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Infiniti Q50 loss of power problems

23 of the 492 owner complaints about the Infiniti Q50 describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2017 model year.

owner complaints
23
worst model year
2017
typical mileage
53,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Engine failure 6Check engine light 5Stalling 4Power steering loss 2Jerking 2

Trouble codes mentioned

P0720 1C1A16 1B130D 1

What owners say

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · GA

In August 2026, while driving, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration and engine power and would only travel at a very slow speed. The check engine light came on. The driver had to safely stop, turn the engine off, and restart it. After restarting, the vehicle temporarily regained acceleration and normal speed. This problem has occurred more than once and creates a serious safety risk in traffic, especially when merging or crossing intersections. An INFINITI dealer inspected the vehicle and advised that the problem may involve the turbocharger system, with repairs estimated at approximately $4,000. INFINITI Consumer Affairs was contacted about the loss of acceleration but declined financial assistance because of the vehicle's mileage/warranty status. The vehicle was previously an Enterprise rental vehicle and had prior INFINITI service history. The vehicle is available for inspection. I am requesting investigation of this sudden loss-of-power condition.I am aware that the federal safety agency Recall 21V‑234 / INFINITI Campaign R20C5 involved certain 2021 Q50 vehicles and an ECM software condition associated with a warning light, reduced power, and possible engine stall while driving. My VIN currently shows 0 unrepaired recalls, but I am requesting verification of whether this campaign ever applied to my vehicle and, if so, when and at what mileage the ECM reprogramming was completed. My vehicle is now experiencing a Check Engine Light and sudden loss of acceleration/power while driving, which temporarily improves after the engine is shut off and restarted. I am also aware of INFINITI TSB ITB22-038D/EM22-007D concerning turbocharger replacement procedures for 2016–2024 Q50 vehicles equipped with the VR30DDTT engine. I request investigation of whether my present loss-of-power condition is related to the ECM, turbocharger/boost system, or another safety-related defect.

Filed Jun 13, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · GA

Something happened to cause power loss. I checked the recalls and work that was supposed to be performed but didn’t get done like it was supposed to. I need to have it checked now asap! I see 2 engine replacements and also the turbos and 2 of the catalytic converters. The last 2 need replacing as well or it’s not going to be right.

Filed May 18, 2026 · Acceleration · TX

OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR on 2016 INFINITI Q50t - Took vehicle in for oil and filter change 2 days ago. I drove the car about 40 miles, without incident. Went back to same place for state inspection yesterday. I drove about 2 miles from the inspection place and park in shopping lot. Went in business to shop for about 30 minutes. Returned to vehicle and drove about 100 yards through the parking lot. The car appeared to lose power and made a jerking movement as if it didn't want to go. I drove out onto a very busy street and we were almost rear ended by other traffic. I pulled up in another parking lot to assess the problem. I could not determine what was causing the car not to pick up speed. I drove to an AutoZone: battery checked out at 90 percent good; no electrical problems noted either. I drove off about 1 block from AutoZone: the CEL came on for the first time. I went back to the AutoZone to get them to check it out. The diagnosis code is P0720: vehicle speed sensor. I went back to the inspection shop the next day and I was told the same code. I took the vehicle to the dealership and I was told that I need to replace the whole transmission. I purchased the vehicle about 8-1/2 years ago; garage kept; only put 60k miles on car since purchase. Car has approx. 108k miles now. This is not only a problem with 2014 -2015. When I purchased the car in 2018, I feel like the dealership should have informed me that this was a problem with Q50s. This is not just an issue with previous years; this is a problem with 2016 as well. This vehicle is very clean/outstanding: no accidents, no body damage, immaculate leather seats, no repairs in 8-1/2 years and all of a sudden this fault code comes up with no previous indication that the transmission was not working properly. There needs to be a RECALL for this vehicle due to this common issue.

Filed May 18, 2026 · Engine · AZ

own a 2019 Infiniti Q50 3.0t Sport with approximately 80,000 miles. The vehicle began experiencing engine knocking/ticking noises, rough idle, hesitation under acceleration, shaking, and intermittent misfire symptoms. The issue continued even after replacing spark plugs and ignition components. The dealership/mechanic reported possible internal engine damage and metal shavings in the oil, indicating potential failure of internal engine components. The vehicle has been regularly maintained with oil changes completed on schedule. This appears to be a widespread issue affecting many Infiniti and Nissan vehicles equipped with the VR30 3.0 twin-turbo engine. Numerous owners online report similar symptoms including engine knocking, turbo failure, metal contamination, loss of power, and premature engine failure at relatively low mileage. The issue creates a serious safety concern because the vehicle can lose power, hesitate during acceleration, or potentially fail while driving in traffic or on highways. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate repeated engine failures involving the VR30 engine platform used in Infiniti Q50/Q60 and related vehicles.”

Filed Apr 20, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

While operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions, the engine experienced a significant loss of power and reduced acceleration. The issue is believed to be related to turbocharger failure within the engine system. The loss of power created a safety concern, particularly when attempting to merge into traffic and maintain highway speeds. The vehicle did not respond as expected when acceleration was needed, which could increase the risk of an accident in certain driving situations. The problem has been confirmed by a dealership service department, and the vehicle is currently available for inspection. The diagnosis indicates that the turbochargers require replacement. Prior to the failure, there were limited warning signs. Any warning indicators were either minimal or appeared shortly before the issue became noticeable. The failure occurred at approximately 107,000 miles. Based on publicly available information, similar failures have been reported on this vehicle model, suggesting a possible pattern related to the turbocharger system.

