MotorDeets

2003 Infiniti M45: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2003 Infiniti M45: 2 recalls, 129 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
129owner complaints
0mention a crash
18best combined mpg
2003 Infiniti M45
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #03V455000 · 2003 · 630,000 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: This could cause the "service engine soon" warning light to come on, create a no start condition, cause reduced engine power, or cause the engine to stop running without warning during vehicle operation, which could result in a crash.

The fix: Dealers will replace the crank position sensors. Camshaft position sensor(s), and in some cases, the variable timing control sensor(s). Vehicles involved in a previous recall campaign, 01v357, are also included in this new campaign. The replacement sensors used in that campaign are also affected.…

Fuel system Vehicle recall #12V088000 · 2012 · 8,120 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: The vehicle May stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will modify the circuit board free of charge. The safety recall began on April 27, 2012.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Fuel system65
Engine23
Electrical22
Engine & cooling18
Fuel system (other)11
Fuel & propulsion6
Seats5
Transmission & drivetrain4

What owners describe

The 2003 Infiniti M45 has 129 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 7 M45 model years for complaints (3.2× the average M45 year). Complaints peaked in 2012 (36 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 95,900 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (43 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.5 L 8-cylAutomatic (S5)Rear-Wheel Drive162218Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Infiniti M45.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

Does the 2003 Infiniti M45 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Infiniti M45. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2003 Infiniti M45 problems?

Owners have filed 129 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel system (65), engine (23), electrical (22).

What gas mileage does the 2003 Infiniti M45 get?

EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.5 L, Automatic (S5)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2003 Infiniti M45 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other M45 years

2003200420062007200820092010