VehicleVerdict

1998 Infiniti Q45 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 16 complaints on file for the 1998 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.

16

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Q45 years?

Q45 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 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, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Q45 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Infiniti Q45 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags638%
Electrical System319%
Brakes213%
Speed Control16%
Steering16%
Suspension16%
Engine16%
Seat Belts16%

Does the 1998 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.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 6, 2005 · crash

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 19, 2002 · fire

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 1, 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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · November 29, 2000

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 2, 2014

1998 Infiniti Q45 — common questions

Is the 1998 Infiniti Q45 reliable?

The record is thin — 16 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 1998 Q45 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (6 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints), brakes (2 complaints).

Does the 1998 Infiniti Q45 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 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.