MotorDeets

1998 Infiniti I30: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1998 Infiniti I30: 2 recalls, 49 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
49owner complaints
5mention a crash
21best combined mpg
1998 Infiniti I30
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Electrical Vehicle recall #99V129000 · 1999 · 17,000 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: If the combustible gas emitted by the melting plastic does not disperse due to air flow through the engine compartment, it could ignite and in turn ignite the fan guide in the alternator.

The fix: Dealers will replace the alternator.

Electrical Vehicle recall #02V171000 · 2002 · 161,000 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: If the combustible gas emitted by the melting plastic does not disperse due to air flow through the engine compartment, it could ignite and in turn ignite the fan guide in the alternator.

The fix: Dealers will replace the alternator. Owner notification began July 29, 2002.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Airbags20
Electrical10
Brakes (hydraulic)5
Transmission & drivetrain4
Body & structure4
Other / unknown3
Visibility (wipers, glass)2
Latches & locks2

What owners describe

The 1998 Infiniti I30 has 49 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 9 I30 model years for complaints (1.8× the average I30 year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 85,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (20 complaints, 1 recalls), 1999 (26 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.0 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive182521Regular
3.0 L 6-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive192421Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Infiniti I30.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

Does the 1998 Infiniti I30 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Infiniti I30. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1998 Infiniti I30 problems?

Owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (20), electrical (10), brakes (hydraulic) (5).

What gas mileage does the 1998 Infiniti I30 get?

EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1998 Infiniti I30 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other I30 years

199619971998199920002001200220032004