Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (255 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2001
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability and durability, particularly for the VQ30DE engine and automatic transmission.
11 problems reported (1 very frequent, 8 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentIgnition coil failure
Coils reported to fail around 120,000-140,000 miles, causing misfires (codes P0300, P0305).
- RecurrentCrankshaft/Camshaft Position Sensor failure
Causes intermittent stalling, no-start conditions, and diagnostic trouble codes (P0335).
- RecurrentIdle Air Control Valve (IACV) failure
Leads to rough idle, stalling, and high idle issues (code P0505).
+ 8 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentMass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor issues
Causes rough running and stalling; noted as a known issue.
- RecurrentEngine Mount wear
Results in excessive vibration, especially when in Drive or Reverse at a stop.
- RecurrentOil leaks from Valve Cover Gaskets
Common seepage noted as a maintenance item for high-mileage engines.
- RecurrentAlternator failure
Expected replacement item as mileage increases.
- RecurrentCooling system issues
Including water pump failure and radiator cap/leak problems leading to overheating.
- RecurrentElectrical gremlins in aging vehicles
Including parasitic battery drain, faulty relays causing lights to stay on, and blower motor/resistor issues.
- IsolatedEGR system faults
Can trigger check engine lights; often related to clogged pipes rather than the valve itself.
- IsolatedFuel Pump/Fuel Pressure Regulator issues
Suspected in intermittent starting and running problems.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to specify a preferred trim or model year. Feedback is generalized across the 1996-2001 generation, with no specific trim (e.g., base, Touring) highlighted as superior. The primary differentiator noted is the condition and maintenance history of the individual vehicle.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Lexus ES300, Nissan Maxima, Acura TL, Infiniti G20 and Infiniti I35.
Is the I30 right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability and durability, particularly for the VQ30DE engine and automatic transmission. The vehicle is consistently praised as a high-mileage workhorse, with multiple reports of reaching 250,000 to 300,000 miles with basic maintenance. Owners describe it as a tremendous value, offering luxury features and comfort derived from the Nissan Maxima platform at a lower cost. The primary sentiment is one of strong satisfaction and trust, with many owners stating it was the best or most reliable car they have owned. Criticisms are almost exclusively related to age-related wear and specific, well-documented component failures common to high-mileage examples, rather than fundamental design flaws.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a reliable, value-oriented luxury sedan based on the contemporary Nissan Maxima. It is frequently compared directly to the Lexus ES300, with owner feedback suggesting the I30 offers comparable or superior mechanical reliability and longevity, though potentially with less brand cachet. It is seen as a more luxurious and refined alternative to the Maxima, sharing its renowned powertrain. The subsequent I35 model is noted as a significant step up in performance and luxury. The consensus is that the I30 represents a "smart buy" for those seeking a durable, comfortable sedan without the premium price of a Lexus.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available for specific configuration recommendations. Implicitly, the automatic transmission (the only option mentioned) paired with the VQ30 engine is the standard and well-regarded setup. One owner suggests using premium fuel (91+ octane) despite the engine accepting regular, though this is an isolated mention.
General recommendations
Highly recommended as a durable, high-mileage used vehicle for buyers prioritizing reliability and low running costs. Essential to conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on maintenance history, rust, and fluid leaks. Prioritize vehicles with documented service records. Be prepared to address common wear items like ignition coils, engine mounts, and various sensors as the vehicle ages. Not recommended for buyers unwilling to perform or pay for maintenance on a 20+ year old vehicle, despite its robust reputation. An excellent choice for a budget-conscious buyer seeking a comfortable, long-lasting sedan.
Remarks
The powertrain, specifically the VQ30DE engine and its paired automatic transmission, is the cornerstone of the vehicle's legendary reputation for reliability, often described as "bulletproof" and capable of 250,000+ miles with basic maintenance. The vehicle is a badge-engineered version of the fifth-generation Nissan Maxima (A32 chassis, 1995-1999) and the sixth-generation Maxima (A33 chassis, 2000-2001 for the I30), which explains its shared reliability. Most negative experiences described are attributed to severe neglect, pre-existing damage, or the inevitable failures of a 20-25 year old vehicle. The strong consensus across numerous owner reports indicates this generation I30 is one of Infiniti's most reliable models ever produced. Analysis based on approximately 35 substantive owner discussions and problem reports.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2002Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2 | 3 | engine |
| 2001 | 79 | 3 | suspension |
| 2000 | 53 | 0 | electrical system |
| 1999 | 27 | 0 | air bags |
| 1998 | 54 | 2 | air bags |
| 1997 | 21 | 1 | electrical system |
| 1996 | 31 | 0 | vehicle speed control |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices9 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2002 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 20V008000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
2002 · exterior lighting:headlightscampaign 06E023000
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
2002 · suspension:front:control arm:lower armcampaign 02V146000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PIN AT THE END OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRANSVERSE LINK (LOWER CONTROL ARM) COULD BREAK WHERE IT IS MOUNTED TO THE FRAME.
2001 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 20V008000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
2001 · air bagscampaign 15V287000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
2001 · suspension:front:control arm:lower armcampaign 02V146000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PIN AT THE END OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRANSVERSE LINK (LOWER CONTROL ARM) COULD BREAK WHERE IT IS MOUNTED TO THE FRAME.
1998 · electrical system:alternator/generator/regulatorcampaign 02V171000
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.
1998 · electrical system:alternator/generator/regulatorcampaign 99V129000
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.
1997 · electrical system:alternator/generator/regulatorcampaign 02V171000
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.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: A33
3.0 i 24V
3.0L 6-cylinder · 230 hp · FWD · manual
Built 1998–2002