What has gone wrong with Infiniti?

[myother45isalesbaer]

I have read many posts with Infiniti engine issues needing full replacements. I have also read a variety of other issues related to electronics, water leakage and on and on. What is Infiniti doing, selling high prices junk? These used to be the top of the line cars as reliable as Nissian or Toyato. What happened? My 2004 M45 has given almost no issues. But as I read the posts on the newer models why would I buy one? The new M sport got lousy reviews by every car mag.

I dumped my BMW 540i many years ago because it was an unreliable piece of garbage. From everything I have read on these posts about the newer Infinities they sound worse than my BMW.

Infiniti better get its act together or I am going to Lexus or another American car. Might as well get a pick-up truck with less bells and whistles but at least is reliable. Infiniti's in my OP are currently overpriced and not worth the money. I can get two Ford F-150's fully decked out for the price of one M56S and not have any of the hassles.

Sorry to say as an Infiniti owner I am not happy with their latest models.

[Ilya]

I dunno about the new new ones, but my 07 is perfect.

[DaSerb]

I dunno about the new new ones, but my 07 is perfect.

+1

[EniGmA1987]

A few engine replacements that are actually rather uncommon is just as reliable as Toyota and their things like product recalls.

My friend bought a used 2006 BMW with about 50k miles on it, his engine died 10k miles later.

[qship96]

simple answer....cost cutting,just like almost every other product on todays market. Manufacturers are doing everything to cut their costs to produce products to try to increase net profit from each vehicle to make up for fewer sales overall.These cuts are both being forced on the parts suppliers and the engineering/labor end of production.

[Partysan7]

simple answer....cost cutting,just like almost every other product on todays market. Manufacturers are doing everything to cut their costs to produce products to try to increase net profit from each vehicle to make up for fewer sales overall.These cuts are both being forced on the parts suppliers and the engineering/labor end of production.

Very well said period !!!

[Twizz]

I dunno about the new new ones, but my 07 is perfect.

+2 I LOVE mine. Owned 11 months and a few bolt on mods later, no issues whatsoever !!!

[myother45isalesbaer]

simple answer....cost cutting,just like almost every other product on todays market. Manufacturers are doing everything to cut their costs to produce products to try to increase net profit from each vehicle to make up for fewer sales overall.These cuts are both being forced on the parts suppliers and the engineering/labor end of production.

BINGO! You said it. It's always about the Benjamin's. I love my 2004 but I think no more Infiniti's for me. They are way over priced for what you get and reliability is going down hill. If I wanted car problems like I have read on this forum I'd buy a BMW or Mercedes. They both seem to have a ton of issues. My next stop, no kidding, is ebay and a nice old 60's car I can drive everyday and not get the hassles all these new computer loaded cars have. I can actually work on an older car and not need a ton of electronic devices to figure out what is wrong with it. Hate to say it, but if Infiniti does not get back to their original status of luxury and reliability no more of them for me.

[Ilya]

Get an 06-10. That's basically the same platform, and it seems like the new new guys are the ones having issues.

[myother45isalesbaer]

Get an 06-10. That's basically the same platform, and it seems like the new new guys are the ones having issues.

I have been wondering about that for months. I see a ton of posts about bling. Are the new guys are about bling and not truly into cars, maintence, etc. that these cars and all cars need? Makes me wonder if the bad press is coming from guys who whine that their "whatever" latest music device does not work and then they wonder why their engines bite the dust because they have not maintained the mechanics. Personally, I don't give one hoot about music in the car. I want the bad boy running like a champ. Sorry bling guys, but I have more fun listening to the car run than I do any music. No cells, no texting, no anything except just the car. Yes, I am a motor head. You want music go buy a home system. Pay attention to the car when you are driving. MY OP!

[Partysan7]

Well overall ,so far I am happy with my 2008 M. I bought it back in april 09 with only 8Kmi on it , now it has 43Kmi and the only issues I`ve had so far were : Clogged drain tube on sunroof ( fixed under warranty ), bad belt tensioner causing knocking sound ( fixed under warranty ) and the wood trim on the doors peeling that kind of bugs me... but they put it on extended warranty. What qship96 was saying is that the costs of manufacturing are being cut on all makes/models , every car has some kind of issues but I agree that infiniti should keep up with quality and customer satisfaction if they want their name in the luxury scene as competitors .

[finfinM45S]

Im happy with my M overall- 109,000 miles and just little annoyances but the engine is a champ going with the way i drive. Hopefully that noise is something like a belt or pully. Any car that lasts me 5.5 years with no major issue is a champ for me.

