2000 Infiniti Q45 problems

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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 With a price of A$140,000, the Q45 sold poorly and the brand was subsequently withdrawn from the market in 1996.

2000 Infiniti Q45

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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.

2000 Infiniti Q45 engine

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 mph5.9 s
0 - 100 mph14.6 s
1/4 mile14.6 s @ 100.0 mph
Top speed238 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.

2008-07-14

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
2007-08-15

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
2005-10-24

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
2005-05-06

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
2005-04-01

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
2004-06-15

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
2004-06-09

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-07-17
  • VIN: JNKBY31A8YM
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: CAR VIBRATES DURING 50 - 80 MPH. *AK
2003-08-18

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
2001-08-07

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
2001-08-07

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.

2003-03-19
  • 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

  1. 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.

Positive 2000 Infiniti Q45 car reviews

  1. Arno Moen 2024-11-18

    This car is truly underrated in the market. I was fortunate enough to purchase this top-of-the-line off-lease vehicle at a reasonable price. Its sleek and elegant-yet-aggressive design, combined with its more-than-ample power (266 hp) and confident, comfortable performance (17-inch tires), make it an absolute pleasure to own. The cabin is world-class, offering ample space, luxurious features, and high-tech gadgets such as GPS. I receive compliments almost everywhere I go, which is always a welcome surprise. It's also refreshing to drive a unique car, as while Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, and others are superb, they are too common and too costly.

  2. Floy Prosacco 2024-11-12

    I bought the car in 1997 when it was just 2 years old with 36 K miles. It was an amazing driving experience! The car has a unique presence, is incredibly roomy inside, has comfortable seats, and great pick-up without a kick-down. The customer service was excellent, even though it wasn't exactly cheap.

  3. Keith Doyle 2024-11-01

    Best of both, you get lots of luxury with sporty features and performance.

  4. Charles Bode 2024-08-24

    Great car! It's really fast going from 30-65 and it's so much fun to drive in moving traffic. The car handles really well with good acceleration and the sound system is amazing!

  5. Rosario Harris 2024-08-16

    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.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2000 Infiniti Q45 problems:

1997 Q45 common problems - Nissan Forum | Nissan Forums
1997 Q45 common problems - Nissan Forum | Nissan Forums
https://forums.nicoclub.com/1997-q45-common-problems-t610393.html

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
INFINITI Q45 Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/infiniti/q45

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
2000 Q45 problem update - Nissan Forum | Nissan Forums
https://forums.nicoclub.com/2000-q45-problem-update-t516511.html

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
2002 INFINITI Q45 Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2002-infiniti-q45/problems

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
Q&A: Common Problems with 1999 Infiniti Q45 - P1320 Code
https://www.justanswer.com/nissan-infiniti/fk1l3-problems-cars-p1320-99-q45.html

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

infiniti q45 2001 photo
Q45 2001
Infiniti

4

1

24

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
infiniti q45 2002 photo
Q45 2002
Infiniti

22

1

20

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
infiniti q45 2003 photo
Q45 2003
Infiniti

14

1

20

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
infiniti q45 2004 photo
Q45 2004
Infiniti

7

2

13

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
infiniti q45 2005 photo
Q45 2005
Infiniti

4

3

26

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
infiniti q45 1990 photo
Q45 1990
Infiniti

33

1

3

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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