5 Infiniti Cars With MOST Recalls (Read Before Buying)

Infiniti is a sub-division of famous Japanese auto manufacturer Nissan. It launched in the United States in 1989, and it has sold millions of units in that period. The company has also spread its creative tentacles to major markets like China and Russia.

Just like Chevrolet and GMC vehicles, Infiniti models have direct equivalents to Nissan models, and they often only differ in nameplates. The models cut across different classes, including luxury cars, crossover SUVs, SUVs and coupes.

Starting in 1995, 381 recalls have been issued for Infiniti models so far. According to ARFC.org, this accounts for 1.3% of all NHTSA recalls and places it at #28 on the list of most-recalled vehicles on the NHTSA list.

What we have below is a list of Infiniti models responsible for the bulk of the total figure.

1. Infiniti FX45

The Infiniti FX45 is a proud member of the illustrious Infiniti FX fleet. It is a crossover that debuted in the 2003 model year and has been praised by critics for its innovation and decent fuel economy. Production of the model, however, stopped after the 2009 model year.

Number of Recalls

While it was on the market, no less than 38 recalls were issued for the Infiniti FX45, starting in 2003. That figure accounts for an estimated 10% of all Infiniti recalls on record, making it the most-recalled Infiniti model.

Of the 38 recalls issued, the 2003 and 2005 models picked up 9 each, making them the joint most-recalled FX45 models. The 2004 and 2006 models are right behind with 7 and 6 recalls, respectively. If you are looking to cop an FX45, these are model years you might want to steer clear of.

The last model year on record, which is the 2009 FX45, quite poetically has the fewest recalls with just 1 on record. Also notable are the 2007 and 2008 models with just 3 each. Compared to the other models, these models are a lot more desirable because the recall figures indicate fewer issues and defects.

Below are some of the most common issues with the Infiniti X45 models:

• Airbag defects (possible rupture of airbag inflators due to inordinate exposure to harsh temperature and excessive internal pressure)
• Exterior lighting issues (manufacturing flaw and failure of lamp assemblies to meet standard Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) requirements)
• Fuel system issues (possible crack in fuel filler hose and resultant fuel leakage noticeable when refueling)
• Automatic transmission problems (improperly tightened propeller shafts leading to a major fault)

Related: 5 Chrysler Models With Most Recalls (Check Before Buying!)

2. Infiniti FX35

The Infiniti FX35 is a crossover SUV that debuted in 2003. It enjoyed massive critical acclaim, with most critics praising its massive turbo engine and innovative interior styling. The FX35 had a decent run until its discontinuation in the 2012 model year.

Number of Recalls

According to NHTSA records, a total of 38 recalls have been issued for the Infiniti FX35 since its early days in 2003. This makes up 10.0% of all Infiniti recalls and makes the FX35 the Infiniti model with the joint-most recalls alongside its sibling, the FX45.

Of the 38 Infiniti FX35 recalls, the 2003 and the 2005 FX35 models have the joint most-recalls, with 9 each. The 2004 FX35 takes the 3rd spot with 7 recalls, and the 2006 model closes out the list with 6 recalls. Based on these figures, these might be the most problematic FX35 models, and you might want to avoid them.

On the other side of things, we have the 2009 Infiniti FX35 as the least-recalled model with just 1 so far. It is joined by the 2007 and 2008 models, which have 3 recalls each.

Below are the most common issues with the Infiniti FX35 as seen in recall statements:

• Airbag defects (possible rupture of airbag inflators due to inordinate exposure to harsh temperature and excessive internal pressure)
• Exterior lighting issues (manufacturing flaw and failure of lamp assemblies to meet standard Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) requirements)
• Fuel system issues (possible crack in fuel filler hose and resultant fuel leakage noticeable when refueling)
• Automatic transmission problems (improperly tightened propeller shafts leading to a major fault)

3. Infiniti QX4

The Infiniti QX4 is the more expensive twin of the famous Nissan Pathfinder.

The SUV made its debut in the 1997 model year, and Infiniti ended its run with the 2003 model year. It was known for its reliability and suitability for off-road situations.

