1997 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".
Social links
Common 1997 Infiniti J30 problems
The 1997 Infiniti J30 has been reported to have several common issues, including problems with the ignition system, transmission, air conditioning, suspension, engine, and power steering system.
One of the most common problems reported by owners is a rough idle or stalling, which is often caused by a faulty ignition coil or a clogged fuel filter. The ignition coil is responsible for generating the high voltage needed to ignite the fuel in the engine, and if it fails, it can cause the engine to run poorly or stall. A clogged fuel filter can also cause the engine to stall or run poorly, as it restricts the flow of fuel to the engine.
Another issue reported by owners is related to the transmission. Some owners have reported that their J30 has difficulty shifting gears or that it slips out of gear. This problem is often caused by a worn-out transmission or a faulty transmission control module. If the transmission is worn out, it may need to be rebuilt or replaced. If the transmission control module is faulty, it may need to be replaced to fix the issue.
The air conditioning system is another area where owners have reported problems. Some owners have reported that their J30's air conditioning blows warm air or does not work at all. This problem is often caused by a faulty compressor or a refrigerant leak. Replacing the compressor or fixing the leak can often fix this issue.
The suspension system is also a common problem area for the 1997 Infiniti J30. Some owners have reported that their J30 has a harsh ride or bounces excessively on rough roads. This problem is often caused by worn-out shocks or struts. Replacing the shocks or struts should resolve the issue.
The engine is another area where owners have reported problems. Some owners have reported that their J30 has a hard time starting, or that it stalls while driving. This problem is often caused by a faulty fuel pump or a clogged fuel filter. Replacing the fuel pump or filter should resolve the issue.
Finally, some owners have reported problems with the power steering system. Some owners have reported that their J30 has a hard time turning or that the power steering fluid is leaking. This problem is often caused by a damaged power steering pump or a leak in the power steering system. Replacing the pump or repairing the leak should fix the issue.
In summary, the 1997 Infiniti J30 has several common problems that owners should be aware of. These include issues with the ignition system, transmission, air conditioning, suspension, engine, and power steering system. Regular maintenance and care can prevent many of these issues from occurring, and owners should consult a qualified mechanic or technician for proper diagnosis and repair.
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.
1997 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:
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Structure problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Infiniti J30 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Infiniti J30 complaints
The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Infiniti J30.
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-03-12
- VIN: JNKAY21D3VM
- Components: STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR STOPPED WORKING , A MONTH LATER THE REAR DRIVERS DOOR STOPPED WORKING, 2 WEEKS LATER THE DRIVERS DOOR STOPPED WORKING ON MY 1997 INFINITI J30 (WHICH I PURCHASED NEW, ONLY 107,000 MILES ON IT).NOW THE ONLY DOOR THAT WORKS IS THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. THERE ARE NO BLOWN FUSES. IT SEEMS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ACTUATOR THAT ELECTRONICALLY OPENS AND CLOSES THE MECHANISM. IF THE OTHER DOOR FAILS , I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE. IF THIS SHOULD HAPPEN WHILE I AM DRIVING THE VEHICLE, IT COULD BE LIFE THREATENING. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AND NONE OF THE SIX AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISING AND LOWER BACK PAIN. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
CHILD SEAT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-01
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: CHILD SEAT
- Summary: THE PLASTIC HARNESS RETAINER LATCH FOR THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT BROKE OFF WHILE THE CHILD WAS IN THE SEAT. MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE PROBLEM AND WANTED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM, BUT THE CONSUMER DID NOT TRUST THIS PARTICULAR SEAT ANYMORE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-11
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN OUT OF A BUSINESS ONTO HIGHWAY 59 SOUTH , INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. IT WAS RAINING, I HAD TURNED ON MY TURN SIGNAL AND I WAS TURNING ON MY WIPERS, AS I TURNED MY MY WINDSHEILD WIPER THE KNOB CAUGHT INSIDE MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKING ME FROM TURNING. I HAD ONCOMING TRAFFIC COMING AT ME SO I YANKED REAL HARD AND BROKE THE WIPER KNOB.I DO NOT KNOW HOW THAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED. I WOULD LIKE TO KOW IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD THAT TYPE OF PROBLEM. IF THE KNOB HAD NOT BROKEN, I WOULD HAVE BEEN BROAD SIDED BY TWO LANES OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. TALK ABOUT WEAK KNEES...I HAVE NOT REAPIRED YET, AFRAID IT MAY HAPPEN AGAIN.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-01
- VIN: N/A
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL INJECTORS WERE BAD, THEY LEAKED QUITE A BIT OF FUEL.CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER SAID IT SHOULD JUST BE FLUSHED. BUT, WHEN TAKEN TO A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC,MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT IT WAS BAD. ON RAINING DAYS IT WOULD GET WORSE. FROM TIME TO TIME VEHICLE WILL NOT TURN ON. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-26
- Crash: 1
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD, CRASHING INTO A BUILDING AND CAUSING SERIOUS DAMAGE. NO PRIOR PROBLEMS REGARDING THIS COMPLIANT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-18
- VIN: JNKAY21D0VM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN I TURNED THE KEY TO START MY CAR THAT MORNING THE BATTERY BLEW UP. IT HAD ENOUGH FORCE THAT IT DAMAGED MY HOOD. WHEN I TOLD MY SERVICE ADVISOR ABOUT IT SHE DIDN'T SOUND AT ALL SUPRISED. SHE MERELY TOLD ME THAT THE BATTERY MUST HAVE GOTTEN TOO DRY. LATER I TOLD HER THAT THE BATTERY SHOULDN'T HAVE EXPLODED LIKE THAT EVEN IF IT WAS DRY. I SAID I HAD NEVER KNOWN ANYONE WHO HAD A BOTTERY BLOW UP LIKE THAT, AND SHE SAID "OH, IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME." SHE WENT ON TO TELL ME THAT THEY HAVE "ABOUT ONE PER WEEK." THIS SEEMS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO ME BECAUSE SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED IF THEY HAD THEIR FACE ANYWHERE CLOSE TO THAT BATTERY WHEN I TURNED THE IGNITION. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-10
- VIN: JNKAY2106VM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HORN FAILED. YH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-22
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING INTO DRIVEWAY, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, DRIVER LOST CONTROL, RAN INTO GARAGE. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-22
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JNKAY21D7VM
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING INTO THE DRIVEWAY, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, RAN INTO GARAGE; PUSHED MERCEDES (INSIDE GARAGE) ABOUT 28 INCHES AGAINST THE WALL. TOOK TO DEALER, DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM. *AK
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-05
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JNKAY21D3VM
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: STEERING WHEEL BEGAN JERKING LEFT AND RIGHT AND VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL. *AK
Negative 1997 Infiniti J30 car reviews
Positive 1997 Infiniti J30 car reviews
-
I've always wanted one of the J30s! The rear styling is out of this world. It's hard to believe that the MSRP in 1996 was $36k! Anyway, I bought mine with 61k miles, and it's been serviced every 3750 miles. The 60k service was done, except for the timing belt, which is the one weak design flaw of this car. Other than that, I feel great driving this car. Buying premium isn't fun, but I balance it out. On flat ground, I top off with 89, and on hilly terrain, I use 91 with octane boost. With my K&N filter, I get 26/27 MPG!
-
Bought with 48K miles, it has been a wonderful driving experience. I have had no maintenance issues besides regular service and oil changes. The acceleration is good, the seating is comfortable, and it feels like a luxury car for a very reasonable price. I will definitely buy another Infiniti in the future!
-
I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share my experience with my car. I bought it used back in 2002 and it's been great! I haven't had any major problems with it and it's been very reliable. The luxury drive is so smooth and the engine is still going strong. In fact, it just passed emissions with flying colors even though it has 181,000 miles on it. I hope this helps!
-
I have a 97 J30, which I purchased from an Infiniti dealership two years ago. I must say, Infiniti's pricing strategy has worked to my advantage, as I was able to get a great deal on this beautiful car. The pearl color, stunning interior, Bose speakers, aerodynamic design, and smooth drive are just a few of the things I love about it. I have also been fortunate enough to not experience any major mechanical issues, just the usual maintenance. The J30 model was only produced from 1993 to 1997, which means it will never look outdated or lose its appeal. I am so fond of this car that I have no plans of ever selling it. Thank you for letting me share my love for this amazing vehicle!
-
I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share my experience with my car. I bought it back in 2002 with only 20,000 miles on it and it has been amazing ever since! The power and handling are excellent, and there's plenty of front leg room which makes it perfect for long trips. Honestly, I have no complaints at all. For the money, I don't think you'll find a better vehicle.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Infiniti J30 problems:
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 " ...
Nissan DTC P1800: Expert Q&A on Infiniti J30 Engine Parts and ...
Apr 2, 2008 ... I have an Infiniti J30 1997. I know it's not ... i have a 96 infiniti i30,(nissan maxima 96) i have a problem ... Is this common problem on this car ...
1997 INFINITI I30 Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Problem with your 1997 INFINITI I30? Our list of 3 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1997 INFINITI I30.
1997 Infiniti I30 multiple problems :( - Nissan Forum | Nissan Forums
Jan 12, 2011 ... Hello all, I just bought a 1997 Infiniti I30, but it failed emissions with the following 6 problems: On-Board Computer:
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 ...
Other years of Infiniti J30
Are you having problems with your 1997 Infiniti J30?
Oren Grant 2024-10-26
I bought my J30 with 98000 miles on it. The black paint on this car is superb and the leather seats are in like-new condition. This was the first car that I've owned with rear-wheel drive and I must say, I will never buy a front-wheel drive vehicle again. While replacing parts can be a little expensive, if you have any mechanical skill, the repairs can easily be done yourself. Unless it's a major problem, I would recommend avoiding taking this car to the dealer for repairs.
Jesus Schaden 2024-02-25
The car was great until we started having engine trouble. Unfortunately, we ended up putting a lot of money into repairing it due to timing belt and lifter problems. While it still drives nicely, the cost of repairs outweighs the value of the car.