1999 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 With a price of A$140,000, the Q45 sold poorly and the brand was subsequently withdrawn from the market in 1996.
Social links
Common 1999 Infiniti Q45 problems
The Infiniti Q45, a luxury sedan produced by Nissan's luxury division, has had its fair share of issues over the years. One of the most common problems, particularly in higher mileage vehicles, is rough idle or misfiring.
Another issue that plagued the early years of the Q45 was timing chain tensioner problems. These issues, which affected the first few years of production, could lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly. It is essential to ensure that the timing chain tensioner is in good working condition to avoid any potential engine damage.
The Q45's design has also been criticized for being unattractive and lacking the refinement of its competitors. This lack of refinement may have contributed to the Q45's struggles in the market, as it failed to gain the same level of popularity as its competitors.
In addition to these issues, the Q45's reliability has been a topic of discussion among owners. While some owners have reported reliable experiences with their Q45s, others have reported issues with various components, such as the engine and transmission. It is essential to perform regular maintenance and inspections to ensure the longevity and reliability of the Q45.
In summary, the Infiniti Q45 has had several common problems, including rough idle or misfiring, timing chain tensioner issues, design criticisms, and reliability concerns. Owners of the Q45 should be aware of these issues and take the necessary steps to maintain and repair their vehicles as needed.
What engine is in the 1999 INFINITI Q45?
4.1 L V81999 INFINITI Q45 / Engine
The 4.1-liter 32-valve double-overhead-cam V-8 develops a healthy 266 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque and drives the rear wheels through a four-speed 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.
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.
How fast is a Q45?
Performance
| 0 - 60 mph | 5.9 s |
|---|---|
| 0 - 100 mph | 14.6 s |
| 1/4 mile | 14.6 s @ 100.0 mph |
| Top speed | 238 kph (148 mph) |
1999 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:
- Tires problems
- Structure problems
- Wheels problems
- Steering problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1999 Infiniti Q45 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1999 Infiniti Q45 complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1999 Infiniti Q45.
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-28
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JNKBY31A2XM
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: LEFT FRONT STRUT SPRING BROKE WHILE IN TRAFFIC, SENDING BROKEN SPRING END INTO TIRE RIPPING THE ENTIRE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE OUT. BLOWOUT CAUSED LOSS OF STEERING WHILE IN THE PROCESS SENT VEHICLE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-04-17
- VIN: JNKBY31A5XM
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE CHECKING THE OIL IN THE 1999 Q45 INFINITI THE HOOD SUDDENLY FELL AND SLAMMED CLOSED. THIS HAPPENED IN JANUARY 2007 ,AND AGAIN MARCH 2007. ALL THREE TIMES I HAD TURNED AWAY MOMENTARILY AND WAS NOT INJURED. SINCE THE EXPERIENCE IN APRIL I NOW CARRY A PROP STICK AS A PRECAUTION. THE PROBLEM APPEARED INTERMITTENT AND DEPEND ON THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE. THE COOLER IT WAS THE MORE LIKELY IT WOULD HAPPEN. SINCE THIS FIRST OCCURRENCE I HAVE SEARCHED FOR AFTER MARKET PARTS TO REPLACE THE LIFT SUPPORTS, BUT WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY RESOURCE. THE AFTERMARKET PARTS WERE ONLY AVAILABLE FOR Q45 HOODS UP TO AND INCLUDING 1996 MODELS. I DID NOT KNOW IF DEALER PARTS WERE AVAILABLE BECAUSE MY SEARCHES HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND A DEALER SOURCE FOR THAT PARTICULAR PART. I BELIEVE THIS WAS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM THAT COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IF A HOOD SLAMMED DOWN ON SOMEONE WHILE WORKING UNDER THE HOOD. A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WOULD ALERT ALL OWNERS OF THIS AUTOMOBILE TO THE POTENTIAL DANGER, AND RECOMMEND TO THE MANUFACTURER TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM AS WARRANTED.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-02
- VIN: JNKBY31A0XM
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 20 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THE TIRES WERE MAINTAINED WELL AT 35PSI. THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-01
- VIN: JNKBY31A1XM
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: 1999 INFINITY Q-45 WHEELS HAVE A CASTING DEFECT THAT DEVELOPS CRACKS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. *TS THE WHEELS ARE THE SAME AS THE 2000 Q45 WHICH WAS RECALLED (03V-098). THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER BUT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OVER 100000 MILES THEY REFUSED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. *NM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-30
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: MY CAR A 1999 INFINITI Q45 HAS 4 CONTINENTAL TIRES. THESE WERE PURCHASED LAST YEAR AND HAS BEEN USED FOR ABOUT 6000 MILES. ON TUESDAY AUGUST 30 THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE ON THE RIGHT SIDE AND EVENTUALLY OVERTURN. IS IT NORMAL WITH A STEEL BELTED RADIAL FOR THE THREAD SURFACE TO COME COMPLETELY OFF THE SIDEWALL. THE AFFECTED TIRE IS IN 3 PIECES WITH THE WALLS ON THE RIM AND THE TREAD COMPLETELY CUT OFF BUT STILL IN A CIRCLE. *NM
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-03
- VIN: JNKBY31A0XM
