2006 INFINITI M45 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 2006 INFINITI M45, 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
- Engine1818.4%
- Steering1717.3%
- Interior & seats1414.3%
- Airbags1212.2%
- Driver assistance99.2%
- Electrical88.2%
- Suspension44.1%
- Powertrain (other)33.1%
- Brakes33.1%
- Body & structure33.1%
- Tires & wheels33.1%
- Visibility22.0%
- Fuel system11.0%
- Other / unspecified11.0%
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2006 Infiniti M45. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled while driving downhill. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering and braking functionality. The contact was able to safely stop the vehicle by using excessive force on the brake pedal. The contact restarted the vehicle however, the vehicle stalled. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Over the last 6 to 8 months, the 2006 M45 stalls intermittently. Most of the time (7 out of 10) it would stall when I stopped at a light (or a stop sign). The engine would shut off, all the indicator lights would come on, and I would put it in park and re-start, and it would continue to operate fine. The other three times or so, the car would randomly shut down while driving (both times in the city at 30 mph or so), and the same procedure to restart. Midas Muffler (3 different locations) did not detect any error codes in any of the occasions, and since it was happening intermittently, they could not duplicate it. In atleast 3 or 4 of the events, I had another passenger in the car who observed it.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CAR PULLS IN EITHER DIRECTION ANYTIME WHILE DRIVING. PULLS TO THE LEFT MORE FREQUENTLY AND DOES IT ANYTIME THERE IS A BUMP OR UNLEAVENED ROAD. HAVE COMPLETED 2 OR MORE ALIGNMENTS AND THE PROBLEM WON'T GO AWAY. *TR
AS REPORTED BY OTHERS, THIS VEHICLE PULLS HARD TO THE LEFT WHEN BRAKING. SHOP INSPECTION REPORTS THAT THE CAR'S ALIGNMENT AND BRAKES ARE FINE. *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
FAULTY FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENT WITH PRIOR DEALER WARRANTY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NOTED IT IS BAD FUEL EVAPORATOR. IN MOTION INDICATOR LIGHT WENT ON. DRIVER SEAT LOOSE, PIECE IN SLOWER STRUCTURE NEEDED TO BE WELDED BECAUSE SEAT HAD PLAY AND WENT BACK AND FORTH. IN MOTION
WHEN STATIONARY AT A PARKING SPOT, I GOT INTO MY CAR, AND THE CAR SEAT MADE A CRACKING NOISE AS IT WENT STRAIGHT TO THE GROUND. WHILE DRIVING I APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BREAKS AND MY CAR SEAT CAME OFF THE BRACKET CAUSING ME TO BE DISTRACTED ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND CAN BE THE RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE AND THERE ARE PLENTY OF OTHER PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 INFINITI M45. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, VARIOUS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH EXTREME DIFFICULTY. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND PARKED IT AT HOME. THE DEALER (NALEY INFINITI, 2020 COBB PKWY S, MARIETTA, GA 30060, 770-281-8600) INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V329000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V329000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT WAS WAITING TO DETERMINE WHEN THE DEALER WOULD BE ABLE TO SCHEDULE THE REPAIRS. IT WAS UNKNOWN WHEN THE MANUFACTURER WOULD SUPPLY THE PARTS TO THE DEALER. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND/OR CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CONTINUE TO FAIL EVEN AFTER BEING REPLACED WITH NEW INFINITI/NISSAN OEM PARTS. ALMOST EVERY TIME I START THE CAR IT WILL CONTINUE TO TURN OVER FOR ABOUT 15 SECONDS THEN STOP. I USUALLY HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS PROCESS 3 OR 4 TIMES AND EVENTUALLY IT WILL START WITH THE SLP AND VDC LIGHTS ON, BUT THATS NOT THE SCARY OR DANGEROUS PART OF IT. THE DANGEROUS PART OF THIS ISSUE IS WHEN IVE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY WITH TRAFFIC GOING 70 MPH AND THE ENGINES DIES AND COMPLETELY TURNS OFF WHILE IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF A 5 LANE HIGHWAY WHERE I WAS NOT ABLE TO MOVE OVER TO ONE SHOULDER OR THE OTHER. I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP ON AN URBAN FREEWAY IN THE MIDDLE LANE WITH TRAFFIC TRAVELING AT LEAST 70 MPH BESIDE ME. THE HIGHWAY INCIDENTS HAPPENED 3 TIMES. THE OTHER 2 TIMES I WAS SO PARANOID OF IT HAPPENING AGAIN THAT I WAS IN THE RIGHT LANE AND JUST PULLED ONTO THE SHOULDER WHEN THE CAR DIED. I DO NOT DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY ANYMORE WHICH IS A SHAME BECAUSE THA''S WHAT THAT CAR WAS MADE FOR. OTHER DANGEROUS INCIDENTS WERE CAR DYING AS I WAS ENTERING INTERSECTION ON A LEFT TURN WITH ON COMING TRAFFIC APPROACHING, CAR DYING AT A RED AFTER TURNING GREEN WITH TRAFFIC APPROACHING FROM BEHIND, CAR DYING WHEN APPROACHING STOPPED TRAFFIC WITHOUT POWER BRAKES. THOSE ARE A FEW EXAMPLES. THE CAR HAS DIED MANY MORE TIMES IN SITUATIONS THAT WERE NOT AS DANGEROUS SUCH AS A RESIDENTIAL STREET, ETC. AGAIN AS I STATED EARLIER THAT ALL 3 OF MY CARS SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACE WITH NEW OEM PARTS BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. THERE ARE MANY OF THE SAME COMPLAINT FROM OTHER PEOPLE ON THE INTERNET SO THIS IS OBVIOUSLY NOT A ONE OFF PROBLEM WITH JUST MY CAR. THANK YOU.
MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE SHIFTED INFO ONE GEAR. IT WAS SLOW TO ACCELERATE AND CHANGE GEARS. I HAD THE CODE PULLED AND IT SHOWED P1764 DIRECT CLUTCH SOLENOID. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE CODE WHICH I FOUND A SERVICE BULLETIN THAT HAS THIS CODE LISTED BUT IT IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST WHEN I ENTERED THE VIN NUMBER.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 INFINITI M45. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V430000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 INFINITI M45. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, VARIOUS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH EXTREME DIFFICULTY. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND PARKED IT AT HOME. THE DEALER (NALEY INFINITI, 2020 COBB PKWY S, MARIETTA, GA 30060, 770-281-8600) INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V329000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V329000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT WAS WAITING TO DETERMINE WHEN THE DEALER WOULD BE ABLE TO SCHEDULE THE REPAIRS. IT WAS UNKNOWN WHEN THE MANUFACTURER WOULD SUPPLY THE PARTS TO THE DEALER. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CAR PULLS IN EITHER DIRECTION ANYTIME WHILE DRIVING. PULLS TO THE LEFT MORE FREQUENTLY AND DOES IT ANYTIME THERE IS A BUMP OR UNLEAVENED ROAD. HAVE COMPLETED 2 OR MORE ALIGNMENTS AND THE PROBLEM WON'T GO AWAY. *TR
WHEN BRAKING THE CAR PULLS EITHER DIRECTION HARD ALSO WEAVES SIDE TO SIDE WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED OR IF U HIT A BUMP THE STEERING WHEEL YANKS HARD TO THE SIDE. ALSO WHEN STOPPED WITH CAR N DRIVE AND FOOT ON BRAKES THE CAR WILL SURGE FORWARD HARD LIKE ITS GOING TOGO ON ITS OWN. *TR
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
Over the last 6 to 8 months, the 2006 M45 stalls intermittently. Most of the time (7 out of 10) it would stall when I stopped at a light (or a stop sign). The engine would shut off, all the indicator lights would come on, and I would put it in park and re-start, and it would continue to operate fine. The other three times or so, the car would randomly shut down while driving (both times in the city at 30 mph or so), and the same procedure to restart. Midas Muffler (3 different locations) did not detect any error codes in any of the occasions, and since it was happening intermittently, they could not duplicate it. In atleast 3 or 4 of the events, I had another passenger in the car who observed it.
I WAS DRIVING ON A MAIN STREET GOING 50 MILES WHEN MY ENGINE COMPLETE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. EVERYTHING LOCKED UP, STEERING AND BREAKS WERE HARD TO MANAGE. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO COAST TO A SIDE STREET. THERE WAS A RECALL 11/17/2003 -03V45500 IT ALSO SAYS INCLUDED ARE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN 01V357 I CALLED INFINITI AND THEY SAID MY VIN EXCLUDED MY CAR FROM THAT RECALL. IT WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE DIAGNOSTIC CAME BACK P0304 CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR.
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
The contact owns a 2006 Infiniti M45. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled while driving downhill. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering and braking functionality. The contact was able to safely stop the vehicle by using excessive force on the brake pedal. The contact restarted the vehicle however, the vehicle stalled. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 INFINITI M45. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, THE RPMS INCREASED, AND THE VEHICLE POWERED DOWN. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH. WHENEVER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE RPMS DECREASED TO ZERO. THE FIRST TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE, BUT THE BRAKES SEIZED. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INFINITI OF ELK GROVE (8586 LAGUNA GROVE DR, ELK GROVE, CA 95757, (916) 287-8017) WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN AIR BAG RECALL. THE MECHANICS DID NOT REPAIR THE ENGINE BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
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
AFTER A VERY SHORT TRIP WITH THE CAR, IT WOULD NOT RE-START. THE ENGINE CRANKED BUT WOULD NOT START. 2 HOURS LATER I WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. THE KEYLESS REMOTE DOES NOTHING, THE PUSH BUTTONS ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS DO NOTHING AND THE MANUAL KEY DOES NOT UNLOCK THE DOORS EITHER. THIS IS VERY SERIOUS AS A PASSENGER LOCKED INSIDE THE CAR WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. AS IT IS RIGHT NOW I CANNOT EVEN MOVE THE VEHICLE SINCE I CANNOT OPENT THE DOORS OR THE TRUNK
INTERIOR DASH IS MELTING AND VERY STICKY. ON ANY GIVEN DAY THE REFLECTION OF THE SUN WILL BOUNCE OFF THE DASH, ONTO THE WINDSHIELD, EFFECTIVELY MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE SAFELY. HAVE ALMOST BEEN INVOLVED IN SEVERAL ACCIDENTS DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE OBSTRUCTIONS IN FRONT OF ME. IT IS SPECIALLY HARD TO SEE ON VERY HOT/SUNNY DAYS WHEN THE DASH GETS REALLY GLOSSY FROM MELTING, MAKING IT EVEN WORSE TO DRIVE AND VERY SCARY ON THE HIGHWAY. I'M AFRAID FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFETY, ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS CAR CANNOT KEEP A STRAIGHT LINE ON ANY ROAD. I HAVE HAD ALL FOUR TIRES REPLACED, ALL FOUR WHEELS REPLACED, FIVE TIRE ALIGNMENTS/BALANCES DONE TO NO AVAIL. THIS HAS CAUSED SEVERE DANGER WHEN DRIVING ON BOTH ONE AND TWO LANE ROADS, AS THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY MOVE INTO OTHER LANES. HAS CAUSED ANOTHER CAR TO GO OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID MY CAR HITTING THEIRS CAUSING DAMAGE AND INJURY TO THAT PERSON. I, AS WELL AS OTHER COMPLAINANTS ON HERE, HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT INFINITI IS AWARE THAT THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE STEERING RACK BUT IS NOT AUTHORIZING DEALERS TO REPAIR OR REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY. THIS ISSUE EFFECTS ALL INFINITI M35S AND M45S FROM 2006-2010. CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IS IN PROGRESS. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 INFINITI M45. THE VEHICLE HAD A GOODYEAR EAGLE TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR SIDEWALL SEPARATED FROM THE TREAD SURFACE OF THE TIRE. THERE WAS A CRACK BY THE SEAM THAT WAS APPROXIMATELY 10 INCHES LONG. THE TIRE FAILED WITH ONLY 7,731 MILES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,504 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,090. UPDATED 03/17/09. *LJ UPDATED 03/18/09.*JB
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
INTERIOR DASH IS MELTING AND VERY STICKY. ON ANY GIVEN DAY THE REFLECTION OF THE SUN WILL BOUNCE OFF THE DASH, ONTO THE WINDSHIELD, EFFECTIVELY MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE SAFELY. HAVE ALMOST BEEN INVOLVED IN SEVERAL ACCIDENTS DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE OBSTRUCTIONS IN FRONT OF ME. IT IS SPECIALLY HARD TO SEE ON VERY HOT/SUNNY DAYS WHEN THE DASH GETS REALLY GLOSSY FROM MELTING, MAKING IT EVEN WORSE TO DRIVE AND VERY SCARY ON THE HIGHWAY. I'M AFRAID FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFETY, ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
PURCHASED BRAND NEW 2006 INFINITI M45. FROM MONTH AFTER PURCHASE, LEARNED THAT MOONROOF LEAKS WHEN WASHING CAR THROUGH BRUSHLESS AUTO CAR WASH. ONCE IT EVEN LEAKED DURING A HEAVY RAIN. DEALER HAS BEEN VERY ATTENTIVE, BUT ALWAYS REPORTS NO PROBLEMS FOUND. SAID THEY CLEARED DRAIN HOLE JUST IN CASE. I GAVE UP, AND ONLY WASHES CAR BY HAND. A $55K CAR SHOULDN'T LEAK. *TR
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
FAULTY FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENT WITH PRIOR DEALER WARRANTY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NOTED IT IS BAD FUEL EVAPORATOR. IN MOTION INDICATOR LIGHT WENT ON. DRIVER SEAT LOOSE, PIECE IN SLOWER STRUCTURE NEEDED TO BE WELDED BECAUSE SEAT HAD PLAY AND WENT BACK AND FORTH. IN MOTION
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS CAR CANNOT KEEP A STRAIGHT LINE ON ANY ROAD. I HAVE HAD ALL FOUR TIRES REPLACED, ALL FOUR WHEELS REPLACED, FIVE TIRE ALIGNMENTS/BALANCES DONE TO NO AVAIL. THIS HAS CAUSED SEVERE DANGER WHEN DRIVING ON BOTH ONE AND TWO LANE ROADS, AS THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY MOVE INTO OTHER LANES. HAS CAUSED ANOTHER CAR TO GO OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID MY CAR HITTING THEIRS CAUSING DAMAGE AND INJURY TO THAT PERSON. I, AS WELL AS OTHER COMPLAINANTS ON HERE, HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT INFINITI IS AWARE THAT THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE STEERING RACK BUT IS NOT AUTHORIZING DEALERS TO REPAIR OR REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY. THIS ISSUE EFFECTS ALL INFINITI M35S AND M45S FROM 2006-2010. CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IS IN PROGRESS. *TR
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 .