Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 inifiniti M45. The contact stated that the keyless ignition button failed to start the engine and the fuel gauge failed to display the proper reading. The contact stated that the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an auto parts retailer where a diagnostic test was performed related to the engine warning indicator. It was diagnosed that there was a camshaft position sensor failure, a circuit failure, engine signal 1 failure, and manufacturer mode switch circuit failure. The diagnostic test also displayed code numbers related to the engine warning indicator: c1137 and c1130. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Infiniti M45. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. In order to restart the vehicle, the contact had to completely turn off the vehicle and or place the vehicle in park. The check engine light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the cam sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was directly related to NHTSA campaign number: 13V430000 (vehicle speed control); however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 182,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Infiniti M45. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled while driving downhill. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering and braking functionality. The contact was able to safely stop the vehicle by using excessive force on the brake pedal. The contact restarted the vehicle however, the vehicle stalled. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Over the last 6 to 8 months, the 2006 M45 stalls intermittently. Most of the time (7 out of 10) it would stall when I stopped at a light (or a stop sign). The engine would shut off, all the indicator lights would come on, and I would put it in park and re-start, and it would continue to operate fine. The other three times or so, the car would randomly shut down while driving (both times in the city at 30 mph or so), and the same procedure to restart. Midas Muffler (3 different locations) did not detect any error codes in any of the occasions, and since it was happening intermittently, they could not duplicate it. In atleast 3 or 4 of the events, I had another passenger in the car who observed it.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Infiniti M45. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning and failed to restart. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an auto parts store, where it was determined that the cam shaft sensor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 171,000.
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.
Related recalls (1)
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).
Frequently asked questions
Which Infiniti M45 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (40), 2006 (18), 2004 (8) and 2007 (5) model years. Engine complaints make up 31% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Infiniti M45 engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 03V-455 (engine and engine cooling, Nov 17, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Infiniti M45 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 123,000 miles; 6% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (4 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline › belts and associated pulleys (1).
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.