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Infiniti I30Model year report

2001 Infiniti I30 Problems

Complaints
75filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
106,500miles, 52 complaints with mileage
Recalls
3campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
20 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 24 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Infiniti I30 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe front-end and steering problems tied to the lower control arm and transverse link, plus a body-structure corrosion issue at the radiator support. A second cluster of complaints covers idle and stalling behavior linked to the idle air control valve and engine control module. Most reports arrive at higher mileages, though brake judder is reported early in the car's life.

  1. Body and structure

    Radiator support / front crossmember rust-through

    • 10 complaints (13%)
    • median 109,000 mi at 12.5 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2009–2015

    Owners describe heavy corrosion of the frame section below the radiator, where the engine mount and tie bar attach, sometimes rusted through while the rest of the underbody looks clean. Several say a dealer or mechanic warned that the engine cradle could lose support; one owner reports the tie bar was replaced and rewelded. Complaints note the car is often in the same region as its Nissan sibling model with the same symptom. Typically reported between about 100,000 and 155,000 miles on cars in northern or coastal climates.

    What to check: Inspect the frame rail under the radiator and around the engine mount for flaking or perforated metal, especially on a car from a snowy or coastal area. Ask whether the section has been repaired or welded.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The core radiator support is rusting out where a support piece holding up the engine is attached. It has rusted almost through and if it rusts through, I was told there would be a large amount of stress on a secondary support for the engine, eventually leading to the engine falling out of place. I read through several forums and this is a very common problem among this model (and its sister model the nissan maxima). …”

    NHTSA complaint #10547832, filed 2013-10, 112,000 miles

    “The cross member support under the radiator is rusting out on my 2001 I 30. The car is located in the northeast. Infinity is using low grade metal because this should not happen.”

    NHTSA complaint #10621890, filed 2014-08, 110,000 miles
  2. Vehicle speed control

    Stalling and erratic idle (idle air control / ECM)

    • 12 complaints (16%)
    • median 110,000 mi at 10.1 yrs old (12 state mileage)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2003–2018

    Complaints describe the engine stalling at stops or while driving, idle speed rising on its own so the car creeps forward, and rough or surging idle after warm-up. Owners say shops replaced the idle air control valve, throttle body or engine control module, sometimes without resolving it, and some report a burning smell or smoke from the dash area. Reported from about 80,000 to 160,000 miles, more often after warm-up or in cold weather.

    What to check: Ask whether the idle air control valve, throttle body or ECM has been replaced and keep any repair receipts. During a test drive, let the car idle at a stop after warming up and watch for a rising or hunting tachometer.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Car has developed issues starting and maintaining smooth idle once started. Initially, a mechanic diagnosed the issues as the idle control valve. It was changed at a cost of $800. This did not alleviate the issue. After further tests, they determined it was the engine control module (ECM). This had to be changed by an Infiniti dealership. When I went to the dealer, they informed me that the problem was with the throttle control body and would cost $1300 to repair and fix the problem. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10954280, filed 2017-02, 131,000 miles

    “When I am in stop-and-go traffic after 30-45 minutes of time the engine idles very fast. I have to keep my foot on the brake very hard to keep vehicle stopped. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10023378, filed 2003-06, 35,000 miles
  3. Suspension

    Front lower control arm / transverse link failure

    • 10 complaints (13%)
    • median 118,000 mi at 10.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2002–2018

    Complaints describe a knocking noise from the front end, a shimmy or vibration, and steering that feels loose or pulls. Several owners say a mechanic found the front lower control arm or transverse link broken or fractured at its bushing, and some were told the repair was not covered because their vehicle was outside the affected recall population. In one report the steering wheel responded in the opposite direction from the input. Mostly reported between roughly 75,000 and 165,000 miles, often noticed while turning or at low speed.

    Recall 02V1460001 related service bulletin

    What to check: Ask whether the front lower control arm recall work was performed and whether the arms or bushings have been replaced. Have a mechanic check the arms and bushings for cracks or play before buying.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Takata recall for front suspension transverse link. I think this vehicle belongs in the list and of the i30t 2001 Infiniti and so does the mechanic that inspected the vehicle”

    NHTSA complaint #11142893, filed 2018-10, 20,000 miles

    “The contact owns a 2001 Infiniti I30. The contact stated there was a slight shimmy and an unusual knocking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. In addition, there was a slight loss of control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the front lower control arm was replaced. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10327191, filed 2010-04, 118,000 miles
  4. Air bags

    Takata passenger air bag inflator recall

    • 9 complaints (12%)
    • median 96,072 mi at 13.4 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2013–2020

    Owners report receiving recall notices for the passenger frontal air bag inflator and describe difficulty getting the work done, including long distances to a franchised dealer or being told the part would not be replaced. Some complaints describe the air bag warning light flashing after a prior inflator replacement, and one owner reports air bags that did not deploy in a collision. Recall-related complaints filed from 2013 onward, at mileages from about 80,000 to over 200,000.

    Recall 20V008000Recall 15V2870003 related service bulletins

    What to check: Have the VIN checked for open air bag recalls and confirm the inflator replacement was completed. Watch the air bag warning light through the bulb-check at startup and ask for paperwork on any completed recall.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Takata recall .... I received an airbag safety recall back in oct 2013. I took the car to kuni westside inifiniti, lynnwood, wa.... They completed the recall with inflator -air bag, as-k8e61-7994d. I am unaware as to which air bag was replaced. Recently the air bag indicator light on the dashboard started flashing. I called the dealership and was informed that there was no recent recall, just the one back in 2013. They informed me to make an appointment and they would check it out... The dealership is approx 80 miles away from my home. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11056239, filed 2017-12, 160,000 miles

    “The dash signal for the air bag comes on despite the fact that I have put the harness on and continues to flash even after you start driving until you end your trip! It feels as though the harness is not set!!”

