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2020 Infiniti QX50: engine failure

10 of the 33 complaints about the 2020 Infiniti QX50 describe engine failure.

owner complaints
10
of this car's complaints
30%
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 7 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

What owners say

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Engine · NV

We received the federal recall information and took the vehicle to the nearest Infiniti dealer (96 miles away) on 9/2/26. Diagnostics were performed and were told that the car "passed" the inspection. Two days later, the engine demonstrated complete failure. We had to have the vehicle towed to a Nissan dealer in our town (no Infiniti here) on 9/11/26. According to this report, " Based on the testing and findings, this no start condition relates engine mechanical issue, possible low compression from cylinders. Recent service history shows engine bearing inspection has been performed, and and engine ass'y has Infinity extended warranty". Due to the warnings of "catastrophic engine failure" per the federal recall, we believe this is a significant safety issue. We have learned of many pending cases of "inadequate diagnostics" and engine failure afterward. Currently we are trying to work with Infiniti to resolve this issue, and have filed a claim with Consumer Affairs with minimal response thus far. We are towing the vehicle back to the Infiniti dealer 96 miles away today, and are hoping that Infiniti will resolve this safety issue. We feel it is important to file this report due to the ongoing recalls, engine failures, and pending civil action. This has been a known safety issue for vehicles of this year, make, and model.

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Engine · GA

Engine lost all power and car seemed to be locked in low gear while attempting to drive down the road. Took the car to Infiniti dealership which said there was a recall and they inspected the vehicle. Mechanic inspected the vehicle and said it fit all requirements to be replaced by engine recall. Infiniti is refusing to replace engine stating it does not meet recall requirements.

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Engine · 108,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2020 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the RPM became elevated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown recall repair was performed. The contact stated that the engine was replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was informed that the failure was associated with the computer system which was not recalibrated after the engine replacement. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and the message “Critical Warning - CVT Hot - Power Reduced” was displayed. In addition, the RPM became elevated, and there was an abnormal odor inside the vehicle. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The case was submitted by phone with the customer relations department. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

Filed Feb 19, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · NY

I am a [XXX] woman who purchased my first vehicle on December 6, 2024, with 43,000 miles. I have driven fewer than 20,000 miles since purchase, and the vehicle currently has approximately 62,000 miles. Until January 19, 2026, I experienced no issues. I have properly maintained the vehicle and followed all recommended service guidelines. I completed three oil changes during my ownership, averaging approximately every 8,500 miles. Two oil changes were performed by a licensed mechanic, and the most recent oil change and inspection were completed on November 29, 2025 at Legend Infiniti. I have receipts for all services. On January 19, 2026, while driving approximately 65 mph on a four-lane highway in Long Island, the vehicle suddenly went into limp mode and dropped to about 10 mph without warning. This created an extremely dangerous situation with a serious risk of collision. I first brought the vehicle to my mechanic, who advised me to take it to an authorized Infiniti dealership due to an engine bearing recall associated with my VIN. I brought it to the same Infiniti dealership that had serviced it two months earlier. After diagnosis, the dealership stated there was engine sludge and that I needed a new engine. They denied any connection to the recall and attributed the issue to poor maintenance. However, two months prior they completed an oil change and inspection with no documentation of sludge, engine concerns, or maintenance deficiencies. I was not informed of any recall at that time. My warranty claim was denied on the basis that sludge is not covered and that maintenance performed outside Infiniti could not be validated, despite providing receipts from licensed facilities. I am also being told there are record-access issues because the vehicle was originally sold in Canada. Given the sudden loss of power at highway speed and the known recall related to engine components, I believe this presents a significant safety concern and warrants investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFO

Filed Feb 2, 2026 · Engine · PR

VEHICLE : IMNFINITI QX50 YEAR: 2020 LOCATION : PUERTO RICO My Infiniti QX50 has an active engine recall by VIN In 2023 the Infiniti dealer in San Juan PR documented oil sludge in the engine and performed and engine flush and internal treatment . The vehicle was returned to service and was not declare unsafe In 2024 , the same Infiniti dealer performed maintenance and again returned the vehicle to service without restriction The vehicle has now develop internal engine damage . The dealer is denying recall coverage , stating the damage is due to oil sludge and alleged lack of maintenance . The denial is inconsistent with service history , as the sludge was documented and treated while the vehicle was under dealer maintenance , and dealer performed maintenance continued after that finding. Additionally , Infiniti Consumer Affair stated they cannot assist because the vehicle is in Puerto Rico. I am concerned about federal safety recall. not being honored in US territory , and about vehicle being unsafe to operate due to engine failure risk I am requesting the federal safety agency review and assistance to ensure recall compliance

Filed Jan 11, 2026 · Engine · WI

I received notification from Infiniti there was a recall for engines failing in the model I drive. I promptly took my vehicle to the dealership, and they confirmed there is metal shavings engine and Infiniti refused to replace the engine. An independent review was done by Infiniti and even though the dealership agrees engine needs replaced Infiniti refused. I am attaching invoice and pictures attached of oil pan confirming metal shavings are present.

