Total Complaints
60 filings
INFINITI QX4 · model year
60 NHTSA complaints, 12 crash reports for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 1997INFINITIQX4 carries 60 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 12 crashes, 0 fires, 10 injuries, and 2 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1997 QX4 is suspension with 15 filings, followed by steering (10) and suspension:front (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.
NHTSA currently has 7 investigation files overlapping the 1997 QX4. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
60 filings
Crashes Reported
12 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | 15 |
| STEERING | 10 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT | 3 |
| WHEELS | 2 |
| TIRES | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | 2 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2 |
| VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD | 1 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY | 1 |
| SEATS | 1 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 1 |
The contact owns a 1997 Infiniti QX4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V244000 (Steering, Suspension). The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH and other various speeds over bumps in the roadway, the vehicle was shaking abnormally with the steering wheel becoming difficult to turn to the left or to the right. Additionally, the contact heard abnormal metal on metal grinding sounds particularly while turning the vehicle to the left or the right. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer and was advised that the vehicle had failed a safety inspection and he would be contacted by a third party to buy back the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Mileage: 154,000
The contact owns a 1997 Infiniti QX4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V244000 (Steering, Suspension). The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH and other various speeds over bumps in the roadway, the vehicle was shaking abnormally with the steering wheel becoming difficult to turn to the left or to the right. Additionally, the contact heard abnormal metal on metal grinding sounds particularly while turning the vehicle to the left or the right. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer and was advised that the vehicle had failed a safety inspection and he would be contacted by a third party to buy back the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Mileage: 154,000
the rear end started to sway and shake ... made the car uncrontrlable, I reacted instantly and took my foot off the gas peddle and gripped the steering firmly like driving on snow...it came back under control as I was braking softly ....what a scary incident ...
I HAD MY CAR SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY DETAILING IT. I'VE ALWAYS TOOK EXCEPTIONAL CARE OF MY VEHICLES AND ONE THING I'VE ALWAYS DONE WAS MADE SURE THE UNDERCOATING WAS TOP-NOTCH. AS I PROCEEDED TO UNDERCOAT THE INSIDE OF THE FRONT FENDER WELLS ON MY 97 QX4 I NOTICED SOME RUST FORMING BEHIND THE STRUT TOWER. SOME OF IT WAS FLAKY AND SOME OF IT WAS RAISED RUST. I TOOK MY SCRAPER AND LO AND BEHOLD FOUND A HOLE BEHIND THE STRUT TOWER. I CONTINUED TO SCRAPE AND CLEAN THE HOLE AND THE AREA ACCORDING TO THE RECALL CAMPAIGN FROM INFINITY AND I'M VERY CONCERNED ABOUT VEHICLE SAFETY AND THE RUST BEHIND THE STRUT TOWER ON DRIVERS SIDE.I HAVE YET TO CHECK MY PASSENGER SIDE SINCE THE DRIVER SIDE HAS ISSUES I WANTED TO GO AHEAD AND NOTIFY YOU GUYS. I KNOW THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE STRUT TOWER ON NISSAN PATHFINDERS AND INFINITI QX4S 96 THROUGH 2004. I HAVE A 96 PATHFINDER ALSO THAT JUST LAST WEEK I TALKED TO A REPRESENTATIVE FROM NISSAN NORTH AMERICA AND IT STILL HAS A OPEN RECALL CONCERNING THE STRUT
Mileage: 254,432
I HAD MY CAR SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY DETAILING IT. I'VE ALWAYS TOOK EXCEPTIONAL CARE OF MY VEHICLES AND ONE THING I'VE ALWAYS DONE WAS MADE SURE THE UNDERCOATING WAS TOP-NOTCH. AS I PROCEEDED TO UNDERCOAT THE INSIDE OF THE FRONT FENDER WELLS ON MY 97 QX4 I NOTICED SOME RUST FORMING BEHIND THE STRUT TOWER. SOME OF IT WAS FLAKY AND SOME OF IT WAS RAISED RUST. I TOOK MY SCRAPER AND LO AND BEHOLD FOUND A HOLE BEHIND THE STRUT TOWER. I CONTINUED TO SCRAPE AND CLEAN THE HOLE AND THE AREA ACCORDING TO THE RECALL CAMPAIGN FROM INFINITY AND I'M VERY CONCERNED ABOUT VEHICLE SAFETY AND THE RUST BEHIND THE STRUT TOWER ON DRIVERS SIDE.I HAVE YET TO CHECK MY PASSENGER SIDE SINCE THE DRIVER SIDE HAS ISSUES I WANTED TO GO AHEAD AND NOTIFY YOU GUYS. I KNOW THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE STRUT TOWER ON NISSAN PATHFINDERS AND INFINITI QX4S 96 THROUGH 2004. I HAVE A 96 PATHFINDER ALSO THAT JUST LAST WEEK I TALKED TO A REPRESENTATIVE FROM NISSAN NORTH AMERICA AND IT STILL HAS A OPEN RECALL CONCERNING THE STRUT
Mileage: 254,432
CAR SUSPENSION SHIMMIES, SHAKES AND WHOLE CAR ROLLS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.
