1996 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 1996 Infiniti J30 problems
The INFINITI J30, produced in 1996, is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are the most frequently reported issues in detail:
- Fuel Pump Control Module Issues: Some owners have reported cranking but not starting problems, which could be due to the fuel pump control module. This issue can be more pronounced when starting the car after a short period of time or when the engine is warm. The fuel pump control module may need to be replaced to address this problem.
- Rear End Breaking Loose: Some J30 owners have reported that the rear end of the car can break loose during aggressive cornering. This issue can be attributed to the car's rear-wheel-drive layout and may require modifications to the suspension or tires to correct.
- Auto Door Locks and Dash Lights Malfunction: Occasionally, the automatic door locks and dash lights can malfunction in the INFINITI J30. This issue may be intermittent and can be resolved by checking the wiring and electrical components for any faults.
- Sunroof Failure: The sunroof in the J30 can fail, requiring replacement or sealing shut. This issue is not unique to the 1996 model and can occur in other model years as well.
These common problems in the 1996 INFINITI J30 can be addressed by regular maintenance and timely repairs. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the longevity and reliability 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.
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.
What is the best Infiniti engine?
Most Advanced V6 Ever Offered By INFINITI. INFINITI's new compact, lightweight 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine is the most advanced V6 engine that the brand has ever offered, striking an ideal balance between drivability, efficiency, and performance.
1996 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:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Infiniti J30 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1996 Infiniti J30 complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Infiniti J30.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-17
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JNKAY21D8SM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DT: CONTACT STATED VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. THE TOW COMPANY AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TOLD CONTACT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE CAR BURNT COMPLETELY. SHE BOUGHT THE CAR FROM AN INDIVIDUAL , AND HASN'T TALKED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPT. WAS CALLED. THE FIRE STARTED IN THE REAR OF THE CAR WHERE THE GAS TANK WAS LOCATED.*AK *TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-20
- VIN: JNKAY21D5PM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS CRACK FROM WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE A DESIGN FLAW. WHICH COULD LEAD TO A ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. INFINITI KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE SUPERSEDED THE PART WITH A NEW PART. THE COST FOR THE NEW MANIFOLDS ARE $1200.00. NOT ONLY DID THEY MAKE FAULTY MANIFOLDS THAT HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO START A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THEY GOUGE THEIR CUSTOMERS $1200.00 FOR REPLACEMENT. TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION IN THE ABOVE MATRIX REGARDING COST. THE MANIFOLDS I HAVE REPLACED THE RIGHT MANIFOLD WITH ONE FROM A SALVAGE YARD. THE LEFT MANIFOLD I HAD WELDED BACK TOGETHER BECAUSE YOU CANNOT FIND ONE IN A SALVAGE YARD THAT ISN'T CRACKED. DOOR LOCKS: INFINITI ALSO HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE DOOR LOCKS, IN THAT THEY LOCK AND UNLOCK AUTOMATICALLY. ANOTHER SAFTEY PROBLEM, WHEN THE DOORS LOCKS WHEN YOU ARE INSIDE THE CAR, THE MANUAL OVERRIDE EITHER DOESN'T WORK OR THEY DON'T HAVE A MANUAL OVERIDE. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY HAD TO GET ANOTHER GUY OUT OF HIS CAR THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. MY WIFE HAS HAD ANOTHER GUY COME AND TELL HER NOT TO LEAVE HER KEYS IN THE CAR RUNNING, OR THE CAR MIGHT LOCK HER OUT. TO ANSWER YOU QUESTION ABOVE REGARDING COST, I COULD NOT GIVE YOU AN ANSWER BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP IS UNABLE TO PINPOINT THE PROBLEM. WE JUST KEEP THROWING MORE TIME AND LABOR AT THE PROBLEM. IN ANY CASE WHEN INFINITI BUILDS A CAR THAT HAS AN EXHAUST MANIFOLD PROBLEM THAT HAS THE POTENTIAL OF STARTING THE CAR ON FIRE, AND THEY HAVE A DOOR LOCKING SYSTEM THAT CAN LOCK YOU IN THE CAR WITH NO MANUAL OVERIDE, I BELIEVE THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE. I THINK THAT THESE CARS SHOULD GET RECALLED ON THESE ITEMS THAT I MENTIONED. THANK YOU, [XXX]. *AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-02
- VIN: JNKCP01D3TT
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CAR SURGES IN DRIVE OR REV ESP WHEN COLD OR HUMID. MANY TIMES CAR STALLS. I KNOW TWO OTHER 96 G20 OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-20
- VIN: JNKCP01D5TT
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ENGINE SURGES UP AND DOWN AND STALLS. THIS HAPPENS WHEN STOPPED, HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AT AN INTERSECTION! I QUESTIONED OTHER G20 OWNERS AND FOUND THEY WERE HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JNKAY21DITM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DURING ACCELERATION THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO STALL ANYTIME CONSUMER TRIES TO SWITCH TO A LEFT LANE ON THE HIGHWAY, VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT AUTOMATICALLY SWITCHES TO NEUTRAL THEN BACK TO DRIVE. NLM
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-31
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: SUN ROOF SHATTERED.
