1997 Infiniti Q45: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 12 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2002
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 infiniti q45. While driving approximately 75 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. An unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle stopped after the vehicle was placed into the neutral position. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 162,915.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 infiniti q45. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the front driver and passenger side air bags deployed inadvertently. The vehicle immediately became full of smoke as the driver and front passenger exited the vehicle. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2014
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 infiniti q45. While driving 55 mph, the contact noticed that both the brake light and battery warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a chevrolet dealer and they stated that the alternator failed. The contact did not notice any differences prior to the failure. The current and failure mileages were 101,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2008
Show 5 more owner reports
“The vehicle would rev extremely high when the gas pedal was pressed. This vehicle had a recall for a defective alternator, but the recall expired. The manufacturer and the dealer are aware of the problem( recall no. #02v171000 damaged alternator). *nm”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2003
“On three separate occasions my vehicle had a signal indicating air bag failure. The vehicle has been at the dealer three times in which on three separate occasions they claimed to have rebuilt the airbags. I phoned the manufacturer to ask them for warranties that first the air bags have been reparied properly for the last time and that if the vehicle should be in an accident, that the air bags would deploy properly. The manufacturer refuses to give this warranty ,and refuses to honor any claims. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 1999
“Received recall notice #98v215000 in the mail. Notified dealer. Was informed no parts available for theft prevention. Manufacturer was called. Was informed parts will be available early next year. *ak”Owner report · Steering · Dec 1998
“When the car is shifted in reverse and as the car moves backward, the driver seat reclines involuntarily and without warning. *ak”Owner report · Seats
“The vehicle has continually experienced severe vibration in the front end suspension while driving 40 to 60 mph, the tires have been replaced due to uneven severe wear of the inside of tires (no make/model of tire provided), one tire blew out due to vibration problems. Consumer replaced two sets of tires in 39000 miles. *mjs”Owner report · Suspension
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR.
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.
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.
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."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SHIFT LOCK CONTROL UNIT.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1997 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Q45 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Infiniti Q45 reliable?
NHTSA has 12 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Infiniti Q45. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 1997 Infiniti Q45 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.