Infiniti QX4 Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Infiniti QX4 options? We analyzed 4 model years (2000–2003) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Found a Infiniti QX4? Check that exact car.
Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Infiniti QX4 has 167 owner complaints and 17 safety recalls across model years 2000–2003. The most reported issue area is SUSPENSION.
- Make
- Infiniti
- Model
- QX4
- Model years analyzed
- 2000–2003 (4 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 167
- Safety recall campaigns
- 17
- Crash-related complaints
- 15
- Fire-related complaints
- 1
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2003 (22 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- SUSPENSION
- Reliability signal
- Poor
Crash test ratings
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.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe INFINITI QX4 has 167 NHTSA complaints and 17 recalls on record. 15 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 167 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 17 federal recall campaigns
- 15 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)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
17 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
AIR BAGS
STEERING:COLUMN
STEERING:COLUMN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
STEERING:COLUMN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
AIR BAGS
STEERING:COLUMN
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2000–2003. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 167 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
167 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.
I KEEP GETTING NOTICES ABOUT THIS AIRBAG RECALL, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS DONATED TO HUDSON HIGH SCHOOL AND BROKEN DOWN FOR PARTS. THIS VEHICLE HASN'T BEEN ON THE ROAD FOR OVER 3 YEARS. PLEASE TAKE THIS OFF THE RECALL LIST.
BOUGHT A USED CAR FROM A USED CAR DEALER WITH 1 PREVIOUS OWNER. IN 2011 A RECALL WAS SUPPOSEDLY DONE BY INDICATING "INSPECTED!" WHY WASN'T THE PARTS REPLACED?
2003 INFINITI QX4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FRONT STRUT TOWER SEVERE RUSTS AND CRACKS RECALL ISSUES. *SMD *TR
THIS CONCERN IS INVOLVING THE R1109 RECALL ISSUED BY INFINITI. THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED SIX YEARS AGO, HOWEVER RUST, AND HOLES IN THE METAL ARE NOW VISIBLE. I WAS TOLD THAT BECAUSE THE RECALL WAS ALREADY PERFORMED, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO ASSIST ME. THIS VEHICLE WILL SOON BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
THE CONTROL ARM IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY AS THE PATHFINDERS THAT THEY RECALLED AND IS DOING EXACTLY AS THEY HAVE DONE...BUT THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE INFINITI I WAS WONDERING WHY THOSE AND NOT THE INFINITI AS WE LIVE IN MASSACHUSETTS AND THE SALT DOES THE SAME ON THIS CAR NOW WE HAVE THE DEATH WOMBLE ON THIS CAR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 INFINITI QX4. WHILE DRIVING OVER 45 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS CRACKED DUE TO RUSTING AND CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Read 14 more owner reports
FUEL FILLER NECK HAS CORRODED CAUSING GAS TO LEAK ON TO TIRE AND BRAKES WHILE FILLING GAS TANK. RECALL OF PREVIOUS MODEL. *JS
RUNNING BOARDS ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED, THEY WILL EITHER FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR AN UNSUSPECTING PERSON COULD BE RELYING ON THEM TO ENTER THE SUV AND HURT THEM SELVES. THE SUV WAS WELL TAKEN CARE OF, 1 OWNER, AND THE FRAME RAILS AND CHASSIS ARE CONSIDERABLY RUST FREE. HOW COME THESE ARE IN SUCH BAD CONDITION? WHY DON'T INFINITI HAVE REPLACEMENTS FOR THEM ALONE AND NOT THE WHOLE RUNNING BOARD FOR OVER $1300 PER SIDE! THAT'S INSANE AND NO ONE IS GOING TO PAY THAT FOR A 11+ YEAR OLD SUV! *TR
2003 INFINITY QX4. ATTORNEY WRITES ON BEHALF OF THE CONSUMER IN REGARDS TO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE STRUT TOWER HOUSING UNIT *TGW THE LAWYER STATED HIS CLIENT'S VEHICLE WAS SEIZED BY INFINITI AND THEY OFFERED TO BUY THE VEHICLE BACK. HIS CLIENT NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER AND WAS ONLY MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WHEN HE TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICING. RECALL# 11V244000. *JB UPDATED 08/09/12
PASSENGER SIDE STRUT TOWER COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, THE DEALERSHIP DEEMED THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO OPERATE. HOWEVER, THE CURRENT RECALL DOES NOT COVER THE PASSENGER SIDE, ONLY THE DRIVERS SIDE AND IT'S MY RESPONSIBILITY TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPLACEMENT. *KB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 INFINITI QX4. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME UNRESPONSIVE WHILE CHANGING LANES. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND ALL FOUR PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. ONE OF THE PASSENGERS ALSO SUSTAINED A DISLOCATED SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 95,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 INFINITI QX4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT STRUT TOWER ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT WHERE THE SUBFRAME MET THE SHOCK TOWER WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE MECHANIC STATED HE WOULD HAVE TO WELD IN NEW METAL IN ORDER TO REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THERE WAS AN OPEN INVESTIGATION PE11004 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: SHOCK ABSORBE AND SUSPENSION: FRONT: MACPHERSON STRUT ). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 INFINITI QX4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE AND SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LEAN TOWARDS THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND THEN RESUMED WITH CAUTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY INFORMED THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED; AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE STRUT TOWER FRACTURED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD EVENTUALLY AFFECT THE STEERING. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THERE WAS AN OPEN INVESTIGATION ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE11004 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: SHOCK ABSORBER). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000. UPDATED 03/22/11*LJ UPDATED 1/4/11 *CN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 INFINITI QX4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING A TURN AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THE REAR AXLE WAS EXTENDED THREE FEET FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WAS NOT A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE AND ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE AT HIS EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 74,000.