    NHTSA complaint #10715829, filed 2015-05, 80,000 miles
  5. Brakes

    Front brake judder and warped rotors

    • 5 complaints (7%)
    • median 20,000 mi at 4.0 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2004–2010

    Owners describe shaking through the car or steering wheel when braking from highway speed, usually traced to warped front rotors; some had rotors machined or replaced more than once, at times under warranty and later at their own cost. Complaints also mention hard brake pedal or loss of power assist in cold weather tied to a check valve in the booster vacuum line. Often reported early, from under 20,000 to about 45,000 miles for the judder; the assist complaint appeared later in life.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Brake from highway speed during the test drive and feel for pulsation through the pedal or wheel. Ask when the rotors and pads were last replaced and whether the pedal stays firm after two pumps when cold.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “At 31,000 brakes pulsated but did stop car but not as quickly as before pulsating. I did not experience any close calls since I drive slowly and brought car to dealer for repair at my expense.. The dealer machined front rotors and replaced pads due to rotors being warped.”

    NHTSA complaint #10177423, filed 2006-12, 31,000 miles

    “I own a 2001 Infiniti I30. I have a recurrent problem with the brakes on this car. The car shakes so much when I'm braking driving at around 65 MPH. It makes me very nervous because I have a two-year-old child in the back seat. I have taken it back to the dealer three times. The first time was when the car was only about a couple years old. The first two times, they fixed the problem with the rotor and the brakes for me without charge. The service person agreed that this is a recurring problem with this model. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10110208, filed 2005-02

Buying note. On a car of this age, the practical checks are the front suspension arms, the frame rail under the radiator, and proof that the air bag recalls were completed. A pre-purchase inspection that includes a lift is worthwhile, and repair records for idle or electrical work help show how the car has been maintained.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 75 consumer complaints for the 2001 Infiniti I30. 52 of the complaints include a mileage, and 17% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 106,500 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 46 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Engine (4), Wheels (4), Fuel system (2), Other or unknown (2), Equipment (1), Seat belts (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).

Example complaints

Suspension: “I was driving along the middle lane in heavy traffic. At the intersection with traffic lights, the lane was stuck in front of me and there was no space to go. In order not to block the intersection, I had to slow down and stop at the traffic lights. While I was waiting at the lights, after 10 seconds the other car came closer without slowing down and hit my car from the behind. I was rear-ended on that incident.”

NHTSA complaint #11071508, filed 2018-02, 128,543 miles

Vehicle speed control: “I was driving on the highway in my 2001 Infiniti I30. Car has never been hit or otherwise damaged. It's a fully stock vehicle. As I was driving down the highway the accelerator pedal depressed all by itself half way and the rpms and speed rose. I tried to brake but the acceleration overcame the braking and would not slow the vehicle. I put the vehicle into neutral and the rpms were at max. I was on the highway with no shoulder so I had to put the vehicle back into gear to get to the next exit. Once I put it into gear the vehicle sped up uncontrollably again. …”

NHTSA complaint #10262607, filed 2009-03, 131,000 miles

Body and structure: “Radiator core support is rusting at an unusually rapid rate. This is also the front mount for the engine. When this finally breaks it is likely the engine and cooling system will suffer. There is no rust anywhere else on the vehicle. Note: this car is structurally and mechanically identical to the nissan maxima of the same year, and many of said car are suffering the same issues.”

NHTSA complaint #10468410, filed 2012-07, 55,000 miles

Air bags: “Takata air bag recall, involved in a front end collision with the car. Other vehicle at fault, ran stop sign. Car was total loss, airbags never deployed. Daughter sustained minor injuries.”

NHTSA complaint #11045403, filed 2017-11, 100,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

17% of the 52 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 76,000 and 131,000 miles.

2%0–106%10–2510%25–508%50–7519%75–10040%100–15015%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (52 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 106,500 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’02’05’088’11’14’17’21
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Infiniti I30. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
I30 · sedan not rated4 / 4———

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2001 Infiniti I30 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
I30 FWD3.0L 6-cyl4-speed automatic172420$3,350

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2001 Infiniti I30 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 46 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 46 bulletins →

Other model years of the Infiniti I30

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
200175106,5003—20Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20005046,0000—20Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19992694,0960—21Not compared (before 2008)Rising
19984985,5002—21Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19972093,0001—21—Stable
199624123,5700—21—Falling

All Infiniti I30 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Infiniti I30?

Owners of this model year most often describe front-end and steering problems tied to the lower control arm and transverse link, plus a body-structure corrosion issue at the radiator support. The issues reported most often: Radiator support / front crossmember rust-through; Stalling and erratic idle (idle air control / ECM); Front lower control arm / transverse link failure.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Infiniti I30 have?

NHTSA recorded 75 consumer complaints for the 2001 Infiniti I30 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2001 Infiniti I30 is reported most often?

Suspension is named most often, in 23 complaints (31% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control with 12.

Has the 2001 Infiniti I30 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2001 Infiniti I30 get?

The EPA rates the 2001 Infiniti I30 (I30, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2001 Infiniti I30 reported?

Among the 52 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 106,500 miles and the middle half falls between 76,000 and 131,000 miles; 17% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.