Check a VIN

Infiniti Q50 steering lock-up problems

12 of the 492 owner complaints about the Infiniti Q50 describe steering wheel locks up, most of them for the 2014 model year.

owner complaints
12
worst model year
2014
typical mileage
5,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2023
    1
  • 2017
    1
  • 2015
    2
  • 2014
    8

What owners say

Filed Oct 18, 2026 · Steering · NY

ISSUE 1: On [XXX], I was driving my vehicle ( License Plate [XXX], Vin# [XXX], Infinity 2017 Q50 Sedan, purchased in 2020 at Infiniti of Massepequa) on [XXX] ( a very busy highway on Long Island) traveling East.Suddenly the steering wheel locked and I could not turn the wheel. I was going straight on [XXX], and I tried to steer right and could not turn the wheel. Ater a minute I was able to force the steering wheel, against resistance, to the right and veered into the middle lane of the next cross street. I then had to back the car up at an angle in order to clear the next left turn. This enabled me to park on the right side curb while forcing the wheel to turn to the right. I needed to get my vehicle out of a busy street to safety. I turned the car on and off to check if the steering wheel unlocked and it remained locked. I was unable to drive the car so I called AAA and was towed to Infinity of Massepequa. I was told that I needed major work on the steering wheel system that will cost $5,605, parts and Labor. My car is a 2017 with only 50,000 miles on it. The 2014-2016 Infinity Q50's DAS systems were recalled for this exact steering problem. I asked the parts department about this recall and was told that my year car was not recalled. Given the frightening and dangerous incident and low mileage on the car, I think a recall is required on the 2017 model as well, given this harrowing experience. ISSUE 2: In December 2024 I paid $1,590 to repair the leaking sunroof on the Q50. When towed on [XXX], I mentioned ito the dealership that I still had leaking water in the car, again, a common problem with this infiniti model . I was told that they only repaired 2 of 4 drains originally at that time and repairing the other two was required and would cost an additional $1000-$2000. Again a product issue with this model Infiniti Q 50, on low mileage car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 13, 2025 · Acceleration, Brakes · NY

I’m reporting a recurring safety issue with my Infiniti Q50 involving the brake, steering, and acceleration systems. While driving, I’ve experienced the brake pedal becoming unresponsive, the gas pedal not reacting, and the steering wheel locking or feeling stiff, making it extremely difficult to control the car. The most recent incident occurred today, [XXX]. I had to stop driving immediately and had the car towed to an Infiniti dealership, where a full systems check was performed. However, since the issue didn’t replicate while there, the dealer said they could not determine the cause. The car is available for inspection if needed. The safety risk is severe: I could not stop or accelerate safely, and I struggled to steer — this put me and other drivers in danger of a serious accident. I have experienced this more than once. The dealership originally diagnosed worn brake pads, which I had replaced at an independent shop, but the problem continued afterward. I also showed the dealership photos of the warning symbol that appeared on my dash during both incidents. The car has been inspected by the Infiniti dealer and an independent mechanic, but no resolution has been found. No inspections have been done by police or insurance. Given the serious nature of this malfunction, I am requesting this be investigated as a possible safety defect. Thank you, [XXX] Suffern, NY [XXX] [XXX] Infiniti Q50 2023 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 6, 2025 · Driver assistance, Steering · CT

Recall number 16v430000 recall date 06/12/2016 steering wheel locks up when turning and steering wheel turns upside down must turn vehicle off then turn back on for steering wheel to correct its self its very dangerous to drive I called my local dealer they said they never heard of such recall and found nothing on my vehicle please help me I just need my vehicle fixed ive been a service manager for 9 year now all im asking for is help

Filed Feb 11, 2022 · Electrical, Steering · TX

It seem as the chassis control system continues to fail even after I had the entire system replaced at Austin Infiniti. It seem as it is electrical that doesn't occur all the time but occurs randomly even while driving. It make the steering lock up after a stiff pull at random times then cause all the other system to act up such as the collision or lane departure. It states error code chassis control system and Infiniti each time after taking it back for a warranty job they decline after having footage that I take when the error occurs with my steering wheel in a different angle for forward driving. This is why I am writing this if it can resolve others who have ran into this occurrences when Austin Infiniti has told me they have ran into this before for another customer but luckily they car was under the manufacturer warranty and mine carshield. Will be dropping off again in March for my appointment since it seem to be coming on more often hoping the warranty company can inspect the error this time to repair it.

Filed Apr 16, 2021 · Airbags, Steering · 70,000 miles · NH · crash · 1 injury

When I bought my 2014 infiniti q50 I put it on the road and then I started receiving recalls. I also had several lights on. I brought it back to dealership they did something like clearing the lights without even looking at it. 45 days after I bought this vehicle I was in a serious motor vehicle accident. I almost died and I lost my spleen. One of the airbags didn't deploy which was the reasoning for losing my spleen. I believe my steering locked up and ended up hitting guardrail. Total loss. I lost 4,000 because of this accident never mind I all most lost my life!!! This accident happened on the highway.

