1998 Infiniti Q45: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
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 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 infiniti q45. The contact stated that the air bag light illuminated. The dealer stated that the air bag was faulty. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 infiniti q45. The contact indicated that the service engine sensor illuminated and there was a loss of power. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled on several occasions. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop who was not able to replicate or diagnose the failure. The contact was not included in recall NHTSA campaign id number: 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 infiniti q45. The contact stated that the steering column was fractured. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic shop who advised that the steering column was fractured and the repairs would cost $2400. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were contacted who advised that her VIN was not included in any recalls and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving at 35 mph the vehicle collided into another vehicle. The dual airbags did not deploy. The driver sustained spinal injuries and the passenger sustained chest and back injuries. The vehicle was considered total loss. Please provide additional information. *jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2005
“While driving at approximately 35 mph the owner hit a vehicle on the front right side. Upon impact, the air bags failed to deploy. The driver and passenger sustained injuries, but did not seek immediate medical attention. *ak *sc *jb the impact was so great that it pushed back the frame rail one inch. The consumer is questioning whether or not the vehicle even has air bags and wants nissan to inspect the vehicle. *nm”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2005
“Front seat passenger - 5'9" sitting all the way back with seat belt on. Lifted left arm up just before front end crash impact and suffered a bad fracture requiring surgery and pin placement to left distal radius (forearm bone near wrist on thumb side). 1998 infinity q45. *nlm”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2003
“While driving on highway vehicle shutoff without any warning. As a result, to alternator malfunctioned. Dealer contacted.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2002
“The car was parked after driving the car for approx 1.5 miles and after about 15 20 minutes restauarant attendant inquired who owns that car? And informed that there is smoke coming out of the car. 911 was called for fire dept help. Fire fighters extinquished the fire.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2002
“Brake system fails to adequately stop vehicle. Lso, vehicle will intermittently surge while brakes are being applied. Dealership has examined vehicle, but cannot find a remedy for the problem. *ak consumer feels this could be related to brake booster failure. *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2001
“Accelerator pedal was sticking while vehicle was stopped. Took extreme pressure to release stickage and vehicle would lunge forward due to pressure on accelerator pedal. In traffic created a hazard to vehicles in front. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Nov 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
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 1998 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 1998 Infiniti Q45 reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 Infiniti Q45. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 1998 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.