INFINITI QX4 · model year

1998 INFINITI QX4

46 NHTSA complaints, 11 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 1998INFINITIQX4 carries 46 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 11 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 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 1998 QX4 is steering with 6 filings, followed by suspension:front (4) and fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap (4). 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 1998 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.

46
Complaints
11
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

46 filings

Crashes Reported

11 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING6
SUSPENSION:FRONT4
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP4
SUSPENSION4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
STRUCTURE:BODY3
AIR BAGS2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP2
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR1
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER1

Recent Complaints

20190809CrashSUSPENSION

WHEN YOU LET OFF THE GAS PEDDLE THE REAREND STARTS A VIOLENTLY SHAKEING BACK AND FORTH AND WILL CAUSE YOU TO DRIVE OVER SOMETHING OR SOMEONE DUE TO DEFECTIVE BUSHINGS!!!HOW CAN THEY SELL US CRAP THAT CAN COST THE LIVES OF SO MANY PEOPLE AND NOT HONOR A RECALL ON REAR BUSHINGS...I NEARLY SHUT DOWN THE INTERSTATE ON MY LAST DRIVE......

Mileage: 230,000

20190809CrashUNKNOWN OR OTHER

WHEN YOU LET OFF THE GAS PEDDLE THE REAREND STARTS A VIOLENTLY SHAKEING BACK AND FORTH AND WILL CAUSE YOU TO DRIVE OVER SOMETHING OR SOMEONE DUE TO DEFECTIVE BUSHINGS!!!HOW CAN THEY SELL US CRAP THAT CAN COST THE LIVES OF SO MANY PEOPLE AND NOT HONOR A RECALL ON REAR BUSHINGS...I NEARLY SHUT DOWN THE INTERSTATE ON MY LAST DRIVE......

Mileage: 230,000

20180907STEERING

I BROUGHT MY TRUCK IN FOR A RECALL WITH STRUT TOWER AND CHASSY,THEY PATCHED TBE CHASSY UP,WHEN I WENT TO PICK IT UP I DIDN'T GET 5 MINUTES UP THE ROAD AND IT WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT HARD AND SHAKING AST 40TO 50MPH,IT'S A DRIVING HAZARD,I BROUGHT IT RIGHT BACK THEY DID AN ALIGNMENT ON IT,CALLED ME AND SAID IT'S STILL DOING IT AND THERE'S NOTHING ELSE THEY CAN DO,SO NOW I'M OUT OF A VEHICLE THEY TOLD CONSUMER AFFAIRS THAT I CALLED THAT IT COULD OF BEEN A,PRE EXISTING PROBLEM SO NOW CONSUMER AFFAIRS WON'T HELP ME SO WHAT DO I DO NOW IT'S MY ONLY VEHICLE AND THE DEALERSHIP WANTS ME TO JUST DRIVE OFF THEIR LOT WITH A HAZARDOUS VEHICLE,IT WAS FINE UNTIL THEY PATCHED THAT CHASSY UP THEIR WERE NO PRE-EXISTING PROBLEMS SO I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO NOW,PLEASE HELP?THE DEALERSHIP IS RAY CATINA INFINITI IN EDISON,NEW JERSEY,THE ONLY THING THEY HELPED ME WITH IS GETTING ME A LOANER CAR AND THEM PAYING FOR IT BUT NOW I HAVE TO BRING IT BACK,I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT RIGHTS I HAVE OR

Mileage: 216,955

20160504STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 INFINITI QX4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION AND THAT THE STEERING COLUMN AND SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,757.

Mileage: 173,757

20160504STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 INFINITI QX4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION AND THAT THE STEERING COLUMN AND SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,757.

Mileage: 173,757

20140901STRUCTURE:BODY

THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED SO THAT NOW THE WHEEL WELL IS STARTING TO REST ON THE DRIVESHAFT. *TR

20140901WHEELS

THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED SO THAT NOW THE WHEEL WELL IS STARTING TO REST ON THE DRIVESHAFT. *TR

20131121CrashAIR BAGS

ON NOV.9 I WAS DRIVING HOME ON PATTERSONMILL RD. IN BARNWELL SC. A BUCK DEER HIT MY 1998 INFINITI QX4 I WENT OFF ROAD N HIT A TREE CUTTING IN HALF I WAS ABLE TO KICK OUT WINDSHIELD CRAWD OUT WENT TO NEIGHBORS HOME SHE CALLED FOR HELP MOREL TO STORY I HAVE A CRACK IN SKULL UNDER EYE CONTUSION AND CONCUSSION WITH CHRONIC PAIN UP DOWN MY SPINE I HAVE SURGERY ON MY ORBITAL FLOOR ON MONDAY PLEASE HELP ME CALL PLENTY LAWYERS BUT THEY DON'T HAVE THE EXPERIENCE TO HALIDE MY CASE MY DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY BUT PASSENGER SIDE DID I GOT HURT AND IS IN CHRONIC PAIN I WANT COMPENSATION FOR MY STRESS,INJURIES,PAIN N FUTURE PAIN AND SUFFERING FOR AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING. *TR

