Last updated: 2026-10-10
Infiniti vs Lexus: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Infiniti
1 models tracked
Lexus
7 models tracked
Lexus comes out ahead of Infiniti on reliability, with a clear edge. Owners file fewer complaints per car sold, and six of its seven models rate excellent. Infiniti is represented by the QX60 alone, which rates good but has a known CVT weak spot.
Is Infiniti More Reliable Than Lexus?
| Metric | Infiniti | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 82/100 |
| Models Tracked | 1 | 7 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 13 | 18 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 182 | 186 |
Infiniti vs Lexus: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Lexus. Its standing is excellent against good for Infiniti, and owners file fewer complaints per 1,000 cars sold (0.5 against 0.8). Lexus also comes out stronger on complaint severity, repair costs and recall impact.
Infiniti wins one category: its problems are spread more evenly across systems. Keep the scope in mind. Infiniti has one tracked model, the QX60, while Lexus has seven. Raw recall and complaint totals are far larger for Lexus because more models are on the road, so the per-sale rate and the severity picture matter more than the totals.
Where Infiniti and Lexus Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Infiniti | Lexus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 68/100Good | 73/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 85/100Excellent |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 84/100Excellent | 89/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Lexus has a 15-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Infiniti vs Lexus: Strengths and Weaknesses
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
Lexus
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (82/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 7 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
Infiniti vs Lexus Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Infiniti | Lexus | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 5 models) | 75/100 | 81/100 | Lexus |
Lexus wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Infiniti vs Lexus
| Component | Infiniti | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 18%24 | 18%102 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%27 | 15%87 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%2 | 17%100 |
| POWER TRAIN | 23%32 | 6%35 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%4 | 9%50 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%11 | 7%42 |
| ENGINE | 13%18 | 5%26 |
| STRUCTURE | — | 6%32 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | — | 5%29 |
| SEATS | 3%4 | 1%3 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Infiniti vs Lexus Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Infiniti
5
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
8
Injury reports
Lexus
60
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
51
Injury reports
Every Infiniti and Lexus Model Ranked
Infiniti vs Lexus Reliability Trend by Year
Infiniti's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100, up from earlier years. Lexus's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Infiniti | Lexus | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(1) | 87/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2025 | 76/100(1) | 80/100(7) | Lexus |
| 2024 | 73/100(1) | 81/100(7) | Lexus |
| 2023 | 72/100(1) | 81/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2022 | 73/100(1) | 83/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2021 | 81/100(1) | 83/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2020 | 74/100(1) | 83/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2019 | 71/100(1) | 79/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2018 | 72/100(1) | 80/100(5) | Lexus |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Infiniti vs Lexus?
If you want the lowest risk, shop Lexus. The RX is the model to target, and 2022 is the year to favor because it has no recalls and far fewer complaints than 2019 or 2021. The ES and IS are the sedan choices, and both rate excellent. The NX rates good, with 2021 the year to pick. Skip 2024 unless the car checks out, since it draws far more complaints than any other NX year. On any RX, ask about airbag and acceleration complaints, and on a 2022 look at the instrument cluster.
Lean Infiniti only if you want a midsize SUV with repair costs well below the class average. The QX60 is the one model on offer, and 2021 is the year to favor. Look hard at 2019 and 2023, the two lowest rated. Drive any QX60 long enough to feel for CVT shudder or hesitation, because that problem does not always respond to repair.
The Bottom Line: Infiniti or Lexus?
The RX is the strongest pick across both lineups, ideally a 2022. Choose the QX60 only if you specifically want that midsize SUV and a 2021 is available. On cost, the comparison rates Lexus stronger, but the data gives no Lexus yearly figure, so no exact gap over five years can be stated. The QX60 itself runs about $639 a year, well below the midsize SUV average.
Infiniti vs Lexus: Common Questions
Is Infiniti more reliable than Lexus?
Which brand has more recalls, Infiniti or Lexus?
Which is cheaper to repair, Infiniti or Lexus?
What is the main problem with the Infiniti QX60?
Which Lexus model should I buy used?
Comparing Infiniti vs Lexus? 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 Infiniti and Lexus 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.