AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
2002 INFINITI QX4
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 37 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2002 INFINITI QX4, most frequently naming the suspension, steering and airbags categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 78 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 2002 | 1 | 1 |
| Jun 2002 | 1 | 2 |
| Feb 2003 | 1 | 3 |
| Sep 2003 | 1 | 4 |
| May 2006 | 1 | 5 |
| Sep 2007 | 1 | 6 |
| Dec 2008 | 1 | 7 |
| Jun 2009 | 1 | 8 |
| May 2010 | 1 | 9 |
| Nov 2010 | 1 | 10 |
| Dec 2010 | 1 | 11 |
| Feb 2011 | 1 | 12 |
| Jul 2011 | 1 | 13 |
| Aug 2011 | 1 | 14 |
| Sep 2011 | 1 | 15 |
| Dec 2011 | 1 | 16 |
| Jun 2012 | 1 | 17 |
| Jul 2012 | 1 | 18 |
| Sep 2012 | 1 | 19 |
| Aug 2013 | 2 | 21 |
| Nov 2013 | 1 | 22 |
| Feb 2014 | 1 | 23 |
| Jun 2014 | 1 | 24 |
| Sep 2014 | 1 | 25 |
| Jul 2015 | 1 | 26 |
| Dec 2015 | 1 | 27 |
| Apr 2016 | 1 | 28 |
| Jun 2016 | 1 | 29 |
| Jul 2017 | 1 | 30 |
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 31 |
| Aug 2019 | 1 | 32 |
| Sep 2020 | 1 | 33 |
| Mar 2021 | 1 | 34 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 35 |
| Dec 2025 | 1 | 36 |
| Apr 2026 | 1 | 37 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Suspension1426.9%
- Steering713.5%
- Airbags59.6%
- Engine47.7%
- Driver assistance47.7%
- Body & structure35.8%
- Brakes35.8%
- Exterior lighting23.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
6 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Frame/Body Structure Corrosion
In their Defect Information Report (DIR) of April 20, 2011, Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) notified NHTSA that it would conduct a safety recall of certain 1996-2004 Nissan Pathfinder and 1997-2003 Infinity QX4 vehicles to repair corrosion damage to the driver's side front strut tower.The vehicles included in the recall are those that were originally sold, or are currently registered in salt belt states including Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.The DIR states in part, ...the strut housing may crack and pull away from the inner hood ledge assembly.This could lead to the strut housing panel separating and contacting the steering column lower shaft.Contact with the steering column lower shaft can cause steering difficulties and may require an increase in steering effort by the driver.If the steering column lower shaft completely fractured it would result in a total loss of steering control.In some cases, the strut housing panel can contact or affect adjacent brake system components.Complainants reported experiencing either steering or brake system issues, and in some cases, both.Nissan dealer's will inspect the strut housing and, based on the level of corrosion found, make an assessment as to how to remedy the vehicle (see defect information report for additional details). Brake system components adjacent to, and in the area of, the strut tower (i.e., brake master cylinder, left front brake line, ABS wire harness, etc.) will also be inspected.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Driving in a snow storm and slid in to a rail ,no damage but the back light,airbag deployed,. My regular headlights on the driver side went out three years ago , neighbor got it to work ,now both headlights are not working.
- NHTSA ID
- 11734154
- Incident
- Feb 19, 2026
Drivers side low beam failure (2000 pathfinder and 2006 titan also same issue) Replaced bulbs twice in one year now low beam headlight doesn’t work at all always the driver side
- NHTSA ID
- 11707295
- Incident
- Jun 1, 2021
My issues are related to the SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 1997-2003 QX4 IN SALT STATES FRONT STRUT HOUSING CORROSION. I brought my car in for the recall at Infiniti of Bloomington, Minnesota and they only fixed the Driver’s side strut housing using a brace but only painted the Passenger’s side. Now the Passenger’s side strut housing shows corrosion and some perforation but repairable still under the recall. As of today 01/23/2023 The dealer and Infiniti refused to do recall on passenger’s side despite the car is not safe to drive. They knowingly know the passenger’s side will corrode but still let me drive the car with the defective which they refuse to fix.
- NHTSA ID
- 11503175
- Incident
- Jan 23, 2023
I HAVE TRIED TO GET PASSENGER AIRBAG RECALL (AND A CONFIRMED DRIVER SEATBELT DEFECT) REPLACED AND THE PART WAS NEEDED ONE YEAR AGO AROUND MARCH OR APRIL 2020 AND TODAY WHEN I TRIED TO MAKE A APPOINTMENT 03/29/2021 WAS TOLD THAT IT IS A 3 TO 4 HOUR JOB AND NO LOANER VEHICLE OR TOW IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS TYPE OF SERVICE. THE THE RECALL NOTICE FORM # R1714 30148563 STATES THAT THERE IS FREE CONVENIENCE SERVICES SUCH AS TOW TO AND FROM INFINITI RETAILER OR ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION. MOSSY NISSAN IN OCEANSIDE CALIFORNIA AND I TALKED TO A WOMAN NAMED ROBIN IN SERVICE DEPT. MY QUESTION/COMPLAINT IS WHY IS ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT OR TOW NOT BEING OFFERED FOR THIS DANGEROUS HAZARDOUS DEFECT? SINCERELY [XXX].*DT PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*JB
- NHTSA ID
- 11405348
- Incident
- Mar 29, 2021
EXTENSIVE RUST AND DECAY IS FOUND ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRAME WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM CONNECTS. THIS IS JUST BELOW THE STRUT HOUSING AND IS VISIBLE THROUGH THE FRONT WHEEL WELL. I HAVE ATTACHED BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE PHOTOS AS THE DEFECT ONLY APPEARS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE.
- NHTSA ID
- 11354574
- Incident
- Sep 12, 2020
- Mileage
- 146,000 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 INFINITI QX4. AFTER THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, HE NOTICED RUST FORMING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRAME RAIL BELOW THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THEY COULD REINFORCE THE FRAME WELL; HOWEVER, A FUEL LINE RAN THROUGH THE RUSTED AREA, WHICH COULD CAUSE MORE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11252456
- Incident
- Aug 28, 2019
- Mileage
- 139,000 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 INFINITI QX4. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS WITH AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE STRUT HOUSING WAS RUSTED AND CRACKED. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ALERTED HER OF A RECALL FOR THE STRUT HOUSING AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V244000 (STEERING, SUSPENSION) AT FIELDS INFINITI GLENCOE (2100 FRONTAGE RD, GLENCOE, IL 60022 (847) 998-5200). THE DEALER STATED THAT A PLATE WAS INSTALLED ON THE STRUT HOUSING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT IT LOOKED LIKE NO REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH INDEPENDENT MECHANICS INFORMED HER THAT A PLATE NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED IN THE STRUT HOUSING, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CARFAX REPORT FAILED TO IDENTIFY THE REPAIR OR FAILURE TO THE STRUT HOUSING. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 124,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11045577
- Incident
- Nov 6, 2017
- Mileage
- 124,000 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 INFINITI QX4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V244000 (STEERING, SUSPENSION) IN 2012. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 152,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11010759
- Incident
- Jul 20, 2017
- Mileage
- 152,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
STRUCTURE:BODY
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Infiniti by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INTELLIGENT KEY NOT DETECTED / ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
STRUCTURE; VISIBILITY
REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.