Last updated: 2026-07-26
BMW vs Infiniti: Which Make Is More Reliable?
BMW
11 models tracked
Infiniti
1 models tracked
Comparing BMW and Infiniti on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Infiniti currently leads with an average score of 75/100 compared to 66/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
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
Infiniti holds a modest reliability advantage over BMW — enough to notice, not enough to be the only factor. The overall picture: BMW scores 66/100 across 11 models, while Infiniti comes in at 75/100 across 1 models — all data-driven, no bias.
On the cost front, Infiniti is cheaper to maintain at $639/year versus $1037/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $1990 in savings. The repair cost gap might seem small year-to-year, but over a typical 5-year ownership period it compounds into meaningful savings for Infiniti owners.
Where BMW and Infiniti Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| 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)
- 71 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
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | BMW | Infiniti |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%532 | 20%27 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 13%349 | 18%24 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%318 | 8%11 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%261 | 23%32 |
| ENGINE | 9%234 | 13%18 |
| AIR BAGS | 9%239 | 1%2 |
| STEERING | 4%98 | 1%2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4%94 | — |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 2%48 | 3%4 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1%30 | 3%4 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
BMW vs Infiniti Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, BMW owners reported 208 crash-related, 71 fire-related, and 182 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Infiniti owners reported 5 crash-related, 1 fire-related, and 8 injury-related complaints. Infiniti has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
BMW
208
Crash reports
71
Fire reports
182
Injury reports
Infiniti
5
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
8
Injury reports
Every BMW and Infiniti Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
BMW Models
Infiniti Models
BMW vs Infiniti Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
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 |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: BMW or Infiniti?
Infiniti comes out ahead on the numbers, though both makes can serve you well if you pick the right model.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Infiniti QX60 leads both lineups with a score of 75/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Infiniti costs less to maintain — $639/year vs $1037/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $1990 in savings.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
BMW vs Infiniti: Common Questions
Is BMW more reliable than Infiniti?
Which is cheaper to maintain, BMW or Infiniti?
Which make has more recalls, BMW or Infiniti?
What are the most reliable models from BMW and Infiniti?
What are the most common problems with BMW and Infiniti vehicles?
How many BMW and Infiniti models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, BMW or Infiniti?
Are BMW and Infiniti getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, BMW or Infiniti?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, BMW or Infiniti?
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 Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.