Are Infinitis Reliable? A Complete Breakdown
Source: Pixabay
In 1989, the Japanese car manufacturer Infiniti took the world by storm. Spreading all around Europe and across the Atlantic, the Infiniti has made its way onto several car lots, catching many drivers’ attention for its sophisticated looks and sharp aerodynamics. Still, are Infinitis reliable?
Below, we’ll take a look at Infiniti, using help from consumer reports and other surveys to help give you a clear answer.
GET A CURATED LIST OF THE BEST INFINITI LISTINGS
The CoPilot app is the smartest way to buy an Infiniti. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll send you a curated list of the best used Infiniti listings in your area - no more scrolling through hundreds of listings looking for hidden gems.
Are Infinitis Reliable?
When you look at comments that drivers of the Infiniti brand have to say, they leave a lot of positive notes. The Infiniti is considered a luxury car, coming from the same makers as the Nissan. That being said, they have a lot of fierce competition, especially when put up against long-running luxury brands.
Back in 2014, compared to other luxury cars, it was ranked as the least dependable. Still, when looking at reports like those found on CarComplaints, many drivers had only positive things to say. The one area that did receive a lot of criticism was the power assist system and the passenger airbags. Though most of those reports were from well over six years ago, drivers should know Infiniti’s strengths and weaknesses.
Unlike other brands, the reports and opinions on Infinitis seem to be all over the place. For the most part, it has to do with the fact that there are several different models out there, some of them ranked higher than others.
GET THE SAME INSIDER INFO THAT DEALERSHIPS USE
The CoPilot app is the smartest way to buy a car. Built using the same technology that dealerships use, we’ll show you everything you want to know about each listing - like how long it’s been on the lot, or if there are similar vehicles at a better price nearby.
Common Infiniti Issues
While you’ll see a lot of high scores and positive comments when it comes to the look of the Infiniti, there are some categories where the luxury car seems always to fall a bit short. Though they are overall dependable, are Infinitis reliable?
Fire of all, let’s take a look at the common issues Infiniti drivers have faced. One common issue deals with the steering rack. One report showed that, around the 60,000-mile mark, many Infiniti’s started to leak. This is not just a tiny issue. As a matter of fact, it’s something that takes quite a bit to fix and can take lots of time.
Additionally, there have been several drivers reporting transmission failure. The average mileage when this occurred was around 70,000 miles, which could come with costly repairs. Though it’s not the case with all Infinitis, a small percentage still spoke of the transmission, making it something that potential buyers should keep a lookout for.
Another fairly significant issue with Infiniti and Nissan, in general, was the bubbling dashboard issue which eventually resulted in a lawsuit in Missouri. In 2014. Infiniti owners reported the curious case of bubbly dashboards where putty-like bubbles formed on the dashboard – this is particularly common with the FX35 and FX45 models. According to the lawsuit, the bubbles began developing in just three years of ownership, and even the replacement dashboard suffered from bubbling as well. Eventually, the lawsuit forced Nissan to pay $2,000+ for over 1,000 Infiniti owners.
Another pain point for Infiniti owners is the InTouch Infotainment System. Nothing can bring down customer satisfaction better than an unsatisfying infotainment system – unfortunately, the case with the InTouch infotainment system. As reported by frustrated owners, this in-car technology is sluggish, freezes often, and requires frequent reboots. In addition, Infiniti owners had to contend with the InTouch system’s hidden fees, including capacitive touchscreens and map upgrades.
According to Consumer Reports, only 54% of Infiniti owners were satisfied with the InTouch system. Not sure how Nissan messed up an infotainment system, but they did it with the InTouch.
Still, the ReliabilityRating falls at 3.5 out of 5, leaving them in the 16th position out of 32 on the list. They are doing a few things right, though there have been a few minor issues with some models reported in the past.
THE BEST SEDANS WITH HIGH GROUND CLEARANCE
There are plenty of vehicles on the market that let you tower over obstacles without losing the convenience of a compact car. Therefore, we’ve put together a list of our favorite new sedans with high ground clearance.
Most Reliable Infinitis
Apart from answering, are Infinitis reliable, we’d also like to look at which Infiniti models are the most reliable. They have a robust lineup of excellent vehicles, some with higher recommendations than others. Among all of them, the top-rated include:
- The Infiniti Q50 – Renowned for its safety, the Infiniti Q50 is top-rated among other cars in its class. Key features: handling and performance.
- The Infiniti Q60 – On the smaller side of the bunch, the Q60 from Infiniti boasts a ton of positive reviews for its powerful V6 engine.
- The Infiniti M35 – This is a luxury sports car that packs a punch without sacrificing handling and performance. Loved by all drivers, this is an excellent car for more driver’s needs.
- The Infiniti QX4 – This car comes with great gas mileage and has a warranty that lasts up to 70,000 miles. It’s been raved about by drivers and is something buyers should keep their eyes open for.
Maintaining your Infiniti: Is It Simple?