[myother45isalesbaer]

Im happy with my M overall- 109,000 miles and just little annoyances but the engine is a champ going with the way i drive. Hopefully that noise is something like a belt or pully. Any car that lasts me 5.5 years with no major issue is a champ for me.

I am glad to hear some good posts about Infinities instead of reading about bling, wheel issues and other things I just think are "pimp your ride" matters. Thanks for the good reports. In my OP we need to knock the "pimp your ride" and the complaints they post down a notch or two. These guys whine and whine about the mechanics of these cars because all they are into is looks and electronics. They don't seem to give a hoot about what these cars are about and the maintence they need. Its all about the "bling" to them. MY OP!

[Ilya]

I got my car with 32k. I now have 75k. In less than 2 years. So, I do A LOT of driving.

My M is perfect.

I think if you upgrade to an 06-09 or 10 (last year before the redesign) you'll be fine with the quality.

[antzrus]

Interesting fact: I've never heard of anyone w/genuine coco mats complaining about their ride.

Think about it.

[thomasm35]

Interesting fact: I've never heard of anyone w/genuine coco mats complaining about their ride.

Think about it.

Hope your car lasts as long as your mats!

My 07 has 80K miles and burns a quart of oil every 3k miles. I've been changing the oil every 3K and noticed this oil consumption for the last 40K miles. My friends with M's have similar issues and a few with a 100K plus miles had to replace their catalytic converters due to oil burn. I doubt these engines will make it to 200k trouble free - but I might be wrong.

Today cars are computers on wheels and seem to have the same failure rates as computers. But when they are humming they are amazing.

[EniGmA1987]

I have a little over 120k miles and there has only been a single sensor that went out, as these things do after so much time. Everything else has been perfect and I put the car through hell on a regular basis. Seems like a quality car to me

[DaSerb]

Antz...with your permission...something like this....camouflage

[myother45isalesbaer]

Those are nice carpet mats, if that's your thing. I am still concerned about buying a new Infiniti. Even the positive posts have listed issues. Issues that should not happen with any car in the price range Infinities are selling for. If the corporate goal is spend less on production/reliability and make more on pricing options that seem to have a high failure rate we need to tell Infiniti as loyal buyers to get back to basics. I meet a guy with a 95-96? Q and it looked and ran as brand new. Infiniti came out with too many models geared at street racers in MY OP and lost on quality and reliability.

[m4m]

7 Speed Transmission is my biggest complaint and a constant source of irritation.
It is not smooth when I am driving smoothly, and it doesn't respond intelligently when I drive aggressively.
Also, when you take foot of the gas, I experienced the sharp down shifting problems at approximately 30 mph and then again at aproximately 20 MPH. I do on occasion experience a slight rough downshift at 15 MPH when coasting in for a stop.
Never had this problem of annoyance before with any other automatic.

Calling out all owners of '09 and '10 M35!
Anyone else out there experiencing something similar?
It wasn't rough or slamming into gears... but the car just wouldn't roll up to a stop.

[Partysan7]

7 Speed Transmission is my biggest complaint and a constant source of irritation.
It is not smooth when I am driving smoothly, and it doesn't respond intelligently when I drive aggressively.
Also, when you take foot of the gas, I experienced the sharp down shifting problems at approximately 30 mph and then again at aproximately 20 MPH. I do on occasion experience a slight rough downshift at 15 MPH when coasting in for a stop.
Never had this problem of annoyance before with any other automatic.

Calling out all owners of '09 and '10 M35!
Anyone else out there experiencing something similar?
It wasn't rough or slamming into gears... but the car just wouldn't roll up to a stop.

Hey, did you buy the car used ?! If so try ECU reset and re-learn your transmission to your driving maybe that will help.. I have the 5spd a/t and its fine but when I had 2011 M37 (courtesy vehicle) it was the same I did not like the 7spd transmission,overall I did not like the car at all. Seems like they went new direction with Y51.

