Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2003 Infiniti M45, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Fuel system, gasoline65
- Engine23
- Electrical system22
- Engine and engine cooling18
- Fuel system, other11
- Fuel/propulsion system6
- Seats5
- Power train4
- Air bags3
- Structure3
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 5 2003 M45 vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 1 person died inside them. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2003 Infiniti M45 failed the safety check 1.34% of the time — 36% less often than the average 2003 passenger car (2.11%). Median odometer at inspection: 136,001 miles.
149first inspections
1.34%failed on safety
136,001 mimedian odometer
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 1 variant: combined 13.3 L/100 km (about 18 mpg US), CO₂ 306 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| M45 · Compact · Premium gasoline | 15.2 | 10.9 | 13.3 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
2 Transport Canada recalls for the 2003 Infiniti M45.
| 2012087 6 Mar 2012 | Fuel System Certain vehicles may experience fuel gauge errors. The gauge may read higher than the actual level in the gas tank, or always indicate full. As such, the vehi… |
| 2003267 5 Nov 2003 | Engine On certain vehicles, the circuit board for the crank position sensor may have an improper solder joint. This could cause the Service Engine Soon warning light … |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
12V088000 · Fuel system, gasoline6 Mar 2012 · 8,120 vehicles
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003-2004 INFINITI M45 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 7, 2002, THROUGH JUNE 3, 2004. DUE TO A CIRCUIT BOARD FAILURE, THE FUEL GAUGE MAY READ A FUEL LEVEL HIGHER THAN ACTUALLY EXISTS. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE MAY RUN OUT OF GAS WITHOUT NOTICE.
03V455000 · Engine and engine cooling17 Nov 2003 · 630,000 vehicles
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF FLUX RESIDUE DURING THE SOLDERING PROCESS.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Infiniti told its dealers about the 2003 Infiniti M45: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11002539 | 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. |
| 11001182 | WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. |
| 11001179 | 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. |
| 11001177 | WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. |
| 10232646 | 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. |
| 10232645 | WHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. |
| 10232644 | WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. |
| 10192822 | SERVICE INFORMATION Replacement 5-speed rear wheel drive Automatic Transmission (A/T) assemblies and replacement control valves (valve bodies) now come with blank Transmission Control Modules (TCMs). Blank TCMs come without software and must be programmed (not reprogrammed) and then configured after they are installed. When ordering a replacement A/T or control valve, use the Infiniti electronic parts information systems to obtain the correct software program part number See this bulletin for further detail. |
| 10192802 | SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement "Certification Label" or "VIN Plate / Label" may be needed. These items may be available from Infiniti by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletinlists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. See this bulletin for further detail. |
| 10192693 | SERVICE INFORMATION Windshield "foreign material" that is on the surface of the glass in some cases can be cleaned off with a very particular type and grade of steel wool. * Most any foreign material on the surface of the Windshield can be cleaned off by using #0000 super fine steel wool. >The #0000 grade super fine steel wool can be found in most hardware stores. Please see this bulleitn for further details. |
| 10192514 | SERVICE INFORMATION Changes or modifications to the front seat assembly trim materials may affect the proper operation of the Front Seat-Mounted Side-Impact Supplemental Air Bags and Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor and could result in serious personal injury or death. Infiniti STRONGLY RECOMMENDS AGAINST making any change to seat trim materials from the factory equipped condition. This specifically applies to replacing the seat trim with non-factory materials; adding leather/cloth seat covers, seat pads, or seat storage pouches, etc. around or over the seat back and the passenger |
| 10192505 | SERVICE INFORMATION Two methods are used to update/upgrade Navigation Map Data: 1. The customer goes to www.infinitinavigation.com and is mailed update disc(s) or SD card and installs data, OR 2. The dealership is mailed update disc(s) and the customer must visit the dealership to have data installed. Use the matrix in this bulletin to determine which method is utilized for each Applied Vehicle. See this bulletin for further detail. |
| 10192314 | SERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safely is included in the "RESTRAINTS" section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for each vehicle IMPORTANT: Turn the ignition switch OFF, disconnect both battery terminals, and wait at least 3 minutes before performing any service on the SRS. See this bulletin for further detail. |
