Infiniti FX45 Reliability by Year
Best & Worst Years, Problems & Recalls — NHTSA Data
Comparing used Infiniti FX45 options? We analyzed 6 model years (2003–2008) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact Infiniti FX45 you plan to buy.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Infiniti FX45 has 27 owner complaints and 40 safety recalls across model years 2003–2008. The most reported issue area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING.
- Make
- Infiniti
- Model
- FX45
- Model years analyzed
- 2003–2008 (6 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 27
- Safety recall campaigns
- 40
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Fire-related complaints
- 0
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2007 (0 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Reliability signal
- Good
⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
GoodThe INFINITI FX45 has 27 NHTSA complaints and 40 recalls on record. 1 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 27 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 40 federal recall campaigns
- 1 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
📅 Problems by Model Year (Best vs. Worst Years)
🔔 NHTSA Safety Recalls
40 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2003–2008. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 27 NHTSA complaints.
📋 NHTSA Complaint Reports
27 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
HELLO! MY NAME IS [XXX]. I OWNER OF INFINITI FX45 2003 [XXX] AND ACCORDING TO VINRCL.SAFERCAR.GOV/VIN/ I HAVE SEVERAL INCOMPLETE DEFECTS IN MY CAR. COULD YOU PLEASE CHECK THIS AND SUPPORT ME WITH PARTS REPLACEMENT? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! I CONTACTED A DEALERSHIP IN RUSSIA, NO ACTION ON MY APPEAL HAPPENED. THEY DON'T DO ANYTHING. PLEASE HELP, I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY OWN SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHER PEOPLE.RUSSIA CANNOT BE SELECTED IN YOUR FORM. SORRY FOR THE INACCURATE INFORMATION INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
I AM LOCATED IN RUSSIA, AND THE LOCAL INFINITI DEALER DOES NOT PERFORM RECALL COMPANIES ON MY CAR.
I WAS BACKING DOWN MY DRIVE WAY (ABOUT 200 FT.) AND I HEARD A POPING SOUND. THEN AS I STARTED TO DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD IS WAS LOUDER, SOUND CAME FROM THE ROOF SO I OPENED THE CURTAIN IN FRONT OF THE MOON ROOF AND IT WAS ALL SHATTERED. THE CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED AND THE TEMP THAT DAY WAS IN THE LOW 40 DEGREES.
THE 2 REAR DOOR LOCKS DON'T LOCK OR UNLOCK. DANGEROUS CONDITION.
ALL THE LIGHTS ARE SWEATING, POOR VISIBILITY. ACCORDING TO: NUMBER OF REVIEWS ON HTSA: 06V-328 REVIEW DATE: ABRYCT 3 2006 NUMBER REVOCATION MANUFACTURER: R0608 SUMMARY DURING CANADIAN COMPLIANCE TESTING SOME SPECIAL VEHICLES SPORTS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL STANDARD SAFETY CAR. 108, “LAMPS, REFLECTED DEVICES AND RELATED EQUIPMENT” HEAD LAMP CHARGES DO NOT CORRESPOND TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF PHOTOMETRIC VALUES OF THE HEAD LAMP REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD RED CARD REACT HEAT HAZE RIGHT HYRECE RIGHT HYRECE REACTOR HYRECRANIOR REACTOR HYRELECTRICANTS ONLY HYRES TO HAVE ON RIGHT HYRECTS ON RIGHT HARDWARE RIGHT HARDWARE RIGHT HYRECE HYRES, RIGHT TO HAVE RIGHT TO HAVE RIGHT TO HAVE RIGHT TO HAVE ITES, RIGHT HEATS, RIGHT HYRECTS, RIGHT HYRECE REQUIREMENTS, RIGHT HYRECTS, RIGHT HYRECTS, RIGHT HYRECTS, RIGHT HYRECE, RIGHT HYRECTS, RIGHT HYRECTS, RIGHT HYRECTS, RIGHT HYRECTS, RED CARDS, RADIATED DEVICES, 108 I DEMAND REPLACEMENT ACCORDING TO THE NON-CONFORMITY REGULATIONS.
TAKATA RECALL: YOUR SITE INDICATES THAT MY VEHICLE HAS TAKATA AIRBAG(S). HOWEVER, INFINITI'S WEBSITE SAYS MY VEHICLE IS NOT AFFECTED BY THE TAKATA RECALL. I CONTACTED INFINITI CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD MY CAR WAS NOT AFFECTED (SEE ATTACHED EMAIL). I AM CONCERNED THAT INFINITI'S RECALL PROGRAM IS MISSING MY VEHICLE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 INFINITI FX45. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE DRIVESHAFT ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SHAFT BOLT SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE DRIVESHAFT NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A MINOR GRAZING IMPACT ON BOTH RIGHT SIDE DOORS (IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION), WHICH DEPLOYED THE RIGHT SIDE AIRBAGS AND ALSO THE AIRBAG INSIDE THE FRONT PASSENGER LEATHER SEAT. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE WINDOW GLASS DIDN'T BREAK, THE DOORS OPENED AND CLOSED NORMALLY. THE SAFETY ISSUE IS THAT WHEN THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, THE ENGINE DIED IMMEDIATELY, AS IF FROM AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE, AND THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO THE RIGHT AND THE DRIVER (ME) HAD NO BRAKING. THE CAR VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND COASTED TO A STOP IN A YARD AT THE FAR END OF THE INTERSECTION. AFTERWARDS, THE CAR STARTED NORMALLY AND WAS DRIVABLE. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC OR PEDESTRIANS, SO NOBODY WAS INJURED. I CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE AT INFINITI, AND THE REPRESENTATIVE CHECKED WITH THEIR TECHNICAL PEOPLE WHETHER THE AIRBAGS ARE INTENTIONALLY DESIGNED TO KILL THE ENGINE ON DEPLOYMENT, OR WHETHER THIS INDICATED A SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. THE CUSTOMER REPRESENTATIVE REPORTED BACK THAT INFINITI TECH SUPPORT COULDN'T SAY, ONE WAY OR THE OTHER, WHICH STRUCK ME AS AN EVASIVE RESPONSE. THE INFINITI CASE NUMBER IS [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 INFINITI FX45. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHTS WOULD FAIL. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD NEAR THE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
THE DASHBOARD IS SEVERELY CRACKING AT ALL SPEAKERS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN GARAGE PARKED SINCE ORIGINAL PURCHASE AND WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS. POOR QUALITY MATERIALS OR CONSTRUCTION. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 INFINITI FX45. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE CRACKS IN THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 INFINITI FX45. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL TANK SENSOR SENDING UNIT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THEY HAD TO REPAIR TWO SENDING UNITS WHICH WAS NOT UNDER RECALL OR WARRANTY. THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY FOR LABOR AND PARTS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL AND OFFERED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,045.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 INFINITI FX45. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO UNLOCK THE DOORS WITH THE REMOTE BUT THE DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO UTILIZE THE KEYS TO UNLOCK THE DOOR WHICH SETS OFF THE ALARM SYSTEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE ALARM WOULD ENGAGE, THE ALARM WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS STARTED. IN ADDITION, THE INTERIOR UNLOCK BUTTON HAD BECOME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FAILURE AND THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE DOOR ACTUATOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED ON ALL FIVE DOORS, INCLUDING THE HATCH BACK AT A COST OF $400 PER DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD ONLY RECUR IN HOTTER TEMPERATURES. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,000. UPDATED 5/24/11 *CN UPDATED 06/10/11
I OWN A 2003 INFINITY FX45 AWD. ABOUT JUNE 2007 THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO PEEL AND BREAKDOWN AND BECOME STICKY. SO I PUT A WHEEL COVER. PROBLEM COVERED UP. THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT UNTIL ABOUT A MONTH AGO I NOTICED A CRACK ON THE DASH IN THE CORNER BY THE SPEAKER IN THE CENTER OF THE DASH. THEN THE NEXT TIME I NOTICED A CRACK BY THE CORNER OF THE LEFT DASH SPEAKER, THEN THE NEXT TIME THE RIGHT DASH SPEAKER. NOW I NOTICED A CRACK BY THE FAR RIGHT AIR CONDITIONER VENT ON THE DASH. THE DASH IS CRACKING APART IN FRONT OF MY EYES. I HAVE A FRIEND THAT HAS A 2006 WITH THE SAME DASH PROBLEM. THEY MUST HAVE USED INFERIOR PRODUCTS FOR THE DASH AND STEERING WHEEL. I USE A SUN REFLECTOR WHEN PARKED AND MY WIFE PARKS UNDER A COVERED GARAGE. SO ITS NOT LIKE WE DID NOT TRY AND PREVENT A PROBLEM. I HAVE LIVED INFLORIDA OVER 30 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD A DASH BOARD CRACK. IT IS A SHAME BECAUSE IT IS AN EXCELLENT RUNNING CAR. I WOULD THINK INFINITY WOULD WANT TO TAKE CARE OF WHAT MAY BE A LARGE SCALE PROBLEM IF OTHER OWNERS ARE NOTIFIED. THANK YOU *TR
SENSOR ASSOCIATED WITH THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE MODULE MALFUNCTIONED. CAR ALTERNATIVELY SURGED AND LIMPED ALONG.
TL*- THE CONTACT HAS A COMPLAINT ON A 2003 INFINITY FX45. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM ON THE VEHICLE COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT SINCE THE BAR ALSO HAS THE HIGH BEAM/ON AND OFF HEAD LIGHT SWITCH AT THE END OF THE TURN SIGNAL BAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AND MAKING A LEFT TURN OR RIGHT TURN IT IS VERY EASY TO TURN ON THE HEAD LIGHTS OFF, WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT SINCE THE DRIVER COULD LOSE VISIBILITY. THIS ISSUE BEGAN ON JANUARY 2007, AND HAD OCCURRED THREE TIMES WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
TL* - THE CONTACT CALLED REGARDING THE 2003 FX45 INFINITE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE DROVE OVER 60 MPH HE HAD TO KEEP PUMPING THE BRAKES IN ORDER FOR THEM TO FUNCTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS HAD BEEN REPLACED TWICE. *AK
THE CHILD WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE GEAR FROM PARK WITHOUT THE CONSUMER BEING PRESENT TO STEP ON THE BRAKES OR WITHOUT THE KEY BEING IN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURE STATES THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED AS SUCH. *NM
OWNER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND SUDDENLY THE DRIVESHAFT FELL OUT FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. OWNER WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. CURRENTLY THIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL WAS BEING RECALLED FOR THIS DEFECT HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK
RECALL TO TIGHTEN TORQUE OF FRONT BRAKE CALIPER MOUNTING FOLDS. *BF THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED OF A PULLING AND CATCHING NOISE IN THE FRONT BRAKES, ESPECIALLY THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE IN REGARD TO THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER. A FRIEND OF THE CONSUMER'S INFORMED HIM OF THE CALIPER RECALL. *NM
Showing 20 of 27 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Before You Buy, Check the Exact Infiniti FX45
These pages show model-year patterns across 6years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
📖 Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Infiniti FX45 has 27 complaints on record across 6 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Infiniti FX45 has 40 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 1 of the Infiniti FX45's 27 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Good) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Infiniti FX45 vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Infiniti FX45 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Infiniti FX45 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
Buyers Also Compare
How does the Infiniti FX45 stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
📍 Check a Infiniti FX45 by State
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Infiniti FX45.