Mileage: 86,000
ALL 1997 THRU 2003 FRAME SUSPENSION, SUSPENSION BODY PANELS WERE IMPROPERLY UNDERCOATED TO PREVENT RUSTING. WARNING WAS ISSUED IN 2011, AS THIRD OWNER OF VEHICLE, I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. CAUSING IMMINENT BODY HARM AND POSSIBLY DEATH. INFINITY WAS TOTALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR FOLLOW THRU, AND SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR MY $20,000 LOSS, NOT TO MENTION RISK TO MY LIFE. THANKS A LOT YOU MONEY MONGERS! YOU SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR FAILURE OF NOTIFICATION.
Mileage: 105,460
ALL 1997 THRU 2003 FRAME SUSPENSION, SUSPENSION BODY PANELS WERE IMPROPERLY UNDERCOATED TO PREVENT RUSTING. WARNING WAS ISSUED IN 2011, AS THIRD OWNER OF VEHICLE, I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. CAUSING IMMINENT BODY HARM AND POSSIBLY DEATH. INFINITY WAS TOTALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR FOLLOW THRU, AND SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR MY $20,000 LOSS, NOT TO MENTION RISK TO MY LIFE. THANKS A LOT YOU MONEY MONGERS! YOU SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR FAILURE OF NOTIFICATION.
Mileage: 105,460
ALL 1997 THRU 2003 FRAME SUSPENSION, SUSPENSION BODY PANELS WERE IMPROPERLY UNDERCOATED TO PREVENT RUSTING. WARNING WAS ISSUED IN 2011, AS THIRD OWNER OF VEHICLE, I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. CAUSING IMMINENT BODY HARM AND POSSIBLY DEATH. INFINITY WAS TOTALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR FOLLOW THRU, AND SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR MY $20,000 LOSS, NOT TO MENTION RISK TO MY LIFE. THANKS A LOT YOU MONEY MONGERS! YOU SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR FAILURE OF NOTIFICATION.
Mileage: 105,460
MASSIVE RUST OF FRAME AND UNIT BODY SUSPENSION COMPONENTS CAUSING A SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING, BRAKING AND CONTROL OF VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CAUSE IS NO RUST UNDER COATING, POOR DESIGN, POOR WELDS, PRONE TO TEAR LOOSE FROM FIREWALL AND FRAME CAUSING CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AND POSSIBLY MY OWN DEATH. THEN THEIR REFUSAL TO COMPENSATE IN ANY WAY FOR THEIR DESIGN ERRORS IS UNACCEPTABLE. THERE WAS A SUDDEN DROP OF MY VEHICLE HEIGHT AT THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL ALMOST CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. A WARNING LETTER AVAILABLE IN 2011 WAS NEVER SENT TO ME, POSSIBLY MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO REPAIR. UPDATED 03/10/16.*JB
Mileage: 105,000
MASSIVE RUST OF FRAME AND UNIT BODY SUSPENSION COMPONENTS CAUSING A SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING, BRAKING AND CONTROL OF VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CAUSE IS NO RUST UNDER COATING, POOR DESIGN, POOR WELDS, PRONE TO TEAR LOOSE FROM FIREWALL AND FRAME CAUSING CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AND POSSIBLY MY OWN DEATH. THEN THEIR REFUSAL TO COMPENSATE IN ANY WAY FOR THEIR DESIGN ERRORS IS UNACCEPTABLE. THERE WAS A SUDDEN DROP OF MY VEHICLE HEIGHT AT THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL ALMOST CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. A WARNING LETTER AVAILABLE IN 2011 WAS NEVER SENT TO ME, POSSIBLY MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO REPAIR. UPDATED 03/10/16.*JB
Mileage: 105,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 INFINITI QX4 EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN LTX M/S TIRES, SIZE: PT245/70 R16 (NA). WHILE ADDING AIR TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE, THE CONTACT NOTICED TREAD SEPARATION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED ALL FOUR TIRES EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS INFORMED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ONLY REPLACED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Mileage: 180,000
