1998 Infiniti Q45 problems
The Infiniti Q45 is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured by Nissan for its Infiniti brand, spanning model years 1989-2006 and three design generations.
The first generation Q45 (1989–1999) was based on the Nissan President; the second generation (1997–2000) and third generation (2002–2006) were based on Nissan's JDM Nissan Cima. Marketing of the Q45 ended after MY 2006.
First generation (G50; 1989–1996)
The first generation Q45 came to market in 1989 as a 1990 model with a high-output 4.5 L VH45DE DOHC 32V V8 engine rated at 278 hp (207 kW) and 292 lb⋅ft (396 N⋅m) in North American trim. All Q45s included a viscous limited-slip differential and a multi-link suspension at the front and rear. At launch, the US$38,000 (equivalent to $93,000 in 2023) sedan had a single option, the Touring Package, which added Nissan's Super HICAS four-wheel steering system, a decklid spoiler, and alloy wheels.
In Japan, it was marketed as the Nissan Infiniti Q45, and was exclusive to Nissan Prince Store locations, as its platform twin the President was exclusive to Nissan Store locations. The G50 chassis continued in production in Japan until 2002 as the President in both regular and extended wheelbase versions. The Japanese version had many options that never appeared on the North American G50.
The contemporary upstart luxury marque Lexus (Toyota) had managed to challenge the establish dominance of European full-size luxury cars with the LS 400, so the Q45 seemed poised for similar success with comparable specifications and price to the LS 400 while featuring more emphasis upon handling. However, the Q45 did not achieve similar sales volumes, which was attributed to the car's unconventional styling, particularly the grille and lack of interior woodgrain or chrome trim. There was also an unusual advertising campaign which did not include actual photos or information about the car. By 1995, the price had risen to US$54,000 (equivalent to $108,000 in 2023), slowing sales.
In 1993 the Infiniti brand was launched in Australia with the sole model on offer being the Q45. With a price of A$140,000, the Q45 sold poorly and the brand was subsequently withdrawn from the market in 1996.
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Common 1998 Infiniti Q45 problems
The 1998 Infiniti Q45 is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues span across various components of the vehicle, including electrical systems, airbags, lighting, seats, wheels, transmission, and engine.
- Airbag Malfunctions: Three recalls were issued for airbag-related issues in the 1998 Q45. This includes problems with the passenger side airbag not deploying correctly during a crash, which could lead to increased risk of injury for occupants.
- Lighting Problems: The 1998 Q45 has experienced three recalls related to lighting malfunctions. These issues may result in reduced visibility while driving, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Seat Failures: Two recalls were issued due to seat-related problems in the 1998 Q45. Defective seats can compromise passenger safety during collisions, potentially leading to injuries.
- Wheel Defects: Two recalls were issued for wheel-related issues in the 1998 Q45. These problems could affect the vehicle's handling and stability, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Transmission Faults: Two recalls were issued due to transmission problems in the 1998 Q45. Transmission issues can lead to difficulty shifting gears, reduced performance, and increased risk of accidents.
- Engine Problems: One recall was issued for engine-related issues in the 1998 Q45. Engine malfunctions can result in reduced power, poor fuel efficiency, and increased emissions.
In addition to these recalls, the 1998 Infiniti Q45 has faced criticism for its poor reliability, high maintenance costs, and high replacement part costs, which have contributed to its excessive depreciation.
What motor is in the 1998 INFINITI Q45?
What we drove: 1998 Infiniti Q45t, a mid-size luxury sedan with 4.1-liter, double overhead cam, 32-valve V8 and a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.
What happened to the INFINITI Q45?
With a price of A$140,000, the Q45 sold poorly and the brand was subsequently withdrawn from the market in 1996.
What engine is in the Q45?
INFINITI Q45 at a Glance
The first generation Q45 had a 4.5-liter DOHC 32-valve aluminium-alloy V8 engine, producing 278 horsepower, which took it from 0-60 in 7.2 seconds – truly outstanding at the time.
Why is my Q45 not starting?
The most common reasons an INFINITI Q45 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
1998 Infiniti Q45 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Infiniti Q45 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Steering problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Infiniti Q45 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Infiniti Q45 complaints
The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Infiniti Q45.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-29
- VIN: JNKBY31A1WM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 INFINITI Q45. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WAS FAULTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-02
- VIN: JNKBY31A2WM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 INFINITI Q45. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE SENSOR ILLUMINATED AND THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-12-14
- VIN: JNKBY31A2WM
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 INFINITI Q45. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP WHO ADVISED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS FRACTURED AND THE REPAIRS WOULD COST $2400. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-06
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JNKBY31A7WM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE OWNER HIT A VEHICLE ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES, BUT DID NOT SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION. *AK *SC *JB THE IMPACT WAS SO GREAT THAT IT PUSHED BACK THE FRAME RAIL ONE INCH. THE CONSUMER IS QUESTIONING WHETHER OR NOT THE VEHICLE EVEN HAS AIR BAGS AND WANTS NISSAN TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. *NM
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-06
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JNKBY31A7WM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH THE VEHICLE COLLIDED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SPINAL INJURIES AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED CHEST AND BACK INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED TOTAL LOSS. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-29
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FRONT SEAT PASSENGER - 5'9" SITTING ALL THE WAY BACK WITH SEAT BELT ON. LIFTED LEFT ARM UP JUST BEFORE FRONT END CRASH IMPACT AND SUFFERED A BAD FRACTURE REQUIRING SURGERY AND PIN PLACEMENT TO LEFT DISTAL RADIUS (FOREARM BONE NEAR WRIST ON THUMB SIDE). 1998 INFINITY Q45. *NLM
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-19
- VIN: JNKBY31AXWM
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT RETRACTER ON DRIVER SEAT IS VERY WEEK AND MUST BE ASSITED TO RETACT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-27
- VIN: JNKBY31A4WM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY VEHICLE SHUTOFF WITHOUT ANY WARNING. AS A RESULT, TO ALTERNATOR MALFUNCTIONED. DEALER CONTACTED.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-19
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JNKBY31A5WM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CAR WAS PARKED AFTER DRIVING THE CAR FOR APPROX 1.5 MILES AND AFTER ABOUT 15 20 MINUTES RESTAUARANT ATTENDANT INQUIRED WHO OWNS THAT CAR? AND INFORMED THAT THERE IS SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE CAR. 911 WAS CALLED FOR FIRE DEPT HELP. FIRE FIGHTERS EXTINQUISHED THE FIRE.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-01
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT APPEARED ON DASHBOARD CONSTANTLY. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-01
- VIN: JNKBY31A4WM
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE SYSTEM FAILS TO ADEQUATELY STOP VEHICLE. LSO, VEHICLE WILL INTERMITTENTLY SURGE WHILE BRAKES ARE BEING APPLIED. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE, BUT CANNOT FIND A REMEDY FOR THE PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER FEELS THIS COULD BE RELATED TO BRAKE BOOSTER FAILURE. *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-29
- VIN: JNKBY31A7WM
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STICKING WHILE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED. TOOK EXTREME PRESSURE TO RELEASE STICKAGE AND VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD DUE TO PRESSURE ON ACCELERATOR PEDAL. IN TRAFFIC CREATED A HAZARD TO VEHICLES IN FRONT. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 4
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JNKBY31A3WM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAG DURING COLLISION, FRONT OF VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED ENOUGH TO GIVE AIRBAG WARNING FOR DEPLOYMENT, HOWEVER THERE WERE MULTIPLE INJURIES. *YC
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-01
- VIN: JNKBY31A1WM
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: GEAR SHIFT VIBRATED ABOVE 30 MPH. YH
1998 Infiniti Q45 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1998 Infiniti Q45.
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, ONE OF THE DIODES USED IN THE ALTERNATOR MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED WHEN BUILT. THIS CAN EVENTUALLY RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE DIODE AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WHICH COULD MELT THE PLASTIC HOUSING.