Filed Nov 18, 2025 · Engine · TX

My vehicle is affected by Recall 25V437. I am already experiencing recall-related symptoms, including stuttering, unusual engine noises, and uneven acceleration. I leased the vehicle through DFW Auto and Services INC, On August 15, 2025, at 9:35 AM, I spoke with Sam in the finance department of DFW Auto and Services INC during a 3‑minute call from 214‑205‑7327. I specifically asked about the recall affecting this vehicle. Sam stated that the recall had been “taken care of.” This was false, as Recall 25V437 remains open and unresolved. The dealership misrepresented the recall status of my vehicle, failed to disclose that Recall 25V437 remained open, and delivered a defective product – a vehicle with a known safety defect that directly impacts usability, value, and consumer safety. On November 18, 2025, I submitted a formal complaint to the Attorney General regarding this matter. This misrepresentation placed me at risk of driving a vehicle with a known safety defect that could result in sudden engine failure or fire. I am requesting the federal safety agency to investigate the dealer’s misrepresentation and ensure proper enforcement of Recall 25V437. This recall must be remedied at no cost to me. I have contacted: Crest Infiniti 6100 State Highway 121, Frisco, TX 75034 to have Recall 25V437 remedied. I am currently still waiting response from the service center for an appointment to have the engine replaced.

Filed Nov 10, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · CA

Infiniti has acknowledged that certain vehicles equipped with this engine may experience bearing failures caused by a manufacturing defect affecting the main, A-, C-, and L-link bearings. These defects can result in engine damage or complete engine failure, as outlined in Infiniti’s recall notice. In September 2025, I took my vehicle to an authorized Infiniti service center after receiving notice of the recall. At that time, I was informed that no repair remedy was yet available. I continued operating the vehicle as advised, and no warning lights or performance issues were present. However, on October 16, 2025, the Service Engine Light illuminated unexpectedly. I immediately brought the vehicle to the nearest certified repair facility the following day (October 17, 2025). Diagnostic testing determined that the engine had suffered internal bearing failure, consistent with the known recall condition. The vehicle required a complete engine replacement, which I had to proceed with at significant personal expense, covering both parts and labor. At no time prior to this incident did my vehicle display any warning indicators or abnormal performance. The sudden nature of the engine failure created a serious safety concern and considerable financial hardship. I am therefore formally requesting reimbursement or assistance with the full cost of the engine replacement and associated labor. I have attached supporting documentation, including repair invoices, diagnostic reports, and proof of payment, for your review. Given that the failure directly relates to the known defect identified in the recall, I believe reimbursement is both appropriate and warranted.

Filed Aug 29, 2025 · Engine · OK

I own a 2020 Infiniti QX50 that is included in the federal safety agency Recall 25V‑437 for defective engine bearings that may cause sudden engine failure. My VIN has been confirmed by the dealer as part of the active recall. I have already noticed intermittent shaking at idle and a grinding sensation during acceleration, which are early warning signs listed for this defect. I am worried these symptoms indicate my engine may be starting to fail. My Infiniti dealer told me they “see the recall as active,” but that it is on hold and they cannot inspect or repair my vehicle at this time. They also stated they cannot provide me with a loaner or rental vehicle in the meantime. I believe this puts me, my family, and others on the road at risk because engine failure could occur suddenly while driving, leading to a crash. I am nervous to continue driving the vehicle, but I have no safe alternative since Infiniti has refused to provide a replacement vehicle until repairs are available. I am requesting the federal safety agency to investigate this delay and Infiniti’s refusal to provide a safe alternative vehicle while recall repairs are unavailable.

Filed Jun 4, 2025 · Engine · AL

Pulled out into an intersection with limited visibility. Once I got into my lane I observed a car behind me that I had not seen. I tried to accelerate to avoid being hit. My car began making a knocking sound with loss of power. The other car went around me on the shoulder to avoid a collision. Infiniti of Birmingham (Alabama) says that one of the bearings in the engine spun and there is metal shavings in the oil pan. They say I need a new engine with only 68,000 miles. They are “unsure” if Infiniti will warranty the cost of repairs. Absolutely ridiculous! Please help!

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanicalReported June 27, 2025 · 443,899 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 number 25V437000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2020 Infiniti QX50 engine failure

Is engine failure a common problem on the 2020 Infiniti QX50?

10 of 33 owner complaints about the 2020 Infiniti QX50 (30%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2019.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2020 Infiniti QX50?

There is 1 recall and 7 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2020 Infiniti QX50

Loss of power 5

All model years of the Infiniti QX50

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