VehicleVerdict

1997 Infiniti I30 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 28 complaints on file for the 1997 Infiniti I30 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

28

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other I30 years?

I30 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted108 complaints1996: 31 complaints1997: 28 complaints1998: 61 complaints1999: 36 complaints2000: 75 complaints2001: 108 complaints2002: 2 complaints2003: 3 complaints2004: 1 complaints
I30 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all I30 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Infiniti I30 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System725%
Brakes621%
Other414%
Engine311%
Speed Control27%
Fuel System27%
Transmission14%
Seat Belts14%
Tires & Wheels14%
Airbags14%

Does the 1997 Infiniti I30 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

02V171000Electrical SystemJune 24, 2002 · 161,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, ONE OF THE DIODES USED IN THE ALTERNATOR MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED WHEN BUILT. THIS CAN EVENTUALLY RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE DIODE AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WHICH COULD MELT THE PLASTIC HOUSING.

Consequence

IF THE COMBUSTIBLE GAS EMITTED BY THE MELTING PLASTIC DOES NOT DISPERSE DUE TO AIR FLOW THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, IT COULD IGNITE AND IN TURN IGNITE THE FAN GUIDE IN THE ALTERNATOR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE ALTERNATOR HAS PRODUCED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE STALLED OUT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE VIN NUMBER IS OUTSIDE OF THE REMEDY SCOPE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 2, 2004

“OWNER STATES WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT 10-15 MPH AND TRYING TO USE BRAKES THEY DID NOT FUNCTION.THEY ARE ABS BRAKES AND OWNER IS UNCERTAIN WHY THIS OCCURRED. HE NOTES THAT THERE WAS JUST NO ACTION WHEN HE WENT TO APPLY BRAKES.DEALERS HAVE NOT DETERMINED THE CAUSE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

“THE CHROME "PLATED" (THEY ARE REALLY PLASTIC COVERS) INSIDE DOOR HANDLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAS PREMATURELY WORN OFF, LEAVING EXTREMELY SHARP SHARDS ON THE INSIDE OF THE HANDLE. WHEN AN UNSUSPECTING PASSENGER OPENS THE DOOR WITHOUT CAUTION, A SEVERE LACERATION OF THE HAND CAM OCCUR. VERY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 22, 2001

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 INFINITI I30. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. AFTER DRIVING ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FUMES BEGAN TO COME FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY THE DEALER NOR HAD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 13, 2011 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, APPLIED PRESSURE TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL, VEHICLE WENT INTO PEN THROTTLE POSITION; APPLIED BRAKES, WOULD NOT STOP VEHICLE, IMPACT 12:00 POSITION, HITTING A TREE AND A POLE AND OTHER VEHICLE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 23, 1997 · crash

1997 Infiniti I30 — common questions

Is the 1997 Infiniti I30 reliable?

The record is thin — 28 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1997 I30 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (7 complaints), brakes (6 complaints), other (4 complaints).

Does the 1997 Infiniti I30 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Infiniti I30. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Infiniti I30 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the I30 years to avoid are 2001, 2000, 1998, 2003, 2002, 2004. The cleanest record among I30 years belongs to 1997.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.