- The federal government has opened a probe into an estimated 8,100 2003-'04 Infiniti M45s because consumers have reported incidents of inaccurate fuel level readings, sometimes resulting in engine stall.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it has received 43 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge readings.
- Infiniti told Inside Line it is aware of the investigation and will work to address any issues that arise from it.
WASHINGTON — The federal government has opened a probe into an estimated 8,100 2003-'04 Infiniti M45s because consumers have reported incidents of inaccurate fuel level readings, sometimes resulting in engine stall.
A probe can sometimes lead to a recall.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it has received 43 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge readings. The complaints "include 26 incidents alleged to result in engine stall," said NHTSA in its defect investigations summary.
"All 26 incidents reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated fuel in the tank when there was none," it said. "The complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most received within the past year."
At this point, NHTSA is reporting no injuries or fatalities related to the probe. In one complaint posted on the NHTSA Web site, an unidentified consumer wrote, "I currently have 72K miles on the car and have to reset the trip counter, as the fuel gauge is useless."
"We're aware of the NHTSA investigation and will work to address any issues that arise from it," Kyle Bazemore, an Infiniti spokesman, told Inside Line on Monday.
Inside Line says: If you own a 2003-'04 Infiniti M45, be aware that a federal safety probe is in the works.
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carsgalore says:
01:18 PM, 12/28/2011
If these gauges are not working at all, then this needs to be fixed. BUT but if these owners "knew" their gauges were not working, why did they not take their car into get it fixed? Cost? How responsible is that? I can understand if money is a factor, we are all hindered by that fact. Another person on this blog mentioned usign the trip counter in the meantime which is a great alternative but if that is borken too then you have some decisions to make, fix it or get a new car. That is the responsible option. If one drives around any car or truck that has a 20+ gallon tank and not think to fill up, especially when the trip counter is saying "340 miles traveled, 10 mile to DTE" then there are some other problems at bay in adition to a broken cluster gauge!
Car Onwership=fixing things at an inconvenient time!
@jeremy_c says:
Nissan is the really Chrysler in Japanese clothing. Anyone who think they are buying into Japanese car reliability when they buy a Nissan needs to have their brain retorqued. Better off buying a Hyundai!
Not sure what Nissans you have owned, what article you are using for your facts, what your history is with car maintenence, or what your circumstance is but I have been buying these cars for 20+ years and they have been extremely reliable, especially in comparison to some other car brands that I have owned whom shall remain nameless. No need for a brain "retorque", especially when common sense plays a part. Kinda sounds like you are not a fan of Nissans?
jeremy_c says:
01:48 PM, 12/27/2011
I don't understand why so many people instantly jump to the defence of Nissan and blame the drivers? It is a real problem if you cannot rely on the fuel gauge of your car. What there are several family members using a car? should they keep a log in the car of how much fuel they estimate to be left? It is the automaker's responsbility to make sure the gauges are free of defect, not the buyers responsibility to work around it. Would any of us find it acceptable if we get a raw patty in a hamburger and the response from the burger joint that "hey you should be smart enough to see that and put in the microwave when you get home so its cooked?" We won't put up with this attitude so why should others who spent tens of thousands $?
jeremy_c says:
01:43 PM, 12/27/2011
Nissan is the really Chrysler in Japanese clothing. Anyone who think they are buying into Japanese car reliability when they buy a Nissan needs to have their brain retorqued. Better off buying a Hyundai!
lions208487 says:
07:42 AM, 12/27/2011
Yes the gauge should read accuratly; however, when the little light comes on it's time to put some fuel in the tank. Not ride it out to see how far you can go befor calling AAA. I guarentee those 8100 people are delinquent and didn't fill like stopping off for gas at the appropriate time.
fandiesel says:
05:45 PM, 12/24/2011
My ten yr old DODGE truck is rusting everywhere, has a loud rearend and the tire retaining device rusted out and the tire dropped out on the road but no one was hurt. I think the NHTSA should investigate for lack of RAM "GUTS AND GLORY" in this Dodge !
natew says:
03:57 PM, 12/24/2011
Big deal, GM is notorious for this.. my fuel gauge stopped working awhile back on my 2001 Tahoe but I never asked for a federal investigation on it.. our government has bigger problems to deal with..
1krider1 says:
09:00 AM, 12/24/2011
I LOVE My G35x....when it's running. However, Infiniti has completely screwed me with a car whose engine AND trans has failed that they refuse to replace or buy back. INFINITI CUSTOMER SERVICE IS HORRIBLE and I do not recommend buying a new car from them. PS. This is my daily driver. 100% stock down to the air filter.
denver_jl says:
05:21 PM, 12/23/2011
Nissan has already recalled most cars of this vintage with similar problems, they choose to pass on on this vehicle due to lack of sales /complaints. as an owner affected by this investigation (and hopefully recall) as long as you reset the trip computer it's something one can live but it is not an ideal situation. there is no simple repair beyond replacing the instrument cluster ($600 + labor).
dagmar3 says:
02:53 PM, 12/23/2011
Obviously NHTSA has way too many employees around if they want to open an investigation about inaccurate fuel gauges in nine year-old cars which did not sell worth beans.
Give us taxpayers a break and slash the NHTSA budget.
darkman_xxl says:
12:08 PM, 12/23/2011
A simple solution would be to use your car's tripmeter to estimate when you need to fill up. Anyone who rides older motorcycles knows what I'm talking about. If you know your car's range on a full tank, simply reset your tripmeter everytime you fill up. That way, if your gauges give you cause for concern, the usually reliable tripmeter will serve as sort of a back up. All this is moot of course if you have a digital tripmeter prone to electrical gremlin attack...lol