NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 43 owner complaints for the 2004 Infiniti M45. Most complaints involve fuel system, gasoline (23) and engine (7). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.
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.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“THIS VEHICLE'S YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL HAS A KNOWN FUEL GAUGE ISSUE THAT NISSAN/INFINITI CHOSE TO IGNORE FOR THE LONGEST TIME. I THOUGHT I WAS ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES BECAUSE MY CAR DIDN'T HAVE THE ISSUE BUT IT HAPPENED BACK IN SEPTEMBER OF 2011 WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. LUCKILY, IT WAS ONLY ME IN THE CAR AND I WAS ABLE TO COAST ONTO THE SHOULDER AND CALL MY WIFE TO BRING GAS FOR ME. *TR”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 INFINITI M45. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE ENGINE STALLED, AND ALL OF THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE DIAGNOSTIC RESULTS WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO PREVENT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 168,000.”
“2004 INFINITI M45 RAN OUT OF GAS WITH MY GAUGE READING 1/4 LEFT. FOUND OUT IT IS A PROBLEM WITH GAUGE CLUSTER WHICH IS ABOUT $1000.00 TO REPLACE. I HAVE FOUND OUT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT INFINITI REFUSES TO HELP WITH THE COST. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. THANK YOU. *TT”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M45 Auto (S5), 8 cyl, 4.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,400 | 494 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 43 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel system, gasoline (23), engine (7), fuel system, other (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2004 Infiniti M45 at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).