Air bags: side
Free remedy
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003-2005 INFINITI Q45 VEHICLES. A WIRING CONNECTOR FOR THE SEAT MOUNTED AIRBAG MAY EXPERIENCE INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE, RESULTING IN THE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIR BAGS.
Research · Large Cars
2003 Infiniti Q45Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 14 owner complaints for the 2003 Infiniti Q45. Most complaints involve engine (6) and electrical system (3). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
18mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Feb 2012
Owner complaints
14
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$4,400est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
14 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2003 – May 2021
- Engine6
- Electrical system3
- Steering3
- Electronic stability control (esc)2
- Power train1
- Vehicle speed control1
- Seat belts1
- Engine and engine cooling1
- Service brakes1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
6 reports
“THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR CRANK POSITION SENSOR AND CAM POSITION SENSOR HAVE IMPROPER SOLDER JOINTS. THIS HAS CAUSED THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, THE ENGINE MAY NOT START, POWER REDUCES, ENGINE STALLS AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR WHILE IN MOTION, ON A CITY STREET OR HIGHWAY OR WHILE MAKING A TURN. THIS IS ALSO A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 INFINITI M45, Q45; 2003 INFINITI I35, M45; 2003 NISSAN ALTIMA, MAXIMA, MURANO, SENTRA. THERE ARE 11 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, 3 INVESTIGATIONS AND 33 SERVICE BULLETINS REGARDING THIS ISSUE WITH THE 2003 Q45. INFINITI/NISSAN RECALL # 03V455000”
Electrical system
3 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 INFINITI Q45. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND ALL POWER WAS LOST. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED RANDOMLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 61,000. UPDATED 11/29/16*LJ THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 12/06/16.*JB”
Steering
3 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 INFINITI Q45. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, A NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAN BELT AND POWER STEERING BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THREE MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Large Cars
- Engines
- 4.5L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S5)
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q45 Auto (S5), 8 cyl, 4.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,400 | 494 |
- 18mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Infiniti Q45 as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 4980
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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 |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2003 Q45 questions
How many recalls does the 2003 Infiniti Q45 have?
1 safety recall as of Oct 30, 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.
What are the most common 2003 Infiniti Q45 problems?
Owners filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (6), electrical system (3), steering (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2003 Infiniti Q45 get?
The EPA rates the 2003 Infiniti Q45 at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026