| 10192235 | Infiniti Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory Alloy wheels, along with their finish coating (clear, chrome, titanium, etc.), are specifically developed to achieve Infiniti design and performance standards. These Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory wheels are subjected to testing to ensure they meet Infiniti's standards. Infiniti Original Equipment Alloy or Genuine Accessory wheels subjected to aftermarket chroming may no longer continue to meet these standards and may be seriously damaged. Therefore, Infiniti most strongly discourages, and recommends that these wheels NEVER be subje |
| 10192232 | SERVICE INFORMATION This TSB is for troubleshooting of CAN Modules with "Diag-On-CAN" Diagnostics. The flow charts below are meant to troubleshoot current CAN DTCs. The flow charts are intended to diagnose one module at a time; repeat the process as needed for additional control units. Please see this bulletin for further details. |
| 10192219 | SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake issues fall into the following categories: a. Brake Noise: A squeak, squeal, clunk, or groan that occurs when the brakes are applied or released. b. Brake Judder: A vibration that can be felt in the vehicle, steering wheel, or brake pedal when the brakes are applied. c. Pedal Feel: The effort needed to operate the brakes is too high or too low. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. V |
| 10192218 | If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe has been chosen as the approved tool for rotor resurfacing. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe can be ordered from TECH-MATE at 1-800-662-2001. - ProCut technical support or service can be obtained by calling 1-800-543-6618. NOTE: Brake rotors may need to be resurfaced during routine brake repair or for brake "judder" incidents. |
| 10192191 | As part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked. - The SRT is used to indicate whether the engine control module (ECM) has completed self diagnosis of major emissions systems and components. - In these instances the State may require completion of the SRT before permitting the emissions inspection to proceed. Refer to this Bulletin for further details. |
| 10192146 | SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty. - A strut or shock absorber that has slight oil seepage, a condition which is considered normal, does not affect strut/shock absorber operation or performance, and does not require replacement. - A strut or shock absorber that should be replaced due to rod resistance/noise issues. See this bulletin for further detail. |
| 10190150 | INFINITI; FRONT SONAR PARKING SENSOR SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. |
| 10190026 | NAVIGATION MAP DATA UPDATE MATRIX This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. |
| 10160176 | EXTERIOR CLEANING INFORMATION SERVICE INFORMATION When cleaning the exterior of an Infiniti vehicle, damage may occur when using a cleaner with too high of an alkaline concentration. - Always refer to the Appearance and care section of the related owner?s manual. - Not all cleaners are created equal. - Many cleaners come in concentrated form. - Alkaline cleaners (cleaners with a high pH value) can cause spots on paint and trim when not used as directed. - Some commercial car washes use cleaners with a high pH value. - When using cleaners that meet the conditions defined in the Appear |
| 10149809 | PLASTIC INTERIOR TRIM PROTECTIVE COVERING REMOVAL SERVICE INFORMATION Vehicles are delivered with plastic interior trim protective covering on the front and rear seats, front and rear door panel finishers, steering wheel, and sun visors (see examples on page 2). When removing the protective covering, care must be used to avoid scuffs, scrapes, cuts, and other abrasive contact to interior trim components. DO NOT use sharp objects like razor blades, box cutters, knives, etc. when removing the plastic interior trim protective covering. IMPORTANT: All soft trim described in this bulletin is |
| 10149806 | TRANSMISSION & ENGINE AUTOMATED DATA COLLECTION AND DIAGNOSTIC REPORTING SERVICE INFORMATION To support proper diagnosis and to promote Fixed-Right-First-Time ? Infiniti may review CONSULT-III plus (CIII plus) data relating to vehicle operation and function to help with vehicle diagnosis and diagnostic validation. IMPORTANT: For transmission/engine repair or replacement, retailers are required to connect C-III plus and perform ?Diagnosis (All Systems)?. Performing C-III plus ?Diagnosis (All Systems)? is also required prior to contacting any Infiniti call center (i.e. TECH-LINE, PCC, or WC |
| 10149803 | Infiniti USA Electronic Field Communication Subject: Takata Completion Objectives for Q3 INFINITI is continuing to ask its retailers to urgently help increase customer participation in the Takata recalls to help it achieve 100% customer recall participation for the following vehicles: ? 2001 I30 ? 2002-04 I35 ? 2003-08 FX ? 2002-03 QX4 ? 2006-10 M Sedan INFINITI expects to upload the next refreshed owner list to DBS within the next week. We will also be reassigning VINs to retailers based on information changes. We didn?t reassign any VINs in Q2 to avoid any mid-quarter objective |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
PE11038 · Fuel system, other:storage:fuel gauge systemopened 14 Dec 2011 · closed 22 Mar 2012
Fuel level gauge system failure
EA09005 · Air bags:side/windowopened 1 Apr 2009 · closed 3 Apr 2012
Non-deployment of Side Thorax Air Bags
PE08067 · Air bags:side/windowopened 2 Dec 2008 · closed 1 Apr 2009
SIDE AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation