VehicleVerdict

2004 Infiniti M45 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2004 Infiniti M45 sits mid-pack among M45 years: 49 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 34, with 2 recalls and 3 closed investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 61% of all reports (30 of 49), far ahead of engine at 8.

49

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other M45 years?

M45 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted178 complaints2003: 178 complaints2004: 49 complaints2006: 102 complaints2007: 34 complaints2008: 6 complaints2009: 2 complaints2010: 1 complaints
M45 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all M45 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Infiniti M45 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System3061%
Engine816%
Electrical System510%
Seats36%
Airbags24%
Lighting12%

Does the 2004 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.

04V497000LightingOctober 13, 2004 · 96 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 25, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 INFINITI M45. WHENEVER THE CONTACT DRIVES THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WILL SHOW 1/2 GALLON MORE GASOLINE THAN THE VEHICLE ACTUALLY HAS IN THE TANK. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 17, 2009

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 INFINITI M45. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTO PARTS STORE, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CAM SHAFT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 19, 2015

“CAR'S FUEL GAUGE INDICATED NEARLY 1/2 TANK OF FUEL REMAINING WHEN TANK IS COMPLETELY EMPTY. I FOUND OUT THE HARD WAY -- WAS DRIVING, MADE A RIGHT TURN ONTO A BUSY ROAD, HIT THE GAS AND THE ENGINE DIED. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON I-75, PARTICULARLY THE 20+ MILE STRETCH THAT'S UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND HAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 4, 2010

“FRAME ON DRIVERS SEAT BROKEN CAUSING SEAT TO LIST TO THE LEFT SIDE. PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED BY DEALER WHO INFORMED US AT THE TIME THAT IT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED AGAIN, IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT AT COST OF APPROX $1800.00. SEAT CURRENTLY NOW NEEDS REPLACEMENT. THIS IS A ONE OWNER VEHICLE AND HAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · September 14, 2012

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 INFINITI M45. THE CONTACT STATED THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON THE WARNING PANEL. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THE AIR BAGS WERE DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT THE EXPENSE OF THE OWNER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THEY WOULD INFORM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 10, 2010

2004 Infiniti M45 — common questions

Is the 2004 Infiniti M45 reliable?

It is close to typical for the M45: 49 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2004 M45 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (30 complaints), engine (8 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 2004 Infiniti M45 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Infiniti M45. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 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.