2021 Infiniti QX50 problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 41 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Infiniti QX50, most often about engine. There are 2 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
41
Recalls
2
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
4
Median mileage
71,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 25 of 41 complaints (61%).
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (8) and electrical system (8) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 71,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries.
  • The 2021 Infiniti QX50 has 2 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 2nd of 11 Infiniti QX50 model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 24% more complaints than the 2020 model year (33).

2021 Infiniti QX50 problems by category

  • Engine · 1 crash
    25 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    8 complaints
  • Electrical System · 1 crash
    8 complaints
  • Brakes
    4 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain · 2 crashes
    4 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    3 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    2 complaints
  • Steering
    1 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    1 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    1 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine18
Electrical system8
Engine and engine cooling7
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking6
Service brakes4
Forward collision avoidance: warnings3
Power train3
Unknown or other3

When problems happen (mileage)

1Under 10k110k–30k230k–60k460k–100k1100k–150k1150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2021 Infiniti QX50 complaints that list mileage.

2021 Infiniti QX50 recalls (2)

  • Recall 25V437000Jun 27, 2025443,899 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Rogue, 2019-2020 Altima, 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50, and 2022 Infiniti QX55 vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. The engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure.

    Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. A bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk of an engine fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or Infiniti's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R25A8/A9 and R25B1/B2.

  • Recall 21V402000May 27, 202114,276 vehicles
    STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM · SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:SPINDLE

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Nissan Murano, INFINITI QX60, 2021 Nissan GT-R, INFINITI QX50, and Q50 vehicles. The front steering knuckle or rear axle housing may have insufficient strength due to improper heat-treatment.

    Risk: The steering knuckle or rear axle could deform upon impact, such as from hitting a curb, resulting in a loss of steering control, or possible wheel separation. Both of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckle and rear axle housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2021. Nissan owners may contact customer service at 1-800-867-7669. INFINITI owners may contact customer service at 1-800-662-6200.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • PE23023Opened Dec 13, 2023Closed Jul 18, 2025led to recall 25V437

    Complete loss of motive power due to engine failure

    On December 13, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-023 to investigate allegations of engine failures leading to loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021-2023 Nissan Rogue; MY 2019-2021 Nissan Altima; and MY 2019-2021 Infiniti QX50 vehicles. At that time, ODI had received 6 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) and multiple early warning reports, with consumers reporting engine knocking noises accompanied by a loss of engine power while driving. The investigation identified bearing failures in certain vehicles equipped with the subject 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0…

Recent 2021 Infiniti QX50 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Oct 6, 2026IDDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    My wife was driving her fancy little car at night, and when she reached the halfway point (in the middle of an intersection), the ADAS apparently detected something that wasn't there and the car slammed on its brakes, putting her and other drivers at risk of a collision. She said there were all kinds of lights on the dash that lit up while the car was attempting to stop itself for no reason. I have had terrible experiences with our local dealer, and have not yet contacted…
    NHTSA complaint #11769290 · source
  2. Filed Aug 31, 2026ALEngine
    My 2021 Infiniti QX50 has suffered a catastrophic internal engine failure. This vehicle is explicitly covered under active federal safety recall NHTSA Campaign 25V437000 (Infiniti Campaign R25A8/A9 / R25B1/B2) for defective, failing main and link bearings. The Infiniti dealership is actively refusing to honor the mandated federal recall remedy. The service department is attempting to illegally bypass the safety recall mandate by blaming the presence of engine sludge and…
    NHTSA complaint #11761058 · source
  3. Filed Jun 29, 2026CTCrash3 injuredTowedElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    On June 16, 2026, a 2021 Infiniti QX50 experienced a safety-related malfunction while being driven at approximately 15–20 mph. The vehicle suddenly jerked, lost power response, displayed multiple warning lights, showed a “System Fault – See Owner’s Manual” message, and became unresponsive/difficult to control. The engine remained on, but the vehicle did not respond properly. The vehicle struck a fixed object/rock. A police report was filed/requested, and medical evaluation…
    NHTSA complaint #11747250 · source
  4. Filed Jun 24, 2026122,000 miMDEngine
    The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from under the hood. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and metal shavings were found in the oil pan. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the repair was denied due to the…
    NHTSA complaint #11746230 · source
  5. Filed Jun 23, 2026FLEngine
    There is an active and unremedied safety recall on my 2021 Infiniti QX50 (NHTSA Recall #25V-437) for a critical engine defect that can result in complete engine failure and risk of fire. The recall was issued on June 26, 2025. I am an active-duty military member stationed in Germany. I shipped my vehicle in January 2026, before a remedy was available. My vehicle is now exhibiting all the early warning signs mentioned in the recall notice, including unusual engine noises,…
    NHTSA complaint #11745834 · source
  6. Filed May 18, 2026CTElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
    The vehicle has experienced ongoing electrical and safety-system related malfunctions shortly after being purchased as an INFINITI Certified Pre-Owned vehicle in April 2025. The issues initially included flickering interior and exterior lights, intermittent door lock malfunctions, and other electrical irregularities. In June 2025, I received notification through the INFINITI app regarding a major engine recall involving engine bearing failure concerns affecting my vehicle. I…
    NHTSA complaint #11738589 · source
  7. Filed May 15, 2026CTDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System
    I purchased my vehicle 4.25. soon after I noticed lights flickering. I was notified shortly after my car was part of the major recall. I brought it in, they said no engine bearings, car is ok, they did not acknowledge the lights because there was no code. I was due for an oil change a few months later and the dealer gave me a 2600.00 estimate for repairs. soon after the FEB light and the lane assist malfunctions. emergency brake malfunctions are DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE .I have…
    NHTSA complaint #11738125 · source
  8. Filed May 12, 2026NCBody & Structure
    The front driver-side door on my 2021 Infiniti QX50 appears to have a faulty latch, hinge, or door ajar sensor issue. The vehicle repeatedly displays a “door open/door ajar” warning even when the door is fully shut and latched. The warning can sometimes be triggered or worsened by leaning on the door or applying light pressure, which suggests movement in the latch or hinge assembly. The issue also occurs while making left turns, where the warning activates as if gravity or…
    NHTSA complaint #11737328 · source

Compare the 2021 Infiniti QX50 with another vehicle →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology