1997 Infiniti Q45
Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 28 |
| 1991 | 35 |
| 1992 | 28 |
| 1993 | 2 |
| 1994 | 31 |
| 1995 | 7 |
| 1996 | 7 |
| 1997 | 12 |
| 1998 | 14 |
| 1999 | 9 |
| 2000 | 9 |
| 2001 | 5 |
| 2002 | 20 |
| 2003 | 12 |
| 2004 | 7 |
| 2005 | 4 |
| 2006 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 12 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator.
Show complaint excerpts
THE CAR CAN REFUSE TO START RIGHT AFTER IT HAS BEEN DRIVEN AND SHUT OFF OR AFTER IT HAS BEEN PARKED FOR A WHILE. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING ALOT IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110508
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080730
THE VEHICLE WOULD REV EXTREMELY HIGH WHEN THE GAS PEDAL WAS PRESSED. THIS VEHICLE HAD A RECALL FOR A DEFECTIVE ALTERNATOR, BUT THE RECALL EXPIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM( RECALL NO. #02V171000 DAMAGED ALTERNATOR).
NHTSA ODI report, 20040205
2 of 12 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing front.
Show complaint excerpts
VEHICLE HYDROPLANED THREE TIMES CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND NEAR ACCIDENT DUE TO DESIGN FLAW.
NHTSA ODI report, 19981215
2 of 12 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140513
ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS MY VEHICLE HAD A SIGNAL INDICATING AIR BAG FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER THREE TIMES IN WHICH ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE REBUILT THE AIRBAGS.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990331
1 of 12 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
1 of 12 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing anti-theft device.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 WIT
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SHIFT LOCK CONTROL UNIT.
Campaign 98V325000 — check if this car was fixed
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
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR.
Campaign 99V129000 — check if this car was fixed
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 T
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
Campaign 02V171000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Infiniti Q45 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V325000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V129000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V171000 (electrical system) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1997 Infiniti Q45 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Infiniti Q45?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Infiniti Q45 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.