1998 Infiniti I30: common problems and reliability

The 1998 Infiniti I30 has 54 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and electrical system. Owners most often flag ignition coil failure — coils reported to fail around 120,000-140,000 miles, causing misfires (codes p0300, p0305). frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 1998 model year

54
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
5
Crash reports
5
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Infiniti I30 vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

air bags
22
electrical system
10
service brakes
6
hydraulic
5
power train
4

Recalls affecting the 1998 I30

electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator

Campaign 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.

electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator

Campaign 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 …

What owners say across generations

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 300,0

  • Ignition coil failure — Coils reported to fail around 120,000-140,000 miles, causing misfires (codes P0300, P0305). Frequency: very frequent.
  • Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Sensor failure — Causes intermittent stalling, no-start conditions, and diagnostic trouble codes (P0335). Frequency: recurrent.
  • Idle Air Control Valve (IACV) failure — Leads to rough idle, stalling, and high idle issues (code P0505). Frequency: recurrent.
  • Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor issues — Causes rough running and stalling; noted as a known issue. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Engine Mount wear — Results in excessive vibration, especially when in Drive or Reverse at a stop. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the I30.

Typical used price

Used I30 listings typically run $3,530–$7,593 across 1997 to 2001 model years.

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