2005 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 With a price of A$140,000, the Q45 sold poorly and the brand was subsequently withdrawn from the market in 1996.

2005 Infiniti Q45

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Common 2005 Infiniti Q45 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 2005 Infiniti Q45, several common problems have been reported:

  • Electrical Problems:
    • The 2005 Infiniti Q45 has been associated with various electrical issues, including problems with the lighting system. Electrical malfunctions can affect the overall functionality of the vehicle, leading to issues with visibility, safety, and overall driving experience.
  • Air Bag Problems:
    • Another common problem reported with the 2005 Infiniti Q45 is related to the airbags. Malfunctions in the airbag system can pose serious safety risks in the event of a collision, compromising the vehicle's ability to protect occupants in case of an accident.
  • Transmission Issues:
    • Owners have also reported transmission problems with the 2005 Infiniti Q45. Transmission issues can manifest as rough shifting, slipping gears, or complete transmission failure, impacting the vehicle's performance and drivability.
  • Seat Problems:
    • Some owners have experienced problems with the seats in the Infiniti Q45. Issues with the seats can range from discomfort and lack of support to mechanical failures such as power seat malfunctions, affecting the comfort and convenience of the vehicle.
  • Wheel Problems:
    • Wheel-related problems have been reported by owners of the 2005 Infiniti Q45. Issues with the wheels can include alignment issues, tire wear, or problems with the wheel components, impacting the vehicle's handling and safety on the road.
  • Engine Concerns:
    • The 2005 Infiniti Q45 has also been associated with engine problems. Engine issues can vary from performance issues like loss of power or rough running to more serious concerns such as engine stalling or failure, affecting the overall reliability and drivability of the vehicle.

These common problems reported by owners of the 2005 Infiniti Q45 highlight various issues that can impact the performance, safety, and overall driving experience of this luxury sedan. Owners experiencing any of these problems are advised to consult with a qualified auto repair professional to address and resolve these issues promptly.

2005 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.

What engine is in a INFINITI Q45?

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.

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)

2005 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:

  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Seats problems
  • Tires problems
  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2005 Infiniti Q45 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2005 Infiniti Q45 complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2005 Infiniti Q45.

2019-01-26

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-01-15
  • VIN: JNKBF01A05M
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS SET, AND THE NEED TO PASS OR SPEED UP IS REQUIRED, IF YOU PRESS THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR THE CAR TAKES OFF AND *THEN STOPS RESPONDING AND DROPS BACK TO SET CRUISE CONTROL SPEED WHILE YOU ARE STILL FLOORING IT. IT BUCKS BACK AND FORTH. I SPOKE TO SEVERAL OWNERS ON A INFINITI OWNERS SITE AND THERES PERFORMS THE SAME. ITS DANGEROUS IF THE NEED TO SPEED UP OCCURS. THIS IS A PROBLEM IN THE CODING OF THE PARAMETERS IN THE ECU AND COULD BE DEADLY WITH UNEXPECTED PERFORMANCE. THIS HAPPENED ON I40 IN KNOXVILLE TENNESSEE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THIS CONDITION CAN BE REPEATED BACK TO BACK MULTIPLE TIMES.
2012-06-20

AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2012-04-23
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JNKBF01A05M
  • Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 INFINITI Q45. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO HER PASSENGER SIDE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT TWISTED TOWARD THE DRIVER'S DOOR DURING THE CRASH. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
2011-01-14

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2010-12-10
  • VIN: JNKBF01A25M
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: I PURCHASED 4 NEW TIRES FOR MY VEHICLE ON 7/24/2010 THE TIRES IN QUESTION ARE MICHELIN P245/45R18 PRIMACY MXV4 96V. AFTER ONLY 3500 MILES THE REAR RIGHT TIRE BLEW ON THE HIGHWAY, FORTUNATELY FOR ME THERE WAS HEAVY TRAFFIC AND I WAS NOT DOING OVER 30MPH. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH THE SPARE TIRE AND THEN IT WAS DISCOVERED A 3" GASH FROM THE SIDE WALL TO THE FIRST THREAD. NO FOREIGN OBJECTS WERE FOUND IN THE TIRE TO SUGGEST THAT I PICKED SOMETHING ON THE ROAD,HOWEVER I DID NOTICE THAT THE REINFORCEMENTS WERE RIPPED I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THESE TIRES AND HAVE KEPT THE DAMAGED TIRE FOR INSPECTION FOR ANYONE WHO MAY WANT TO INVESTIGATE. THANK YOU. *TR
2007-10-17

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2007-08-30
  • VIN: JNKBF01A45M
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 INFINITI Q45. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. SHE CALLED AAA TO GET THE VEHICLE TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE, BUT NO FAILURES WERE FOUND AT THAT TIME. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 28,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000. UPDATED 01/02/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR

