1998 Infiniti Q45
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Infiniti › Q45 › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Infiniti Q45. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1998 Infiniti Q45. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
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 fan guide in the alternator.
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 time should contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261 or infiniti at 1-800-662-6200.
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.
Risk and remedy
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 fan guide in the alternator.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the alternator.
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."
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the shift lock control unit.
Owner complaints
14 complaints4 involved a crash1 involved a fire8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
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.
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns a 1998 infiniti Q45. The contact indicated that the service engine sensor illuminated and there was a loss of power. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled on several occasions. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to an…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 infiniti Q45. The contact indicated that the service engine sensor illuminated and there was a loss of power. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled on several occasions. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop who was not able to replicate or diagnose the failure. The contact was not included in recall nhtsa campaign ID number: 03v455000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 1998 infiniti Q45. The contact stated that the steering column was fractured. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic shop who advised that the steering column was fractured and the repairs would cost $2400. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 infiniti Q45. The contact stated that the steering column was fractured. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic shop who advised that the steering column was fractured and the repairs would cost $2400. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were contacted who advised that her vin was not included in any recalls and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.
- Air bags › Frontal
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…
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 inch. the consumer IS questioning whether or not the vehicle even has air bags and wants nissan to inspect the vehicle. *nm
- Air bags › Frontal
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
- Air bags › Frontal
Front seat passenger - 5'9" sitting all the way back with seat belt on. lifted left arm up just before front end crash impact and suffered a bad fracture requiring surgery and pin placement to left distal radius (forearm bone near wrist on thumb side). 1998 infinity Q45. *nlm
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Seat belt retracter on driver seat IS very week and must be assited to retact
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Electrical system › Ignition
While driving on highway vehicle shutoff without any warning. As a result, to alternator malfunctioned. dealer contacted.*ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
The car was parked after driving the car for approx 1.5 miles and after about 15 20 minutes restauarant attendant inquired who owns that car? And informed that there IS smoke coming out of the car. 911 was called for fire dept help. Fire fighters extinquished the fire.*ak
- Air bags › Side/window
Driver's side airbag light appeared on dashboard constantly. dealership IS aware of problem.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components · Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
Brake system fails to adequately stop vehicle. lso, vehicle will intermittently surge while brakes are being applied. dealership has examined vehicle, but cannot find a remedy for the problem. *ak consumer feels this could be related to brake booster failure. *jb
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Accelerator pedal was sticking while vehicle was stopped. took extreme pressure to release stickage and vehicle would lunge forward due to pressure on accelerator pedal. in traffic created a hazard to vehicles in front. *ak
- Suspension
Gear shift vibrated above 30 mph. yh
- Air bags
No deployment of airbag during collision, front of vehicle was damaged enough to give airbag warning for deployment, however there were multiple injuries. *yc
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10232646REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232645WHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232644WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10192514SERVICE INFORMATION Changes or modifications to the front seat assembly trim materials may affect the proper operation of the Front Seat-Mounted Side-Impact Supplemental Air Bags and Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor and could result in serious personal injury or death. Infiniti STRONGLY RECOMMENDS AGAINST making any change to seat trim materials from the factory equipped condition. This specifically applies to replacing the seat trim with non-factory materials; adding leather/cloth seat covers, seat pads, or seat storage pouches, etc. around or over the seat back and the passenger seat cushion. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192314SERVICE INFORMATION Information necessary to service the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) safely is included in the "RESTRAINTS" section of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for each vehicle IMPORTANT: Turn the ignition switch OFF, disconnect both battery terminals, and wait at least 3 minutes before performing any service on the SRS. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192235Infiniti Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory Alloy wheels, along with their finish coating (clear, chrome, titanium, etc.), are specifically developed to achieve Infiniti design and performance standards. These Original Equipment or Genuine Accessory wheels are subjected to testing to ensure they meet Infiniti's standards. Infiniti Original Equipment Alloy or Genuine Accessory wheels subjected to aftermarket chroming may no longer continue to meet these standards and may be seriously damaged. Therefore, Infiniti most strongly discourages, and recommends that these wheels NEVER be subjected to, aftermarket chroming. See this bulletin for further details.
- 10192219SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake issues fall into the following categories: a. Brake Noise: A squeak, squeal, clunk, or groan that occurs when the brakes are applied or released. b. Brake Judder: A vibration that can be felt in the vehicle, steering wheel, or brake pedal when the brakes are applied. c. Pedal Feel: The effort needed to operate the brakes is too high or too low. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Verify the condition by road testing the vehicle with the customer. 2. Determine the specific brake issue based on the description in the Service Information above. 3. Follow the appropriate repair procedure(s), listed on the following pages, for your specific issue. See this bulletin for further details.
- 10192218If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe has been chosen as the approved tool for rotor resurfacing. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe can be ordered from TECH-MATE at 1-800-662-2001. - ProCut technical support or service can be obtained by calling 1-800-543-6618. NOTE: Brake rotors may need to be resurfaced during routine brake repair or for brake "judder" incidents. - Brake judder: A brake pedal pulsation and/or steering wheel shimmy when braking that occurs when there is too much thickness variation of the brake rotors (see ITB00-024). See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10192191As part of an enhanced emissions test for Inspection & Maintenance (I/M), some States may require the System Readiness Test (SRT) status be checked. - The SRT is used to indicate whether the engine control module (ECM) has completed self diagnosis of major emissions systems and components. - In these instances the State may require completion of the SRT before permitting the emissions inspection to proceed. Refer to this Bulletin for further details.
- 10192146SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty. - A strut or shock absorber that has slight oil seepage, a condition which is considered normal, does not affect strut/shock absorber operation or performance, and does not require replacement. - A strut or shock absorber that should be replaced due to rod resistance/noise issues. See this bulletin for further detail.
- 10190150INFINITI; FRONT SONAR PARKING SENSOR SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10160176EXTERIOR CLEANING INFORMATION SERVICE INFORMATION When cleaning the exterior of an Infiniti vehicle, damage may occur when using a cleaner with too high of an alkaline concentration. - Always refer to the Appearance and care section of the related owner?s manual. - Not all cleaners are created equal. - Many cleaners come in concentrated form. - Alkaline cleaners (cleaners with a high pH value) can cause spots on paint and trim when not used as directed. - Some commercial car washes use cleaners with a high pH value. - When using cleaners that meet the conditions defined in the Appearance and care section, be sure to carefully follow the cleaner?s directions. - When finished cleaning/washing, rinse thoroughly with clean water. IMPORTANT: Damage to paint, glass, bright metal, or any other exterior surface caused by using improper cleaning products is not covered under warranty. Always refer to the Paint Incident Identification Manual (PIIM) and Assurance Products Reference Manual (APRM). Follow the guidelines in the PIIM and APRM for non-warrantable exterior body, glass, or painted surface quality issues. To access the PIIM and APRM, login to nnanet.com: - For the PIIM, select: MY LINKS > Warranty > Paint Incident Identification Manual - For the APRM, select: MY DOCUMENTS > Warranty > APRM See further information in this bulletin.
- 10149809PLASTIC INTERIOR TRIM PROTECTIVE COVERING REMOVAL SERVICE INFORMATION Vehicles are delivered with plastic interior trim protective covering on the front and rear seats, front and rear door panel finishers, steering wheel, and sun visors (see examples on page 2). When removing the protective covering, care must be used to avoid scuffs, scrapes, cuts, and other abrasive contact to interior trim components. DO NOT use sharp objects like razor blades, box cutters, knives, etc. when removing the plastic interior trim protective covering. IMPORTANT: All soft trim described in this bulletin is on automatic return to NNA. Any trim found damaged in the way described in this bulletin will be charged back to the dealer.
- 10149806TRANSMISSION & ENGINE AUTOMATED DATA COLLECTION AND DIAGNOSTIC REPORTING SERVICE INFORMATION To support proper diagnosis and to promote Fixed-Right-First-Time ? Infiniti may review CONSULT-III plus (CIII plus) data relating to vehicle operation and function to help with vehicle diagnosis and diagnostic validation. IMPORTANT: For transmission/engine repair or replacement, retailers are required to connect C-III plus and perform ?Diagnosis (All Systems)?. Performing C-III plus ?Diagnosis (All Systems)? is also required prior to contacting any Infiniti call center (i.e. TECH-LINE, PCC, or WCC) for diagnostic support or claim preauthorization. NOTE: For additional information regarding Automated Vehicle Data Collection, refer to IWBI/18-019. To support Automated Vehicle Data Collection, your C-III plus must have the Diagnosis result reporting function-Setting turned ON. If Diagnosis result reporting function-Setting is OFF: - It may cause dealer consideration for Audit or the Anomalous Repair Control (ARC) program, where applicable. - It may result in a repair being non-warrantable. Refer to the Service Procedure on the next page to confirm your C-III plus ?Diagnosis result reporting function-Setting? is turned ON.
