1998 INFINITI I30 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1998 INFINITI I30, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags2035.1%
- Electrical1017.5%
- Brakes610.5%
- Body & structure47.0%
- Interior & seats35.3%
- Engine35.3%
- Visibility23.5%
- Powertrain (other)23.5%
- Transmission23.5%
- Other / unspecified11.8%
- Driver assistance11.8%
- Suspension11.8%
- Heating & air conditioning11.8%
- Exterior lighting11.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHING, DEALERSHIP INDICATED "A VERY COMMON PROBLEM" FOR THIS YEAR AND MAKE INFINIITI . WELL A COMMON PROBLEM TO ME SEEMS LIKE IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. I WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THAT IT WOULD OVER $1000 DOES THIS HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH TAKATA INFLATORS THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLS ON MILLIONS OF CARS BUT JUST SKIPPED THIS YEAR AND MAKE? I WAS TOLD AIRBAG WILL STILL DEPLOY, WELL I WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END ACCIDENT, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY! THIS IS A REAL CONCERN, THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED, AND RECALL IMPLEMENTED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES AS A RESULT!
WHILE DRIVING HOME COULD HEAR A CLICKING NOISE IN THE WIRING CAR STARTED TO LOSE POWER AND EVENTUALLY DIED IN THE ROAD, JUMP STARTED IT TO GET TO A SHOP WAS TOLD IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR, BOUGHT NEW ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY AFTER DRIVING FOR A WHILE CAR SHORTED OUT AGAIN LOST POWER AND ONCE AGAIN DIED ON THE ROAD, JUMP STARTED CAR TO GET HOME. CAR WILL NOT HOLD POWER KEEPS SHORTING OUT IN THE WIRES, ALTERNATOR IS STILL GOOD AS WELL AS BATTERY. YOU CAN HEAR THE WIRING WHEN IT SHORTS OUT AS IT CLICKS. WHEN I JUMP START THE CAR IT WILL ONLY STAY CHARGED FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE DYING OUT AGAIN. I AM NOT ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR NOW AS IT WILL NOT STAY CHARGED, SOMETHING ELECTRICAL IS DRAINING THE BATTERY. WHEN THE WIRING STARTS TO CLICK RADIO GOES OFF AND CLOCK DIMS BEFORE SHUTTING OFF AS WELL.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING HOME COULD HEAR A CLICKING NOISE IN THE WIRING CAR STARTED TO LOSE POWER AND EVENTUALLY DIED IN THE ROAD, JUMP STARTED IT TO GET TO A SHOP WAS TOLD IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR, BOUGHT NEW ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY AFTER DRIVING FOR A WHILE CAR SHORTED OUT AGAIN LOST POWER AND ONCE AGAIN DIED ON THE ROAD, JUMP STARTED CAR TO GET HOME. CAR WILL NOT HOLD POWER KEEPS SHORTING OUT IN THE WIRES, ALTERNATOR IS STILL GOOD AS WELL AS BATTERY. YOU CAN HEAR THE WIRING WHEN IT SHORTS OUT AS IT CLICKS. WHEN I JUMP START THE CAR IT WILL ONLY STAY CHARGED FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE DYING OUT AGAIN. I AM NOT ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR NOW AS IT WILL NOT STAY CHARGED, SOMETHING ELECTRICAL IS DRAINING THE BATTERY. WHEN THE WIRING STARTS TO CLICK RADIO GOES OFF AND CLOCK DIMS BEFORE SHUTTING OFF AS WELL.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 INFINITI I30. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, SMOKE AND FIRE BEGAN TO RISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ALTERNATOR SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V129000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR). THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 145,000. UPDATED 01/25//12 *BF
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL THE CAR HAS MANUFACTURE THINGS THAT NEED TO BE FIX FOR NO XCOST
WE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, IT SEEMED AS THOUGH THE ABS SYSTEM KICKED IN, BUT DID NOT PROPERLY SLOW THE VEHICLE. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS. THE SAME FAILURE OCCURS TWICE MORE OVER THE NEXT MONTH. SO WE TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY REPORTED THAT THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. THE SAME FAILURE HAPPENED AGAIN APPROXIMATELY A MONTH AFTER THAT, AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP, HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIP MAINTAINS THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. DT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL THE CAR TURNS OFF BY IT SELF
IN SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009, I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH INFINITI AND NHTSA REGARDING A STRUCTURAL DEFECT TO THE FRAME OF MY 1998 INFINITI I30T. BECAUSE OF THE DESIGN, THE FRAME ROTTED AND COMPLETELY SEPARATED UNDER THE ENGINE DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. MECHANICS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE ENGINE AND/OR TRANSMISSION COULD FALL OUT CAUSING THE OPERATOR TO LOSE COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A SERIOUS MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT CAUSING SERIOUS BODILY INJURIES AND/OR DEATH. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE NISSAN MAXIMAS AROUND THE SAME YEAR ALSO HAD THE SAME ISSUE BECAUSE THEY UTILIZED THE SAME FRAME. I CANNOT BELIEVE INFINITY, NISSAN AND/OR NHTSA HAVE NOT INITIATED RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES GIVEN THE RECENT RECALLS AND SERIOUS ACCIDENTS OF VEHICLES WITH SIMILAR ISSUES THAT HAVE RESULTED IN DEATHS (I.E. FORD WINDSTAR VANS AND HONDA PASSPORTS). WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO ISSUE A RECALL OF THESE VEHICLES TO PROTECT THE OPERATORS? *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE AIR BAG LIGHT OF MY 1998 INFINITY I-30 BEGAN FLASHING FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I NOTED TWO TSB CONCERNING A MANUFACTURER DEFECT RELATED TO THE SEAT HARNESS TRIGGERING THE AIR BAG LIGHT IN 1998/1999. I PROVIDED THE TSB TO MY LOCAL INFINITY DEALER IN ELK GROVE, CA WHO CHARGED ME $110 DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE TO TELL ME WHAT I ALREADY KNEW ABOUT THE DEFECT. TO REPAIR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM, IT WILL COST OVER $800 AND THEY STATE MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. HOWEVER, THIS PROBLEM HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH OWNER USE OR WEAR-AND-TEAR. I BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DESIGN FLAW THE IMPACTS PASSENGER SAFETY AND SHOULD BE REPAIRED AT THEIR EXPENSE. CAN SOMEONE HELP ME? THANKS. *JB
SINCE I BOUGHT MY 1998 INFINITI I30T, I'VE REPORTED TO THE DEALER (SANTA MONICA INFINITI - PURCHASED FROM AND PEYTON CRAMER INFINITI - RECENT SERVICES) THAT THE TRUNK RELEASE IS DEFECTIVE AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR. THEY AGREE THAT A PROBLEM EXIST, BUT WILL NOT PERFORM THE REPAIRS FOR FREE, SINCE IT IS NOT A RECALL ITEM, YET. IT OPENS UNEXPECTEDLY AND RANDOMLY. IT POPS OPEN WHILE DRIVING, WHICH CAN CAUSE ITEMS TO POSSIBLY FALL OUT OF THE TRUNK. I'VE FOUND IT OPEN SEVERAL TIMES AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE PARKED FOR A FEW MINUTES OF FOR A FEW HOURS. I'VE LOST 2 TENNIS RACQUETS DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. THIS MORNING, I FOUND THE TRUNK ONCE AGAIN OPEN. FORTUNATELY, MY LAPTOP AND OTHER BAGS WERE UNTOUCHED. PLEASE HAVE THIS ITEM RECALLED. THANK YOU. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL THE CAR TURNS OFF BY IT SELF
I OWN A 1998 INFINITI I30. ON THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2010, MY DAUGHTER NICHOLE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE FREEWAY WHEN SUDDENTLY THE CAR ACCELERATED TO OVER 4000 RMP WITHOUT HER APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. SHE APPLIED THE BRAKE WITH ALL PRESSURE SHE COULD MUSTER (2 FEET) AND EVENTUALLY PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY, WITH SMOKE POURING FROM ALL FOUR WHEELS. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO AN AUTO MECHANIC, WHO FOUND THAT THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE WAS BAD. WHEN THE MECHANIC STARTED THE CAR IN THE SHOP, THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY RACED TO 5000 RMP. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT HE HAD NEVER SEEN A CASE WHERE WHEN THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE GOES BAD, THAT IT CAUSES THE ENGINE TO RACE. INSTEAD, HE SAYS THE ENGINE JUST DIES. IN THE PROCESS OF STOPPING THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT PADS WERE FRIED AND WORN DOWN TO BARE METAL, AND DESTROYED THE FRONT ROTORS. THE REAR DISC PADS WERE ALSO FRIED, BUT THE REAR ROTORS CAN BE SALVAGED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE TURNING ON IGINITION SWITCH REAR WINDOW BLEW OUT FOR UNKNOWN REASON. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND REFUSED TO ACCEPT THE PROBLEM. ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE AT CONSUMER'S COST. *AK THE REAR WINDSHIELD BROKE WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE. *YH
A/C AND HEATING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL THE CAR HAS MANUFACTURE THINGS THAT NEED TO BE FIX FOR NO XCOST
ALLSTATE NOT HONORING CLAIM - 888-458-8538 POLICY 916166740. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
SOMETIMES SHIFT LEVER WILL COME OUT OF PARK WITHOUT PRESSING BRAKE. TOOK TO DEALER ,AND DEALER STATED THERE WAS A FORIEGN SUBSTANCE INSIDE SHIFTER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
SUSPENSION FAILURE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO VIBRATE WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. *YC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE BEEN IN TWO CAR ACCIDENTS WITH MY I 30 IN BOTH OF THE ACCIDENTS. DT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE WAS IDLING ROUGHLY, AND ABS BRAKING SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON DASHBOARD. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
SUSPENSION FAILURE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO VIBRATE WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. *YC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
A/C AND HEATING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRUNK CENTER PANEL BOWED CAUSING WATER TO BE TRAPPED IN THE TRUNK. POURS WATER INTO TRUNK AFTER RAIN OR WASH CAUSING CAR TO SMELL MOLDY. FRONT CORNER LIGHT (BESIDE FOG LIGHT) ON DRIVER SIDE IS FULL OF WATER & SLIME. NEITHER OF THESE ARE CRACKED. DEALER WILL CORRECT FOR RIDICULOUS AMOUNT. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .