Which QX4 years should I avoid?

The 2002 Infiniti QX4 has the most documented issues — 4 recalls, 0 complaints, and a problem score of 12. Also exercise caution with 2003 and 2001.

VEHICLE BUYER'S GUIDE

Infiniti QX41997–2003

Q: What is the best year QX4 to buy?

See the year-by-year table for a full ranking of every QX4 model year.

Q: What are the most common QX4 problems?

Run a year-specific search above to see the most common complaints for each model year.

Year-by-year buyer intelligence from NHTSA safety data — reliability, value, and which years to target or avoid.

🚙 SUV

Infiniti QX4

1997–2003

Defect Risk

Recall intensity

0.0/yr · seg. median 0.0

Limited data — provisional

Safety

Low

0 inj.

✓No open federal investigations

Recalls

Complaints

2001

Best Yr

Injuries

Avoid 2002

Years Analyzed

Total Recalls

Total Complaints

Reported Injuries

Reported Deaths

Infiniti QX4 Years to Avoid

#1 WORST

2002

4 recalls · 0 complaints

Top issue: No complaints on record

#2 WORST

2003

3 recalls · 0 complaints

Top issue: No complaints on record

#3 WORST

2001

1 recall · 0 complaints

Top issue: No complaints on record

Federal Defect Investigations

NHTSA investigations are the stage that precedes a recall. 1 past investigation into the QX4 became recall.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Data current as of September 11, 2026.

Infiniti QX4 — Year-by-Year Comparison

Every model year ranked by Buyer Score. Click any year for its detailed problem report.

Year	Recalls	Injuries	Deaths	Reliability	Value	Buyer Score	Verdict
2003	3	—	—	57	39	51	Avoid
2002	4	—	—	57	39	51	Avoid
2001	1	—	—	57	39	51	Good
2000	0	—	—	82	39	67	Excellent
1999	0	—	—	82	39	67	Excellent
1998	0	—	—	82	39	67	Excellent
1997	0	—	—	82	39	67	Excellent

Buyer Score = Reliability (65%) + Value window (35%). Deaths and injuries sourced from NHTSA complaint filings. Year links open full NHTSA problem reports.

Shopping by Era

How each generation of the QX4 compares — best year within each era shown.

Pre-2013

Older QX4 models are deeply depreciated but carry higher wear and repair risk. High mileage is common. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and verify full recall history.

Proceed with Caution

1997 · 67 1998 · 67 1999 · 67 2000 · 67 2001 · 51 2002 · 51 2003 · 51

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best year QX4 to buy?+

See the Buyer Score table above for a full ranking of every QX4 model year.

Which QX4 years have the most problems?+

The 2002, 2003, 2001 model years have the highest problem scores in our analysis. The 2002 QX4 leads with 4 recalls and 0 owner complaints.

What is the Buyer Score?+

The Buyer Score is a composite metric that combines reliability (65% weight) and depreciation value (35% weight). Reliability reflects recall and complaint severity. Value reflects how much of the vehicle's depreciation has already been absorbed by prior owners — a 4–6 year old vehicle typically sits in the sweet spot.

What are the most common QX4 problems?+

See the complaint chart on this page for a breakdown by component.

Deep-Dive Research

Common Problems

Full year-by-year breakdown of every documented defect for the Infiniti QX4.

Reliability Score

Reliability rating and score breakdown compared to similar suv vehicles.

Years to Avoid

Every QX4 year ranked by problem score — worst years listed with full reasoning.

Found the right year? Verify the specific car.

A buyer's guide shows model-level risk. A VIN report shows the individual vehicle — accidents, odometer history, open recalls, and auction records.

Run a VIN Check →