Mileage: 4,200

20130806STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 INFINITI QX4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 9/4/13 *CN

Mileage: 90,000

20120825SUSPENSION

I RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS CAR TODAY AND IT WAS DRIVING FINE AT LOW SPEEDS, BUT UNTIL I ACCELERATED OVER 40MPH THE REAR BACK WAS SWERVING LEFT TO RIGHT AFTER I RELEASE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS. ALMOST HAD 4 CRASHES. SOMETHING IN THE REAR IS MAKING THE CAR SWERVE LIKE ITS LOSING TRACTION BUT ONLY WHEN IT'S RELEASED OFF THE GAS PEDAL. IT WAS THE BIGGEST FATAL PART OF EXPERIENCE WITHIN DRIVING OF MY LIFE. ALL I KNOW IS THAT IT IS PRETTY RUSTED ON THE STRUT AREAS SINCE I CHECKED IF SOMETHING WAS BROKEN UNDER THE CAR. LOW SPEEDS AROUND 30MPH THE CAR DRIVES FINE BUT HIGHER SPEED ITS LIKE, I HAVE TO KEEP ACCELERATING TO PREVENT THE CAR FROM SWERVING IN THE REAR. MY LIFE WAS ENDANGERED FOR 40 MINUTES OF MY LIFE ON THE HIGHWAY. PLEASE CONTACT ME, THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION I NEED TO REPAIR. *TR

Mileage: 225,000

20120825STEERING

I RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS CAR TODAY AND IT WAS DRIVING FINE AT LOW SPEEDS, BUT UNTIL I ACCELERATED OVER 40MPH THE REAR BACK WAS SWERVING LEFT TO RIGHT AFTER I RELEASE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS. ALMOST HAD 4 CRASHES. SOMETHING IN THE REAR IS MAKING THE CAR SWERVE LIKE ITS LOSING TRACTION BUT ONLY WHEN IT'S RELEASED OFF THE GAS PEDAL. IT WAS THE BIGGEST FATAL PART OF EXPERIENCE WITHIN DRIVING OF MY LIFE. ALL I KNOW IS THAT IT IS PRETTY RUSTED ON THE STRUT AREAS SINCE I CHECKED IF SOMETHING WAS BROKEN UNDER THE CAR. LOW SPEEDS AROUND 30MPH THE CAR DRIVES FINE BUT HIGHER SPEED ITS LIKE, I HAVE TO KEEP ACCELERATING TO PREVENT THE CAR FROM SWERVING IN THE REAR. MY LIFE WAS ENDANGERED FOR 40 MINUTES OF MY LIFE ON THE HIGHWAY. PLEASE CONTACT ME, THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION I NEED TO REPAIR. *TR

Mileage: 225,000

20111014SUSPENSION:FRONT

1998 INFINITI QX4. CONSUMER WRITES IN DISCONTENT CONCERNING RECALL REPAIRS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER NEVER INFORMED HER IT WOULD TAKE AN EXTENDED AMOUNT OF TIME TO FIX THE STRUT TOWER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER HAD HER VEHICLE FOR THREE WEEKS. FINALLY, THE FIRST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE CORROSION ON THE STRUT TOWER HOUSING WAS SO SIGNIFICANT, THAT IT NOT ONLY NEEDED SEALANT AND RESIN PATCHES AND ADDITIONAL WORK, BUT THE REPAIRS COULD NOT BE GUARANTEED BY THE MECHANICS. *JB

20110909SUSPENSION:REAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 INFINITI QX4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN DRIFTING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE CONTACT HAD TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN IN ORDER TO STOP THE DRIFTING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE REAR SPRING AND SHOCKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REPLACED BOTH REAR SHOCKS AND SPRINGS BUT THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE MECHANIC AND THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE REAR BUSHING ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR BUSHINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AS WELL AS THE REAR TRAILER ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,000. UPDATED 09/27/11 *BF UPDATED 09/30/11.*JB

Mileage: 161,000

20110627STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 INFINITI QX4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V244000 (STEERING:COLUMN). AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO WAIT FOR AN OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER TO ARRIVE IN THE MAIL. AN OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER NEVER ARRIVED IN THE MAIL. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS AGAIN NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE PARTS NECESSARY TO REMEDY THE FAILURE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE SITUATION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

20110612CrashELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

AS I PASSED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, A VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A RED LIGHT. I TRIED TO VEER TO AVOID HIM, BUT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED. AS A RESULT OF THIS EQUIPMENT FAILURE, THE CAR STRUCK MY VEHICLE AND MY CAR WAS TOTALLED. AFTER MY CAR WAS SCRAPPED, I RECEIVED THE SAFETY RECALL NOTICE.

