Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Infiniti M45 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While leaving an entrance ramp to merge onto the interstate, the vehicle suffered a complete and total engine power loss along with its power steering and power braking functions. After this failure, the vehicle would crank but not start, leaving it stranded. There is currently a recall in place for the vehicle's make, model, and model year (recall #03V455000), however I was told by both the dealership and Infiniti that the vehicle was not covered under that recall because the part in question was made by a different manufacturer than what was included under the existing recall. The summary and consequences of this failure align exactly with that of the existing recall. It is evident that the safety hazard exists beyond the scope of the original recall and the purpose of this complaint is to address that deficiency.
2003 Infiniti M45 with approximately 106,000 miles. Car will stall suddenly at highway or city road speeds necessitating putting car into neutral or pulling over to restart. Previously, after this had happened, a code for faulty crankshaft position sensor was recovered, and both the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors were replaced with aftermarket new parts from duralast. Car no longer has a check engine light code associated with the stalling, but the stalling persists. Also, when car is cooled to ambient temperature, it May take 2-3 ignition attempts to start the car and occasionally a backfire/misfire is heard during failed attempts. If car has sat for multiple days without being driven, it May take 10-15 attempts to start the vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Infiniti M45. While stationary and while driving various speeds,the vehicle stalled without warning on several occasions. The contact stated that there was a complete loss of power. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and was able to restart the vehicle. On another occasion, the contact stated that the engine indicator illuminated and "check your fuel cap" displayed on the instrument panel. A dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failures. The contact cited NHTSA campaign number: 03V455000 (engine and engine cooling) as a possible cause of the failures, as reported by a code reader. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Infiniti M45. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted but the failure recurred continuously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the crank shaft position sensor and engine control module needed to replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and the VIN was not included NHTSA campaign number: 03V455000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure mileage was 156,000... ....updated 12/30/15 the consumer stated it was advised for the control module to be replaced. Updated 2/23/2016
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Infiniti M45. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the crank shaft and cam shaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 03V455000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact stated that the failure recurred four times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 155,500. Updated 08/03/16.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Infiniti M45. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the engine stalled without warning. After waiting fifteen minutes, the vehicle was restarted and resumed normally. The failure recurred two times. On two separated occasions, the vehicle failed to start until after numerous attempts. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 03V455000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
I was driving on the highway and all of a sudden my car stalled without warning. Shortly after the service engine light came on. The car restarted only to do that again the next day. It did it another time and didn't restart. Had it repaired by and independent mechanic. 6months later the same problem is bck. Decided to check on the recalls and there was a recall called engine and engine cooling that described my issue to a t but did not include my VIN! This is very dangerous and unsafe. Both times my daughter was in the car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Infiniti M45. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the crank shaft position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 03V455000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure mileage was 87,831. Updated 8/21/15 updated 09/09/15 updated 11/01/2017
While turning left with on coming traffic the engine died. The check engine light came on and the communications center said it was emissions related. The car did restart, the warning light remains on, and after a short drive there was a burning smell and heat coming from the car. The local Nissan dealer will only work on it as customer pay, and will not do any recall work, said I need to go to the infinity dealer 2 hours away. I just notified Nissan corp today of the issue and waiting for their response.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Infiniti M45. While driving various speeds, the vehicle shut off without warning, preceded by the dynamic control indicators illuminating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the crank sensor was defective, but not replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer determined that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 03V455000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure mileage was 149,000.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the crank position sensors. Camshaft position sensor(s), and in some cases, the variable timing control sensor(s).
Engine complaints in other M45 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2003 Infiniti M45?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2003 Infiniti M45, 31% of the model year's 129 complaints. The component named most often is engine (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Infiniti M45 engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-455 (engine and engine cooling, Nov 17, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Infiniti M45 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 124,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.