Most common 1997 Infiniti I30 problems
Share of the 20 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Infiniti I30 complaints by model year
Best I30 years: 2003, 2004, 2002. Years to avoid: 2000, 1998, 2001. Compare all years →
1997 Infiniti I30 recalls (1)
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
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.
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…
What 1997 Infiniti I30 owners say
Electrical system
My 1997 Infiniti I-30 was having a hard time starting and eventually the car died one weekend and would not start. I spent some time on it and got the car started and drove it down to o'neil auto parts and they put their starting system analysis machine on the starting system...their results were that the car battery was OK and the car starter was OK but the car alternator was putting out 34 amps. Instead of the prescribed 129 amps. I had called Infiniti motor corp. Earlier and Infiniti stated to me that my car Infiniti I-30 VIN #[redacted] manufactured in 3/97 was not covered by the current alternator recall. Although I have read on the internet in nissannews.com that the mechanically equivalent Nissan maxima bulit during the period of 3/97 is covered under the recall. Which I find odd because both of these models were likely built on the same production line. …
The alternator has produced an electrical short. As a result the vehicle stalled out while driving 20 MPH. A recall has been issued, however the vehicle VIN number is outside of the remedy scope. Please provide additional information.
Brakes
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.
Owner states while driving vehicle at 10-15 MPH and trying to use brakes they did not function.they are ABS brakes and owner is uncertain why this occurred. He notes that there was just no action when he went to apply brakes.dealers have not determined the cause.
Engine & cooling
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.
I have a 1997 Infiniti I30 that was purchased oct 2006 with apprx 94,000 now has 105,000. Car has been a lemon from month 2 on, I have spent over $2000 in repairs. I have even taken the vehicle to the local Infiniti dealership and them nor anyone else can figure out what is wrong with the vehicle. I have replaced 2 starters, alternator, ignition switch, 2 ignition coils, cam shaft angle sensor, crank shaft angle sensor, 3 sets of spark plugs,valve cover gaskets, fuel pump, fuel filters, major front and back wheel computerized alignment, transmission filter and oil. Car spits and sputters acting like its running out of gas. It dies when at a light, in gear, reverse, takes a turn....pretty much all the time, Infiniti dealer says only thing wrong is a shutter sensor which was told that would not affect the driving. …
1997 Infiniti I30 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Infiniti I30 a good car?
Based on 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 I30 rates average: 24% fewer complaints than a typical year of the I30 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Infiniti I30?
The electrical system — 6 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about alternator/generator/regulator. Next are the brakes (5) and engine & cooling (3).
How many recalls does the 1997 Infiniti I30 have?
There is 1 recall for the 1997 Infiniti I30, the most recent from June 24, 2002 (alternator/generator/regulator). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Infiniti I30?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003, 2004 and 2002. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000, 1998 and 2001. See the full Infiniti I30 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Infiniti I30 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 96,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.