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1998 Infiniti Q45 Base

The 1998 Infiniti Q45 Base is a 266-hp 4.1-liter V8 with a 4-speed electronically-controlled automatic and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $48,395 MSRP and is rated at 18 mpg combined.

It makes 266 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm, spinning to a 6,600 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway (18 mpg combined).

The Q45 measures 199.6 inches long on a 111.4-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,879 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$48,395 ($96,493 *)
Engine
Engine TypeVH41DE 4.1L DOHC 32-valve V8
Displacement4.1 L
Horsepower266 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque278 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Redline6,600 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC, 4 valves/cylinder, 32 valves total
Bore and Stroke93 x 76 mm
Compression Ratio10.5:1
Injection TypeSequential multi-port fuel injection (SMPFi)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRWD
Differential TypeViscous limited-slip differential (VLSD)
Transmission
Transmission4-speed electronically-controlled automatic (overdrive, lock-up torque converter)
1st Gear2.57 (54 mph **)
2nd Gear1.48 (94 mph **)
3rd Gear1 (139 mph **)
4th Gear0.69 (202 mph **)
Reverse2.28
Final Drive3.69
Fuel Economy
City16 MPG
Highway22 MPG
Combined18 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium unleaded
Tank Capacity21.4 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionMacPherson strut, coil spring, anti-roll bar
Rear SuspensionIndependent multi-link, coil spring (3-link design)
Turning Diameter36.1 ft
Brakes
Front Brake Disc297 mm vented disc
Rear Brake Disc292 mm vented disc
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front16x7 in
Wheels Rear16x7 in
Tires Front215/60R16
Tires Rear215/60R16
Dimensions & Weight
Length199.6 in
Width71.7 in
Height56.9 in
Wheelbase111.4 in
Ground Clearance5.8 in
Cargo Volume12.6 ft³
Curb Weight3,879 lbs
Weight Distribution (F/R)57% / 43%
Interior
Headroom Front37.6 in
Headroom Rear36.9 in
Legroom Front43.6 in
Legroom Rear35.9 in
Shoulder Room Front56.7 in
Shoulder Room Rear56.7 in
Hip Room Front55.7 in
Hip Room Rear55.7 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars
** Theoretical max speed per gear at redline

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

3 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1998 Infiniti Q45. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Jun 24, 2002 · 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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 02V171000

May 20, 1999 · 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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 99V129000

Dec 14, 1998 · 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."

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 98V325000

14 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1998 Infiniti Q45

Owner Complaints

14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Infiniti Q45 (4 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 4 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Air Bags6
Electrical System2
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Hydraulic1
Seat Belts1
Service Brakes1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Nov 19, 2014 · 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…”
Sep 29, 2014 · 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…”
Apr 26, 2011 · 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…”
Sep 28, 2005 · Air Bags Crash 2 injuries
“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…”
Feb 11, 2005 · Air Bags Crash 1 injury
“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…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1998 INFINITI Q45. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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