Owners have filed 47 complaints
about the 1994 Infiniti Q45 with NHTSA between 1995 and 2003.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Infiniti Q45. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
44.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Frontal
623.1%
12V/24V/48V Battery
519.2%
Fuel Injection System
311.5%
Front
311.5%
Automatic Transmission
311.5%
Cooling System
27.7%
Gasoline
27.7%
Cruise Control
27.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 1995peak 11Jul 2003
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Fresno, CAFire
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
THERE WAS AN APPARENT ELECTRICAL SHORT WITHIN THE INTERIOR FRAME NEXT TO THE PASSENGER WINDOW. I'M NOT SURE EXACTLY WHEN THE SHORT OCCURRED BUT THE INTERIOR LINING ON THE PANEL HAS THREE BURN MARKS ABOUT TWO INCHES IN DIAMETER. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS HAVE NOT WORKED SINCE THIS INCIDENT. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER WHOM I PURCHASED THE CAR AND THEIR SERVICE ADVISOR, DALE GUNTER STATED THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE ELECTRICAL DEFECT OR BURNED PANEL UNDER WARRANTY. I FEEL THE FUSE CONTROLLING THE WIRE THAT SHORTED SHOULD HAVE BURNED OUT BEFORE THE ELECTRICAL FIRE COULD BURN THE INTERIOR PANEL. ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN PROVIDE ME WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.
NHTSA complaint #754239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, OHCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH VEHICLE WAS BROADSIDED, AND NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #877230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bronx, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, HEARD POPPING SOUNDS FROM REAR, SMELLED SMOKE AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN. VEHICLE FILLED WITH SMOKE BY TIME STOPPED VEHICLE. ELECTRICAL FIRE BURNED AREA BETWEEN TRUNK AND BACK SEAT, AROUND GAS TANK ON PASSENGER SIDE.
NHTSA complaint #737507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST. Joseph, MOCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
A VEHICLE MADE AN ILLEGAL U-TURN IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE AND I STRUCK HIM IN THE LEFT REAR, CAUSING HIM TO DO A COMPLETE 180 DEGREE TURN, THE FORCE WAS IN MY CENTER FRONT. THE AIRBAGS ON NEATHER SIDE OF MY VEHICLE DEPLOYED ,ADDING TO THE INJURIES OF BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER. AT THIS TIME THE COMBINED COST IS IN EXCESS OF 4000 DOLLARS AND CLIMING. IS THERE A HISTORY OF THIS FAILURE? IF SO PLEASE ADVISE ME OF WHAT CORRECTIVE STEPS NEED TO BE TAKEN, AND ANY OTHER INFORMATION WHICH MIGHT BE HELPFUL. MY FAX # 816 671 0092.
NHTSA complaint #704955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONING.
NHTSA complaint #521650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coonrapids, MNFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR SEVEN HOURS AND SUDDENLY SELF IGNITED. FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THE FIRE AS AN EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE BATTERY AREA UNDERNEATH THE HOOD.
NHTSA complaint #812464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Escondido, CA
SEAT BELTS
THE CONSUMERS WIFE SUDDENLY SAW THE AIR BAG LIGHT BLINKING, FOLLOWED BY THE BLINKING OF THE SEAT BELT LIGHT, THEN NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOUSING OF THE SEAT BELT. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. *AK THE SEAT BELT TIGHTENED AFTER THE BLAST AND KNOCKED THE WIND OUT OF THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE DEALER REFUSED TO CORRECT THE SAFETY HAZARD. *SCC THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE VEHICLE NEEDED A BRAKE JOB. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HIS LOCAL MECHANIC, THE MECHANIC STATED IT WAS UNWARRANTED. *PH
NHTSA complaint #10030195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Escondido, CA
AIR BAGS
THE CONSUMERS WIFE SUDDENLY SAW THE AIR BAG LIGHT BLINKING, FOLLOWED BY THE BLINKING OF THE SEAT BELT LIGHT, THEN NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOUSING OF THE SEAT BELT. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. *AK THE SEAT BELT TIGHTENED AFTER THE BLAST AND KNOCKED THE WIND OUT OF THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE DEALER REFUSED TO CORRECT THE SAFETY HAZARD. *SCC THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE VEHICLE NEEDED A BRAKE JOB. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HIS LOCAL MECHANIC, THE MECHANIC STATED IT WAS UNWARRANTED. *PH
NHTSA complaint #10030195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nicholasville, KY
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING IN REVERSE WHEN THE DRIVER'S "SIDE" AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT MOISTURE IN THE CONTROL MODULE CAUSED THE MODULE TO SHORT CIRCUIT RESULTING IN THE BAG DEPLOYING.
