Most common 1998 Infiniti Q45 problems
Share of the 14 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 →
1998 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 1998 Infiniti Q45 owners say
Air bags
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. The impact was so great that it pushed back the frame rail one inch. The consumer is questioning whether or not the vehicle even has air bags and wants Nissan to inspect the vehicle.
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.
1998 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 1998 Infiniti Q45 a good car?
Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Q45 rates average: 1.5× 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 1998 Infiniti Q45?
The air bags — 6 complaints, 43% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the electrical system (2) and suspension (1).
How many recalls does the 1998 Infiniti Q45 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 1998 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 1998 Infiniti Q45 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 77,000 miles; 0% 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.