VehicleVerdict

2003 Infiniti Q45 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 20 complaints on file for the 2003 Infiniti Q45 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

20

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Q45 years?

Q45 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted49 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 33 complaints1991: 49 complaints1992: 34 complaints1993: 3 complaints1994: 47 complaints1995: 8 complaints1996: 8 complaints1997: 13 complaints1998: 16 complaints1999: 10 complaints2000: 13 complaints2001: 5 complaints2002: 29 complaints2003: 20 complaints2004: 14 complaints2005: 5 complaints2006: 0 complaints
Q45 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Q45 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Infiniti Q45 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine735%
Electrical System525%
Steering315%
Brakes210%
Seat Belts15%
Speed Control15%
Transmission15%

Does the 2003 Infiniti Q45 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

12V079000AirbagsFebruary 28, 2012 · 1,349 units

Defect

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003-2005 INFINITI Q45 VEHICLES. A WIRING CONNECTOR FOR THE SEAT MOUNTED AIRBAG MAY EXPERIENCE INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE, RESULTING IN THE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIR BAGS.

Consequence

NON-DEPLOYMENT OF SIDE AIR BAGS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE WIRING CONNECTOR, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 19, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-647-7261.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 INFINITI Q45. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND RESUMED TO NORMAL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE BUT THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 13, 2013

“I HAVE A 2003 Q45 AND THE CAR HAS SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING SEVERAL TIMES. THERE IS HAS IN THE CAR. I GET IT MAINTENANCE REGULARLY. ITS SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY PUTTING MY FAMILY AT RISK. ITS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. AFTER DOING ONLINE SEARCHES I DETERMINED THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 14, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 INFINITI Q45. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND RESUMED TO NORMAL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE BUT THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 13, 2013

“THE BRAKES IN THIS VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONED AND BY SUCH CAUSED A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE DEALER, NISSAN OF THE EASTSIDE IN BELLEVUE WA WAS SUPPOSED TO FIX SAID BRAKES AS I NOTED THAT THEY WERE NOT OPERATING CORRECTLY IN MY TEST DRIVE OF THE VEHICLE AND I WROTE THE CONTRACT SUBJECT TO THE BRAKES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 19, 2008 · crash

“TAMARA RECALLED MY SEATBELT LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR THE LAST YEAR. I WERE TOLD BY THE INFINITY DEALER THAT MY CAR WAS NOT RECALL FOR THE SEATBELT. THE SEATBELT WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY IN THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM AND A LITTLE BLANKING ICON. I AM TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · February 13, 2016

2003 Infiniti Q45 — common questions

Is the 2003 Infiniti Q45 reliable?

The record is thin — 20 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2003 Q45 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (7 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints), steering (3 complaints).

Does the 2003 Infiniti Q45 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 Infiniti Q45. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 Infiniti Q45 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Infiniti Q45 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Q45 years to avoid are 1991, 1994, 1992, 1990. The cleanest record among Q45 years belongs to 2006.

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.