NHTSA complaint #10029852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Smithtown, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
MY WIFE STARTED THE ENGINE IN A CHURCH PARKING LOT AND THE BATTERY LITERALLY EXPLODED, SPREADING BATTERY ACID UNDER THE HOOD. BESIDES THE BATTERY, THE ONLY VISIBLE DAMAGE WAS A BADLY PITTED FAN. THE BATTERY WAS A REPLACEMENT WHICH HAD BEEN INSTALLED BY COMPETITION INFINITI, SMITHTOWN, NY, 2 YEARS AND APPROXIMATELY 20,000 MILES EARLIER. AFTER SOME DISCUSSION, THE DEALERSHIP FINALLY AGREED TO PAY FOR A REPLACEMENT BATTERY AND FAN. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO FURTHER DAMAGE UNDER THE HOOD. AN EMPLOYEE VOLUNTEERED THAT THIS WAS THE SECOND EXPLODING BATTERY THEY HAD SEEN IN THE RECENT PAST. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS GIVEN TO ME ON THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #766178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CAFire
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
THERE WAS AN APPARENT ELECTRICAL SHORT WITHIN THE INTERIOR FRAME NEXT TO THE PASSENGER WINDOW. I'M NOT SURE EXACTLY WHEN THE SHORT OCCURRED BUT THE INTERIOR LINING ON THE PANEL HAS THREE BURN MARKS ABOUT TWO INCHES IN DIAMETER. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS HAVE NOT WORKED SINCE THIS INCIDENT. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER WHOM I PURCHASED THE CAR AND THEIR SERVICE ADVISOR, DALE GUNTER STATED THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE ELECTRICAL DEFECT OR BURNED PANEL UNDER WARRANTY. I FEEL THE FUSE CONTROLLING THE WIRE THAT SHORTED SHOULD HAVE BURNED OUT BEFORE THE ELECTRICAL FIRE COULD BURN THE INTERIOR PANEL. ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN PROVIDE ME WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.
NHTSA complaint #754239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fullerton, CA
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON, CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK BATTERY EXPLODED AND VEHICLE HAD ELECTRICAL CONTROL PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #898483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fullerton, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON, CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK BATTERY EXPLODED AND VEHICLE HAD ELECTRICAL CONTROL PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #898483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fullerton, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON, CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK BATTERY EXPLODED AND VEHICLE HAD ELECTRICAL CONTROL PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #898483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, OHCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH VEHICLE WAS BROADSIDED, AND NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #877230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bronx, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, HEARD POPPING SOUNDS FROM REAR, SMELLED SMOKE AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN. VEHICLE FILLED WITH SMOKE BY TIME STOPPED VEHICLE. ELECTRICAL FIRE BURNED AREA BETWEEN TRUNK AND BACK SEAT, AROUND GAS TANK ON PASSENGER SIDE.
NHTSA complaint #737507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE FUEL INJECTORS JUST KEEP GOING BAD, EVEN DOING ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENCE WORK ON TIME AND USING ONLY THE INSTRUCTED PREMIUM FUEL FROM EITHER AMOCO OR MOBILE. I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND IT.
NHTSA complaint #737673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flower Mound, TX
SUSPENSION:FRONT
BOTH TENSION ARMS ARE LEAKING THICK FLUID AT FRAME MOUNT LOCATION. APPEARS THAT LOSS OF FLUID COULD CAUSE LOSS OF STABILITY AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. UNIT IS NOT SERVICABLE.
NHTSA complaint #734191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roanoke, AL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THIS IS A LEMON WHICH NOW THREATENS PUBLIC SAFETY. INFINITI DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE
NHTSA complaint #730251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roanoke, AL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
THIS IS A LEMON WHICH NOW THREATENS PUBLIC SAFETY. INFINITI DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE
NHTSA complaint #730251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roanoke, AL
SUSPENSION:FRONT
THIS IS A LEMON WHICH NOW THREATENS PUBLIC SAFETY. INFINITI DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE
NHTSA complaint #730251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roanoke, AL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
THIS IS A LEMON WHICH NOW THREATENS PUBLIC SAFETY. INFINITI DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE
NHTSA complaint #730251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roanoke, AL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
THIS IS A LEMON WHICH NOW THREATENS PUBLIC SAFETY. INFINITI DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE
NHTSA complaint #730251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roanoke, AL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THIS IS A LEMON WHICH NOW THREATENS PUBLIC SAFETY. INFINITI DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE
NHTSA complaint #730251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roanoke, AL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
THIS IS A LEMON WHICH NOW THREATENS PUBLIC SAFETY. INFINITI DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE
NHTSA complaint #730251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roanoke, AL
SUSPENSION:FRONT
THIS IS A LEMON WHICH NOW THREATENS PUBLIC SAFETY. INFINITI DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE
NHTSA complaint #730251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roanoke, AL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
THIS IS A LEMON WHICH NOW THREATENS PUBLIC SAFETY. INFINITI DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE
NHTSA complaint #730251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roanoke, AL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
THIS IS A LEMON WHICH NOW THREATENS PUBLIC SAFETY. INFINITI DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE
NHTSA complaint #730251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ronaoke, AL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
FILLER CAP WILL NOT SEAL, CAUSING FUEL TO BLOWOUT THROUGH THE FILLER NECK. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #869528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fountain Valley, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE SHUDDERS AND THERE IS NO PRIOR WARNING. WHEN THE VEHICLE SHAKES THERE IS NO POWER FOR TEN SECONDS, AND THEN PICKS UP AGAIN. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #868245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chesterfield, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
FRONT LOW LIGHT WAS NOT WORKING. TOOK TO DEALER TO REPLACE BULB. THEY SAID NEW BULB WAS MELTED AND DESTROYED SWITCH. REPLACED SWITCH - STILL WOULDN'T WORK. THEY FOUND SHORT IN WIRING AFTER 7 DAYS OF SEARCHING. THIS CAUSED THE WIRING TO MELT THE BULB AND SWITCH. POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #717510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.