2003 INFINITI FX45 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 INFINITI FX45, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags516.7%
- Exterior lighting516.7%
- Fuel system413.3%
- Body & structure413.3%
- Interior & seats26.7%
- Brakes26.7%
- Powertrain (other)26.7%
- Transmission26.7%
- Visibility13.3%
- Steering13.3%
- Electrical13.3%
- Driver assistance13.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S FRONT SEAT.*MR CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REPLACEMENT OR REPURCHASE VEHICLE . *CB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED (70) ON THE FLORIDA TPKE THE CAR DOWN SHIFTED TO LOW GEAR ON ITS OWN. THIS CAUSED A SUDDEN SLOWDOWN, AND I WAS ALMOST REARENDED BY A FOLLOWING 18 WHEELER. AFTER RETURNING UNIT TO DEALER FOR CORRECTION THIS HAPPENED AGAIN AT THE GARDENS MALL IN PALM BEACH GARDENS A FEW DAYS LATER. *LA
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I AM REPORTING A DEFECT WITH THE FX WINDSHILEDS. THEY MAY HAVE BEEN MISINSTALLED BECAUSE TODAY I NOTICED A 12" CRACK IN MY WINDSHILED WHICH STARTED IN THE PASSENGER SIDE PILLAR. I HAVE CONTACTED INFINITI AND THEY SAID THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY ISSUES WITH THE FX WINDSHILED. YET ON THE INFINITI WEBSITE - WWW.FRESHALLOY.COM, 12 FX OWNERS HAVE REPORTED SIMILAR ISSUES WITH THE FX WINDSHIELDS. I WOULD LIKE INFINITI TO REPACE THE WINDSHIELD. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
WAS SITTING IN TRAFFIC AND CAR CUT OFF AND WOULD NOT RESTART AT ALL, HAD TO CALL INFINITI TO HAVE IT TOWED. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT VEHICLE ACCELERATED IN FULL THROTTLE. CONSUMER HAD TO APPLY TWO FEET TO THE BRAKE THE SLAM THE SHIFTER IN PARK IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. *AK THE ENGINE WOULD ALSO RACE AT WHICH POINT THE CONSUMER SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .