2002 INFINITI Q45

2002 INFINITI Q45

Overview

The 2002 Infiniti Q45, a luxury sedan, aimed to blend performance with comfort. While generally considered a well-built vehicle for its era, like any car, it has specific areas where owners have reported issues. This analysis focuses on common technical reliability concerns beyond routine maintenance. The Q45 of this generation featured a powerful V8 engine and a sophisticated drivetrain, which, while offering a refined driving experience, also presented potential points of failure that are important for prospective buyers or current owners to be aware of. Understanding these common problems can help in proactive maintenance and budgeting for repairs.

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Engine

4.5L V8 (VK45DE)

Timing Chain Tensioner Failure

• Symptoms: Rattling noise from the front of the engine, especially on startup; check engine light may illuminate.
• Solution: Replacement of timing chain tensioners, guides, and potentially the timing chain itself.
• Cost: $1500 - $3000

Oil Leaks (Valve Covers, Oil Pan)

• Symptoms: Visible oil spots under the vehicle, burning oil smell, low oil level.
• Solution: Replacement of valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, or seals.
• Cost: $300 - $800

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (RE5R05A)

Harsh Shifting / Slipping

• Symptoms: Jerky gear changes, delayed engagement, or feeling of the transmission slipping between gears.
• Solution: Transmission fluid and filter change, solenoid replacement, or complete transmission rebuild.
• Cost: $500 - $3500

Suspension

Standard Suspension

Worn Bushings and Ball Joints

• Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises over bumps, uneven tire wear, vague steering feel.
• Solution: Replacement of worn suspension bushings and ball joints.
• Cost: $400 - $900

Active Suspension (if equipped)

Hydraulic Leaks / Pump Failure

• Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one side, warning lights on the dashboard, unusual noises from the suspension system.
• Solution: Repair or replacement of hydraulic lines, accumulators, or the active suspension pump.
• Cost: $1000 - $2500

Electrical

Body Control Module (BCM)

Intermittent Electrical Gremlins

• Symptoms: Malfunctioning power windows, door locks, interior lights, or dashboard warning lights that come on and off randomly.
• Solution: Diagnosis and potential reprogramming or replacement of the BCM.
• Cost: $500 - $1200

Instrument Cluster

Flickering or Dead Gauges

• Symptoms: Speedometer, tachometer, or other gauges not working or flickering intermittently.
• Solution: Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster.
• Cost: $400 - $900

Exterior

Paint and Body

Clear Coat Peeling

• Symptoms: The clear coat on the paint begins to flake or peel, particularly on horizontal surfaces like the roof and hood.
• Solution: Repainting affected areas or a full vehicle repaint.
• Cost: $500 - $3000+

Interior

Leather Upholstery

Cracking and Wear

• Symptoms: The leather on seats and other surfaces can become dry, crack, and show significant wear over time.
• Solution: Leather conditioning, repair kits, or reupholstering.
• Cost: $200 - $1000+

Infotainment System

Navigation System Malfunctions

• Symptoms: Navigation screen freezing, not loading maps, or GPS signal issues.
• Solution: Software updates, or replacement of the navigation unit.
• Cost: $300 - $1000

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Summary Verdict

The 2002 Infiniti Q45 is a capable luxury sedan, but potential buyers should be aware of common issues, particularly with the engine’s timing chain tensioners and potential oil leaks. Transmission problems, while not universal, can be costly to repair. Suspension components, especially bushings and ball joints, are subject to wear. Electrical issues, often stemming from the BCM or instrument cluster, can be frustrating. Exterior paint and interior leather can also show age-related degradation. Despite these potential drawbacks, many Q45s have provided reliable service with proper maintenance and timely repairs of these known issues.