2006 INFINITI Q45

The 2006 INFINITI Q45 is a luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride and powerful V8 engine. It was only available with a 4.5L V8 engine producing 340 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Q45 for its smooth ride, spacious interior, and strong acceleration. Common dislikes include the dated technology, lower fuel economy, and higher maintenance costs associated with a luxury vehicle.

Engine

4.5L VK45DE V8

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners report the engine consuming an excessive amount of oil, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This can lead to low oil levels, potential engine damage, and blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Potential solutions include replacing valve stem seals, piston rings, or in severe cases, engine replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: A rattling noise, especially upon startup, can indicate a failing timing chain tensioner. If left unaddressed, it can lead to timing chain failure and significant engine damage.
  • Solution: Replacing the timing chain tensioner, and potentially the timing chain itself.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations during acceleration, especially at lower speeds, can indicate torque converter issues. Slipping between gears may also occur.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Slipping/Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners may experience slipping between gears, delayed engagement, or harsh/abrupt shifting. This can be caused by worn clutches, valve body issues, or contaminated transmission fluid.
  • Solution: Servicing the transmission, including fluid flush, valve body repair/replacement, or complete transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid flush) - $4,000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: The Q45 came with an optional air suspension system. This system is known for eventual failure, resulting in a sagging vehicle, a rough ride, or a suspension warning light on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacing the air struts, air compressor, or air lines. Conversion to a traditional coilover suspension is also an option.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,000+ (depending on components and coilover conversion cost)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front or rear suspension, especially when going over bumps, can indicate worn control arm bushings. This can affect handling and alignment.
  • Solution: Replacing the control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per control arm
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Navigation Screen/Radio Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation screen may fail to power on, flicker, or display incorrect information. The radio may also stop working or have intermittent sound issues.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the navigation unit or radio unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain can occur, leaving the vehicle unable to start. This can be caused by a parasitic draw from a faulty component, such as the radio, amplifier, or alarm system.
  • Solution: Identifying and repairing the source of the parasitic draw.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture can accumulate inside the headlight housings, reducing visibility and potentially damaging the bulbs or electrical components.
  • Solution: Sealing the headlight housings or replacing the headlights.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per headlight
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may fail to open or close properly, or may leak. This can be caused by a faulty motor, damaged tracks, or clogged drain lines.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof motor, tracks, or cleaning the drain lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2006 INFINITI Q45, while offering a luxurious driving experience, is prone to certain issues related to its age and complexity. Engine issues like oil consumption and timing chain tensioner failure can be costly to address. Transmission issues may also arise, leading to expensive repairs. Suspension issues, particularly with the optional air suspension, are common. Electrical and interior issues are less frequent but can still be inconvenient. Overall, prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor in the cost of potential repairs when considering this vehicle.