Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (177 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2003
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
The sentiment among owners is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by strong appreciation for the vehicle's durability, reliability, and comfort.
6 problems reported (1 very frequent, 4 recurrent, 1 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentGeneral age-related failures
Including worn suspension components, failing lift supports for the rear hatch, and corrosion on battery terminals.
- RecurrentStructural rust in front strut towers
Can lead to collapse and loss of control; subject to a manufacturer recall/campaign.
- RecurrentOil consumption
The 3.5L V6 engine (VQ35DE) is noted as being prone to burning oil; requires regular level checks.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentIdle and hesitation problems
Issues with idle air control, throttle position sensors, mass air flow sensors, and potential vacuum leaks causing rough idle and acceleration hesitation.
- RecurrentElectrical gremlins
Sporadic issues with door locks, windows, and other accessories mentioned as common in older examples.
- Isolated"Strawberry Milkshake of Death" (SMOD)
Failure of the internal transmission cooler in the radiator, allowing coolant and transmission fluid to mix, destroying the transmission. A known issue for some model years; fix involves installing an external transmission cooler.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to specify a model year or trim as the definitive "best version." Feedback spans the entire 1997-2004 production run, with specific issues (like strut tower rust) tied to certain years but not definitively isolated to a single model year in the provided data. The vehicle's reputation for longevity is applied broadly across the generation.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner, Lexus RX300/RX330, Subaru Outback (3.0R) and Ford Explorer.
Is the QX4 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
The sentiment among owners is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by strong appreciation for the vehicle's durability, reliability, and comfort. The QX4 is consistently praised as a robust, long-lasting SUV capable of reaching very high mileages (300,000 to 400,000 miles/480,000 to 640,000 km) with proper maintenance. Owners value its comfortable ride, practical size, and the perception that it was built during a period of high quality for Nissan/Infiniti. The primary criticisms are age-related issues common to any 20+ year old vehicle, including rust, electrical gremlins, and the need for vigilant maintenance. The consensus is that it represents exceptional value as a used, budget-friendly luxury SUV with proven longevity, provided it has been cared for.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a more comfortable and luxurious alternative to its platform sibling, the Nissan Pathfinder, offering similar mechanical robustness with upgraded interior materials. It is frequently compared favorably to contemporary luxury SUVs like the Lexus RX for its reliability, though the RX is noted for potentially superior refinement. It is seen as a more affordable and mechanically simpler alternative to larger body-on-frame SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner, Land Cruiser, and American full-size offerings, trading extreme off-road capability for on-road comfort and lower purchase price. It is consistently highlighted as a superior, more reliable choice compared to European alternatives and later Nissan/Infiniti models with CVT transmissions.
Recommended configurations
4WD (selectable) is the assumed standard configuration and is recommended for its capability. Manual locking hubs (e.g., Mile Marker/Warn) are suggested for owners who install a lift kit to reduce CV axle wear and improve fuel economy. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is universally recommended, with specific focus on checking for strut tower rust, verifying timing belt service history, and checking for oil consumption. An extended warranty is suggested if purchasing a newer Infiniti model, but for the QX4 itself, a comprehensive inspection and maintenance fund are the primary recommendations.
General recommendations
Highly recommended as a budget-friendly, durable used SUV for buyers willing to manage age-related maintenance. Essential to verify service history, specifically the timing belt replacement (approx. $1000 USD job if not done). A critical pre-purchase inspection must include checking the front strut towers for structural rust (a known safety issue that was subject to a manufacturer campaign). Be prepared for routine repairs common to older vehicles (sensors, seals, bushings). Suitable for owners seeking a comfortable, capable, and simple luxury SUV that can deliver several more years of service. Not recommended for those seeking modern technology, fuel efficiency, or a maintenance-free ownership experience.
