Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1997 QX4.
The 1997 Infiniti QX4 arrived as the SUV's first model year, pairing a four-speed automatic transmission with an engine specified for 4 quarts of 5W-30 API oil and returning EPA fuel economy of 14 city, 17 highway, and 15 combined mpg. Its debut drew 46 owner complaints and two recalls, with suspension emerging as the most-cited trouble area. Set against the 1997–2006 production run, the launch-year figure sits squarely in the middle of the model's range—well below the 75 complaints that defined 2001 as the line's worst year, but far above the single complaint recorded for 2004—framing the 1997 QX4 as a serviceable starting point in a nameplate that would not find its quietest reliability footing until later in the cycle.
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 | 2240185E15 alt 2240185E16 |
| Battery | 999M1NB24C alt 999M1NB25C |
| Front wiper blades | 288903W40A alt 288903W41A |
| 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) | 56/44 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 14 / 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.
The 1997 QX4, as the debut model year, shows a high number of technical service bulletins (102) and a moderate complaint count (46) compared to the generation’s arc. Complaints and recalls generally escalated over the following years, peaking in 2001 (75 complaints, 4 recalls) and 2002 (6 recalls), before declining sharply in 2003. The 1997 model’s top complaint areas are suspension-related, with 12 suspension and 5 steering/suspension issues, alongside 7 crash complaints and no fire complaints. While its recall count (2) is the lowest in the generation, the high TSB volume suggests numerous service campaigns were needed to address early production concerns. Given this pattern, a 1997 QX4 may be a reasonable buy if the suspension system has been thoroughly inspected and all applicable TSBs have been completed.
All 46 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 102 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… |
| ITB97-001A | 2023-02-21 | Structure | 1997 QX4 GRILLE GUARDS, BRUSH GUARDS AND WINCHES This bulletin is no longer active… |
| ITB16-006A | 2021-03-24 | Electrical System | INFINITI; FRONT SONAR PARKING SENSOR SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended… |
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 14 city / 17 highway / 15 combined mpg.