Frame And Members problems of the 2001 Infiniti I30

2001 Infiniti I30t my mechanic had the Infiniti on a lift to investigate a brake problem. While there he noticed that a section of the frame just below the radiator that supports it and the engine cradle was extremely corroded. What alarmed him is that one, he's seen this with greater frequency on the few Infiniti I30s he's worked on as well as its sister vehicle of that generation, the Nissan maxima. Two, the corrosion is significant enough to be concerned that the engine cradle could eventually break through and either drop out of the car altogether or at the very least drop low enough such that if while traveling the car passed over something raised and fixed on the road, it would catch the object somersaulting the car and occupants. He feels that this is definitely a deficiency in design and a definite safety concern. Vins from the other cars he's seen this on to follow.

I own a 2001 Infiniti I30 which was purchased in November 2000 from lynnes Infiniti in new jersey. Except for the problem discussed below, I have been quite pleased with the vehicle. Recently I noticed an unusual sound coming from the engine compartment. The sound seemed to be more pronounced at high speeds, above 50 mph. Cursory investigation revealed excessive rusting at and around the mounting area for the bracket that secures the base of the radiator. Additional investigation revealed that the structural member that serves as the mounting area for securing the radiators base was completely rusted through (see accompany photographs). Consequently a fairly large hole developed at and around the mounting area completely negating the support provided by the structural member. The lack of support at the base of the radiator translated into excessive up/down movement of the engine compartments hood. The hooks movement is noticeable at low speeds but becomes very pronounced at speeds in excess of 50 mph. At speeds in excess of 50 mph, the hoods vibration can be visibly observed. Aside from the rust-through of the respective structural member, the remainder of the vehicle is practically rust free. As such, it quite apparent that the rust-through of the respective structural member might be attributable to deficiencies in the rust inhibiting treatment applied or a lack thereof.