THERE IS A PULSING FEEL IN THE BRAKES. HAVE CHECKED ONLINE AND REALIZED THAT IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ENOUGH COMPLAINT BY OTHER OWNERS. ON HARD STOPS THE PUSH BACK BY THE PEDAL IS HARD ENOUGH THAT THE BRAKES LOCKUP INTERMITTENTLY. THIS IS DIFFERENT FROM THE PULSING FEEL OF THE ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM. IT FEELS AS THOUGH THE ROTORS ARE WARPED. IT IS FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO, AND INCREASINGLY IN THE VEHICLE IN NORMAL DRIVING WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKES. IT IS NOT THE TIRES WHICH ARE FASTIDIOUSLY KEPT NEW OMI. NO INCIDENT YET BUT I BELIEVE THERE IS A TREND THAT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. *TR
SEVERE CORROSION ON FACTORY INSTALLED RUNNING BOARDS ON INFINITY QX4 WHICH COULD COLLAPSE CAUSING INJURY. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 INFINITI QX4. THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE WINDOWS ROLL DOWN WITHOUT WARNING INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,000. UPDATED 09/23/09. *LJ UPDATED 09/23/09.*JB
WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 INFINITI QX4 ON THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED A SEVERE VIBRATION COMING FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF MY VEHICLE AND TIRE. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL SERVICE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY TOOK OFF MY LEFT FRONT TIRE AND SAW WHERE MY INNER APRON WAS SEVERELY CORRODED, CRACKED AND PERFORATED.THEY STATED THEY NEVER SEEN SUCH A TYPE OF CORROSION IN THIS AREA AND THAT I SHOULD HAVE THE MANUFACTURER LOOK AT IT AND TAKE IT TO A BODY SHOP. THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AS IT WAS A SERIOUS SAFETY RISK AS THE STRUT TOWER COULD DISLODGE AND COME UP THROUGH THE HOOD OF MY VEHICLE WHICH IS CLOSE TO MY BRAKE LINE AND COULD AFFECT MY STEERING. I DID TAKE IT 2 BODY SHOPS BOTH OF WHICH CONCURRED THAT THIS TYPE OF CORROSION SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED AND THEY ALSO STRESSED IT WAS COMPROMISING MY SAFETY AND THERE COULD BE A SHIFT OF MY SUSPENSION AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. I DID CONTACT INFINITI SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND IT WAS ONLY GLANCED AT NOT INSPECTED. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH INFINITI CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND WROTE A LETTER TO THE OWNER OF CLOSEST DEALERSHIP. I WAS THAN ABOUT A WEEK LATER ASKED BY THE LOCAL DEALER IF THEY COULD LOOK AT MY SUV AGAIN AND PICTURES WERE EMAILED BY BODY SHOP TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF DEALERSHIP AND SENT TO CORPORATE AND MY REQUEST TO HAVE THEM REPAIR VEHICLE WAS DENIED AND I HAVE HAD VEHICLE REPAIRED AT MY COST AT LOCAL BODY SHOP. PICTURES ARE AVAILABLE THAT WERE TAKEN BY BODY SHOP AND I STATEMENT OF SERIOUS SAFETY RISK OF VEHICLE IS ALSO AVAILABLE FROM BODY SHOP. *TR
THERE WAS A SEVERE PULSATION IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKE WERE APPLIED. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICED THE VEHICLE OVER 20 TIMES. *JB
WHILE DRIVING FUEL LINE DISCONNECTED FROM THE FUEL TANK . THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER, AND HAD VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Showing 20 of 167 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Infiniti QX4
These pages show model-year patterns across 4 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Infiniti QX4, in plain English.
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 QX4 has 167 complaints on record across 4 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 QX4 has 17 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. 15 of the Infiniti QX4's 167 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 (Poor) 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 QX4 vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Infiniti QX4 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 QX4 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a Infiniti QX4 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 QX4.
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Infiniti QX4 reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Infiniti QX4 reliable?
Poor. The Infiniti QX4 has 167 NHTSA owner complaints and 17 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is SUSPENSION. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Infiniti QX4 years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2003 (22 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Infiniti QX4 problems?
Top reported issues: SUSPENSION (44 complaints); STRUCTURE (36 complaints); STEERING (20 complaints).
Does the Infiniti QX4 have recalls?
Yes — 17 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Infiniti QX4. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.