Mileage: 158,000

20110612CrashSUSPENSION

AS I PASSED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, A VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A RED LIGHT. I TRIED TO VEER TO AVOID HIM, BUT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED. AS A RESULT OF THIS EQUIPMENT FAILURE, THE CAR STRUCK MY VEHICLE AND MY CAR WAS TOTALLED. AFTER MY CAR WAS SCRAPPED, I RECEIVED THE SAFETY RECALL NOTICE.

Mileage: 158,000

20110612CrashSTEERING

AS I PASSED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, A VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A RED LIGHT. I TRIED TO VEER TO AVOID HIM, BUT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED. AS A RESULT OF THIS EQUIPMENT FAILURE, THE CAR STRUCK MY VEHICLE AND MY CAR WAS TOTALLED. AFTER MY CAR WAS SCRAPPED, I RECEIVED THE SAFETY RECALL NOTICE.

Mileage: 158,000

20110528STEERING

HAD A RECALL ON OUR CAR AND WHEN WE CALLED TO TELL THEM WE HAD IT FIXED THEY WANTED US TO TAKE IT TO THEIR DEALER WHICH THE CLOSEST ONE TO US IS OVER 300 MILES AND IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO DO I AM ON DISABILITY AND CAN BARLEY SURVIVE ON WHAT I GET AND THERE IS NO WAY POSSIBLE FOR ME TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO TRAVEL THIS DISTANCE MONEY WISE THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO REIMBURSED ME FOR THE REPAIR EXPENSES BUT WONT IF I CANT GET IT TO THEIR DEALER. I HAD IT REPAIRED IN AUGUST 2010 THE EXACT RECALL WORDING WAS FOR FRONT DRIVERS SIDE STRUT TOWER HOUSING I COULDN'T FIND THIS IN YOUR LIST AND WHEN I CALLED THE NUMBER THAT'S WHEN SHE TOLD US ABOUT THE FUEL LINE PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 175,000

20110528FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

HAD A RECALL ON OUR CAR AND WHEN WE CALLED TO TELL THEM WE HAD IT FIXED THEY WANTED US TO TAKE IT TO THEIR DEALER WHICH THE CLOSEST ONE TO US IS OVER 300 MILES AND IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO DO I AM ON DISABILITY AND CAN BARLEY SURVIVE ON WHAT I GET AND THERE IS NO WAY POSSIBLE FOR ME TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO TRAVEL THIS DISTANCE MONEY WISE THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO REIMBURSED ME FOR THE REPAIR EXPENSES BUT WONT IF I CANT GET IT TO THEIR DEALER. I HAD IT REPAIRED IN AUGUST 2010 THE EXACT RECALL WORDING WAS FOR FRONT DRIVERS SIDE STRUT TOWER HOUSING I COULDN'T FIND THIS IN YOUR LIST AND WHEN I CALLED THE NUMBER THAT'S WHEN SHE TOLD US ABOUT THE FUEL LINE PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 175,000

20110528SUSPENSION

HAD A RECALL ON OUR CAR AND WHEN WE CALLED TO TELL THEM WE HAD IT FIXED THEY WANTED US TO TAKE IT TO THEIR DEALER WHICH THE CLOSEST ONE TO US IS OVER 300 MILES AND IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO DO I AM ON DISABILITY AND CAN BARLEY SURVIVE ON WHAT I GET AND THERE IS NO WAY POSSIBLE FOR ME TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO TRAVEL THIS DISTANCE MONEY WISE THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO REIMBURSED ME FOR THE REPAIR EXPENSES BUT WONT IF I CANT GET IT TO THEIR DEALER. I HAD IT REPAIRED IN AUGUST 2010 THE EXACT RECALL WORDING WAS FOR FRONT DRIVERS SIDE STRUT TOWER HOUSING I COULDN'T FIND THIS IN YOUR LIST AND WHEN I CALLED THE NUMBER THAT'S WHEN SHE TOLD US ABOUT THE FUEL LINE PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 175,000

Compare 1998INFINITIQX4 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 1998 INFINITI QX4 have?
The 1998 INFINITI QX4 has 46 NHTSA complaints, 11 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 INFINITI QX4?
The most-complained component for the 1998 INFINITI QX4 is STEERING with 6 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SUSPENSION:FRONT and FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP.
Is the 1998 INFINITI QX4 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

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.