32%
Steering21%
Speed Control21%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Suspension11%
Lighting11%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 2003 Infiniti M45 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

12V088000Fuel SystemMarch 6, 2012 · 8,120 units

Defect

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003-2004 INFINITI M45 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 7, 2002, THROUGH JUNE 3, 2004. DUE TO A CIRCUIT BOARD FAILURE, THE FUEL GAUGE MAY READ A FUEL LEVEL HIGHER THAN ACTUALLY EXISTS. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE MAY RUN OUT OF GAS WITHOUT NOTICE.

Consequence

THE VEHICLE MAY STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE CIRCUIT BOARD FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-647-7261.

03V455000EngineNovember 17, 2003 · 630,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF FLUX RESIDUE DURING THE SOLDERING PROCESS.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON, CREATE A NO START CONDITION, CAUSE REDUCED ENGINE POWER, OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS. CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR(S), AND IN SOME CASES, THE VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL SENSOR(S). VEHICLES INVOLVED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN, 01V357, ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS NEW CAMPAIGN. THE REPLACEMENT SENSORS USED IN THAT CAMPAIGN ARE ALSO AFFECTED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“FUEL GAUGE SHOWING WRONG LEVEL OF GAS. HAD FUEL SENDING UNIT REPLACED TWICE STILL NOT WORKING. NOW THEY TELL ME I HAVE TO REPLACE THE GAUGE CLUSTER. THIS WILL COST OVER $2000.00. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS KILLED, OR IS INFINITI WAITING FOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 1, 2003

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 INFINITI M45. ON APPROXIMATELY NINE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE WOULD COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND SOMETIMES WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY FOUR TIMES. THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE CAUSED BY THE SHIFT LOCK OR THE FUEL SYSTEM, BUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 26, 2004

“GAS GAUGE FAILURE ON INFINITI M-45 2003 MODEL. GAS GAUGE WOULD READ FULL - 3/4 FULL WHEN THE TANK WAS BELOW 1/4 TANK. WOULD LEAD TO RUNNING OUT OF GAS UNLESS THE GAS WAS MONITORED BY THE NUMBER OF MILES BETWEEN FILL UPS. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION - OWNERS POTENTIALLY RUNNING OUT OF GAS WHEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 10, 2008

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 INFINITI M45. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SEAT LEANED TO THE LEFT WHILE OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT RAIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · March 9, 2011

“I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT A APROXIMATELY 75 MPH WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE REAR BACK GLASS BLEW OFF THE VEHICLE. I FELT A LITTLE SHAKE AND MU REAR BACK GLASS WAS GONE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 30, 2014

2003 Infiniti M45 — common questions

Is the 2003 Infiniti M45 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 178 complaints put the 2003 model at #1 of 7 M45 years. It is one of the M45 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 M45 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (82 complaints), engine (42 complaints), electrical system (25 complaints).

Does the 2003 Infiniti M45 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Infiniti M45. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 Infiniti M45 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Infiniti M45 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the M45 years to avoid are 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. The cleanest record among M45 years belongs to 2004.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.