Filed Feb 28, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, I began experiencing serious performance issues. While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost power, would not accelerate properly, and warning lights appeared on the dashboard. The vehicle eventually shut off while in operation. The vehicle was inspected by a dealership, which initially stated there were no issues. However, the problem continued and worsened. The vehicle was then inspected by an authorized Infiniti dealership, where technicians identified a consistent knocking noise coming from the engine. The dealership indicated that the noise is consistent with internal engine damage and recommended further inspection and likely engine replacement. The issue developed very shortly after purchase, and there were no prior indications that the vehicle had been damaged or misused. The sudden loss of power and engine failure created a potential safety hazard, especially while driving in traffic, as the vehicle was unable to accelerate and could have led to a dangerous situation. The vehicle is currently available for inspection, and the issue has been confirmed by a certified dealership. The cause of the failure is currently under further evaluation.

Filed Jan 7, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Filing this complaint regarding a safety-related defect involving the turbocharger system on my 2018 INFINITI Q50. The vehicle has approximately 46,000 miles and is 8 years old. INFINITI/Nissan has acknowledged through its own Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that turbocharger failure on 2016–2018 Q50 3.0T vehicles is a known defect. Nissan’s documentation identifies issues such as turbo oil seal leaks, reduced engine power, smoke, and potential catastrophic engine failure, and provides an extended warranty of up to 10 years or 120,000 miles due to the safety risks associated with sudden power loss. My vehicle experienced turbocharger failure consistent with these known defects, resulting in loss of engine power, which presents a serious safety hazard, particularly during highway driving, merging, or intersections. Sudden loss of propulsion increases crash risk and endangers vehicle occupants and others on the road. In some cases, turbo failure can occur with little or no warning, further increasing risk. The failure was confirmed by INFINITI/Nissan service departments, and the vehicle remains available for inspection. CarMax insurance approved the engine repair, acknowledging mechanical failure; however, they declined to approve turbocharger repair specifically because INFINITI has issued a known TSB and extended warranty covering turbo failure, deferring responsibility to the manufacturer. Despite the vehicle being within the extended warranty limits, Nissan denied coverage, claiming the vehicle has a “branded title.” This claim is unsupported by VIN reports, the loan originator, and CarMax’s own title search prior to leasing all confirm the title is not branded. Nissan has provided no documentation supporting its assertion. Nissan N.A. reviewed and closed the matter despite the known safety defect and lack of evidence for the title claim. Represents a safety-related defect and improper denial of a manufacturer-recognized safety remedy, warranting the federal safety agency review.

Filed Nov 19, 2025 · Engine · GA

My vehicle has been stalling and burning/leaking oil internally for some time now with white smoke coming from the rear. Well Infiniti sent a post card and stated that the emission warranty is extended for 120,000 miles which my vehicle has had the issue for some time and it was already over 120k miles at the time of the loss. The issue Infiniti reported in their postcard is, you may experience issue with the turbocharger, Overtime there is a possibility for the turbocharger thrust bearing to wear and leak oil internally. The most likely conditions you will experience are excessive white smoke from the exhaust, MIL-On an in rare cases reduced engine power or damage to the internal components. My vehicle is experiencing all these issues reported and the company, Infiniti, knows this is an issue and did not issue a recall the extended warranty instead, most people will not qualify for which will require people to thousand of dollars replacing the turbocharger assembly and engine control model. I got a quote and was told 8000 dollars unfortunately I cannot have repairs done. I believe it was January 2025 when the post card came from Infiniti identifying the issue

Filed Sep 26, 2025 · Steering · CO

Was making a left turn when the steering stopped working and the motor lost power, the adaptive steering quit working after approximately 15 mins. I started the car and it was working. Went a half mile made a right turn and it went out again. Shut off the motor tried to start it and could not. 20 mins later it started and has been working since. Dealer couldn't find the problem and wouldn't fix it, they also said that their were no recalls but I know that is not true. Infiniti had a law suit brought against them for the adaptive steering issue. If they fixed it why doesn't it work right.

Filed Sep 12, 2025 · Steering · CO

Unknown. Started to make left turn steering made loud banging noise then lost all power. Stepped on gas pedal would not go lost steering control and coasted to a stop. Adaptive steering went out. Almost got hit by on coming traffic.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: engine control module (ecu/ECM): softwareReported April 4, 2021 · 12,943 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Nissan North America, Inc. (INFINITI) is recalling certain 2021 INFINITI Q50 and Q60 vehicles. After detecting rapid acceleration, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may incorrectly reduce engine power and reduce fuel supply to the engine.
Risk
A lack of fuel may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
INFINITI will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECM software, free of charge. The recall began on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact INFINITI customer service at 1‑800‑662‑6200. INFINITI's number for this recall is R20C5.

Recall number 21V234000 · Recall details

Questions about the Infiniti Q50 loss of power

Which Infiniti Q50 years have sudden loss of power problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2017 (6 complaints), 2015 (5 complaints) and 2014 (4 complaints).

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