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: CAR HAS RECALLED WHEELS, BUT CAR ITSELF IN NOT ON RECALL LIST. MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPLACE WHEELS.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: A SET OF FOUR FALCON TIRES, (235/45HR17 ZIEX), WERE PURCHASED BY CONSUMER ON SEPT 27,2001, TIRES WERE PUT ON AND BALANCED. CONSUMER WENT BACK TO MAECHANIC BECAUSE TIRES WERE STILL OUT OF BALANCE. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED TO HAVE THE ALIGNMENT CHECKED. DOING SO THE TIRES WERE STILL NOT BALANCED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO HAVE ANOTHER TIRE SERVICE BALANCE WITH A HIGH SPEED BALANCER AND INITIALLY THE TIRES WERE BETTER FOR FOUR MONTHS WHEN THEY GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. TAKING THE VEHICLE BACK TO HAVE THEM BALANCED AGAIN, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THEY WERE BADLY CUPPED TO BE PROPERLY BALANCED. THE TIRES HAVE IMPROPER WEAR PATTERN DUE TO MIS ALIGNMENT OR RUNNING THEM AGAINST THE RECOMMENDED ROTATION PATTERN. CONSUMER IS WILLING TO TRY A NEW SET OF FALCONS OR A REFUND OF MONIES PAID. *JG
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JNKBY31D4VM
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED THAT THE GAS PEDAL WOULD NOT ENGAGE READILY, WHEN PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL FROM A STOPPED POSITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE, THEN MORE FORCE WOULD BE USED ON THE GAS PEDAL AND VEHICLE WOULD LURCH FORWARD, THE DEALER CLEANED THE THROTTLE CHAMBER. *SLC
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE PAINT SCRATCHES AND FLAKES OFF SO EASILY AND HAS TO BE TOUCHED UP REPEATEDLY. NLM
Negative 1999 Infiniti Q45 car reviews
Positive 1999 Infiniti Q45 car reviews
-
I've owned several luxury automobiles over the years and I must say, the Q45 is one of the most beautiful cars I've ever seen. The only line that comes close is the Jaguar. It's been an absolute joy to drive and own this car.
-
Hi there! I came across my Q accidentally while browsing and I'm so glad I did! I called, checked it out and bought it all in just 2 days. The car has only 43k miles in 22 years, has been dealership-babied, and only used for short trips and special occasions. I paid $3400 for it, which is a bit more than market-value, but it's immaculate. After reading every review out there, I now know why it was such a sleeper as a top 3 luxury sedan of its day. Everything about it is crisp. Other drivers actually stare it down and avoid coming close, as if to pay some bizarre homage due to its appearance. It's a timeless vehicle and Nissan isn't making cars like this anymore. If you're looking for a car that was built to detail, the 2nd generation Q45 is definitely it!
-
I am on my 3rd Q45 and it's one of the most reliable luxury cars you can get for the price. Just make sure you maintain the vehicle properly and it won't give you issues. Bought the car almost 2 years ago with 43K on it and now has 77K. The engine can use a bit more horses, but once on the hiway it'll outrun most cars. My mechanic is a personal friend and he tells me the car is in great shape everytime I take it in for him to service. This is one of the best cars for the price you pay folks!!
-
No problems. Excellent service.
-
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my car. I bought it back in '04 with only 39520 miles on it, and it's been a great ride ever since. The only thing I had to replace were the tires due to some road noise, but other than that, it's been smooth sailing. While it may not have the most powerful engine, I find that the ride more than makes up for it. Before this car, I used to drive SUVs and trucks, but I've really come to appreciate the comfort of a car for both highway and street driving. I'm actually considering getting a new Q45, mainly because of the stronger engine. If only someone could install the 4.5 liter in my old Q45T, I'd definitely keep it! Let me know if you have any questions or thoughts on this.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1999 Infiniti Q45 problems:
1997 Q45 common problems - Nissan Forum | Nissan Forums
Jul 31, 2016 ... Hitachi is available at Rock Auto for $43 each, so not a huge deal... Good luck! 1990 Infiniti Q45 FKA "Q2" 2004 Nissan Frontier King Cab M/T
Q&A: Common Problems with 1999 Infiniti Q45 - P1320 Code
Nov 24, 2020 ... as you probably know the most common cause that will trigger the P1320 code is the ignition coils, one or more ignition coils may have failed.
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 ...
I've been looking at used Infiniti Q45, why are they so inexpensive ...
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 ...
1999 INFINITI Q45 Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Most Common 1999 INFINITI Q45 Problems ... Check Engine Light Due to Failed EVAP Purge Con... Intermittent failure of a purge control valve in the evaporative ...
Other years of Infiniti Q45
Are you having problems with your 1999 Infiniti Q45?
Hassan Bashirian 2025-01-06
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with this car that I bought used in 2001 with 25,000 miles. I have to say, it has been relatively trouble-free! The dealer even gave me a set of anniversary wheels because the touring wheels were warped from chroming (this is apparently a common problem, so be careful!). There have been a few annoying problems, like the front doors closing too easily, and some noticeable body flex, but thankfully no squeaks in the interior (yet). Unfortunately, the seat memory doesn't reset the steering wheel's location, but overall I'm still happy with my purchase. Thanks for listening!
Mitchell Sawayn 2024-05-16
Although I fell in love with the car at first sight, I was disappointed by the excessive road noise, loud cooling fan motor for the radiator, and the so-called excessive road force variation (as per the dealer's comments), which caused the car to go through 3 sets of tires before it even reached 6,000 miles. Despite contacting the factory and making numerous trips back and forth, I was unable to resolve the issues. At just over $48,000, the car did not meet my expectations of a luxury vehicle. This experience has led me to conclude that Infiniti is not the brand for me.
Stone Kulas 2024-05-09
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.