Last updated: 2026-07-26

Genesis vs Infiniti: Which Make Is More Reliable?

Comparing Genesis 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 67/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.

Is Genesis More Reliable Than Infiniti?

MetricGenesisInfiniti
Avg Reliability Score67/10075/100
Models Tracked51
Avg Recalls per Model1613
Avg Complaints per Model109182

Genesis Models

4 models ranked by reliability

G8069
G7067
Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Infiniti Models

1 models ranked by reliability

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Genesis vs Infiniti: The Verdict

Infiniti holds a modest reliability advantage over Genesis — enough to notice, not enough to be the only factor. The overall picture: Genesis scores 67/100 across 5 models, while Infiniti comes in at 75/100 across 1 models — all data-driven, no bias.

Where Genesis and Infiniti Differ Most

Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:

ComponentWeightGenesisInfiniti
Complaint Severity

Owner complaints weighted by component severity

35%
63/100Good
68/100Good
Repair Costs

Annual maintenance and repair expenses

30%
60/100Good
70/100Good
Recall Impact

Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside)

20%
75/100Good
84/100Excellent
Issue Diversity

How many different systems have reported problems

15%
79/100Good
84/100Excellent

Dig into the components and repair costs stands out — Infiniti outscores by 10 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.

Genesis vs Infiniti: Strengths and Weaknesses

Genesis

Strengths

  • Above-average reliability (67/100 average)
  • Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
  • Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
  • Reliability trending upward in recent model years
  • 4 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent

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

Genesis vs Infiniti Reliability by Vehicle Type

How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:

CategoryGenesisInfinitiWinner
SUVs(2 vs 1 models)66/10075/100Infiniti

Infiniti wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.

Common Problems: Genesis vs Infiniti

Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:

ComponentGenesisInfiniti
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM26%11320%27
POWER TRAIN16%7223%32
UNKNOWN OR OTHER14%6218%24
ENGINE8%3613%18
STEERING6%251%2
SERVICE BRAKES3%158%11
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM5%213%4
AIR BAGS3%121%2
SEATS3%4
BACK OVER PREVENTION3%4

Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.

Genesis vs Infiniti Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries

Across all tracked models, Genesis owners reported 31 crash-related, 2 fire-related, and 15 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.

Genesis

31

Crash reports

2

Fire reports

15

Injury reports

Infiniti

5

Crash reports

1

Fire reports

8

Injury reports

Every Genesis and Infiniti Model Ranked

All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.

Genesis vs Infiniti Reliability Trend by Year

Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:

Genesis's reliability is improving — recent model years average 72/100, 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 YearGenesisInfinitiEdge
202673/100(3)82/100(1)Infiniti
202570/100(4)76/100(1)Infiniti
202471/100(4)73/100(1)Infiniti
202366/100(4)72/100(1)Infiniti
202264/100(3)73/100(1)Infiniti
202167/100(2)81/100(1)Infiniti
202067/100(2)74/100(1)Infiniti
201961/100(2)71/100(1)Infiniti
201855/100(1)72/100(1)Infiniti

Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.

The Bottom Line: Genesis or Infiniti?

The data favors Infiniti, but remember: the best model from the "losing" make often beats the worst model from the "winning" one.

If you want the single most reliable option: the Infiniti QX60 leads both lineups with a score of 75/100.

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.

Genesis vs Infiniti: Common Questions

Is Genesis more reliable than Infiniti?
Based on our data, Infiniti is more reliable overall with an average reliability score of 75/100 compared to 67/100. The difference is modest, so both makes are reasonable choices.
Which make has more recalls, Genesis or Infiniti?
On a per-model average, Genesis has more recalls (~16 per model) compared to Infiniti (~13 per model). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — many are minor or preventative.
What are the most reliable models from Genesis and Infiniti?
The most reliable Genesis model is the G80 (avg score: 69/100), while the most reliable Infiniti model is the QX60 (avg score: 75/100).
What are the most common problems with Genesis and Infiniti vehicles?
The most frequently reported issue for Genesis is electrical system (26% of complaints), while for Infiniti it's power train (23% of complaints). These are based on NHTSA owner complaint data across all tracked models.
How many Genesis and Infiniti models does Auto Reliability Index track?
We track 5 Genesis models across 9 model years and 1 Infiniti models across 9 model years. Scores are based on NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Genesis or Infiniti?
On a per-model average, Genesis has fewer owner complaints (~109 per model) compared to Infiniti (~182 per model). Note that models with higher sales naturally generate more complaints.
Are Genesis and Infiniti getting more or less reliable?
Based on recent model year data, Genesis reliability is improving while Infiniti reliability is improving. We compare average scores across the most recent 3 model years to determine the trend direction.
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Genesis or Infiniti?
For first-time buyers prioritizing reliability, Infiniti has a slight edge with its higher average score. However, specific model choice matters more than make — check individual model pages for the best options in your budget and vehicle type.
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Genesis or Infiniti?
Infiniti has fewer owner-reported crashes, fires, and injuries in our database. Genesis has 31 crash reports, 2 fire reports, and 15 injury reports. Infiniti has 5 crash, 1 fire, and 8 injury reports. Note that complaint volume correlates with sales volume.

Comparing Genesis 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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Related Make Comparisons

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.