VehicleVerdict

1998 Infiniti I30 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 61 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median I30 year — the 1998 model ranks #3 of 9 I30 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 20 reports (33% of the total).

61

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other I30 years?

I30 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 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, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all I30 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Infiniti I30 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags2033%
Electrical System1118%
Brakes610%
Body & Structure47%
Transmission47%
Other35%
Engine35%
Latches & Locks23%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Speed Control12%
Lighting12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)12%
Suspension12%
Seats12%

Does the 1998 Infiniti I30 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

99V129000Electrical SystemMay 20, 1999 · 17,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE SRS LIGHT FLASHED ON THEN OFF WHILE DRIVING, DRIVER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. THE DRIVER NOTICED ON ANOTHER OCCASION THAT PROBLEM REPEATEDLY HAPPENED. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 26, 2005 · crash

“ALTERNATOR FAILED ON NISSAN 1998 I-30. REPORTED TO DEALER A BURNING SMELL AND LOSS OF LIGHTS. DISCOVED TWO PREVIOUS RECALLS FOR SAME MAKE AND MODEL YEAR BUT NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS SAID MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED ALTHOUGH I ENCOUNTERED THE SAME PROBLEM. PREVIOUS RECALLS WERE NHTSA CAMPAIGN #99V129000…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 7, 2004 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 16, 2002 · crash

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 1, 2005

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 1, 2001

1998 Infiniti I30 — common questions

Is the 1998 Infiniti I30 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 61 complaints put the 1998 model at #3 of 9 I30 years. It is one of the I30 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 I30 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (20 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints), brakes (6 complaints).

Does the 1998 Infiniti I30 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 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.