2001 INFINITI G20

The 2001 INFINITI G20 is a compact luxury sedan known for its sporty handling and comfortable ride. It came equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine (SR20DE) producing around 140 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners often appreciate the G20 for its nimble handling, fuel efficiency, and relatively low running costs. However, common complaints include issues related to its age, such as rust, worn suspension components, and failing electronics.

Engine

2.0L SR20DE Inline-4

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, distributor O-ring, oil pan gasket, or rear main seal. This can result in oil spots under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Distributor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, difficulty starting, or complete engine failure. Caused by a faulty distributor cap, rotor, or internal components.
  • Solution: Replace the distributor cap, rotor, or the entire distributor assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ depending on the replaced parts.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Poor engine performance, rough idling, stalling, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the MAF sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Slipping or Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips between gears, shifts harshly, or fails to shift at all. This can be caused by low transmission fluid, worn clutches, or a faulty valve body.
  • Solution: Check and refill transmission fluid. If the problem persists, a transmission flush, valve body repair/replacement, or complete transmission rebuild/replacement may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (fluid top-off) - $2000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual

• Grinding Gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding noise when shifting, especially into 2nd or 3rd gear. This can be caused by worn synchronizers.
  • Solution: Replace the synchronizers or rebuild the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Struts and Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll, and noise from the suspension.
  • Solution: Replace the struts and/or shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per axle
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Ball Joints and Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, loose steering, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the worn ball joints and/or bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+ per corner
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, a dead battery, and difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows that are slow to roll up or down, or that do not work at all. This can be caused by a faulty window motor or regulator.
  • Solution: Replace the window motor or regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust on the undercarriage, rocker panels, and wheel wells.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the rusted panels. Rust inhibitor and preventatives should be applied to prevent the spread of rust.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the severity
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing in the dashboard due to sun exposure and age.
  • Solution: Replacing the dashboard, or covering the dashboard with a dash cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 for a cover - $1000+ for replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Faulty Climate Control
  • Description/Symptoms: The air conditioning or heater not working properly, or the temperature being inconsistent. This can be caused by a faulty blend door actuator or a refrigerant leak.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the blend door actuator or fix the refrigerant leak and recharge the system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2001 INFINITI G20 is a generally reliable vehicle, but common issues stem from its age. Oil leaks, suspension wear, and electrical problems are the most frequently reported. The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to costly repairs. The cost to fix these issues can vary greatly depending on the specific problem and the repair shop, but expect to spend a few hundred to a few thousand dollars over the course of ownership to address these common concerns.