Most common 1997 Infiniti Q45 problems
Share of the 12 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Infiniti Q45 complaints by model year
Best Q45 years: 2003, 2005, 2001. Years to avoid: 2002. Compare all years →
1997 Infiniti Q45 recalls (3)
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
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.
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…
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the alternator.
Power train › Automatic transmission
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."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the shift lock control unit.
What 1997 Infiniti Q45 owners say
Electrical system
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. This condition would reoccur infrequently, and has since manifested itself by showing no charging from the alternator. Infiniti identified this problem with a recall begun on 03/15/2002, as a defective diode damaged in manufacture. This action is identified as NHTSA action # pe02034. At no time was I notified by Infiniti of this recall, and the symptoms of malfunction I have experienced are clearly a result of a defective alternator/diode. I contacted Infiniti on 11/08/2011 and they denied me any assistance. …
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. We have had to replace the alternator and battery,that were all replaced early this year by previous owner. Sometimes jumping the car works and other times it does not. The problem started one day while driving at low speeds. The brake light and battery signs appeared on the dash and disappearing after that,the car started to refuse starting and needed a jump. We installed a new battery days ago and the car started right up. But it refused to start the next day again and took 4 attempts to get it going. It also seems that while at a stop sign/light trying to take off,the car refuses to move even when the gas pedal is depressed. …
1997 Infiniti Q45 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.1L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Infiniti Q45 a good car?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Q45 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Q45 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Infiniti Q45?
The electrical system — 4 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about alternator/generator/regulator. Next are the suspension (2) and air bags (2).
How many recalls does the 1997 Infiniti Q45 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 1997 Infiniti Q45, the most recent from June 24, 2002 (alternator/generator/regulator). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Infiniti Q45?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003, 2005 and 2001. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002. See the full Infiniti Q45 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Infiniti Q45 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 140,000 miles; 17% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.