Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1998 QX4.
The 1998 Infiniti QX4 is equipped with a 4‑qt oil capacity and uses 5W‑30 API oil, paired with an automatic 4‑spd transmission that yields EPA‑rated 13/17/15 mpg. Reliability data show 29 total owner complaints, with the primary issues centered on the suspension and only two recalls recorded, placing the 1998 model toward the lower end of the 1997‑2006 complaint range that spans from a high of 75 complaints in 2001 to a low of one complaint in 2004. This suggests a relatively stable ownership experience for the 1998 model year compared with the broader history of the nameplate.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 25 U.S. · 360 U.S. CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine air filter | 16546V0100 |
| Fuel filter | 164000W005 |
| Spark plug | 2240150Y04 alt 224011W616 |
| Battery | 999M1NB24C alt 999M1NB25C |
| Front wiper blades | 288903W41A alt 288903W40A |
| Thermostat | 21200V720A |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic 4-spd |
| Overall length | 183.9 in |
| Overall width | 72.4 in |
| Overall height | 70.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in |
| Curb weight | 4275 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 59.8 / 59.8 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 55/45 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 13 / 17 / 15 mpg |
| Drivetrain | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive |
| Recommended fuel | Regular Gasoline |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the QX4 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | SUV 3.3L V6 | 11.50 sec | 17.90 sec | 168 hp | 4x4 |
| 1997 | SUV 3.3L V6 | 12.00 sec | 18.70 sec | 168 hp | 4x4 |
| 2001 | SUV 3.5L V6 | 8.70 sec | 16.50 sec | 240 hp | 4x4 |
| 2001 | SUV 3.5L V6 | 9.30 sec | 17.00 sec | 240 hp | 4x4 |
| 2001 | SUV 3.5L V6 | 9.60 sec | 17.01 sec | 240 hp | 4x4 |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 4 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 87-108 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6.
| Brake Fluid | DOT 3 |
| Differential Gear Oil | SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 5.8 Pints |
| Engine Coolant | ETHYLENE GLYCOL |
| Engine Oil | 5W-30 · API |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 4 qt |
| Power Steering Fluid | ATF |
| Transfer Case Fluid | ATF |
| Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts | 141-156 ft-lbs |
| Engine Flywheel Bolts | 61-69 ft-lbs |
| Main Bearings | 67-74 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 87-108 ft-lbs |
| Transfer Case Fill Plug | 18.0-25.0 ft-lbs |
| Transfer Case Drain Plug | 18.0-25.0 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-2-3-4-5-6 |
| Curb Idle Speed (No Load) | 750 rpm |
| Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load) | 50 rpm |
| Ignition Coil Primary Resistance | 1.0 ohms |
| Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance | 10,000 ohms |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.039-0.0.043 in |
| Spark Plug Torque | 14.0-22.0 ft-lbs |
| Ignition Timing | 15, Not adjustable degrees |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Refrigerant Capacity | 1.32-1.55 lbs |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | 46 |
| Oil Capacity | 6.80 oz |
| Optional BCI Group Number | 24 Heated Seats and Canada |
| Optional BCI Cranking Performance | 450 Heated Seats and Canada cca |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 25 U.S. |
| Pressure Test | 23 psi |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 11-14 psi |
| Thermostat Opening Temperature | 180 °F |
| Regulated Fuel System Pressure (Without Vacuum) | 43.0 psi |
| Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum) | 34.0 psi |
| Engine Compression | 128 |
| Intake Valve Lash | Hydraulic in |
| Exhaust Valve Lash | Hydraulic in |
| Torque Caliper to Bracket | 16-23 ft-lbs |
| Torque to Knuckle | 62 ft-lbs |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | Front: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in |
| Rotor Max Parallel Variation | 0.0006 in |
| Rotor Runout Limit | 0.0028 in |
| Rotor Nominal Thickness From | 1.102 in |
| Rotor Nominal Thickness To | 1.102 in |
| Rotor Minimum Machining | 1.024 in |
| 1 | 10-12 ft. lbs., Step 2: 28-33 | 10–12 ft. lbs |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Federal data positions the 1998 model year as a relative low-point in early-production QX4 activity, with complaints dropping to 29 from 46 in 1997 and technical service bulletins falling from 102 to 79, while recalls held steady at two campaigns. Across the generation, reported incidents remained comparatively stable through 2000 before escalating sharply to a peak of 75 complaints and six recalls by 2002, placing the 1998 model in a pre-spike window before systemic issues intensified. That year registers zero fire-related complaints and six crash-associated entries—though the data does not specify causation—alongside modest individual counts for suspension and vehicle speed control grievances. With recall exposure matching adjacent years but complaint volume significantly lower than the 1997 launch year and the subsequent 2001-2002 crest, 1998 represents the most statistically quiet entry point in the model's first generation, making it a comparatively sound acquisition for a used SUV of this vintage.
All 29 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1996-2004 PATHFINDER AND MODEL YEAR 1997-2003 INFINITI QX4 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MASSACHUSETTS… Remedy: NISSAN WILL INSPECT THE STRUT HOUSING AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM NOTIFICATION LETTER WAS SENT OUT IN MAY 2011. THE SECOND NOTICE WAS MAILED…
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY… Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILLER TUBE ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ONE WITH AN IMPROVED COATING PROCESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 26, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT…
Showing 5 of 79 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| ITB13-007H | 2023-02-27 | Structure | REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See… |
| ITB09-039J | 2023-02-27 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last… |
| ITB10-067C | 2023-02-22 | Wheels | WHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on… |
| ITB16-006A | 2021-03-24 | Electrical System | INFINITI; FRONT SONAR PARKING SENSOR SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended… |
| ITB19-008 | 2019-04-02 | Equipment | EXTERIOR CLEANING INFORMATION SERVICE INFORMATION When cleaning the exterior of an… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
4 qt of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 13 city / 17 highway / 15 combined mpg.