AI Damage1996 Infiniti G20: common problems
Owners of the 1996 Infiniti G20 filed 13 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and cooling and fuel system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 13
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Engine and cooling 15% of all complaints
- 2 Fuel system 15% of all complaints
- 3 Service brakes 15% of all complaints
- 4 Tires 15% of all complaints
- 5 Air bags 8% of all complaints
- 6 Powertrain 8% of all complaints
- 7 Seat belts 8% of all complaints
- 8 Suspension 8% of all complaints
- Engine and cooling: 2 complaints (15% of all).
- Fuel system: 2 complaints (15% of all).
- Service brakes: 2 complaints (15% of all).
- Tires: 2 complaints (15% of all).
- Air bags: 1 complaints (8% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 13 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and cooling | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Violent deployment of air bag during collision resulting in permanent eye damage.
On or near october 1, 2015 both tires blew out within two days of one another after less than 1000 miles. The out-of-state replacement dealer claimed the tires were faulty. Please confirm receipt of this communication. Thank you!
When my daughter went to buckle her seatbelt in the back seat of my car, the buckle wouldn't latch. I tried it, too--the metal piece slid into the other part without latching. Then it'd latch; next try it wouldn't. I couldn't trust the seatbelt, so we couldn't let the children ride in that car any longer.
Tire separation occurred on three of four of the tires. The dealer said that they did not know why the defect happened, and the replacement tires were doing the same thing. The manufacturer said they will prorate the tires and not give the consumers tires for free.
Transmission failure. Automobile well maintained prior to incident.
Motor mounts that fail at under 60,000 miles are definitely a hazard, and manufacturer refuses to replace under warranty.
Two (2) engine mounts cracked and needed to be replaced.
While driving smelled gas. Mechanic checked, but could not find anything. Consumer felt this made it unsafe to drive.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 9,846 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 27% most complained about).
On average one model year of the G20 has 9 complaints (10 years in the data). This year has 13, above average.
What to check before buying
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Tires. Tire age by DOT code, bulges, wear pattern.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Infiniti G20?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine and cooling, fuel system, service brakes. Total complaints: 13. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: seat belts (8%), tires: bulges, blowouts (8%), transmission slipping (8%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1996 Infiniti G20?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1996 Infiniti G20 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1996 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.