Fuel System complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
This complaint relates to a 2004 infinity M45. In the spring of 2010, I noticed that the fuel gauge was showing nearly a full tank of gas, but it had been a long period of time before I had put gas in the tank. When I filled up the tank, I realized that the tank was nearly empty. Since that time, the fuel gauge has not worked. Shortly after that time the "check engine" light illuminated. I've taken the vehicle to the dealership several times. They have replaced several sensors. Finally, they concluded that the instrument cluster is bad and needs to be replaced, a costly repair. Running out of fuel on a busy interstate is a danger, and something that must be fixed. Moreover, the vehicle will not pass state inspection with an illuminated "check engine" light. …
This car died on me on the highway when the fuel gauge said that I had a 3/4 tank of gas remaining. The car started sputtering like it had run out of gas so we added gas and it started right up. I drove it to a local Infiniti dealership right away. They diagnosed the problem as in instrument cluster, which shocked me as I have never heard of an instrument cluster being responsible for a car running out of gas. I searched some online forums only to discover that there were hundreds of other people who had the same problem. Had the fuel sending unit or furl pump went out, that would be understandable, but the instrument cluster going bad could have been very dangerous. Since the cluster controls mileage and all the warning lights such as check engine lights, this was very scary. …
The contact owns a 2003 Infiniti M45. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the fuel gauge failed to read the fuel level correctly and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed several times to a dealer and independent mechanic however, the fuel gauge sensor could not be replaced. Additionally, on one occasion, the vehicle was steered to the side of the road where the vehicle was refueled. The vehicle was restarted but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel filter needed to be replaced and the fuel gauge sensor needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
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.
Related recalls (1)
Fuel system, gasoline
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.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will modify the circuit board free of charge. The safety recall began on April 27, 2012. Owners May contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
NHTSA investigations
Fuel level gauge system failure
In a March 5, 2012 letter to NHTSA, Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) submitted a Defect Information Report identifying a defect in the combination meter circuit board in approximately 8,120 model year 2003 through 2004 Infiniti M45 vehicles manufactured from March 7, 2002 through June 3, 2004 (Recall No. 12V-088).
Frequently asked questions
Which Infiniti M45 years have fuel system problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (78) and 2004 (29) model years. Fuel System complaints make up 60% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Infiniti M45 fuel system problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 12V-088 (fuel system, gasoline, Mar 6, 2012). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Infiniti M45 fuel system problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles; 12% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the storage › fuel gauge system (10 mentions).
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.