AI Damage1997 Infiniti Q45: common problems
Owners of the 1997 Infiniti Q45 filed 12 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and air bags. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 12
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 33% of all complaints
- 2 Air bags 17% of all complaints
- 3 Suspension 17% of all complaints
- 4 Engine and cooling 8% of all complaints
- 5 Seats 8% of all complaints
- 6 Service brakes 8% of all complaints
- 7 Steering 8% of all complaints
- 8 Vehicle speed control 8% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 4 complaints (33% of all).
- Air bags: 2 complaints (17% of all).
- Suspension: 2 complaints (17% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (8% of all).
- Seats: 1 complaints (8% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 4.1 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
Drive: RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 12 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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.
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.
Sometime after I purchasing the above vehicle in november, 2001, the engine would fail to start without recharging the battery. After recharging, the vehicle would exhibit no malfunction and operate normally for extended periods of time.
It takes quite an effort to make the gas pedal respond,making the car jerk/lurch forward with great force.
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.
With more force applied, it suddenly releases, causing the car to lurch forward. On 10/29/01 I spoke to a steve at infinitys consumers affairs office in gardena, california about the problem.
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.
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.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 10,162 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 28% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Q45 has 14 complaints (16 years in the data). This year has 12, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Infiniti Q45?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, air bags, suspension. Total complaints: 12. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: jerking, harsh shifts (17%), warning lights, check engine (17%), won't start (8%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1997 Infiniti Q45?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1997 Infiniti Q45 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1997 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.