Model year guide

1997 Infiniti q45

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Infiniti q45 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1997 Infiniti q45 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1997 Infiniti q45 at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints12
Combined18 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1997 Infiniti q45 recalls 3

Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator NHTSA Campaign #02V171000 · 24/06/2002

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.

Fix: 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 TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator NHTSA Campaign #99V129000 · 20/05/1999

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR.

Power Train:automatic Transmission NHTSA Campaign #98V325000 · 14/12/1998

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."

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SHIFT LOCK CONTROL UNIT.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1997 Infiniti q45 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

1997 Infiniti q45 MPG & running costs

Combined18 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway22 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,550
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Passenger volume97 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$10,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1997 Infiniti q45 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$22,750
Fuel only$22,750
Per mile$0.30

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1997 Infiniti q45 trims & engines on record

Engines
4.0L

1997 Infiniti q45 vehicles on record

1997 Infiniti q45 1997 Infiniti q45JNKBY31D9VM000601

Other Infiniti q45 model years

2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1995 1994

1997 Infiniti q45 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 Infiniti q45 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1997 Infiniti q45. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Infiniti q45?

Across all 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, air bags, suspension.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Infiniti q45 get?

The 1997 Infiniti q45 has a U.S. EPA estimate of 18 mpg combined (16 city / 22 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.