NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 52 owner complaints for the 1998 Infiniti I30. Most complaints involve air bags (21) and electrical system (10). 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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHING, DEALERSHIP INDICATED "A VERY COMMON PROBLEM" FOR THIS YEAR AND MAKE INFINIITI . WELL A COMMON PROBLEM TO ME SEEMS LIKE IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. I WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THAT IT WOULD OVER $1000 DOES THIS HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH TAKATA INFLATORS THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLS ON MILLIONS OF CARS BUT JUST SKIPPED THIS YEAR AND MAKE? I WAS TOLD AIRBAG WILL STILL DEPLOY, WELL I WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END ACCIDENT, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY! THIS IS A REAL CONCERN, THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED, AND RECALL IMPLEMENTED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES AS A RESULT!”
“WHILE DRIVING HOME COULD HEAR A CLICKING NOISE IN THE WIRING CAR STARTED TO LOSE POWER AND EVENTUALLY DIED IN THE ROAD, JUMP STARTED IT TO GET TO A SHOP WAS TOLD IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR, BOUGHT NEW ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY AFTER DRIVING FOR A WHILE CAR SHORTED OUT AGAIN LOST POWER AND ONCE AGAIN DIED ON THE ROAD, JUMP STARTED CAR TO GET HOME. CAR WILL NOT HOLD POWER KEEPS SHORTING OUT IN THE WIRES, ALTERNATOR IS STILL GOOD AS WELL AS BATTERY. YOU CAN HEAR THE WIRING WHEN IT SHORTS OUT AS IT CLICKS. WHEN I JUMP START THE CAR IT WILL ONLY STAY CHARGED FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE DYING OUT AGAIN. I AM NOT ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR NOW AS IT WILL NOT STAY CHARGED, SOMETHING ELECTRICAL IS DRAINING THE BATTERY. WHEN THE WIRING STARTS TO CLICK RADIO GOES OFF AND CLOCK DIMS BEFORE SHUTTING OFF AS WELL.”
“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 TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY REPORTED THAT THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. THE SAME FAILURE HAPPENED AGAIN APPROXIMATELY A MONTH AFTER THAT, AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP, HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIP MAINTAINS THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. DT”
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 | 25 | 21 | $2,850 | 423 |
| I30 Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | $2,850 | 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 |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 12, 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 52 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (21), electrical system (10), service brakes, hydraulic (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1998 Infiniti I30 at 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).