AI Damage2004 Infiniti M45: common problems
Owners of the 2004 Infiniti M45 filed 43 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel system and engine. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 43
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel system 67% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 16% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 12% of all complaints
- 4 Seats 7% of all complaints
- 5 Air bags 5% of all complaints
- 6 Engine and cooling 2% of all complaints
- 7 Exterior lighting 2% of all complaints
- Fuel system: 29 complaints (67% of all).
- Engine: 7 complaints (16% of all).
- Electrical system: 5 complaints (12% of all).
- Seats: 3 complaints (7% of all).
- Air bags: 2 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 43 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 | 29 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 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.
While the vehicle was stopped at a red light, the accelerator pedal was depressed, the engine stalled, and all of the warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the diagnostic results were unknown.
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 replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 infiniti m45. While driving at various speeds, the brake light did not illuminate when the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.
The contact stated while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle started sputtering before stalling. The contact mentioned that the entire instrument panel illuminated and moments later, the vehicle restarted. The vehicle exhibited the failure multiple times.
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.
Went to sit in car and heard a loud pop as I sat. Seat was then shaky and unstable. Further inspection revealed the seat was loose or broken on the left side. Took car to infiniti where I was told the seat came out of the track and the seat track needed to be replaced at a cost of $1200.
This vehicle's year, make and model has a known fuel gauge issue that nissan/infiniti chose to ignore for the longest time. I thought I was one of the lucky ones because my car didn't have the issue but it happened back in september of 2011 while driving home from work.
This car has a well-known issue with the fuel gauge where it no longer works correctly. This resulted in my car running out of fuel as the instrument was not working correctly to notify me of my correct fuel amount, leaving me stranded on the highway. I believe this issue is already under investigation by the nhtsa.
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 5,758 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 16% most complained about).
On average one model year of the M45 has 40 complaints (7 years in the data). This year has 43, about 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.
- Seats. Occupant sensor, power adjustment, seat mounts.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Infiniti M45?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel system, engine, electrical system. Total complaints: 43. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: fuel system, fuel smell (53%), stalls while driving (26%), warning lights, check engine (14%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2004 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 2004 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 2004 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.