Remarks
The QX4's stellar reputation for reliability is specifically tied to its era, with owners and experts noting that Nissan/Infiniti quality was notably high in the late 1990s and early 2000s before a perceived decline. Its mechanical basis on the R50 Nissan Pathfinder platform is seen as a significant strength, providing widespread parts availability and shared knowledge with a large owner community. The vehicle's high mileage potential (frequently cited at 300,000+ miles/480,000+ km) is a dominant theme, though achieving this requires addressing the common issues listed above. Much of the discussion revolves around purchasing and maintaining high-mileage examples, reflecting its status as a cost-effective, depreciated luxury SUV. Analysis based on approximately 35 substantive owner discussions and mentions.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2000Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 39 | 6 | suspension |
| 2001 | 75 | 4 | equipment |
| 2000 | 31 | 3 | structure |
| 1999 | 43 | 2 | steering |
| 1998 | 29 | 2 | suspension |
| 1997 | 46 | 2 | suspension |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices19 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2002 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 20V008000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
2002 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 17V068000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2002 Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with Takata air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture.
2002 · air bagscampaign 15V287000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
2002 · steering:columncampaign 11V244000
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1996-2004 PATHFINDER AND MODEL YEAR 1997-2003 INFINITI QX4 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON D.C., WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN. IN AREAS OF THE COUNTRY IN WHICH HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT ARE USED, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT MAY ENTER AN ASSEMBLY LOCATION HOLE IN THE UPPER STRUT HOUSING, CAUSING WATER TO COLLECT AT THE MATING SURFACE OF THE STRUT HOUSING PANEL AND THE INNER HOOD LEDGE ASSEMBLY. OVER TIME, THIS SNOW/WATER AND SALT INTRUSION MAY RESULT IN CORROSION OF THE STRUT TOWER HOUSING IN SOME SUBJECT VEHICLES.
2002 · air bags:frontalcampaign 10V312000
NISSAN IS RECALLING FORTY-SIX CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 PATHFINDER AND INFINITI QX4 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 24, 2001 THROUGH AUGUST 28, 2001. THE AIR BAG INFLATOR CONTAINS PROPELLANT WAFERS THAT ARE REQUIRED TO PROPERLY DEPLOY THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG. DUE TO IMPROPER PROPELLANT WAFER INSTALLATION DURING THE AIR BAG INFLATOR ASSEMBLY PROCESS, SOME AIR BAG INFLATORS MAY BE MISSING ONE OF THE WAFERS. AS A RESULT, THE REMAINING WAFERS IN THE INFLATOR USED FOR THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY, OVER TIME, BREAK UP INTO POWDER DUE TO NORMAL VIBRATION EXPERIENCED WHILE DRIVING. THIS CAUSES THE COMBUSTION RATE OF THE PROPELLANT TO INCREASE INSIDE THE INFLATOR, WHICH CAN LEAD TO INTERNAL PRESSURE RISING SUDDENLY DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.
2002 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 22E066000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain air bag inflator replacement service parts that may have been installed as part of a theft or collision repair. The parts include certain passenger-side air bag inflators designed to fit Infiniti 2002-2003 QX4, 2006-2010 M35 and M45; Nissan 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, and both driver and passenger-side inflators designed to fit 2007-2012 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback vehicles. Please see Nissan's recall report for the specific part numbers. These replacement inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
2001 · steering:columncampaign 11V244000
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1996-2004 PATHFINDER AND MODEL YEAR 1997-2003 INFINITI QX4 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON D.C., WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN. IN AREAS OF THE COUNTRY IN WHICH HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT ARE USED, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT MAY ENTER AN ASSEMBLY LOCATION HOLE IN THE UPPER STRUT HOUSING, CAUSING WATER TO COLLECT AT THE MATING SURFACE OF THE STRUT HOUSING PANEL AND THE INNER HOOD LEDGE ASSEMBLY. OVER TIME, THIS SNOW/WATER AND SALT INTRUSION MAY RESULT IN CORROSION OF THE STRUT TOWER HOUSING IN SOME SUBJECT VEHICLES.
