AI Damage2003 Infiniti M45: common problems
Owners of the 2003 Infiniti M45 filed 129 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel system and engine. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 129
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel system 56% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 18% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 17% of all complaints
- 4 Engine and cooling 14% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel/propulsion system 5% of all complaints
- 6 Seats 4% of all complaints
- 7 Powertrain 3% of all complaints
- 8 Air bags 2% of all complaints
- Fuel system: 72 complaints (56% of all).
- Engine: 23 complaints (18% of all).
- Electrical system: 22 complaints (17% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 18 complaints (14% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 6 complaints (5% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 4.5 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- automatic, 5-speed
Drive: RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 129 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | 72 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 23 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 22 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 18 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the fuel gauge failed to read the fuel level correctly and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed several times to a dealer and independent mechanic however, the fuel gauge sensor could not be replaced.
The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The contact stated that the driverâs side module needed to be replaced. The driverâs side air bag module was replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed.
No power, no dash lights, inability to use turn signals to indicate the intention of changing lanes to the right and onto the side of the road, which nearly caused a collision as the car slowed to crawl.
The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the fuel gauge indicated the fuel tank was full at all times. The vehicle ran out of fuel due to the failure. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer bennett infiniti (1060 pa-315 wilkes barre pa) was notified of the failure.
I am the owner of a white 2003 infiniti m45. A few years ago, I noticed a small chip right above he windshield on the roof of the car. I contacted infiniti back then to see if there were any recalls, but there were not. At this point, there is no paint covering the top of the vehicle.
Car will stall suddenly at highway or city road speeds necessitating putting car into neutral or pulling over to restart. Previously, after this had happened, a code for faulty crankshaft position sensor was recovered, and both the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors were replaced with aftermarket new parts from…
While stationary and while driving various speeds,the vehicle stalled without warning on several occasions. The contact stated that there was a complete loss of power. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and was able to restart the vehicle.
While driving the vehicle, the check engine indicator illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the crankshaft sensor needed to be replaced.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 2,970 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 8% most complained about).
On average one model year of the M45 has 40 complaints (7 years in the data). This year has 129, above average.
What to check before buying
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Infiniti M45?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel system, engine, electrical system. Total complaints: 129. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: fuel system, fuel smell (40%), stalls while driving (29%), warning lights, check engine (19%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2003 Infiniti M45?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2003 Infiniti M45 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2003 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.