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1998 Infiniti Q45Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 14 owner complaints about the 1998 Infiniti Q45, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints149 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage76kAir bags, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 19, 2014. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 Infiniti Q45 has problems

14 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Air bags64
Electrical system21
Engine and engine cooling10
Seat belts10
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Steering10
Suspension10
Vehicle speed control10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

1998 Infiniti Q45 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator

Recall 02V-171 · Jun 24, 2002 · 161,000 vehicles

Risk. 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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator

Recall 99V-129 · May 20, 1999 · 17,000 vehicles

Risk. 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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Power train: automatic transmission

Recall 98V-325 · Dec 14, 1998 · 22,000 vehicles

Risk. 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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Infiniti.

Best & worst years

1998 vs. every other Q45 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Q45 median. How we score

'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Q45 owners report

Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 INFINITI Q45. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WAS FAULTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Complaint 10659426 · Nov 19, 2014
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 10115140 · Sep 28, 2005 · 76,002 miles
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH THE VEHICLE COLLIDED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SPINAL INJURIES AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED CHEST AND BACK INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED TOTAL LOSS. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Complaint 10111384 · Feb 11, 2005 · 76,000 miles

Own a 1998 Q45?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.