1993 Infiniti J30 problems
The Infiniti J30, marketed as the Nissan Leopard J Ferie in Japan, was a rear wheel drive luxury car. The J30 went into production on April 7, 1992 as a 1993 model to replace the M30 (which was a coupe), and was launched in the United States after its competitors, the Lexus GS and Acura Legend. The car was sold in the mid-size sedan segment between the smaller G20 and the larger Q45, both by size and price. The small interior resulted from its rounded styling uncharacteristic of the crowded executive car class, which is now considered an early variant of a four-door coupé.
Design
Exterior styling
The J30 was designed at Nissan Design International (NDI) in La Jolla, California under the direction of president Jerry Hirshberg and exterior designer Doug Wilson in 1988-1989. Hirshberg said it was "the first car in what we see as a trend toward breaking away from the long tyranny of the wedge". Design work was frozen in 1989. In a promotional video produced in 1994, it was referred to as a "personal luxury sedan" as attempt to define it as a four-door coupé. The rounded styling resembles the contemporary Nissan Altima/Bluebird U13, also styled at NDI at approximately the same time..
Paul Dean, in a review for the Los Angeles Times, likened the J30 to "a 1961 Jaguar Mark X that melted", adding the "styling magic ... has softened the bulk of a sedan into the visual delicacy of a coupe". Bob Sikorsky drew a parallel to the 1947 Studebaker Champion and was positive about his driving impression, calling the J30 "one of the best-engineered cars in the world today ... a paragon of smoothness and silence with a remarkable balance between cornering ability and straight-ahead highway cruising". At the launch event, held at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel, Hirshberg presented the design theme as "a bold, calligraphic sketch of a line and an egg" and noted it was an attempt to grant "instant heritage" to the nascent Infiniti brand. In a retrospective, Mickey Kaus derided the design as "a pretentious fashion statement" with a "massively round, sagging rear end" that was based "on the bottom of a toilet bowl".
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Common 1993 Infiniti J30 problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1993 Infiniti J30, several common problems have been reported:
- AC / Heater Issues: Owners have experienced problems with the air conditioning and heating systems in the 1993 Infiniti J30. These issues can range from inadequate cooling or heating to complete system failures, impacting the comfort of the vehicle's interior.
- Electrical Problems: Another common complaint involves electrical issues in the 1993 Infiniti J30. Owners have reported various electrical malfunctions, such as problems with the stereo system, dash lights, and headlights. These issues can affect the overall functionality and safety of the vehicle.
- Transmission Troubles: The transmission system of the 1993 Infiniti J30 has been a source of complaints among owners. Transmission problems can manifest as rough shifting, slipping gears, or complete transmission failure, leading to drivability issues and potential safety concerns.
These reported problems highlight some of the key issues that owners of the 1993 Infiniti J30 have faced. Addressing these issues promptly through proper maintenance and repairs is crucial to ensuring the longevity and performance of the vehicle.
Is Infiniti J30 reliable?
The exterior and interior of the car is very elegant, it's beauty on the outside and a beast on the inside. A great value for your money, worth every penny. The car is very reliable. Overall it is a well built car and even though it's old it still performs very well.
How much horsepower does a 1993 Infiniti j30t have?
210 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Used 1993 INFINITI J30 - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | V6 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 210 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 193 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm |
What engine is in the Infiniti J30?
3.0 L VG30DE V6
Infiniti J30
| Infiniti J30 (Y32) | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0 L VG30DE V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 108.7 in (2,760 mm) |
Are old Infiniti cars reliable?
RepairPal ranks the INFINITI brand 16th out of 32 best car brands, with a 3.5 out of five overall reliability rating. INFINITIs visit the shop 0.7 times per year on average, with a 10% chance the repairs are severe. The average annual repair cost is $638, lower than the $652 average repair costs across all models.
1993 Infiniti J30 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Infiniti J30 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Infiniti J30 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1993 Infiniti J30
The NHTSA has received 26 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Infiniti J30. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1993 Infiniti J30 vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-01
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE CAR WAS PARKED AND TURNED OFF, AN ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTED IN THE STEERING COLUMN/ WIRING AREA. THE COLUMN IS BURNED AND MELTED ONTO THE SEAT AND FLOOR, THE INTERIOR IS FIRE DAMAGED. FIRE AND POLICE SAW NO CAUSE AND ASSUME A SHORT OR DEFECT WAS CAUSE.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-25
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS A IN PARK AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *AK CONSUMER'S SON WAS SITTING IN THE VEHICLE APPROX. 5 MIN. WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE WINDSHIELD BROKE WHEN THE DASH DOOR HITTING IT WHEN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. HIS SON SUFFERED CUTS, BURNS AND CONTUSIONS TO HIS LEFT SIDE. HIS LEFT EYE WAS DAMAGED AND BLACKENED. VISION HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DAMAGED. *PH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-12
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN TURNING IGNITION ON BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JNKAY21D5PM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF BOTH AIRBAGS CAUSING INJURIES TO CONSUMER AND DAMAGE TO VEHICLE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-24
- VIN: JNKAY21D2PM
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE A SNAPPING SOUND WAS HEARD AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOSS OF BRAKING WITH THE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR, THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER MOUNTING BOLTS SHEARD OFF CAUSING THE SUDDEN LOSS. NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-24
- VIN: JNKAY21D2PM
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE A SNAPPING SOUND WAS HEARD AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOSS OF BRAKING WITH THE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR, THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER MOUNTING BOLTS SHEARD OFF CAUSING THE SUDDEN LOSS. NLM
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-11
- VIN: JNKAY21D7PM
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE RESTRAINT DOES NOT RETRACT OUTWARD, LEAVING DRIVER UNRESTRAINED. DEALER IS INSPECTING AND WILL REPAIR VEHICLE.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JNKAY21D1PM
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS APPLYING THE BRAKE AND PUTTING THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE SHE HEARD A LOUD CRUNCHING NOISE AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, AN INSPECTION REVEALED THAT ONE OF THE BOLTS (PART OF THE BOOSTER HOUSING) SHEARED OFF AND THE OTHER BOLT WAS BENT, THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER AND BOOSTER. NLM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SPEEDODOMETER DOES NOT READ CORRECT SPEED WHEN DRIVING. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-01
- VIN: ADD
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED AT SPEED OF 60-65 MPH. AFTER BEING SERVICED, KICKED INTO 3RD GEAR, THEN WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO 2ND, 1ST GEAR OR REVERSE.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-28
- VIN: JNKAY21D5PM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AND HEARD A GRINDING NOISE. THEN CAR JUST STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-15
- VIN: JNKAY21D6PM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE WOULD LURCH FORWARD FELT LIKE THE GEARS WERE SLIPPING. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND. THIS WAS AFTER HAVING VEHICLE SERVICED AND CHANGING BELTS. TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHO SAID THAT THE ENGINE MAIN BEARING WAS CAUSING THE NOISE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- VIN: JNKAY21D5PM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY TRANSMISSION BEGAN "JUMPING" INTO SECOND GEAR SEVERAL YEARS AGO. I HAVE HAD THE DEALER CHECK IT 3 TIMES, AND THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DETERMINE A PROBLEM. IN THEIR DEFENSE, THE FOLKS AT THE DEALERESHIP ARE PLEASANT AND HELPFUL, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. THE JUMP IS SOMEWHAT INCONSISTENT (LET'S SAY 50 PERCENT OF THE TIME), BUT VERY INTRUSIVE ~ MUCH LIKE SOMEONE LETTING OUT A MANUAL CLUTCH TOO QUICKLY. I DRIVE THIS CAR VERY LITTLE AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- VIN: JNKAY21D5PM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY TRANSMISSION BEGAN "JUMPING" INTO SECOND GEAR SEVERAL YEARS AGO. I HAVE HAD THE DEALER CHECK IT 3 TIMES, AND THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DETERMINE A PROBLEM. IN THEIR DEFENSE, THE FOLKS AT THE DEALERESHIP ARE PLEASANT AND HELPFUL, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. THE JUMP IS SOMEWHAT INCONSISTENT (LET'S SAY 50 PERCENT OF THE TIME), BUT VERY INTRUSIVE ~ MUCH LIKE SOMEONE LETTING OUT A MANUAL CLUTCH TOO QUICKLY. I DRIVE THIS CAR VERY LITTLE AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-13
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JNKAY21D7PM
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS STANDING BY THE TRUNK IN WINDY CONDITIONS WHEN THE TRUNK FLEW OPEN, FLAPPING FROM SIDE TO SIDE, AND SUDDENLY POPPED OFF, STRIKING CONSUMER IN THE FOREHEAD AND CAUSING HER TO SUSTAIN AN INJURY WHICH REQUIRED TEN STITCHES. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE TRUNK COMES OPEN WHILE DRIVING AND THE TRUNK LID WILL NOT CLOSE. DEALER HAS SEEN VEHICLE. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-07
- VIN: JNKAY21D7PM
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL INJECTOR WAS IN OPEN POSITION, CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK OINTO THE ENGINE, RESULTING IN SMOKE HEAVY SMOKING/JERKING AND STALLING. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN PARKING VEHICLE WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL, VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-01
- VIN: JNKAY21D9PM
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT TRACK HAS BEEN REPLACED BY THE DEALER ONCE, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. THE MOVEMENT IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT ASSEMBLY CONTINUES TO GET WORSE (FORE AND AFT MOVEMENT IN THE SEAT WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATES AND BRAKES). THE INFINITI DEALER AND THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS NOT RESOLVED THIS ISSUE. THE INFINITI CASE FILE NUMBER IS 2715532.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-19
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- VIN: JNKAY21DOPM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS CAUSING INJURIES TO CONSUMERS AND DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-19
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- VIN: JNKAY21DOPM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF BOTH AIR BAGS CAUSING INJURY TO CONSUMERS NECK AND DAMAGE TO INSIDE OF VEHICLE.(ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER). 541615 DUP OF 541875; POSTED ON 09-07-1999. ALSO 542009 DUP OF 541875; POSTED ON 09-07-1999.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-14
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JNKAY21DOPM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIRBAG FAILED.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-31
- VIN: JNKAY21D6PM
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: BELTS BROKE TWICE ON DUNLOP TIRES. *DSH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THIS IS SECOND OCCURANCE, VEHICLE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL ERRATIC SPEED. OWNER FELT ACCELERATOR PEDAL GO TO FLOOR. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-12
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JNKA421D7PM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS IN COLLISION, CAUSING INJURY. AIR BAGS DESIGNED TO NOT WORK IF VEHICLES BUMPER IS BELOW OTHER VEHICLE. *DSH
1993 Infiniti J30 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1993 Infiniti J30.
- Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: A HARNESS CONNECTOR PROTECTOR LOCATED NEAR THE SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER CAN IGNITE DUE TO THE PROXIMITY TO THE COMBUSTION GAS GENERATED BY THE PRE-TENSIONER WHEN THE DEVICE IS TRIGGERED.
- Consequence: A FIRE CAN OCCUR IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THESE VEHICLES.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HARNESS CONNECTOR PROTECTORS WITH ONES HAVING SUFFICIENT RESISTANCE TO THE COMBUSTION GAS OF THE PRE-TENSIONERS WHEN ACTIVATED.
Negative 1993 Infiniti J30 car reviews
Positive 1993 Infiniti J30 car reviews
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This car is truly exceptional, especially if purchased used. You can ride in comfort and confidence while enjoying the high-quality Bose sound system. Even after ten years, this car is still in style and people often ask me what year model it is. When I tell them it's a 1993, they are surprised and impressed by the quality build of the vehicle. I am very satisfied with my purchase.
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My wife found this car at the local dealer where we purchased our last two cars. At first, I wasn't too crazy about the look of the J, but I was sold after the test drive. After 5 months of ownership, I have really bonded with this car. Quite simply, this is one of the nicest driving cars I have ever driven. Even at 11 years old, the J feels more solid than most new cars.
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I really needed a car and luckily found my 1993 J30 with 211000 miles on it for under $2000. At first, I thought I would only use it for a few months and then get rid of it. However, I ended up driving it for 10,000 miles in just two months, taking it on trips to Florida three times and to New York. I am amazed at how well this car has held up, with no oil leaks or problems whatsoever. Although the sunroof stopped working and the right headlight has a mind of its own, I can't really complain. Why buy a used Honda when you can have all this power and comfort for the same price? Thank you Nissan!
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I purchased my J almost 9 years ago, used, with nearly 39,000 miles on it and have been driving it low mileage ever since. It has been THE BEST car I have ever owned. Although I had a problem with the sunroof, I reached out to Nissan and they reimbursed me half of the cost. The car does not get great mileage, but I love to punch it. The stereo is amazing. I recently replaced the transmission, but that is the ONLY repair I have had to make outside of the sunroof and normal wear and tear such as oil changes, tires, and brakes. I DO take good care of my car. I do not believe that the unhappy owners are lying, but I am astounded by their dissatisfaction. The J is, in a word, awesome, and it is unfortunate that cars of this quality are not made anymore.
