Last updated: 2026-10-10
Honda vs Infiniti: Reliability Compared
Honda
9 models tracked
Infiniti
1 models tracked
Honda and Infiniti are effectively tied on reliability, with Infiniti slightly ahead on complaints per car sold. Honda is cheaper to repair. Infiniti is judged here on one model, the QX60, while Honda offers nine to choose from.
Is Honda More Reliable Than Infiniti?
| Metric | Honda | Infiniti |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 74/100 | 75/100 |
| Models Tracked | 9 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 38 | 13 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 2118 | 182 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $441/yr | $639/yr |
Honda vs Infiniti: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Infiniti, but the two are effectively tied. Both brands hold a good reliability standing and both are improving. Infiniti draws fewer complaints for each car sold, and its crash, fire and injury reports are milder. Its problems are also less concentrated in one system.
Honda wins on cost. Independent repair-cost data puts its yearly upkeep below the QX60 figure, even at the top of Honda's model range. The Infiniti rating also rests on a single model, so it tells you less about the brand than Honda's nine do.
Where Honda and Infiniti Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Honda | Infiniti |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 68/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 84/100Excellent | 70/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 74/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 84/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and repair costs stands out — Honda outscores by 14 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Honda vs Infiniti: Strengths and Weaknesses
Honda
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (74/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($441/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 9 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 69 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: Honda or Infiniti?
Based on independent repair cost data, Honda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $441/year compared to $639/year for Infiniti. That's a difference of $198/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Honda Repair Cost Range
$301 – $547/yr
Average: $441/yr
Honda vs Infiniti Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Honda | Infiniti | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 1 models) | 73/100 | 75/100 | Infiniti |
Infiniti wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Honda vs Infiniti
| Component | Honda | Infiniti |
|---|---|---|
| STEERING | 19%3,164 | 1%2 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%2,940 | 20%27 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 10%1,664 | — |
| ENGINE | 9%1,523 | 13%18 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 8%1,404 | 18%24 |
| POWER TRAIN | 7%1,149 | 23%32 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 7%1,142 | — |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%876 | 8%11 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 5%799 | 3%4 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 1%85 | 3%4 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Honda vs Infiniti Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Honda
584
Crash reports
69
Fire reports
520
Injury reports
Infiniti
5
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
8
Injury reports
Every Honda and Infiniti Model Ranked
Honda Models
Infiniti Models
Honda vs Infiniti Reliability Trend by Year
Honda's reliability is improving — recent model years average 82/100, 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 | Honda | Infiniti | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 84/100(9) | 82/100(1) | Honda |
| 2025 | 79/100(9) | 76/100(1) | Honda |
| 2024 | 78/100(9) | 73/100(1) | Honda |
| 2023 | 74/100(8) | 72/100(1) | Honda |
| 2022 | 74/100(8) | 73/100(1) | Honda |
| 2021 | 75/100(8) | 81/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2020 | 70/100(8) | 74/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2019 | 65/100(8) | 71/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2018 | 66/100(7) | 72/100(1) | Infiniti |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Honda vs Infiniti?
If you want a midsize SUV and can accept one known weak spot, the QX60 is a fair pick. Target the 2021 model year. Look hard at 2019 and 2023. Test drive for CVT shudder or hesitation, because it does not always respond to repair.
If you want the lowest running costs or more choice, lean Honda. The HR-V is the strongest model across both lineups. Favor the 2021 and be careful with 2019, where the display can go blank in cold weather, and 2023, where rear hatch glass has shattered with no impact. Civic, Ridgeline and Accord also rate good. Skip the 2025 Prologue. Its owner complaints center on clicking front axles and a high voltage warning, and dealers often return cars unrepaired. The 2024 is the Prologue year to favor. On any Honda, check for steering and electrical complaints.
The Bottom Line: Honda or Infiniti?
For most shoppers, Honda is the better buy because it is cheaper to run and gives you more models to choose from. The HR-V is the strongest single model across both brands. The QX60 suits you if you want a midsize SUV and will check the CVT closely. At $198 more a year, the QX60 costs about $990 more over five years.
Honda vs Infiniti: Common Questions
Is Honda more reliable than Infiniti?
Which brand has more recalls, Honda or Infiniti?
Which is cheaper to repair, Honda or Infiniti?
What problem do Infiniti QX60 owners report most?
What are the most common Honda problems?
Comparing Honda 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 Honda 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.