1999 INFINITI G20
1999 INFINITI G20
The 1999 INFINITI G20 is a compact luxury sedan offered with several engine and transmission options. The base model features a 2.0-liter inline-four engine with 145 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Other engine options include a 3.0-liter V6 with 210 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission; and a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 205 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, available with either the 4-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission.
The G20 received praise for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and responsive handling. However, it was criticized for its lack of rear legroom and limited rear visibility.
Engine
2.0-Liter Inline-Four Engine
- Water Pump Failure: The water pump can fail, leading to coolant leaks and overheating.
- Symptoms: Engine overheating, coolant leaks
- Solution: Replace the water pump
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1,000
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing Chain Tensioner Failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to slip and potentially damaging the engine.
- Symptoms: Engine rattling, loss of power
- Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner and timing chain
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000-$2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
3.0-Liter V6 Engine
- Power Steering Pump Failure: The power steering pump can fail, resulting in difficult steering.
- Symptoms: Heavy steering, whining noise from under the hood
- Solution: Replace the power steering pump
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1,000
- Recalls: None Found
- Intake Manifold Gasket Leak: The intake manifold gasket may develop a leak, causing a drop in engine power and fuel efficiency.
- Symptoms: Rough idle, loss of power, increased fuel consumption
- Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500
- Recalls: None Found
2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four Engine
- Turbocharger Wastegate Failure: The turbocharger wastegate can fail, causing a lack of boost pressure and decreased engine performance.
- Symptoms: Loss of power, check engine light
- Solution: Replace the turbocharger
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000-$2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure: The high-pressure fuel pump can fail, resulting in reduced fuel flow to the engine.
- Symptoms: Engine stalling, difficulty starting
- Solution: Replace the high-pressure fuel pump
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1,000
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Transmission Fluid Leak: The transmission may develop a fluid leak, leading to low fluid levels and transmission problems.
- Symptoms: Slipping gears, delayed shifting
- Solution: Repair or replace the fluid leak, flush and refill the transmission fluid
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$600
- Recalls: None Found
- Valve Body Failure: The transmission valve body can fail, causing erratic shifting or transmission failure.
- Symptoms: Slipping gears, delayed shifting, no gears engaging
- Solution: Replace the valve body
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
5-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Transmission Solenoid Failure: The transmission solenoids can fail, leading to shifting problems and transmission failure.
- Symptoms: Delayed shifting, harsh shifting, transmission slipping
- Solution: Replace the faulty solenoids
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500
- Recalls: None Found
6-Speed Manual Transmission
- Shift Linkage Failure: The shift linkage can wear out or become damaged, making it difficult or impossible to shift gears.
- Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises when shifting
- Solution: Replace the shift linkage components
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Front Suspension Strut Mount Failure: The front suspension strut mount can fail, leading to a clunking or rattling noise from the front of the vehicle.
- Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise, poor handling
- Solution: Replace the strut mount
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400
- Recalls: None Found
- Rear Suspension Spring Failure: The rear suspension springs can fail, resulting in a sagging rear end and poor handling.
- Symptoms: Sagging rear end, poor handling
- Solution: Replace the rear springs
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Alternator Failure: The alternator can fail, leading to a loss of electrical power and a dead battery.
- Symptoms: Dimming headlights, difficulty starting the engine, battery warning light
- Solution: Replace the alternator
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1,000
- Recalls: None Found
- Power Window Motor Failure: The power window motors can fail, causing the windows to become inoperable.
- Symptoms: Difficulty or inability to operate the windows
- Solution: Replace the window motor
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150-$300 per window
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Headlight Switch Failure: The headlight switch can fail, causing the headlights to not turn on or stay on.
- Symptoms: Inoperable headlights
- Solution: Replace the headlight switch
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Heater Core Failure: The heater core can fail, leading to a lack of heat from the climate control system.
- Symptoms: No heat from the heater, coolant smell inside the vehicle
- Solution: Replace the heater core
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Climate Control Panel Failure: The climate control panel can fail, resulting in difficulty or inability to adjust the temperature or fan speed.
- Symptoms: Inoperable climate control panel, fluctuating temperature or fan speed
- Solution: Replace the climate control panel
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 1999 INFINITI G20 has a range of issues, some of which can be costly to fix. The most severe and expensive issues include engine timing chain tensioner failure, turbocharger wastegate failure, and transmission valve body failure. However, many of the other issues, such as water pump failure, suspension problems, and electrical issues, are relatively affordable to resolve. Overall, the G20’s reliability is average, and it is important to factor in the potential cost of repairs when considering this vehicle.