[themacs]

I have an '09 M 35 with 37K and love the car. Really no problems and the 7 speed has no issues. Perhaps it has gotten used to my style of driving. Gas mileage is pretty good. I did have 2 tail pipe tips fall off LOL (replaced by warrantee) and a jammed CD issue (unit replaced warrantee).
I have had many Lexus, BMW and MB's and like this care better than all. The Lexus SC 400 was close but only a 2 seater really.
I am a happy camper!
Scott

[lovemycarM35]

My biggest issue with Infiniti right now is not recalling that seat movment issue I mean really they want you to pay1,200 to repair what I think is a safty issue..and buy the way I had my shortblock replaced under warrenty
my M had I knock at low RPM's running good now but not sure if im sold on the craftman ship if these cars

[m4m]

Hey, did you buy the car used ?! If so try ECU reset and re-learn your transmission to your driving maybe that will help.. I have the 5spd a/t and its fine but when I had 2011 M37 (courtesy vehicle) it was the same I did not like the 7spd transmission,overall I did not like the car at all. Seems like they went new direction with Y51.

No, I got it brand new back in October of '09 with 8 miles on odom. Question: how to reset ECU?
Also, not long ago it was a thread about Custom Grounding kit and it sounded like "it did make difference in shifting as it seems to be a lot smoother now" from someone here. I may try to install that kit.

[gavnator]

I will defer to Infinitli techs, but I was under the impression that the M's transmission re-ajusts based on driving habits and that you do not have to mess with the ECU. As far as problem with my "M". driver's seat under warranty, and passenger mirror under Infiniti Elite Warranty. Otherwise my M has been great!! I'm going to be objective about the 2011 model because I have not driven one. If the previous posts are referring to Car and Driver. "FORGET ABOUT IT". I have been a subscriber to C&D since 1985 so I can take issue with there reviews. They reviewed the new M over a year ago, (M37)against the BMW, and the Audi. Came up 2nd. I'm not sure why a 40,000 long term test on a M56S would have so many electrical SNAFU's but some of it may be associated with operater error. The "S" pachage is nothing new to C&D and they can't wait to down it. FYI, I have a M35X with summer speed tires on it. I donot drive M in snow. I cannot imagine why there would be a requirement for this rear steer nonsense if it affects the overall performance of a GREAT drive. Oh, I just had my M is for service and got a 2011 G37X for a service car. I donot like the response of the 7 speed transmission. I would classify it as LAZY on response. The previous 5 speed kicks it's a** as far as response.

[chitownson]

I bought my 2003 M45 from Marin Infiniti with 62,000 miles on it and think I would have been better off buying a used Chevy Impala. In 3 months of ownership, I've had $1,000 to replace the fuel sending unit & gauges, $250 + towing to replace the defective cam sensor which records show had already been replaced under warranty, had my driver seat base removed and re-welded for cracks, a fuel line pop off and almost start an under hood fire, my catalytlic converter re-welded for exhaust leaks, my climate control had to have a sensor reconnected and despite my replacing all fluids and filters, tuneup issues and doing the engine, throttle & trans computer relearns, my gas mileage has dropped. It''s also using some oil, although less than when I bought it - after I started using a mix of semi-synthetic 5-w-30 & 10w-40 & added an oil catch can.

Had I known then what I know now, I would have kept my loaded, bullet-proof dependable Nissan Maxima with 192,000 miles on it. This car is really going to have to do something special to keep me from trading it in soon on something else.

[mazz]

what has gone wrong with infiniti?
i assume your talking about M ?
every single consumer reports ranks it highest in quality in its class
you may have a better more intelligent way of surveying m problems than they do but i think your premise is way off base
you are stuck with a 2004 that may or may not be reliable but from 2006 forward all publication rank it highly on reliability
you may or may not like the style or bling but dont say they dont work

there are as many stories with no problems at 150k as bad right off the floor .this is not a scientic or inteligent way to measure data this is a forum
Mazz

[Ilya]

what has gone wrong with infiniti?
i assume your talking about M ?
every single consumer reports ranks it highest in quality in its class
you may have a better more intelligent way of surveying m problems than they do but i think your premise is way off base
you are stuck with a 2004 that may or may not be reliable but from 2006 forward all publication rank it highly on reliability
you may or may not like the style or bling but dont say they dont work

there are as many stories with no problems at 150k as bad right off the floor .this is not a scientic or inteligent way to measure data this is a forum
Mazz

He's saying his 04 is fine. He's referring to the new posters who have the new generation Y51 that are having issues.

[myother45isalesbaer]

IlyKol,

Thank you. That is exactly what I am saying.

[mazz]

my comment is equally valid regarding 2010 and 2011. both are at the top of consumer reports recommendations.
If i come to a conclusion of the reliability of 2003 or 4 based on a gas gauge survey on this forum it is equally silly to make a conclusion based on a couple dozen posting regarding newer models.
i dont own one ,i dont have a dog in this fight , my comment is based on the way you base your conclusion.