Last updated: 2026-10-10
BMW vs Infiniti: Which Make Is More Reliable?
BMW
11 models tracked
Infiniti
1 models tracked
Infiniti beats BMW on used-car reliability by a clear margin, mainly on repair costs and recalls. BMW has a much wider lineup, though, and several of its models rate well. Infiniti's case rests on a single SUV, the QX60, whose CVT is the one thing to check.
Is BMW More Reliable Than Infiniti?
| Metric | BMW | Infiniti |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 66/100 | 75/100 |
| Models Tracked | 11 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 65 | 13 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 308 | 182 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $1037/yr | $639/yr |
BMW vs Infiniti: The Verdict
Here, Infiniti has a clear edge. Independent repair-cost data puts its average at about $639 a year, against $1037 for BMW. Federal recall records show 13 recalls for Infiniti and 717 for BMW, though BMW has eleven models feeding that count. On complaint severity the two are even. BMW does draw fewer owner complaints per 1,000 sold.
Both brands are in good standing and both are trending better. The catch is that Infiniti's result comes from one model, the QX60, so you are judging a single vehicle, not a lineup.
Where BMW and Infiniti Differ Most
| Component | Weight | BMW | Infiniti |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 68/100Good | 68/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 57/100Mixed | 70/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 66/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 84/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and recall impact stands out — Infiniti outscores by 18 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
BMW vs Infiniti: Strengths and Weaknesses
BMW
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (66/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 11 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($1037/year avg)
- 73 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Infiniti
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($639/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: BMW or Infiniti?
Based on independent repair cost data, Infiniti is cheaper to maintain at an average of $639/year compared to $1037/year for BMW. That's a difference of $398/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
BMW Repair Cost Range
$773 – $1206/yr
Average: $1037/yr
BMW vs Infiniti Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | BMW | Infiniti | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(6 vs 1 models) | 63/100 | 75/100 | Infiniti |
Infiniti wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: BMW vs Infiniti
| Component | BMW | Infiniti |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%544 | 20%27 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14%377 | 18%24 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%309 | 8%11 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%272 | 23%32 |
| ENGINE | 9%234 | 13%18 |
| AIR BAGS | 9%236 | 1%2 |
| STRUCTURE | 4%105 | — |
| STEERING | 3%93 | 1%2 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 2%53 | 3%4 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1%32 | 3%4 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
BMW vs Infiniti Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
BMW
225
Crash reports
73
Fire reports
202
Injury reports
Infiniti
5
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
8
Injury reports
Every BMW and Infiniti Model Ranked
BMW Models
Infiniti Models
BMW vs Infiniti Reliability Trend by Year
BMW's reliability is improving — recent model years average 67/100, up from earlier years. Infiniti's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | BMW | Infiniti | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 66/100(9) | 82/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2025 | 68/100(8) | 76/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2024 | 67/100(10) | 73/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2023 | 67/100(11) | 72/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2022 | 68/100(11) | 73/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2021 | 65/100(9) | 81/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2020 | 64/100(8) | 74/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2019 | 63/100(8) | 71/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2018 | 63/100(6) | 72/100(1) | Infiniti |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy BMW vs Infiniti?
If you want low running costs and a family SUV, lean toward the Infiniti QX60. Target the 2021 model year. Look hard at 2019 and 2023, the two lowest rated. On a test drive, watch for the CVT shuddering or hesitating, because that problem does not always respond to repair.
If you want an electric car or a choice of body styles, lean toward BMW. The I4 sedan is the model to target, and 2024 is the pick. The X1, X7, and X3 SUVs also rate good. Be careful with the IX and X5, which both rate mixed. If you consider an IX, favor 2024 over 2022 or 2023, which had more recalls. Ask about a dash that goes black, drive power that cuts out, or a drivetrain malfunction message on an I4. Check the recall history on any car before you buy.
The Bottom Line: BMW or Infiniti?
For most shoppers, the Infiniti QX60 is the cheaper and lower-risk buy. The repair-cost gap is about $398 a year, or roughly $1,990 over five years. The strongest single model across both lineups is the BMW I4, so a 2024 I4 suits you better if you want an electric sedan. A 2021 QX60 suits you if you want an SUV with low costs.
BMW vs Infiniti: Common Questions
Is BMW more reliable than Infiniti?
Which brand has more recalls, BMW or Infiniti?
Which is cheaper to repair, BMW or Infiniti?
What is the most common problem with the Infiniti QX60?
What goes wrong most often on a used BMW?
Comparing BMW vs Infiniti? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How we score BMW and Infiniti models
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.