Air bags: side
Free remedy
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003-2005 INFINITI Q45 VEHICLES. A WIRING CONNECTOR FOR THE SEAT MOUNTED AIRBAG MAY EXPERIENCE INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE, RESULTING IN THE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIR BAGS.
Research · Midsize Cars
2005 Infiniti Q45Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints for the 2005 Infiniti Q45. Most complaints involve vehicle speed control (1) and air bags (1). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
18mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Feb 2012
Owner complaints
4
Top: vehicle speed control
Fuel cost / yr
$4,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Exterior lighting: brake lights
Free remedy
CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE STOP LAMP AND REFLEX REFLECTOR REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Child seat: latch strap
Free remedy
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER REAR SEATS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE LOWER ANCHORAGE BRACKETS IN THE REAR SEATS DO NOT MEET THE LOCATION REQUIREMENT IN THIS STANDARD. THIS MAY CAUSE DIFFICULTY IN ATTACHING SOME CHILD SEATS TO THESE BRACKETS.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
4 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2007 – Jan 2019
- Vehicle speed control1
- Air bags1
- Seats1
- Tires1
- Electrical system1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Vehicle speed control
1 report
“WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS SET, AND THE NEED TO PASS OR SPEED UP IS REQUIRED, IF YOU PRESS THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR THE CAR TAKES OFF AND *THEN STOPS RESPONDING AND DROPS BACK TO SET CRUISE CONTROL SPEED WHILE YOU ARE STILL FLOORING IT. IT BUCKS BACK AND FORTH. I SPOKE TO SEVERAL OWNERS ON A INFINITI OWNERS SITE AND THERES PERFORMS THE SAME. ITS DANGEROUS IF THE NEED TO SPEED UP OCCURS. THIS IS A PROBLEM IN THE CODING OF THE PARAMETERS IN THE ECU AND COULD BE DEADLY WITH UNEXPECTED PERFORMANCE. THIS HAPPENED ON I40 IN KNOXVILLE TENNESSEE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THIS CONDITION CAN BE REPEATED BACK TO BACK MULTIPLE TIMES.”
Air bags
1 report1 crash
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 INFINITI Q45. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO HER PASSENGER SIDE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT TWISTED TOWARD THE DRIVER'S DOOR DURING THE CRASH. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.”
Seats
1 report1 crash
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 4.5L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S5)
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q45 Auto (S5), 8 cyl, 4.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,200 | 494 |
- 18mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2005 Infiniti Q45 as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 1387
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2005 Q45 questions
How many recalls does the 2005 Infiniti Q45 have?
3 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2005 Infiniti Q45 problems?
Owners filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are vehicle speed control (1), air bags (1), seats (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2005 Infiniti Q45 get?
The EPA rates the 2005 Infiniti Q45 at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026