I OWN A 1997 INFINITI QX4. WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH OR MORE, THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO WOBBLE AND VIBRATE VIOLENTLY, SEEMINGLY FROM THE REAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MECHANICS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE THE REAR SHOCKS AND PASSENGER SIDE BUSHINGS AND TRAIL STABILIZER BAR AND FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE THE WOBBLE, SHAKE, FISHTAIL AND EARTHQUAKE. " I BOUGHT THIS 1997 INFINITI QX4 FROM CARS UNLIMITED HERE IN HOUSTON, TX. THE OWNER IS[XXX]AND I BOUGHT 'AS IS'. ALTHOUGH DEALER OWNER WAS NON-INTEGRAL, LIED AND TOLD ME VEHICLE WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SAFE, HE IS NOT LIABLE UNDER RULE BY THE AS IS. THIS VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO OVER 6 MECHANICS BY NOW. ALL TELL ME VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE. I TRIED MAKING IT SAFER SINCE I AM STUCK WITH IT BY CHANGING THE SHOCKS AND THE TRAILER STABILIZER BAR AFTER I LEARNED IT HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE PASSENGER SIDE BAR WAS BENT. THAT BY NO MEANS FIXED THE EARTHQUA
I BOUGHT A 1997 INFINITI FROM CARS UNLIMITED; OWNER[XXX] I BOUGHT 'AS IS'. ALTHOUGH DEALER OWNER WAS NON-INTEGRAL, LIED AND TOLD ME VEHICLE WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SAFE, HE IS NOT LIABLE UNDER RULE BY THE AS IS. VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO OVER 6 MECHANICS BY NOW. ALL TELL ME VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE. I TRIED MAKING IT SAFER SINCE I AM STUCK WITH IT BY CHANGING THE SHOCKS AND THE TRAILER STABILIZER BAR AFTER I LEARNED IT HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE PASSENGER SIDE BAR WAS BENT. THAT BY NO MEANS FIXED THE EARTHQUAKE SWAYING AND THE AWFUL REAR END FISH-TAILING ALL OVER THE ROAD. CAN'T DRIVE IT IN THE RAIN. CAN'T GET CAUGHT IN THE RAIN, IT SLIDES INTO OTHER PEOPLE'S LANES. COPS LOOK AT ME CRAZY AS IF I'M DRUNK. I DRIVE 40 MILES OR LESS TO KEEP FROM GETTING PULLED OVER. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WHO HANDLED THE PREVIOUS DRIVERS' CLAIM SHOULD HAVE SALVAGED IT. IT LOOKS SUPER PRETTY ON THE OUTSIDE. WILL FOOL A LOT OF WOMEN INTO BUYING IT. NOT SAFE! INFOR
Mileage: 240
I BOUGHT A 1997 INFINITI FROM CARS UNLIMITED; OWNER[XXX] I BOUGHT 'AS IS'. ALTHOUGH DEALER OWNER WAS NON-INTEGRAL, LIED AND TOLD ME VEHICLE WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SAFE, HE IS NOT LIABLE UNDER RULE BY THE AS IS. VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO OVER 6 MECHANICS BY NOW. ALL TELL ME VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE. I TRIED MAKING IT SAFER SINCE I AM STUCK WITH IT BY CHANGING THE SHOCKS AND THE TRAILER STABILIZER BAR AFTER I LEARNED IT HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE PASSENGER SIDE BAR WAS BENT. THAT BY NO MEANS FIXED THE EARTHQUAKE SWAYING AND THE AWFUL REAR END FISH-TAILING ALL OVER THE ROAD. CAN'T DRIVE IT IN THE RAIN. CAN'T GET CAUGHT IN THE RAIN, IT SLIDES INTO OTHER PEOPLE'S LANES. COPS LOOK AT ME CRAZY AS IF I'M DRUNK. I DRIVE 40 MILES OR LESS TO KEEP FROM GETTING PULLED OVER. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WHO HANDLED THE PREVIOUS DRIVERS' CLAIM SHOULD HAVE SALVAGED IT. IT LOOKS SUPER PRETTY ON THE OUTSIDE. WILL FOOL A LOT OF WOMEN INTO BUYING IT. NOT SAFE! INFOR
Mileage: 240