2001 · fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and capcampaign 07V435000
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, TENNESSEE, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA , WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, DURING THE COATING PROCESS OF THE FUEL FILLER TUBE ASSEMBLY, AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF COATING MAY HAVE BEEN APPLIED AT THE LOWER MOUNTING BRACKET. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN OPENING IN THE COATING WHICH CAN ALLOW WATER TO ENTER AND MAKE CONTACT WITH THE BARE METAL OF THE TUBE.
2001 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 00V410000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN IGNITION LOCK ASSEMBLY WITH IMPROPERLY SEATED KEY CYLINDER CAP CONNECTOR PINS. VIBRATION CAN CAUSE THE CONNECTING PINS TO LOOSEN AND/OR FALL OUT ALLOWING THE KEY CYLINDER CAP TO DISENGAGE FROM THE KEY CYLINDER.
2001 · structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge and attachmentscampaign 01V282000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. SOME OF THE BRACKETS USED TO ATTACH THE TWO GAS STRUTS TO THE REAR DOOR (HATCH) MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MADE. AT HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, THE INCREASE IN GAS PRESSURE IN THE STRUT(S) COULD CAUSE ONE OR BOTH BRACKETS TO BEND, RESULTING IN THE STRUTS DETACHING FROM THE BRACKET(S) WHEN OPENING OR CLOSING THE REAR DOOR.
2000 · steering:columncampaign 11V244000
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1996-2004 PATHFINDER AND MODEL YEAR 1997-2003 INFINITI QX4 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON D.C., WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN. IN AREAS OF THE COUNTRY IN WHICH HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT ARE USED, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT MAY ENTER AN ASSEMBLY LOCATION HOLE IN THE UPPER STRUT HOUSING, CAUSING WATER TO COLLECT AT THE MATING SURFACE OF THE STRUT HOUSING PANEL AND THE INNER HOOD LEDGE ASSEMBLY. OVER TIME, THIS SNOW/WATER AND SALT INTRUSION MAY RESULT IN CORROSION OF THE STRUT TOWER HOUSING IN SOME SUBJECT VEHICLES.
2000 · fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and capcampaign 07V435000
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, TENNESSEE, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA , WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, DURING THE COATING PROCESS OF THE FUEL FILLER TUBE ASSEMBLY, AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF COATING MAY HAVE BEEN APPLIED AT THE LOWER MOUNTING BRACKET. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN OPENING IN THE COATING WHICH CAN ALLOW WATER TO ENTER AND MAKE CONTACT WITH THE BARE METAL OF THE TUBE.
2000 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 00V410000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN IGNITION LOCK ASSEMBLY WITH IMPROPERLY SEATED KEY CYLINDER CAP CONNECTOR PINS. VIBRATION CAN CAUSE THE CONNECTING PINS TO LOOSEN AND/OR FALL OUT ALLOWING THE KEY CYLINDER CAP TO DISENGAGE FROM THE KEY CYLINDER.
1999 · steering:columncampaign 11V244000
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1996-2004 PATHFINDER AND MODEL YEAR 1997-2003 INFINITI QX4 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON D.C., WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN. IN AREAS OF THE COUNTRY IN WHICH HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT ARE USED, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT MAY ENTER AN ASSEMBLY LOCATION HOLE IN THE UPPER STRUT HOUSING, CAUSING WATER TO COLLECT AT THE MATING SURFACE OF THE STRUT HOUSING PANEL AND THE INNER HOOD LEDGE ASSEMBLY. OVER TIME, THIS SNOW/WATER AND SALT INTRUSION MAY RESULT IN CORROSION OF THE STRUT TOWER HOUSING IN SOME SUBJECT VEHICLES.
1999 · fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and capcampaign 07V435000
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, TENNESSEE, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA , WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, DURING THE COATING PROCESS OF THE FUEL FILLER TUBE ASSEMBLY, AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF COATING MAY HAVE BEEN APPLIED AT THE LOWER MOUNTING BRACKET. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN OPENING IN THE COATING WHICH CAN ALLOW WATER TO ENTER AND MAKE CONTACT WITH THE BARE METAL OF THE TUBE.
4 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
3.5 i V6 24V
3.5L 6-cylinder · 243 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 1996–2002