One of the most significant issues in repairing a vehicle is finding a mechanic that can do so. When cars have issues, owners have to take them in to get them fixed. This is especially true with some luxury cars, as only a few mechanics can operate them.
In the case of the Infiniti, though it classifies as a luxury car, owners can take them into any Nissan dealership for maintenance. They are luxury vehicles with a very affordable and manageable form of maintenance and service, making them an attractive vehicle for those looking for something more than the basics.
FEEL SECURE IN THE CAR YOU CHOOSE
You don’t want to buy a car - you want to get the best deal on the car you’re looking for. The CoPilot app will notify you if there’s a similar vehicle in your area at a better price, so you’re always certain you got the best deal available.
Infiniti’s Life Span
Another thing that potential buyers should consider is the life span of the car they are considering. For example, some cars start to give out after hitting a certain amount of mileage. In the case of the Infiniti, there are cars out there with over 100,000 miles that are still running strong. According to Nissan, the vehicle can last for over 200,000 miles, provided that it’s well taken care of.
When it comes to market value, they hold some, but they don’t retain as well as their luxury competitors like Lexus. There is enough demand to keep the value of the Infiniti high, something that buyers should consider as well.
Infiniti vs. Other Luxury Car Brands: A Comparison
While Infiniti has faced some challenges, the brand has made significant strides to improve its reliability and customer satisfaction in recent years.
One of Infiniti’s main competitors is Lexus, known for its exceptional reliability and customer service. According to Consumer Reports, Lexus consistently ranks among the top luxury car brands regarding reliability, with many models receiving perfect scores. However, Infiniti has been closing the gap recently, with models like the Q50 and QX60 receiving praise for their dependability and performance.
Another competitor is BMW, which is known for its sporty driving dynamics and advanced technology features. While BMW has a reputation for producing high-quality vehicles, some models have faced reliability issues in recent years, particularly with their complex electronics and engine components. In comparison, Infiniti has focused on simplifying its technology offerings and improving its overall build quality, which has helped to boost its reliability ratings.
Mercedes-Benz is another luxury brand that competes with Infiniti, particularly in the SUV and crossover segments. While Mercedes-Benz is known for its opulent interiors and advanced safety features, some models have faced reliability issues in recent years, particularly with their air suspension systems and electronics. Conversely, Infiniti has received praise for its durable and reliable SUV offerings, such as the QX60 and QX80.
Overall, while Infiniti may not have the same long-standing reputation for reliability as some of its competitors, the brand has significantly improved in recent years and offers a compelling alternative for luxury car buyers who prioritize dependability and value.
Infinitis: So, Are They Reliable?
Like many car brands out there, the Infiniti comes with a lot of ambiguity. Many drivers love them, and a few have had issues, leading to different views. While some of the problems are minor, they are still something that potential buyers should keep their minds open for.
When deciding if Infiniti is the right car for you, consider the model and your needs. They are classified as luxury cars though they are easy and affordable to maintain and don’t come with the luxury price tag. They are not perfect, as no vehicle is, but they will provide drivers with a smooth and reliable ride for many miles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Infiniti Reliability
Q: How reliable are Infiniti vehicles?
A: Based on RepairPal, Infiniti models currently in production have reliability ratings ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 out of 5 stars, placing the brand in the average range for this metric. For instance, the Infiniti Q50 has a reliability rating of 2.5, the Q60 has a rating of 3, the QX50 has a rating of 2.5, the QX60 earns 3.5 stars, and the QX80 also earns 3.5 stars for reliability.
Q: How long do Infiniti vehicles last?
A: On average, a well-maintained Infiniti vehicle can last about 200,000 miles. The lifespan can be influenced by the specific model, the frequency of maintenance, and the driving habits of the owner.
Q: Is an Infiniti worth it?
A: Infiniti has received mixed reviews over the years but has proven to be a reliable choice for luxury cars and continues to improve. They are also relatively affordable, which can offset potential repair costs. If you’re seeking a luxury vehicle, Infiniti, especially recent models like the Q50, could be a good choice.
Q: How expensive is it to maintain and repair an Infiniti?
A: While Infiniti vehicles are generally reliable, maintenance and repair costs can be higher than average due to the brand’s luxury status. RepairPal says that Infiniti has an average annual repair cost of $638. Regular maintenance is key to keeping these costs down.
Q: Are there specific Infiniti models known for their reliability?
A: Some Infiniti models are often praised for their reliability, including the Infiniti Q50 and QX60. However, it’s always important to research specific models and years when considering a purchase. Other factors like vehicle history and maintenance records also come into play when determining reliability.
Q: How often should I service my Infiniti vehicle?
A: Infiniti recommends servicing your vehicle every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, but this can depend on your vehicle’s age, model, and your driving habits. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific maintenance schedules.
Q: How does Infiniti’s warranty compare to other luxury brands?
A: Infiniti’s warranty is competitive with other luxury brands, typically offering a 4-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, warranties can vary, so it’s important to check the specifics when purchasing.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.
Only looking for newer models? CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars. Only see cars five years or newer with low mileage — CoPilot Compare is the best way to find off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO cars.
The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.