Negative 1996 Infiniti J30 car reviews
Positive 1996 Infiniti J30 car reviews
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Purchased with 44K miles in '95, now have 170K. Plan to replace it at 200k. The only major problem I had was with the A/C, but overall it has been a great car with minor maintenance. I live in the Northeast and with rear wheel drive, I have had no problems driving it in the snow.
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I must say, the J-30 was a car I never thought I'd fall in love with, but thanks to my wife's admiration for its exterior styling, I got to experience it. And boy, was I pleasantly surprised! The handling is great, the power is awesome, and the ride is simply unbeatable. We were lucky enough to get a mechanically flawless one, although the leather is a bit more worn than I'd like. However, I plan on having it re-upholstered soon. This car has definitely made me a fan of Infiniti/Nissan products. While Lexus may offer the softest ride, I'm willing to give up a bit of softness for the perfect balance of power and comfort.
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My 1995 J30 is my baby. I have owned many foreign cars, including two Volvos and two Jags, but this one is by far the best. It has been with me for 12 years now, and with 190K miles on it, it still purrs along without any major repairs or big money inputs. The Japanese really know how to make a car, and the body work quality and interior design are top-notch. Despite what others may say about its gas mileage, I disagree. My J30 is a time machine that can take me through the Arizona desert at 25 mpg, giving me a range of almost 500 miles when I set it at 85 on cruise control with the AC on. I absolutely love the outside styling, which reminds me of the old Jag saloons with the rounded rear trunk. In my opinion, this is the best car ever made.
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After reading many other reviews, I decided to buy a 1995 J30t. Although I was a little disappointed with the quality of craftsmanship, I am still satisfied with my purchase. The leather tends to wear out easily, the trip odometer doesn't work properly, The trim around the seat and doors are loose, the center console is not sturdy, and the rear speakers had to be repaired. However, the exterior is very sturdy and the paint still looks flawless. The engine is strong, but not as quiet as everyone claims. I had minor repairs (timing belt, hoses, plugs, thermostat) but these were all due. Overall, I am happy with my purchase and would recommend it to others.
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This is a fantastic purchase if you can find one with low mileage. I purchased mine with 56,000 miles and a year later, with an additional 12,000 miles, I am still extremely satisfied with it. The rear-wheel drive, 210 horsepower, and excellent handling put this car on par with BMWs. It is built like a tank and has a luxurious feel to it. I adore its BOSE stereo system, which is far superior to the one I had in my Vette. I would highly recommend this car to anyone.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Infiniti J30 problems:
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Apr 2, 2008 ... I looked into it more and found some issues that might cause this code. graphic.
INFINITI J30 Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
Top INFINITI J30 Problems · Low or Unstable Idle Due to Varnish Deposits in the Throttle Body · Check Engine Light Due to a Canister Purge Valve Fault · A " ...
Q&A: Infiniti I30 Problems & Headlights | '97 Infiniti I30 Brake
Aug 27, 2013 ... The brake light bulb is a dual element(not sure what the technical term is) bulb and the second element never lights up. Is this a common ...
1993 INFINITI J30 Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
Problem with your 1993 INFINITI J30? Our list of 4 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1993 INFINITI J30.
Other years of Infiniti J30
Are you having problems with your 1996 Infiniti J30?
Alexzander Goodwin 2024-11-07
Since my purchase, I have experienced some issues with the car's electrical system. However, I am confident in the car's overall performance and enjoy driving it. I am currently addressing the brake light and window issues, and I am working to improve the car's fuel efficiency. Overall, I am satisfied with my purchase and look forward to resolving these minor issues.
Coleman Steuber 2024-03-11
This car handled great, but unfortunately it was totalled after being hit by a Ford F-250. While I babied it, it wasn't big enough for more than two people to ride in comfortably and could hold very little. With only 130k miles, it already needed a new transmission and exhaust, which was disappointing given Infiniti's reputation for quality. Despite this, I still believe that Infiniti produces excellent cars.