Body complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
This concern is involving the r1109 recall issued by Infiniti. The recall was performed six years ago, however rust, and holes in the metal are now visible. I was told that because the recall was already performed, there was nothing they could do to assist me. This vehicle will soon be unsafe to drive.
Running boards are completely rusted, they will either fall off while driving and could cause an accident or an unsuspecting person could be relying on them to enter the SUV and hurt them selves. The SUV was well taken care of, 1 owner, and the frame rails and chassis are considerably rust free. How come these are in such bad condition? Why don't Infiniti have replacements for them alone and not the whole running board for over $1300 per side! That's insane and no one is going to pay that for a 11+ year old SUV!
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Infiniti QX4. After the contact purchased the vehicle from an independent mechanic, he noticed rust forming on the passenger side frame rail below the passenger side control arm. The contact took the vehicle to another independent mechanic who informed him that they could reinforce the frame well; however, a fuel line ran through the rusted area, which could cause more damage to the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 139,000.
Extensive rust and decay is found on the passenger side frame where the lower control arm connects. This is just below the strut housing and is visible through the front wheel well. I have attached both passenger and driver side photos as the defect only appears on the passenger side.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Infiniti QX4. Upon inspecting the vehicle, it was noticed that there was severe corrosion of the frame near the strut on the driver's side. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was repaired. The contact was reimbursed. Shortly after the repair, the same failure occurred on the passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was corrosion on the passenger side. The vehicle was serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 11V244000 (steering, suspension) but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the frame continued to corrode after the recall repair. The contact stated that the recall repair did not adequately repair the failure with the excessive corrosion. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Infiniti QX4. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine maintenance. While being inspected, the technician found that the frame and underbody were corroded on the front passenger side. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unable to be repaired since it was structurally unsafe. There was considerable corrosion to the frame of the vehicle and could collapse while being lifted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 201,000.
The vehicle is completely rusting underneath and running boards. I was told by Infiniti customer affairs that the recalls had closed for rusted out struts. This impacts driving and can become a safety concern if the struts completely rust away. I'm concerned for my safety or the safety of my family if this failure occurs. The dealerships will not honor a recall that is no longer valid or closed. This is a potential life safety issue.
Serious corrosion on the frame. The passenger side of the vehicle where the control arm attaches to the frame is completely rusted out just beyond the strut mount recall location. The dealership deemed it not able to be fixed and was told by both the dealership and consumer affairs that its not their problem. While driving 55 MPH I started hearing a knocking noise in the right front. Soon after the wheel started shaking while turning left. Knocking got worse and it started to sway uncontrollably while turning. Had it towed to dealership where it is still sitting and not able to be driven. Updated 08/29/2017
Related recalls (1)
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Hinge and attachments
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Some of the brackets used to attach the two gas struts to the rear door (hatch) May have been improperly made. At high ambient temperatures, the increase in gas pressure in the strut(s) could cause one or both brackets to bend, resulting in the struts detaching from the bracket(s)…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the strut brackets. Owner notification began September 24, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
Frequently asked questions
Which Infiniti QX4 years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (17), 2000 (10), 1999 (8), 2003 (6) and 1998 (5) model years. Body complaints make up 23% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Infiniti QX4 body problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 01V-282 (hinge and attachments, Aug 30, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Infiniti QX4 body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 149,000 miles; 6% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (29 mentions), followed by the frame and members (13).
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.