Number of Recalls

NHTSA data reveals that recalls for the Infiniti QX4 started in the year 2000 and have totaled up to 28 so far. This makes it the third most-recalled Infiniti model and has taken up 7.3% of all Infiniti recalls since 1995.

The 2002 model has the most recalls amongst Infiniti QX4 models, with 6 recalls on record. Meanwhile, the 2001 model follows closely with 5 and the 2000 and 2003 models come in at 3rd, with 4 recalls each. If you are looking out for a vintage QX4, you might want to avoid these models, especially those atop the list.

With 3 recalls, the 1997,1998, and 1999 models of the Infiniti QX4 have the joint fewest-recalls on record.

Below are common QX4 issues that have been deemed recall-worthy:

• Steering defects (corrosion of the strut tower housing assembly due to salt and snow accumulated from salted roads)
• Airbag defects (possible rupture of inflator due to excessive internal pressure mostly during deployment of passenger side frontal airbag)
• Fuel system issues (poorly coated filler pipe mounting bracket leading to an opening for water contact with the metallic part of the tube)
• Electrical system problems (improperly seated key cylinder cap connector pins for the ignition lock assembly)

Related: 5 Cadillac Models With Most Recalls (Check Before Buying)

4. Infiniti M45

The Infiniti M45 is a part of a line of mid-size luxury cars known as Infiniti M. The M45 hit the market in the 2003 model year and was discontinued after the launch of the 2010 model. On J.D. Power, the model enjoys a 4.5 or higher rating on all its models, making it a top-quality brand.

Number of Recalls

We found 28 total recalls for the Infiniti M45, and this figure means it shares the 3rd spot amongst most-recalled Infiniti vehicles. It also accounts for 7.3% of all recalls for Infiniti models since 1995.

Data from the NHTSA and ARFC.org shows that the 2006, 2008, 2009, and 2010 models have the joint most-recalls among M45 models, with 5 each. The 2007 Infiniti M45 comes in at second place with 4.

While these models account for almost 75% of all recalls, the figures are not particularly worrying. If you are intent on copping any of them, those figures aren’t much of a red flag.

The early MX45 models, the 2003 and 2004 models have had the fewest recalls with just 2 each. This relatively auspicious figure should probably push these models to the top spot on your list of preferred MX45 models.

Below are some of the most dominant issues with the Infiniti M45:

• Airbag defects (possible rupture of inflator in front airbag module due to elongated exposure to high-humidity temperatures)
• Accelerator pedal faults (potential deterioration of accelerator pedal sensor and resultant accuracy in signal output which may lead to engine activating fail-safe mode)
• Tire pressure monitoring and regulating systems issues (shield used to secure the tire pressure monitoring system may corrode and then crack, especially in salt belt regions with heavy salt concentrations)

Related: 5 GMC Models With Most Recalls (Check Before Buying!)

5. Infiniti M35

The Infiniti M35, alongside the M45, was a part of the Infiniti M and, at some point, was named the Infiniti brand’s flagship. The M35 was first introduced in 2004, and its debut model year was the 2006 model year.

After enjoying a stellar run of rave reviews from agencies such as J.D. Power, the company announced the 2010 M35 would be the last.

Number of Recalls

We looked through NHTSA data and found 24 recalls for the Infiniti M35. The vehicle ranks fifth on the list of most-recalled Infiniti models, and it closes out our list, having racked up 6.3% of all Infiniti recalls.

Every model of the Infiniti M35 except the 2007 model has been recalled 5 times each. This means the total figure is almost equally shared amongst models, and the 2007 M35 is the not-so-behind exception, with 4 recalls.

Below are some common problems that have necessitated Infiniti M35 recalls over the years:

• Tire pressure monitoring and regulating systems issues (shield used to secure the tire pressure monitoring system may corrode and then crack, especially in salt belt regions with heavy salt concentrations)
• Vehicle speed control faults (potential deterioration of accelerator pedal sensor and resultant accuracy in signal output, which may lead to engine activating fail-safe mode)
• Airbag defects (possible rupture of inflator in front airbag module due to prolonged exposure to high-humidity temperatures)

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