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I recently bought a 15-year-old car with only 98k miles on it, and it has aged beautifully both inside and out. The car has many pros, including nice handling, a smooth ride, and a luxurious look and feel. However, the seats are not very comfortable for long rides, and repairs can be expensive, although luckily not many have been needed. There are some minor issues, such as a non-functioning sunroof and an intermittent issue with the CD player, but given the age of the vehicle, these are almost to be expected. The main problem seems to be an intermittent dash light outage, which is a faulty switch and easy to fix. Overall, I find this car to be very reliable and enjoyable.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1993 Infiniti J30 problems:
Q&A: Troubleshooting 1993 Infiniti J30 - Poor Acceleration, Stalling ...
Apr 25, 2011 ... It should idle at 750-800 RPM. This idle adjustment screw is not too bad to get too and may have a 10mm so you can easily get a wrench on it.
1993 INFINITI J30 - Infiniti J30 cut off problems
May 10, 2011 ... I own a 93 Infiniti J30..Ive recently had problems with eratic idling, severe hesitation, and stalling..the stalling would happen in two ...
1994 infiniti j30 transmission problems - Nissan Forum | Nissan ...
Apr 11, 2004 ... I am having transmission problems. Is this common with this car ?? What it is doing is getting stuck in first gear some times.. and shifts late ...
1993 Infiniti J30 1993 Won't Start
May 29, 2010 ... Could bad contacts in the ignition be causing problems in the engine? Well, warming the car up is definitely not the problem in this case. I ran ...
93 Infiniti J30 engine/running problems - Nissan Forum | Nissan ...
May 10, 2011 ... Re: 93 Infiniti J30 engine/running problems ... That's a lot of corrosion and there are indications that your battery is leaking or being over- ...
Other years of Infiniti J30
Are you having problems with your 1993 Infiniti J30?
Ezekiel Mills 2024-11-11
The transmission of the car I purchased started having issues at 72K miles, despite the seller's assurance that it was in good condition. I made the mistake of taking it to AAMCO for repairs, enticed by their lifetime warranty, but it ran poorly afterwards. Additionally, I encountered some issues with AAMCO's pricing, as they quoted $1500 initially but charged $2500 after the repair was completed. Unfortunately, the transmission failed again on the first day I got it back, after two weeks. The second repair, which took another two weeks, only lasted a year. I also experienced an AC leak that neither AAMCO nor Nissan could locate, despite the latter's exhaustive search.
Javier Beahan 2024-10-01
I hope you're doing well! I noticed that you've owned your Infiniti for three years now. It sounds like you've had some mixed experiences with it. While you find it fun to drive and appreciate the excellent performance, you've also found it to be unreliable. Additionally, you've noticed that the cabin is well isolated from the outside, but road and engine noise are very noticeable. You've also found the seats to be poorly shaped and too hard, which can make long trips unpleasant. Headroom is barely adequate, and foot room is mediocre, especially on the passenger side. On the bright side, the auto-temp climate control system works well, and the Bose sound system is top-notch. Overall, it sounds like you've had some ups and downs with your Infiniti, but I appreciate you sharing your thoughts with me!
Ewell Marquardt 2024-09-19
I recently purchased a car from an elderly couple with only 80k miles on it, with the intention of giving it to my son for school. However, I soon realized that the car was too powerful for a 19-year-old to handle, so I decided to drive it myself. It turned out to be a wise decision, as the car has had several issues with the steering, transmission, radio, sunroof motor, airbag light, and it was designed for someone shorter than 5'10
Armando Welch 2024-06-28
I purchased a car with 36000 miles on it, but unfortunately, it spent a considerable amount of time in the shop for the next 6 months. I had a difficult experience with Bob Moore Infiniti in Okla City, and I would not recommend buying anything from them. During my sixth visit, the engine shorted out the computer and blew it up, causing significant damage. However, the staff was understanding and decided not to charge me for the repairs. The car's interior quality and electronics have not met my expectations, and I have experienced more problems than with any other car. As a result, I have decided not to purchase another Infiniti.