2005 Infiniti Q45 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2005 Infiniti Q45.

2012-02-28
  • Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  • Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
  • Summary: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003-2005 INFINITI Q45 VEHICLES. A WIRING CONNECTOR FOR THE SEAT MOUNTED AIRBAG MAY EXPERIENCE INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE, RESULTING IN THE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIR BAGS.
  • Consequence: NON-DEPLOYMENT OF SIDE AIR BAGS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
  • Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE WIRING CONNECTOR, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 19, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-647-7261.
2006-10-13
  • Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
  • Summary: CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE STOP LAMP AND REFLEX REFLECTOR REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
  • Consequence: THIS STANDARD IS TO REDUCE CRASHES, INJURIES AND DEATHS BY PROVIDING ADEQUATE ILLUMINATION OF THE ROADWAY, AND BY ENHANCING THE CONSPICUITY OF MOTOR VEHICLES ON THE PUBLIC ROADS SO THAT THEIR PRESENCE IS PERCEIVED AND THEIR SIGNALS UNDERSTOOD, BOTH IN DAYLIGHT AND IN DARKNESS OR OTHER CONDITIONS OF REDUCED VISIBILITY.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR COMBINATION LAMP ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT APRIL 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
2005-08-29
  • Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  • Components: CHILD SEAT:LATCH STRAP
  • Summary: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER REAR SEATS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE LOWER ANCHORAGE BRACKETS IN THE REAR SEATS DO NOT MEET THE LOCATION REQUIREMENT IN THIS STANDARD. THIS MAY CAUSE DIFFICULTY IN ATTACHING SOME CHILD SEATS TO THESE BRACKETS.
  • Consequence: IF A CHILD SEAT IS NOT SECURED, THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN A CRASH.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER ANCHORAGE BRACKETS WITH MODIFIED ONES TO ENSURE THAT THE STANDARD IS MET. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

Negative 2005 Infiniti Q45 car reviews

  1. Wendell Lueilwitz 2024-07-06

    Although marketed as a luxury sedan, the trunk capacity is smaller than that of a Honda. If you plan to take a car trip, you may need to ship your luggage. I wonder what the designers were thinking. My previous Lexus had 35% more capacity.

Positive 2005 Infiniti Q45 car reviews

  1. Myrl Pouros 2024-11-13

    You'll love the powerful engine, smooth ride, luxurious interior, and all the gadgets galore. While the exterior could be a little more stylish, it's still a great car overall!

  2. Dorian Koelpin 2024-11-09

    I love my new premium Q. I test drove several cars in its class and they just didn't have the same level of excitement. Although I have experienced an unexplained battery drain, overall I have been very pleased.

  3. Rene Wilderman 2024-10-28

    Fast, powerful, quiet, smooth, safe, reliable - what more can you ask for? A pleasure to own and drive, this luxury cruiser is highly recommended. Not flashy, but elegant and understated, it is a true

  4. Muhammad Heathcote 2024-10-19

    I traded my 2002 base sedan for the 2004 premium and I'm really happy with the upgrade! The ride is firmer and better, especially in sport mode. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the pick up from 0-60 seems improved too. I used to think the back-up mirror was a gimmick, but it's actually been very useful in tight parking lots.

  5. Orland Kerluke 2024-09-29

    This car is amazing! It's the perfect combination of luxury and performance. It handles great and is so much fun to drive, without being tiring.

Leave your review of 2005 Infiniti Q45

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2005 Infiniti Q45 problems:

Q45 Reliability, Third Generation, 2002-2006 - Nissan Forum ...
Q45 Reliability, Third Generation, 2002-2006 - Nissan Forum ...
https://forums.nicoclub.com/q45-reliability-third-generation-2002-2006-t500971.html

Jul 14, 2010 ... The problem is the inverter, a poorly designed driver which lacks proper rated ballast caps thus reducing the life hours of the light tubes.

2005 INFINITI Q45 Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
2005 INFINITI Q45 Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
https://repairpal.com/cars/infiniti/q45/2005

Most Common 2005 INFINITI Q45 Problems ... Lack of power on acceleration due to fuel pump ... If the car drives well at cruise speed, but lacks power while ...

2005 INFINITI Q45 Consumer Reviews | Cars.com
2005 INFINITI Q45 Consumer Reviews | Cars.com
https://www.cars.com/research/infiniti-q45-2005/consumer-reviews/

Comfort 4.7; Interior 4.5; Performance 4.7; Value 4.5; Exterior 4.6; Reliability 4.6.

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 ...

Q45 Reliability problems and excessive depreciation - Nissan Forum
Q45 Reliability problems and excessive depreciation - Nissan Forum
https://forums.nicoclub.com/q45-reliability-problems-and-excessive-depreciation-t106542.html

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 ...

Other years of Infiniti Q45

infiniti q45 1990 photo
Q45 1990
Infiniti

33

1

3

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
infiniti q45 1991 photo
Q45 1991
Infiniti

47

2

7

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
infiniti q45 1992 photo
Q45 1992
Infiniti

29

1

14

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
infiniti q45 1993 photo
Q45 1993
Infiniti

2

0

16

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
infiniti q45 1994 photo
Q45 1994
Infiniti

36

0

15

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
infiniti q45 1995 photo
Q45 1995
Infiniti

8

0

16

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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2005 Infiniti Q45 photo