1998 Infiniti Q45: common problems and reliability
14 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about air bags. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 1998 Q45?The 1998 Infiniti Q45 has 14 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and electrical system.
Safety record for the 1998 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Infiniti Q45 vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1998 a good year for the Q45?
Across the 10 Q45 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2005) to 22 (2002). With 14 complaints, the 1998 Q45 sits above the model's median of 10.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1998 Q45
electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
Campaign 02V171000ON 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.
electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
Campaign 99V129000VEHICLE 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.
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 98V325000VEHICLE 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."
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is polarized and heavily dependent on the vehicle's age and condition.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Q45. See the full Q45 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Q45 listings typically run $5,332–$10,130 across 1993 to 2006 model years.
Other Q45 model years
Compare every Q45 year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Q45 against its rivals
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