Filed Jan 28, 2020 · Steering · 89,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 infiniti q50. The contact stated that whiled driving, the steering wheel seized and became difficult to turn. As a result, the steering wheel was turned with excessive forced. The power steering assist warning light illuminated indicating steering chassis system control error. The vehicle was taken to warren henry infiniti dealer, (2300 ne 151st st, north miami, fl 33181, (305) 652-9999) and was diagnosed that power steering module might needed to be replaced or a software update. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

Filed Sep 10, 2019 · Steering · 40 miles · FL

Steering wheel lock up while driving and the car still running

Filed Jan 24, 2019 · Driver assistance, Engine · DC

During 20 degree f, I drove my car with no issues to a retail store, parked it in a parking lot. After shopping, returned to my car & started it up, put in reverse, started backing up, then several malfunction lights lit up on the car's dash & the steering wheel locked all of a sudden. I could not turn the steering wheel. I could only move the car forward & backward & this is all while the car is powered on. I had to have the car towed to the dealership. In past history, there has been 2 other steering recalls (electric power assist system & adaptive steering parts) on this same make/model,& year. The dealership service team told me on 1/22/19 & the issue with my car was the chassis control module (the brain of the steering wheel) & a lane departure malfunction & the cost of repair is $1600 (not covered) despite I have an extended warranty. The chassis control module as the brain of the steering wheel clearly relates to the previous steering recalls (electric power assist system & adaptive steering parts) along with the lane departure malfunction as diagnosed by infiniti dealer in suitland, maryland. The description of the previous 2 recalls (electric power assist system & adaptive steering parts) say that in freezing climates, the engine compartment reaches freezing, disabling the power steering system, resulting in a loss of steering, increasing risk of crash. As diagnosed by infiniti, definitely the chassis control module & even the lane departure technology parts have not been included in the previous steering recalls & should have been. Please issue steering recalls for the chassis control module and lane departure malfunction parts or just the entire steering system. Infiniti is fixing my car at no charge to me after I told them about the related previous steering recalls. Per the internet, many people have experienced this with this car model. Danger!!

Filed Jan 24, 2019 · Driver assistance, Engine · 70,058 miles · DC

During 20 degree f, I drove my car with no issues to a retail store, parked it in a parking lot. After shopping, returned to my car & started it up, put in reverse, started backing up, then several malfunction lights lit up on the car's dash & the steering wheel locked all of a sudden. I could not turn the steering wheel. I could only move the car forward & backward & this is all while the car is powered on. I had to have the car towed to the dealership. In past history, there has been 2 other steering recalls (electric power assist system & adaptive steering parts) on this same make/model,& year. The dealership service team told me on 1/22/19 & the issue with my car was the chassis control module (the brain of the steering wheel) & a lane departure malfunction & the cost of repair is $1600 (not covered) despite I have an extended warranty. The chassis control module as the brain of the steering wheel clearly relates to the previous steering recalls (electric power assist system & adaptive steering parts) along with the lane departure malfunction as diagnosed by infiniti dealer in suitland, maryland. The description of the previous 2 recalls (electric power assist system & adaptive steering parts) say that in freezing climates, the engine compartment reaches freezing, disabling the power steering system, resulting in a loss of steering, increasing risk of crash. As diagnosed by infiniti, definitely the chassis control module & even the lane departure technology parts have not been included in the previous steering recalls & should have been. Please issue steering recalls for the chassis control module and lane departure malfunction parts or just the entire steering system. Infiniti is fixing my car at no charge to me after I told them about the related previous steering recalls. Per the internet, many people have experienced this with this car model. Danger!!

Filed Feb 19, 2015 · Steering · 5,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 infiniti q50. While parked, the steering wheel seized without warning. The failure occurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,000.

Related recalls

Steering: automated/adaptive steeringReported June 13, 2016 · 28,182 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Nissan North America, Inc.'s (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Infiniti Q50 vehicles manufactured December 26, 2012, to December 11, 2015, and Infiniti Q50 Hybrid vehicles manufactured December 10, 2012, to December 17, 2015. The Direct Adaptive Steering system may experience an error at vehicle start up altering the vehicle's steering responsiveness and turning radius.
Risk
If the vehicle does not steer as the driver anticipates, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Direct Adaptive Steering ECU software, free of charge. The recall began on August 12, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1‑800‑647‑7261.

Recall number 16V430000 · Recall details

Steering: automated/adaptive steeringReported November 20, 2013 · 23 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Nissan North America, Inc.'s (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014 Infiniti Q50 vehicles equipped with Direct Adaptive Steering. The affected vehicles received a power steering software version that, should the engine compartment reach freezing temperatures, the power steering software may disable the electric steering system and also may delay the engagement of the mechanical steering backup system.
Risk
The disablement of the steering systems could result in a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Nissan notified owners and arranged to have vehicles towed to the nearest Infiniti retailer. Customers were instructed not to drive their vehicles until they were repaired. Infiniti retailers provided affected customers with loaner vehicles, while the software update remedy was applied. These services were provided at no cost to the customer. Owners may contact Infiniti at 1‑800‑662‑6200.

Recall number 13V588000 · Recall details

Questions about the Infiniti Q50 steering lock-up

Which Infiniti Q50 years have steering wheel locks up problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2014 (8 complaints), 2015 (2 complaints) and 2017 (1 complaints).

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Infiniti Q50?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history