VehicleVerdict

1997 Infiniti Q45 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 13 complaints on file for the 1997 Infiniti Q45 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

13

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Q45 years?

Q45 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 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, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Q45 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Infiniti Q45 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System431%
Airbags215%
Suspension215%
Engine18%
Seats18%
Speed Control18%
Steering18%
Brakes18%

Does the 1997 Infiniti Q45 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

02V171000Electrical SystemJune 24, 2002 · 161,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF THE COMBUSTIBLE GAS EMITTED BY THE MELTING PLASTIC DOES NOT DISPERSE DUE TO AIR FLOW THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, IT COULD IGNITE AND IN TURN IGNITE THE FAN GUIDE IN THE ALTERNATOR.

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.

99V129000Electrical SystemMay 20, 1999 · 17,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF THE COMBUSTIBLE GAS EMITTED BY THE MELTING PLASTIC DOES NOT DISPERSE DUE TO AIR FLOW THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, IT COULD IGNITE AND IN TURN IGNITE THE FAN GUIDE IN THE ALTERNATOR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR.

98V325000TransmissionDecember 14, 1998 · 22,000 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURRED AND THE DRIVER FAILED TO MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER TO 'PARK' OR ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY IF PARKED ON A SLOPE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SHIFT LOCK CONTROL UNIT.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 29, 2008

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension

“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.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 12, 2014

“WHEN THE CAR IS SHIFTED IN REVERSE AND AS THE CAR MOVES BACKWARD, THE DRIVER SEAT RECLINES INVOLUNTARILY AND WITHOUT WARNING. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 10, 1998

1997 Infiniti Q45 — common questions

Is the 1997 Infiniti Q45 reliable?

The record is thin — 13 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1997 Q45 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (4 complaints), airbags (2 complaints), suspension (2 complaints).

Does the 1997 Infiniti Q45 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Infiniti Q45. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.