VehicleVerdict

1990 Infiniti Q45 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 33 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.9 times the median Q45 year — the 1990 model ranks #4 of 20 Q45 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 42% of all reports (14 of 33), far ahead of visibility & wipers at 4.

33

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Q45 years?

Q45 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted49 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 33 complaints1991: 49 complaints1992: 34 complaints1993: 3 complaints1994: 47 complaints1995: 8 complaints1996: 8 complaints1997: 13 complaints1998: 16 complaints1999: 10 complaints2000: 13 complaints2001: 5 complaints2002: 29 complaints2003: 20 complaints2004: 14 complaints2005: 5 complaints2006: 0 complaints
Q45 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Q45 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Infiniti Q45 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1442%
Visibility & Wipers412%
Engine39%
Steering39%
Brakes39%
Electrical System39%
Suspension13%
Lighting13%
Fuel System13%

Does the 1990 Infiniti Q45 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

95V103002Seat BeltsMay 24, 1995 · 2,730,462 units

Defect

THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.

Consequence

THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS TRICKED INTO BUYING THIS VEHICLE, BEING A FIRST TIME BUYER AND DIVORCED. INCLUDING THIS MAJOR FUEL LEAK (WHICH HAS NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED EXACTLY WHERE THE LEAK IS COMING FROM) THE TRANSMISSION IS GONE. EVEN IF THE TRANSMISSION IS REPLACED THE VEHICLE IS STILL TO HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE. I AM AT MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 25, 1999

“VEHICLE HAS DEFECTIVE ABS BRAKES, LEAKS BRAKE FLUID AND BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON. THE CONSUMER HAS SPOKEN TO VARIOUS DEALERS, IT APPEARS THAT THE PROBLEM STARTED IN 1990-1992. IN MOST OF 1993 MODELS THE DEFECTS STARTED WITH THE VENDORS. ABS HOUSING OF METAL CASTINGS ARE DEFECTIVE AND STARTED TO BREAK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 15, 1997

“WHEN CONSUMER IS DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 50 OR ABOVE THE VEHICLE WILL MAKE A NOISE OF FUSES POPPING, AND THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN AT THAT TIME. THERE IS NO WARNING INDICATING THIS PROBLEM BEFORE HAND. VEHICLE HAS SHUT DOWN AND BEEN REPAIRED BY DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES. THE DEALER CANNOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 10, 1997

1990 Infiniti Q45 — common questions

Is the 1990 Infiniti Q45 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 33 complaints put the 1990 model at #4 of 20 Q45 years. It is one of the Q45 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1990 Q45 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (14 complaints), visibility & wipers (4 complaints), steering (3 complaints).

Does the 1990 Infiniti Q45 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1990 Infiniti Q45. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 Infiniti Q45 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Infiniti Q45 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Q45 years to avoid are 1991, 1994, 1992, 1990. The cleanest record among Q45 years belongs to 2006.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.