- Consequence: IF THE COMBUSTIBLE GAS EMITTED BY THE MELTING PLASTIC DOES NOT DISPERSE DUE TO AIR FLOW THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, IT COULD IGNITE AND IN TURN IGNITE THE FAN GUIDE IN THE ALTERNATOR.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ONE OF THE DIODES USED IN THE ALTERNATOR MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED WHEN BUILT. THIS CAN EVENTUALLY RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE DIODE AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WHICH COULD MELT THE PLASTIC HOUSING.
- Consequence: IF THE COMBUSTIBLE GAS EMITTED BY THE MELTING PLASTIC DOES NOT DISPERSE DUE TO AIR FLOW THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, IT COULD IGNITE AND IN TURN IGNITE THE FAN GUIDE IN THE ALTERNATOR.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR.
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: VEHICLE DESRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE IGNITION KEY CAN BE REMOVED WHEN THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF WITHOUT PLACING THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IN THE "PARK" POSITION. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT."
- Consequence: IF THIS OCCURRED AND THE DRIVER FAILED TO MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER TO 'PARK' OR ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY IF PARKED ON A SLOPE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SHIFT LOCK CONTROL UNIT.
Negative 1998 Infiniti Q45 car reviews
Positive 1998 Infiniti Q45 car reviews
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This is a great car and it's so much fun to drive! It's also much nicer and less expensive than any new car out there. With the extended warranties, I don't think I'll ever need to buy another new car. I'll just keep buying used Q45s.
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I have had my Infiniti Q45 for 10 years and it has been an amazing vehicle. With 190,000 miles on it, the only issue I ever had (other than standard maintenance) was the alternator at 135,000 miles. I believe it is a very underrated vehicle. Although I bought a new Nissan this year, I gave the Q45 to my 16-year-old daughter. After 4 months, I already miss my Q45! It truly is the best car ever!
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I'm so glad you're considering a creampuff! We stumbled across one and bought it on the spot. It was professionally maintained and is immaculate. If you're looking for affordable luxury, I highly recommend test driving one of these jewels used before you buy anything new. The fit and finish are really impressive - stylish without being too flashy - and it accelerates just as you would expect with a 4.1 cyl 266hp V8. Plus, it rides big and comfortable. They really got the 'touring' part right.
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I have to admit that I was a big fan of Lexus and have owned both the LS 400 and GS 400. Unfortunately, I totaled my GS and we couldn't find another one that fit our budget. So, my husband surprised me with a '98 Q and assured me that I would love it. And he was right! It's a beautiful car that rides smoothly and has plenty of power when I need it. It's amazing how much luxury and performance you can get for such a reasonable price. Even though it's not as well-known as some other cars, it's definitely worth considering. And I should also mention that it has an impressive 138,000 miles on it!
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Hey there! I just wanted to share that my car just had its 60,000 mile checkup and so far, no repairs needed! I'm really impressed with how reliable and low-cost it is to operate. It's amazing to me how inexpensively you can get a car like this in the used market.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Infiniti Q45 problems:
1997 Q45 common problems - Nissan Forum | Nissan Forums
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1998 INFINITI Q45 Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
Top 1998 INFINITI Q45 Problems · Drivability Issues Due to Failing Crankshaft Angle Sensor · Check Engine Light Due to Failed EVAP Purge Control Valve · Lack of ...
Q45 Reliability problems and excessive depreciation - Nissan Forum
Mar 11, 2005 ... I expect it will be several years - if ever - before Infiniti is able to repair its reputation as a result of the early Q45's. Most people ...
INFINITI Q45 Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Drivability Issues Due to Failing Crankshaft Angle Sensor · Check Engine Light Due to Failed EVAP Purge Control Valve · Fuel Injector Problems are Common · Lack of ...
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Sep 26, 2014 ... Can any Q45 owners tell me more about these cars? Any known common problems that would deter me away from owning one? I understand it's a V8 ...
Other years of Infiniti Q45
Are you having problems with your 1998 Infiniti Q45?
Peyton Harris 2024-04-24
During my second week of driving this car, the alternator failed and the car came to a sudden stop on a heavily traveled highway without any warning lights. As a result, I strongly advise against purchasing an Infiniti if you have other options available.