33/100
1997Midsize CarsPremium

1997 Infiniti Q45

EPA ID: 13570
16
City MPG
18
Combined MPG
18MPG· Below Avg
22
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 1997 Infiniti Q45 achieves an EPA-estimated 18 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 4.1L 8-cylinder engine paired with a automatic 4-spd, this midsize cars features Rear-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 1997 Q45 produces approximately 494 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Q45 has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $3,850, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $8,500 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassMidsize Cars
Fuel TypePremium
Engine4.1L 8-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Drive TypeRear-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions494 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$3,850
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $8,500

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
18.2
Impact vs EPA
$-38
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$804/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$22,400
46.5%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$14,583
30.2%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$10,840
22.5%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
0.8%
Total 5-Year Cost$48,223

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #02V171000·2002-07-29
advisory
Component: 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 & Remedy

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.

Campaign #99V129000·1999-07-06
advisory
Component: 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 & Remedy

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.

Campaign #98V325000·1999-02-16
moderate
Component: 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 & Remedy

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.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Infiniti Q45 configurations.

View Model History

Similar 1997 Midsize Cars Alternatives

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$3,850
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $8,500

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City16 MPG
Highway22 MPG
Combined18 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

98.7 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 122 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 8.2 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.