NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 21 owner complaints for the 1997 Infiniti I30. Most complaints involve electrical system (6) and service brakes, hydraulic (5). The EPA rates it 21 mpg combined.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“THE CAR STALLED, NEEDED TOWING TO FIRESTONE IN ELGIN. THEY SAY IT'S ALTERNATOR. THIS WILL BE THIRD CHANGE OF THE ALTERNATOR FOR THIS VEHICLE IN 4 YEARS PERIOD. BATTERY HAS BEEN CHANGED ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO, WHEN THE CAR STALLED PREVIOUSLY. YESTERDAY I CALLED INFINITI, GOT A BIT OF A RUN AROUND BY THEM TELLING ME TO CALL NISSAN, WHO TOLD ME TO CALL INFINITI. INFINITI TOLD ME MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, AND THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN HELP ME WITH. *KB”
“REAR BRAKE HUM AT LOW SPEED, MAINLY WHEN ACCELERATING FROM FULL STOP. BOTH REAR ROTORS REPLACED AND PADS REPLACED, STILL OCCURS. OCCASIONAL GRINDING FROM DRIVER'S REAR BRAKE - MECHANIC CANNOT SOLVE PROBLEM DESPITE FREQUENT BRAKE PART REPLACEMENTS. DEALER CANNOT FIND PROBLEM EITHER. *LA”
“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 IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 96,000.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I30 Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| I30 Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 21 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (6), service brakes, hydraulic (5), engine and engine cooling (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1997 Infiniti I30 at 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).