2010 INFINITI M45

The 2010 INFINITI M45 is a mid-size luxury sedan that offers a blend of performance and comfort. The M45 came with a powerful 4.5-liter V8 engine producing 335 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque. A popular aspect of the M45 is its sporty handling, luxurious interior, and distinctive styling. Some common complaints include the car’s fuel economy, tight rear seating, and the somewhat dated infotainment system for its time. The M45 was also available with a 3.5-liter V6 engine.

Engine

4.5L V8 (VK45DE)

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported that the 4.5L V8 engine consumes an excessive amount of oil, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This can be indicated by low oil level warnings, blue smoke from the exhaust, or a burning oil smell.
  • Solution: The solutions can range from replacing valve stem seals to piston rings. In severe cases, engine replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the front of the engine, especially during cold starts. This indicates a failing timing chain tensioner. If left unattended, it can lead to more severe engine damage.
  • Solution: Replacement of the timing chain tensioner and possibly the timing chain itself.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.5L V6 (VQ35DE)

• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The VQ35DE engine is known for timing chain issues, especially in higher mileage vehicles. Symptoms include a rattling noise upon startup or during acceleration, engine misfires, and potentially a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing the timing chain, tensioners, and guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes.
  • Solution: Depending on the cause, the solution might involve replacing valve stem seals or piston rings. In more severe cases, engine replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Slipping or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the 5-speed automatic transmission, including slipping between gears, harsh or delayed shifting, and overall erratic behavior. This can be due to worn clutches, valve body issues, or solenoid problems.
  • Solution: Depending on the severity, the solution can range from a transmission fluid flush and filter replacement to valve body repair or a complete transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature wear and failure of the front struts. This results in poor ride quality, excessive bouncing, and potential noise from the front suspension.
  • Solution: Replacement of the front struts. It’s often recommended to replace both struts at the same time.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Suspension Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn rear suspension bushings leading to a clunking noise from the rear of the vehicle, especially when going over bumps. Can also affect handling and stability.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn bushings. Sometimes entire control arms need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Navigation/Infotainment System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation and infotainment system can experience various issues such as freezing, slow response times, or complete failure.
  • Solution: Sometimes a software update can resolve the issue. In other cases, the entire head unit needs to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the car battery draining prematurely, especially if the car is not driven frequently. This could be due to a parasitic drain from a faulty module or accessory.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the parasitic drain and repair or replacement of the faulty component. A new battery may also be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Lens Clouding/Yellowing
  • Description/Symptoms: The headlight lenses can become cloudy or yellowed over time, reducing headlight output and visibility.
  • Solution: Professional headlight restoration or replacement of the headlight assemblies.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof malfunctions such as getting stuck, not opening or closing properly, or making excessive noise.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the sunroof mechanism, which may involve replacing tracks, motors, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2010 INFINITI M45 has some common issues across various components. The engine issues, especially those related to timing chains and oil consumption, can be quite costly to repair. The transmission issues, though less frequent, can also be significant. Suspension and electrical issues are also present, contributing to the overall ownership experience. While some issues can be addressed relatively inexpensively, others may require substantial investment, making careful inspection and maintenance crucial for this vehicle.