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Infiniti QX4Model year report

2001 Infiniti QX4 Problems

Complaints
73filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
98,000miles, 40 complaints with mileage
Recalls
4campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
15 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl RWD · 14 city / 18 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Infiniti QX4 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2001 QX4 most often report rust and corrosion of the frame, underbody and front strut towers, a problem many complaints link to road salt in winter climates. The second most common topic is the Clarion/Bose in-dash CD changer failing with an ERR2 message, usually leaving discs stuck. Suspension noise, fuel filler corrosion and occasional transmission shifting complaints round out the sample.

  1. Body and structure

    Frame and strut tower rust-through

    • 19 complaints (26%)
    • median 120,000 mi at 13.7 yrs old (13 state mileage)
    • filed 2010–2022

    Complaints describe severe corrosion of the unibody frame, often near the front strut towers, lower control arm mounts or behind the front wheels. Several owners say the metal perforated or broke apart, and that shops or dealers told them the vehicle was too rusted to repair or to lift. A number mention that the corrosion was concentrated in one area while other parts of the vehicle looked sound, and many connect it to winter road salt. Reported from roughly 30,000 miles upward, most commonly in the 60,000-200,000 mile range on vehicles kept in states that use road salt.

    Recall 11V2440003 related service bulletins

    What to check: Have the underside inspected on a lift, paying close attention to the strut towers, frame rails and control arm mounts, especially if the vehicle spent time in a salt state. Ask whether recall 11V244000 was completed and whether any panel was repaired or welded.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My 13-year-old and severely rusted Infiniti 4wd SUV has been recalled for corrosion problems at the driver-side strut tower. I will be towing it to the dealership for an inspection because I'm afraid to drive it. My car has a fist-sized hole through the fender well in the area described in the recall notice, so it is probably not repairable. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10597115, filed 2014-06, 163,577 miles

    “My complaint is with the 2001 Infiniti QX4 that I have owned for several years although it has low mileage 60,000 + it has cost me more money in repairs including the current recall for under body rust. I have gone through mufflers and other front end parts and my new mechanic even commented about the large amount of rust. I now have a grinding noise and it is probably wheel bearing hubs. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10399606, filed 2011-05
  2. Equipment

    CD changer ERR2 error and stuck discs

    • 15 complaints (21%)
    • median 78,500 mi at 7.0 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2006–2011

    Owners describe the factory Clarion/Bose in-dash CD changer showing an ERR2 message, often with clicking noises each time the vehicle is started, after which discs will neither play nor eject. Several say the same unit failed more than once, and that dealers would not cover the repair. Complaints repeatedly note that the problem appears widely reported among QX4 and Pathfinder owners. Mostly reported between roughly 35,000 and 120,000 miles, usually without warning during normal use.

    What to check: Test the CD changer with a disc before purchase and listen for clicking on startup. Ask whether the head unit has been repaired or replaced, since the original units are commonly reported as failing.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I get an err 2 on my 6 disc cd player in my 2001 QX4. I have tried everything to get my cd's to exit the player, no luck. Is there a resolution? I have tried pushing all combinations of buttons to release the cds. I just got the err 2 and it has never gone away. Cd's will not play or reject, very frustrating, my favorite cds are stuck in player.”

    NHTSA complaint #10263828, filed 2009-04, 119,160 miles

    “My bose radio/cd player in my 2001 QX4 infinti truck is displaying an error message of err2. Cd's are stuck in the player and it makes a clicking sound every time the car is turned on. Called the dealer and Infiniti will not take responsibility to replace.”

    NHTSA complaint #10232519, filed 2008-06, 70,000 miles
  3. Suspension

    Front strut and suspension corrosion damage

    • 11 complaints (15%)
    • median 115,000 mi at 10.9 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2011–2022

    Complaints describe the front driver-side strut housing or strut mounting area rusting to the point that the strut separates or the housing breaks, sometimes with a loud noise and steering that becomes hard to turn. Owners also report grinding or knocking noises from the front, and rear strut and bracket corrosion found during inspection. Some say repairs were quoted in the hundreds to thousands of dollars, and a few report the dealer declining the work. Reported from about 70,000 miles upward, with many cases above 100,000 miles on vehicles in salt-belt areas.

    Recall 11V2440003 related service bulletins

    What to check: Inspect the strut towers and rear strut mounts for rust or separation, and listen for clunks or grinding on a test drive. Confirm whether the front strut housing recall inspection and any repair were performed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Front driver side strut tower housing corrosion causing housing to break(damage). I was driving and while exiting the highway I heard a big noise and the steering wheel was hard to turn. I drove my 2001 infinity QX4 to a auto shop and they said the tower housing was damage it will cause me $1800 to fix because they have to install new tower so I fix it.”

    NHTSA complaint #10404529, filed 2011-06, 70,000 miles

    “Drivers side shock tower broke (I believe due to ohio salt and weather corrosion) broke steering intermediate shaft and caused complete loss of steering. At that time I informed the local Infiniti dealer, and Infiniti customer service,supplied them with numerous photos, because of the potential safety issue and basically was told by both to bad, and that it was my problem they where not interested in the safety issue.”

    NHTSA complaint #10425862, filed 2011-09, 110,000 miles
  4. Transmission and drivetrain

    Transmission slipping when shifting 2nd to 3rd

    • 5 complaints (7%)
    • median 57,000 mi at 4.9 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2002–2009

    Complaints describe the transmission slipping during the 2-3 upshift, most noticeably in cold weather under moderate acceleration. One owner reports the dealer first attributed it to computer reprogramming, and another notes a wait for a replacement transmission. A related complaint mentions a check engine light along with stalling and erratic shifting. Reported mostly between about 40,000 and 80,000 miles, often in cold weather during the first shifts of a drive.

    What to check: Drive the vehicle cold from a stop and watch for a flare or hesitation on the 2-3 shift. Ask whether the transmission has been serviced or replaced and whether any reprogramming was done.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Transmission slippage when transmission is shifting from 2nd to 3rd during cold weather during moderate acceleration. Known service bulletin, NHTSA #62304.”

    NHTSA complaint #10064109, filed 2004-03, 74,000 miles

    “Manufacturer is aware of problem, insists that computer needs reprogramming. Transmission failed road test by mechanic and a long list of owners awaiting remanufactured transmission boxes (according to dealer service department at fields Infiniti glenview). Transmission boxes need to be ordered from japan, resulting in one month delay of repair. Two technical service bulletins already exist for same problem.”

    NHTSA complaint #760239, filed 2002-04

Buying note. The most important item on this model year is underbody corrosion, so a lift inspection and a check of open recall work matter more than mileage. Also test the CD changer and drive the vehicle cold to check transmission shifting.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 73 consumer complaints for the 2001 Infiniti QX4. 40 of the complaints include a mileage, and 15% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 98,000 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 42 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Air bags (2), Electrical system (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Exterior lighting (1), Tires (1).

Example complaints

Equipment: “I just want to say to Infiniti why they didn't keep on building this car! I mean mine has 111,111 and it stills runs like new no problem at all! I have the Infiniti QX4 2001 gold pearl 4x4 navigation system 6 dis cd changer in the back of the car not the one in the dash and this car still performs like when it was taken out of the dealer in 2001.I would like to now why they discontinued the production and just to say the how many more rx300 lexus is going to keep selling before Infiniti comes back which a competition! Infiniti bring back QX4 now!”

NHTSA complaint #10260314, filed 2009-02, 111,111 miles

Body and structure: “I believe the car's running boards are a safety hazard due to serious rust damage causing weakness of the underlying structure. The hazard can manifest itself as the running boards can easy fail and the driver or any passenger can fall as a result. This is a common problem for qx4s from model years 1997 to 2002 or later. Obviously, it is worse for older cars in area's where salt is used on the roads in winter. I petitioned inifiniti to investigate the hazard and consider rectifying it. They claimed rust damage was not covered and would do nothing. …”

NHTSA complaint #10472000, filed 2012-08, 45,000 miles

Suspension: “The whole frame is rusted make a loud cracking and other noises. Afraid to drive was inspected by tire shop they would not work on it. Car has been parked in front of my daughter home.”

NHTSA complaint #11230627, filed 2019-07, 115,000 miles

Fuel system: “I was smelling gas fumes while my car was parked in the garage. I could see something wet in the wheel well near where the gas tank is filled. Had it repaired at my Infiniti dealer, and they replaced the fuel filler tube and hoses. It reminded me of a recall notice I received in 2008. It was for the fuel filler tube and hoses. They were know to have corroded due to exposure to road salts. I had my car inspected in 2008 and they said everything was ok at the time. However, being able to smell fumes in my garage, I know that it corroded through. …”

NHTSA complaint #10746435, filed 2015-08, 209,444 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

15% of the 40 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 70,000 and 143,000 miles.

5%0–100%10–2510%25–5018%50–7518%75–10025%100–15025%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (40 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 98,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’02’05’08’1113’14’17’22
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Infiniti QX4. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
QX4 · sedan not rated4 / 5——3

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2001 Infiniti QX4 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
QX4 2WD3.5L 6-cyl4-speed automatic141815$4,450
QX4 4WD3.5L 6-cyl4-speed automatic141715$4,450

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2001 Infiniti QX4 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 42 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 42 bulletins →

Other model years of the Infiniti QX4

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20032098,0503—16—Stable
200237123,0005—15Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20017398,0004—15Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200028183,0003—15Not compared (before 2008)Rising
199943135,0002—15Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199829159,0002—15Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199745127,5002—15Not compared (before 2008)Stable

All Infiniti QX4 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Infiniti QX4?

Owners of the 2001 QX4 most often report rust and corrosion of the frame, underbody and front strut towers, a problem many complaints link to road salt in winter climates. The issues reported most often: Frame and strut tower rust-through; CD changer ERR2 error and stuck discs; Front strut and suspension corrosion damage.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Infiniti QX4 have?

NHTSA recorded 73 consumer complaints for the 2001 Infiniti QX4 as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2001 Infiniti QX4 is reported most often?

Equipment is named most often, in 19 complaints (26% of the total), followed by body and structure with 17.

Has the 2001 Infiniti QX4 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2001 Infiniti QX4 get?

The EPA rates the 2001 Infiniti QX4 (QX4 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 15 mpg combined, 14 city and 18 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2001 Infiniti QX4 reported?

Among the 40 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 98,000 miles and the middle half falls between 70,000 and 143,000 miles; 15% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.