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 INFINITI QX4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE STRUT HOUSING WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT MADE REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE AND LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V244000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE CONTACT HAD MADE ADEQUATE REPAIRS TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE STRUT HOUSING, PER THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT MOST RECENTLY, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE STRUT TOWER HAD ALSO BECOME DEFECTIVE, CAUSING THE STRUT HOUSING TO BECOME SEPARATED FROM THE INNER HOOD LEDGE ASSEMBLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER PREVIOUSLY ADDED A PROTECTIVE COATING TO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE STRUT HOUSING WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR INSPECTION UNDER THE RECALL BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT PROVIDED NO AS
1997 QX4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL NOTICE CONCERNING MALFUNCTIONING PARTS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALLED PART CAUSED OTHER MECHANICAL PROBLEMS TO OTHER COMPONENTS ON THE VEHICLE. IT CAUSED THE TIRES TO PREMATURELY WEAR OUT, DUE TO THE SHOCK ABSORBERS BEING OVER-WORKED, AND IT CAUSED PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING AS WELL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT PERFORM A THOROUGH JOB IN FIXING THE PROBLEM, AS THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNSAFE TO DRIVE. RECALL # 11V244000. *JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 INFINITI QX4. WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO WOBBLE AND VIBRATE VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE THE FRONT BUSHINGS, FRONT AXLES, TIE RODS, AND FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 138,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Mileage: 110,000
AT 6:45 A.M CAR TRAVELING DOWN FREEZELAND ROAD, LINDEN, VA AT ABOUT 30MPH. WEATHER CONDITIONS: CLEAR, DRY. ROAD CONDITIONS: NO DEFECTS, OIL OR OTHER TRACTION FAULTS THAT WOULD CAUSE ACCIDENT. QX4 AS DESCRIBED BY WITNESS TO POLICE LOOKED AT THOUGH REAR OF VEHICLE BODY WAS ACTING INDEPENDENT OF BODY FRAME. AT THIS POINT DRIVER COULD NOT RECOVER, HAD NO TIME TO BRAKE, STEERING WOULD NOT RESPOND. QX4 WOULD NOT RESPOND AND CONTINUED STRAIGHT UP AN EMBANKMENT, HIT LARGE BOLDER AND FLIPPED ONTO PASSENGER SIDE. DRIVER WAS PULLED FROM VEHICLE BY RETIRED EMT. DRIVER SUSTAINED RIGHT KNEE INJURIES INCLUDING FRACTURE TO LOWER LEG DIRECTLY BELOW KNEE, LIGAMENT DAMAGE STILL BEING EVALUATED. DRIVER WAS NOT GIVEN CITATION BY VIRGINIA STATE POLICE, DUE TO DRIVER AND WITNESS STATEMENTS. STATE POLICE INDICATED THAT IT APPEARED TO BE A MAJOR MECHANICAL FAILURE. POLICE TROOPER INDICATED THAT 99 OUT OF 100 DRIVER IN SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE RECEIVED A TICKET FOR WRECKLESS DRIVING. CAR HAS BEEN DETE
Mileage: 120,000
AT 6:45 A.M CAR TRAVELING DOWN FREEZELAND ROAD, LINDEN, VA AT ABOUT 30MPH. WEATHER CONDITIONS: CLEAR, DRY. ROAD CONDITIONS: NO DEFECTS, OIL OR OTHER TRACTION FAULTS THAT WOULD CAUSE ACCIDENT. QX4 AS DESCRIBED BY WITNESS TO POLICE LOOKED AT THOUGH REAR OF VEHICLE BODY WAS ACTING INDEPENDENT OF BODY FRAME. AT THIS POINT DRIVER COULD NOT RECOVER, HAD NO TIME TO BRAKE, STEERING WOULD NOT RESPOND. QX4 WOULD NOT RESPOND AND CONTINUED STRAIGHT UP AN EMBANKMENT, HIT LARGE BOLDER AND FLIPPED ONTO PASSENGER SIDE. DRIVER WAS PULLED FROM VEHICLE BY RETIRED EMT. DRIVER SUSTAINED RIGHT KNEE INJURIES INCLUDING FRACTURE TO LOWER LEG DIRECTLY BELOW KNEE, LIGAMENT DAMAGE STILL BEING EVALUATED. DRIVER WAS NOT GIVEN CITATION BY VIRGINIA STATE POLICE, DUE TO DRIVER AND WITNESS STATEMENTS. STATE POLICE INDICATED THAT IT APPEARED TO BE A MAJOR MECHANICAL FAILURE. POLICE TROOPER INDICATED THAT 99 OUT OF 100 DRIVER IN SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE RECEIVED A TICKET FOR WRECKLESS DRIVING. CAR HAS BEEN DETE
Mileage: 120,000
Complete loss of motive power due to engine failure
Occupant Classification System Failure
Improper Frontal Air Bag Deployment
Steering column separation
Collision Mitigation System Malfunction
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.