Infiniti Reliability: Everything to Know BEFORE Buying

Amanda T
Feb 23, 2021

Infiniti Logo Closeup

Drivers in the United States and China alike know that the Infiniti brand is synonymous with luxury — but are these sleek, comfortable cars and SUVs reliable?

Here, we’ll explore the reliability of the Infiniti brand, helping you to decide if this offshoot of Nissan is a good fit for your next vehicle.

Are Infiniti cars and SUVs reliable?

Infiniti models currently in production range from 2.5 to 3.5 out of 5 stars when it comes to reliability, situating the brand in the average range for this metric.

Vehicle History Reviews for the 2020 Infiniti QX60:

  • Owner Reviews: 4.85 out of 5 stars
  • Expert Reviews: 4.2 out of 5 stars

If you’re thinking about purchasing an Infiniti, you’re smart to do your research. It’s easy to get transfixed by the bells and whistles offered by luxury brands, but it’s important to take your time to dig into reliability ratings to know about problems you might face down the line.

Here, we’ll go over a history of the Infiniti brand, then dig into reliability ratings for each of the models currently in production. Lastly, we’ll give you an insider tip to keep getting the information you need before you commit to purchasing a vehicle.

A Quick History of the Infiniti Brand

Over the past three decades, drivers have associated the name Infiniti with high-quality, top of the line cars and SUVs. Infiniti’s first model, the Q45, wasn’t exactly embraced by drivers in the United States.

Ads for the Q45 featured nature – but no cars.

In the November 1989 issue of Automobile, the Q45 was ranked third in comparison to similar luxury vehicles, and this started to get the sedan some attention. Over time, drivers began to warm up to Infiniti.

In the early 2000s, Infiniti dropped the G35, which looked more like other luxury cars that American drivers knew and loved. The sleek, swoopy lines and streamlined body style turned heads. The FX SUV also began to get the attention of the American market in the early 2000s – it gained acclaim from drivers and experts alike with its smooth handling, high performance, and luxury features.

Today, drivers in the U.S. enjoy both discontinued and currently produced models from Infiniti. The brand continues to be a symbol of luxury and success, and many drivers never go back to another luxury brand once they get behind the wheel of an Infiniti.

Reliability of the Infiniti Q50

Red Infiniti Q50

With a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars, the Q50 comes in just below average. Drivers can expect to spend about $648 per year in repair costs, which is nearly double the average annual repair cost for all vehicles in its class. According to NHTSA, Infiniti hasn’t released any recalls for the Q50, and there’s just one driver complaint regarding the emergency brake system activating needlessly.

Reliability of the Infiniti Q60

This sporty coupe has a 3 out of 5-star reliability rating, setting it at exactly the average for other vehicles in its class. Drivers can expect to spend $638 per year in maintenance and repairs, which puts it above the average cost for luxury coupes. Infiniti has released one recall for the 2020 Q60 – the rear seat belt assembly may not work properly. Dealers will repair the issue free of charge.

Reliability of the Infiniti QX50

With a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars and an annual repair cost of $608, the QX50 SUV is right in the middle of the road when it comes to reliability compared to other vehicles in its class.

Infiniti hasn’t issued any recalls for the QX50, and according to NHTSA, there’s just one vehicle complaint (but it’s a big one). One driver has reported that their QX50 has repeatedly stopped suddenly while driving, significantly increasing the likelihood of a crash.

Reliability of the Infiniti QX60

The QX60 earns 3.5 stars out of 5 for reliability, and drivers can expect annual repair costs of around $639. Infiniti hasn’t issued any recalls for the QX60, and only one driver complaint has been filed with NHTSA. The driver stated that the sunroof of the vehicle exploded while driving, seemingly without cause.

Reliability of the Infiniti QX80

Average repair costs for the 2020 Infiniti QX80 total $718, placing the vehicle in the average range for annual maintenance. The QX80 earns 3.5 out of 5 stars when it comes to reliability, slightly above other luxury SUVs.

While Infiniti hasn’t issued any recalls for the vehicle, there’s been one user complaint filed with NHTSA – the driver states that the resume feature of the cruise control system is extremely abrupt.

Thinking about Making a Vehicle Purchase? First, Do This

If you’re getting ready to buy a new car, you’re doing the right thing by scouring the internet to gather information. Next, you’ll want to get a Vehicle History report.

We’ve worked to gather all the information you need – from specifications to expert reviews to insider info – to help you make an informed purchase decision.

avatar Amanda T
Amanda T. is a freelance writer, mom, and health nut who refuses to drive anything other than a Nissan. She has six years of automotive writing experience, and loves providing drivers with well-researched information to help them make informed decisions.
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