- 10149803Infiniti USA Electronic Field Communication Subject: Takata Completion Objectives for Q3 INFINITI is continuing to ask its retailers to urgently help increase customer participation in the Takata recalls to help it achieve 100% customer recall participation for the following vehicles: ? 2001 I30 ? 2002-04 I35 ? 2003-08 FX ? 2002-03 QX4 ? 2006-10 M Sedan INFINITI expects to upload the next refreshed owner list to DBS within the next week. We will also be reassigning VINs to retailers based on information changes. We didn?t reassign any VINs in Q2 to avoid any mid-quarter objective impact. If VINs were repaired out of network, the retailer/region with the original assignment received credit for the repair. This is an extremely serious safety issue and INFINITI is taking significant and unprecedented steps to increase client recall participation but it needs retailer help to achieve its remedy goals. A separate communication will be released later this month informing regional personnel of the requirements for bonus payout in Q3 and Q2 results. The Q3 objective is based on the average number of repairs in Q2 multiplied by the number of service days in Q3 (Mon-Sat minus any holidays). Retailer engagement is critical with this effort. It is a company-wide responsibility to make it a priority to replace these dangerous airbag inflators in affected vehicles. Further, increasing recall participation represents significant gross profit opportunity for our retailers.
- 10149802Infiniti USA Electronic Field Communication Subject: Retailed Vehicle Open Campaign Report Lists Updated The lists for each retailer?s Retailed Vehicle Open Campaign Report has been updated today in DBS. We made our best effort to reassign vehicles to retailers based on the most recent owner information we received. The complexity of filtering out brokers (banks, salvage yards, and insurance companies) and reassigning VINs based on updated owner information affected over 123K records between INFINITI and Nissan, so we are unable to summarize the changes at a regional or retailer level. We suggest the retailers download their lists and have their outbound call centers compare information if necessary. If you have questions, please let us know. Additionally, we will have some enhancements coming in DBS effective November 17, 2018: Owner Data Updates (NNA side): 1. VIN, Campaign Code, and Source are the unique fields 2. Compare all fields except Remove Flag and Comments to see if there is a difference. a. If there is same VIN, Camp ID, and Source and all other fields are also the same then the record will be updated without changing Remove Flag and Comment field b. If there is same VIN, Camp ID, and Source and any other field is different, then the record will be inserted, in this case Remove Flag and Comment field will be blank as this is new record. The remove flag is being removed so the retailer will understand the information they previously flagged for removal has been updated and should be tried again before reapplying the removal flag. c. The retailer benefit of A & B above is duplicate records for the same VIN, Camp ID, and information source with the same customer contact information will no longer display in DBS on the Retailed Vehicle Open Campaign Report.
- 10145541DBS Enhancement: Retailed Vehicle Open Campaign Report INFINITI announced the availability of a new DBS enhancement tool to the Service > Campaign screen: Retailed Vehicle Open Campaign Report on July 9, 2018, which identifies owner contact information for specific campaigns. Currently, only Takata campaign owner lists are available. The following personnel will have access to this tool: - Retailer: Dealer Principal, Executive Managers, General Managers, Parts/Service Managers, and/or Parts/Service Directors - Regions: Regional Aftersales Manager (RAM), Regional Operations Managers (ROM), Fixed Operations Manager (FOM), Dealer Operation Managers (DOM), Regional Service Operation Managers (RSOM), and Client Experience Managers (CEM) The report can be viewed on screen or exported to Microsoft Excel and identifies the following: - VIN - Campaign ID & Campaign Description - Model & Model Year - Data Source o Up to three data sources can be provided for each VIN - RO Info: If this VIN has visited an Infiniti retailer anywhere in the U.S. within the last twelve months, the RO information will be displayed. - Campaign Mailing List: This is DMV data for the VIN listed - Marketing List: If an owner is on your marketing list, their contact information from that list will be displayed here. DMV data is not used for marketing list owner information. - Contact Name - Last Name/First Name & Address (City, State, Zip) - Phone (1-3) & Email (1-3) - Remove Flag o This defaults to ?N? unless the retailer or INFINITI USA flags this VIN for removal. o The removed information will still show on the DBS screen and exported report, but can be filtered on the exported file to only display the records with ?N? in this column.
