2000 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 With a price of A$140,000, the Q45 sold poorly and the brand was subsequently withdrawn from the market in 1996.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 2000 Infiniti Q45 problems
Based on the information gathered from various sources regarding the 2000 Infiniti Q45, here are some common problems reported by owners:
- TCS Light: The TCS (Traction Control System) light coming on at around 54,500 miles has been reported as a problem.
- Transmission Problems: Major transmission problems have been noted at approximately 54,000 miles by some owners.
- Engine Vibration: Owners have reported engine vibration at 1,000 and 2,500 rpm.
- Alternator Replacement: One owner mentioned having to replace the alternator at 115,000 miles.
- Gas Consumption: The Infiniti Q45 is known to be a gas guzzler, requiring premium gas and resulting in frequent visits to the gas station, costing around $100 per week with normal commuting.
- Parts Availability and Cost: Finding parts for the Infiniti Q45 can be challenging and expensive, often requiring orders from the dealer at high costs.
- Suspension Issues: The car's suspension has been highlighted as a potential problem area, with reports of suspension failures that can be costly to repair.
These issues provide insights into the common problems faced by owners of the 2000 Infiniti Q45. It is essential for potential buyers to consider these factors when evaluating the reliability and maintenance costs associated with this vehicle.
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) |
Why did Infiniti fail in Europe?
Lack of crossovers. Secondly, Infiniti lacked good crossovers for Europe. Crossovers have been the growth engine for the luxury segment, especially in Europe. And crossover buyers seem to be more open to other brands.
2000 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:
- Suspension problems
- Wheels problems
- Tires problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2000 Infiniti Q45 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2000 Infiniti Q45 complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2000 Infiniti Q45.
SUSPENSION,TIRES,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-01
- VIN: JNKBY31A8YM
- Components: SUSPENSION,TIRES,WHEELS
- Summary: VEHICLE VIBRATES STARTING AT 50MPH UP TO 80MPH. DEALER REPLACED TIRES TWICE PLUS ALLOY WHEELS REPLACED. INFINITY MECHANIC ADMITS TOTAL VIBRATION BUT MFG. REP STATES AUTO MADE TO RIDE THAT WAY. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-04-07
- VIN: JNKBY31A1YM
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: MY 2000 INFINITY Q-45 WITH 37,000 MILES OF USAGE SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING COMPLETELY LOCKED UP WHILE UNDER POWER IN THE OUTSIDE LANE WHILE ON A BUSY SIX LANE STREET AND WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE WE LATER LEARNED BY THE DEALER HAD SUFFERED A REAR WHEEL BRAKE AND AXLE COMPLETE BREAKDOWN AND FAILURE. THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT WE MUST HAVE DRIVEN THE CAR WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED TO CAUSE THE AXLE, BRAKE LININGS AND DRUMS TO OVER HEAT AND FATIGUE. THE CAR REQUIRED A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF NEW REPLACEMENT PARTS IN THE ACEL/BRAKE ASSEMBLY AREA THAT REQUIRED $2,158.64 IN PARTS AND THE TOTAL BILL WAS $3,113.70. WHILE NO ONE WAS INJURED IN THIS EVENT, IT WAS ONLY BECAUSE THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON A SURFACE STREET A LOW SPEED AS OPPOSED TO AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. MY CONCERN IS THAT WE, THE DRIVERS OF THE VEHICLE THAT WAS PURCHASED NEW, ARE RETIRED AND MONITOR OUR VEHICLES CLOSELY. THERE IS A "INDICATOR LIGHT" THAT SHOULD COME ON AUTOMATICALLY WHILE DRIVING OR ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE PARTIALLY OR FULLY ENGAGED. THIS NEVER HAPPENED. I TESTED THIS LIGHT SINCE THE REPAIRS AND IT IS FUNCTIONAL AT THIS TIME. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF OTHERS WITH A INFINITY Q-45 MIGHT HAVE HAD A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE AS OUR VEHICLE WAS NOT KNOWINGLY DRIVEN WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED. *JB
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-08
- VIN: JNKBY31A5YM
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: DT: CONTACT STATED THAT A RECALL 03V098000 CONCERNING WHEELS CAME OUT ON THIS VEHICLE BEFORE HE PURCHASED IT AND NOTHING WAS DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER OR THE DEALER WHO SOLD IT TO HIM. THE VEHICLE SHIMMIED, AND THE TIRES WERE WEARING OUT TOO SOON. THE DEALER INDICATED TO THE CONTACT THEY KNEW NOTHING ABOUT THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER TOLD HIM IT WAS TOO LATE TO HAVE WORK COMPLETED UNDER THE RECALL. *AK
TIRES,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-25
- VIN: JNKBY31A9YM
- Components: TIRES,WHEELS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 25-30 MPH VEHICLE HIT A POT HOLE AND IT VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. DRIVER WAS PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR LEFT TIRE WAS FLAT. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK SECOND TIRE DEVELOPED A BUBBLE ON OUTSIDE YET THE TIRE HAD NO SIGN OF DAMAGE ON THE OUTSIDE, THIS HAPPENED AT 42,538 MILES. CONSUMER HAS BOTH FAULTY TIRES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LEFT REAR RIM AND TIRE WERE BENT AND REPLACED REAR TIRE AND RIM MOUNT AND BALANCED THE TIRES. *BF *NM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-01
- VIN: JNKBY31A5YM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT HARD WHILE SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR, AND VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE UNCONTROLLABLY. DRIVER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ALSO, VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-10
- VIN: JNKBY31A8YM
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: VEHICLE VIBRATES AT SPEEDS STARTING AT 50 MPH THROUGH 80 MPH. VIBRATION CAN BE FELT THROUGHOUT CABIN. *LA
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-17
- VIN: JNKBY31A8YM
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: CAR VIBRATES DURING 50 - 80 MPH. *AK
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JNKBY31A3YM
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: DEALERSHIP DOESN'T HAVE THE REPLACEMENT WHEELS FOR THE ALLOY WHEEL RECALL 03 V 098 000. CONSUMER HAS BEEN WAITING FOR 2 MONTHS.*AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-01
- VIN: JNKBY31A8YM
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHEN AUTO REACHES SPEED OF 60 MPH THRU 79 MPH THERE IS A VIBRATION THROUGHOUT CAR. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-01
- VIN: JNKBY31A8YM
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHEN AUTO REACHES SPEED OF 60 MPH THRU 79 MPH THERE IS A VIBRATION THROUGHOUT CAR. *AK
2000 Infiniti Q45 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2000 Infiniti Q45.
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 17 INCH ALLOY WHEELS, THE WHEELS MAY HAVE A CASTING DEFECT FROM WHICH CRACKS COULD PROPAGATE AS THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN.
- Consequence: IF A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF CRACKS DEVELOP, THE WHEEL COULD FAIL AND SEPARATE FROM THE MOUNTING HUB, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE WHEELS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 28, 2003. 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 INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
Negative 2000 Infiniti Q45 car reviews
Positive 2000 Infiniti Q45 car reviews
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I bought this car because I was an outside salesman at the time and wanted a reliable vehicle. Despite having driven over 110K miles and experiencing a major accident that resulted in $13,000 in repairs, the car still runs smoothly and quietly without any shakes or rattles. While I would like to upgrade to a newer model, it's hard to justify another purchase when this one is still in great condition and has proven to be so dependable. I did have to change the wheels to reduce road noise, and a larger trunk would be a welcome addition.
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The Q45 is truly in a class of its own, surpassing even Lincoln and Lexus. From the moment you close the door, the tight, solid sound tells you that this car is built to last. The leather interior is the finest I've ever seen in a car, and the suspension and comfortable seats provide a flawless ride even on the roughest of roads. The Bose sound system and extreme quietness of the engine, with no road noise, make this car one of the best luxuries I've ever experienced. As an Infiniti, the Q45 truly tops them all!
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This car is absolutely stunning, reliable, and a true classic. The power is simply amazing and the ride is incredibly smooth. I have the touring model and always keep the struts on sport mode. I purchased this ride for my family to enjoy and they absolutely love it. I had always wanted this car and my family loves it too, so I bought it used with 77,000 miles. That was 111,000 miles ago and it's still the king of the road. It may consume a bit more fuel than some other cars, but what do you expect from such a powerful V8 engine? Nevertheless, it is a luxurious oasis. I love it so much that I'm seriously considering getting another one. I'm about to get rid of my Lincoln LS and I'm thinking of replacing it with the same model Q45, but with a different color and lower mileage, of course.
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No problems. Excellent service.
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Your anniversary edition Q45 sounds like a fantastic car! The fit and finish are excellent, and the style has really held up well. The wheels are a particular favourite of mine. It's great to hear that it's been a carefree car for you, and it still looks beautiful even after almost 6 years. I also love the option of being able to switch from the standard ride to the sports ride. It's wonderful to hear that the dealership is great, and that any service work is very reasonably priced. Thank you for sharing your positive experience!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2000 Infiniti Q45 problems:
1997 Q45 common problems - Nissan Forum | Nissan Forums
Jul 31, 2016 ... 1997 Q45 common problems. A Q45 forum / Cima ... Good luck! 1990 Infiniti Q45 FKA "Q2" 2004 ... 2000 AE last December that had about 109,000 ...
INFINITI Q45 Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Top INFINITI Q45 Problems · Drivability Issues Due to Failing Crankshaft Angle Sensor · Check Engine Light Due to Failed EVAP Purge Control Valve · Fuel Injector ...
2000 Q45 problem update - Nissan Forum | Nissan Forums
Nov 30, 2010 ... Once these gaskets get dried out and shrink, that;s it. They have to be replaced. The other thing that could be causing the rough idle are the ...
2002 INFINITI Q45 Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
Problem with your 2002 INFINITI Q45? Our list of 5 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2002 INFINITI Q45.
Q&A: Common Problems with 1999 Infiniti Q45 - P1320 Code
Nov 24, 2020 ... Same as all other problems with these cars p1320. 99 q45. 1999. I replaced all plugs and also all 8 coils and checked - Answered by a ...
Other years of Infiniti Q45
Are you having problems with your 2000 Infiniti Q45?
Pierce Rath 2025-01-17
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.
Jayson Lueilwitz 2024-02-17
Great riding car! It's super comfortable and has a large, boat-like plush ride. It's awesome as a family car or cross country cruiser. However, I did have some problems with an oil leak. Thank goodness I purchased it under warranty.