The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a preliminary defect investigation into the fuel gauges found on 2003-2004 model year Infiniti M45 cars made by Nissan. The federal regulatory agency reports an increasing number of consumer complaints about inaccurate fuel level readings from the cars' gauges, prompting the official examination.

According to NHTSA's Office of Defect Investigations, about 43 reports of problems with the luxury sedan's fuel gauge have been logged—most within the past year. In 26 of the cases, consumers report they've experienced engine stalls because of running out of fuel even though the gauges did not read empty.

The ODI says its preliminary investigation of the issue will assess the scope and frequency of the problem with Infiniti M45 fuel gauges and, if necessary, issue a consumer safety recall.