- 10144484NEW PAINT GUARD FILM REMOVAL INFORMATION This bulletin applies only to new, unsold vehicles with Paint Guard Film in Dealer Stock. This bulletin has been amended. The publication date has been revised to include the latest models and model years. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10136636DBS Enhancement: Custom VIN Campaign Report INFINITI is pleased to announce the availability of a new DBS enhancement to the Service > Campaign screen: Custom VIN Campaign Report. The tool identifies open campaigns on a customized VIN list loaded into DBS for INFINITI and Nissan vehicles. The following personnel will have access to this tool: - Retailer: Executive Managers, Service Managers, and/or Service Directors - Regions: Regional Aftersales Manager (RAM), Area General Manager (AGM), Fixed Operations Manager (FOM), Regional Service Operation Managers (RSOM), and Retailer Technical Specialist (DTS) The VINS can be loaded individually or up to 10,000 VINs at a time. If you have more than 10,000 VINs, each incremental VIN file of 10,000 or less VINs will need to be loaded prior to selecting the Check For Open Campaigns option. The report can be viewed on screen or exported to Microsoft Excel and will identify the following for each VIN loaded into the tool: - Open Campaigns (ID and description) - Model Code, Model, and Model Year - Current Repair Status Blank: Repair order (RO) has not been opened yet Unrepaired: RO has been opened for the campaign, but not closed or submitted o Repaired: RO for the campaign has been closed and a warranty claim has been submitted - Current Claim Status o Blank: RO still open o Unsubmitted: A warranty claim for the campaign repair has not been submitted o Submitted: A RO has been closed and a campaign warranty claim has been submitted for payment o Suspended: The campaign warranty claim has suspended for one or more errors o Rejected: The campaign warranty claim has been denied for some reason (by retailer or NNA) o Paid: A campaign warranty claim has been submitted and paid by NNA, but the vehicle has not yet been removed from the NNA open campaign vehicle table - Stop Sale Applicability - Parts Restriction Applicability (If restricted, SVC order must be used to acquire parts)
- 10129111REDUCED VEHICLE LOAD CAPACITY LABEL (REGULATORY REQUIREMENT) This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with dealer installed or VPC installed accessories. SERVICE INFORMATION The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires that any automobile dealer that installs accessories on a vehicle prior to first retail sale must install a special label (?reduced capacity label?) on that vehicle if the total weight of all accessories on that vehicle exceeds 1.5 percent of the vehicle?s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or 100 pounds, whichever is less. This includes accessories that the dealer installs (dealer installed factory accessories and dealer installed aftermarket accessories), and accessories installed at the Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) prior to the vehicle being delivered to the dealer. IMPORTANT: Failure to comply with this requirement may result in penalties imposed by NHTSA. Follow the instructions in this bulletin to help meet these requirements.
- 10127465WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended to apply to the latest models and model years, and warranty information on page 2 has been updated. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10127462WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended to apply to the latest models and model years. Also, warranty information on pages 1 and 8 has been updated. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10127461BRAKE NOISE/JUDDER/PEDAL FEEL DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR This bulletin has been amended to include vehicles built up to the publication date. Also, tips for using the ProCut? brake lathe were added on page 8, and a Brake Noise Diagnostic Worksheet was added on page 10. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 1011921012 VOLT BATTERY STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE FOR NEW VEHICLES IN RETAILER INVENTORY This bulletin has been amended throughout. Please discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10051765Infiniti: lock/unlock request button on outside door handle outside door handle does not respond. Lock/unlock request button located on outside door handles of vehicles can be disabled (or enabled) through either the "comfort & conv" settings of the audio/visual/navigation system or through the "combination meter settings" depending on the vehicle model, year, and trim level.
- 10044526Infiniti: reprogramming electronic control unit (ecu) on all qualifying vehicles. No models listed. Model years 1998-2013.
- 10032524Infiniti: vent control valve replacement. No applied vehicles affected: all models; no model years listed.
- 10032305Infiniti: srs precautions during service. Included in the restraints section of the electronic service manual (esm) for each vehicle IS information necessary to service the supplemental restraint system (srs) safely. Improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the srs, can lead to a serious injury or death caused by unintentional activation of the srs. No model or model years listed. Updated 2/21/14.
- 10031304Infiniti: tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light on/blinking. No models or model years listed. Updated on 08-11-2011.
- 10030145Infiniti: electronic control unit damage can result from improper battery connection. The battery IS required to stay connected when the engine IS running. No model years listed.
- 10004599The infiniti integrated homelink transmitter system. Various models including 1996-2004 i30/i35; 2004 Q45; 2004 M45.
- 10003519Front seat belt latch plate retaining button missing. Various models including the 2004 G35.
- 10000404Engine will not start. Vehicle immobiilizer system/nissan anti-theft systm (ivis/nats).
- 632221Subject regarding revised throttle position sensor (tps) adjustment procedure.
- 631768Subject regarding revised throttle position sensor adjustment procedure. *Slc
- 623102Information regarding essential tool: inner tie rod wrenches.
- 618438Subject regarding infiniti revised tps (throttle position sensor) adjustment procedure.
- 618437A condition may exist where the engine will not start or intermittent no start condition IS experienced. This bulletin describes and introduces new features of the vehicle immobilizer system / nissan anti-theft system (ivis / nats).
- 615943Information containing a brake judder repair flow chart.
- 615940A power seat that does not move backward when operating the seat switch and all other power seat functions are performing correctly; a grinding or grating noise heard when operating the seat switch forward or backward.
Every Infiniti Q45 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.