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 them about this, but I plan to today. I plan to have them fix it (if they can), and then sell the car. Very nice car, but Infiniti clearly has a lot to learn about this kind of technology. My 13 year old Acura has the same safety features and its never done anything like that!
The worst 2021 Infiniti QX50 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine25
- Driver assistance8
- Electrical8
- Brakes4
- Transmission4
- Fuel system2
- Acceleration1
- Body1
- Lights1
- Steering1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Infiniti QX50
Recalls 2
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- 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
Suspension: rear: axle: spindle
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 21V402000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 2021 Infiniti QX50
Defect investigations
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 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. ODI also identified early warning reports describing thermal incidents that occurred immediately after the vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure. The failures were the result of a manufacturing defect in specific engine bearings (main, A-, C-, and L-link) or other engine components that may cause engine damage and potentially lead to engine failure. Engine failure can result in a loss of motive power event that can increase the risk of a crash. Engine failure might also result in a fire if internal components detach and impact the engine block creating a hole that allows engine oil to reach hot surfaces. In its April 2024, May 2024, and June 2025 responses to ODIâs information requests, Nissan provided 998 customer reports (including complaints, field reports, and legal claims) and 1,107 warranty claims related to the alleged defect. When combining ODI and manufacturer report data, there are 1,878 unique VINs that have experienced failures across all subject vehicles. In one of the early warning reports, ODI identified an incident involving a 2022 Infiniti QX55 that resulted in an engine fire following an alleged engine failure. The 2022 Infiniti QX55 was not included in the scope of this investigation but the vehicle model shares the same 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo engine. Based on the information included with the early warning report, the fire can be directly related to the alleged defect.  A further review of ODI and manufacturer data, identified 12 allegations of engine compartment fires in subject vehicles; three were confirmed as directly related to the engine failure, and nine reports described an under-hood fire that occurred following a loss of power event. Additionally, ODI identified multiple reports describing an engine block crack or hole surrounded by oil residue following an engine failure. On June 27, 2025, Nissan submitted recall 25V‑437 involving 443,899 MY 2021-2023 Nissan Rogue, MY 2019-2021 Nissan Altima; MY 2019-2021 Infiniti QX50; and 2022 Infiniti QX55 vehicles. The recall remedy provides the dealer instructions to inspect the engine oil pan for the presence of specific metal debris. For customers with the 3-cylinder 1.5L VC-Turbo engine, if no debris is detected during the inspection, dealers will replace the oil pan gasket, engine oil, and reprogram the vehicleâs Engine Control Module (ECM). For customers with the 4-cylinder 2.0L VC-Turbo engine, if no debris is detected, dealers will replace the engine oil. In the case where specific debris is detected and confirmed by Nissan Powertrain Call Center, dealers will be instructed to replace the engine. In addition, Nissan will extend the vehicle warranty to 10 years and 120,000 miles for the recall subject vehicle population after the dealer performs the inspection. Nissan has implemented multiple corrective actions to address the identified manufacturing defects of certain engine block internal components. In view of the recall action (25V437) taken by Nissan, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
PE23023
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Infiniti QX50 128
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Wiring harness repair information
- Roaring noise from the engine cooling fan assembly and the a/c is not cooling
- Certification label and VIN plate replacement service information
- If you confirm
- AEB warning light is on with warning messages displayed on combination meter applied vehicles: 2015-2024...
- DTC B00A0-00 STOREIF YOU CONFIRM DTC B00A0-00 (OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR UNIT) is stored, AND OCS zero...
- Telematics (IVC) service information
- Av control unit replacement process
- DTC B2E01-96 (internal battery) stored as current in ivc applied systems
- Telematics control unit reset after automatic collision notification service information
2021 Infiniti QX50 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 23 | 29 | 26 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | AWD | 22 | 28 | 25 |
What 2021 Infiniti QX50 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My 2021 Infiniti QX50 has suffered a catastrophic internal engine failure. This vehicle is explicitly covered under active federal safety recall the federal safety agency 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 claiming they do not visually see metal shavings. They are demanding that I pay out-of-pocket for a consumer-pay engine replacement. Under federal law, a manufacturer cannot deny a safety recall remedy based on vehicle maintenance history or engine sludge. Furthermore, the massive friction and overheating caused by the defective, failing recalled factory bearings directly causes and accelerates oil breakdown and sludge. The dealership is using the presence of sludge to mask a federal safety defect.
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 was sought afterward. The suspected failed or malfunctioning systems are the engine/powertrain response, electrical system, and related control systems. The vehicle should be available for inspection upon request and should be preserved before any diagnostic codes, freeze-frame data, event data, modules, or electronic records are cleared, reset, repaired, overwritten, or destroyed. Before this incident, repeated drivability and safety-related concerns were reported to Infiniti/dealer service departments, including vibration during acceleration, abnormal gas pedal vibration, lack of acceleration, poor power response, jerking/jolting, rough ride, abnormal noises, front-end noise, and safety/reliability concerns. Some concerns were documented in service records. Prior repairs included front passenger-side wheel bearing replacement and cooling fan/IPDM-related warranty work, but the drivability/power-response concerns continued. UNKNOWN whether the manufacturer completed a full post-incident inspection. The vehicle has been reviewed by police and insurance-related parties to the extent related to the collision. This complaint is being filed because the condition appears to involve a safety defect causing loss of power response and system fault warnings while driving. I am currently waiting on the police report, the report number has been provided.
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 the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the repair was denied due to the criteria not being met, a lack of maintenance records, and sludge in the oil pan. The vehicle was previously taken to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed and there was no sludge in the oil pan from a previous maintenance service. The contact was adamant that the VIN was previously associated with the recall, but was removed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
There is an active and unremedied safety recall on my 2021 Infiniti QX50 (the federal safety agency 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, rough performance, and illuminated warning lights. I first contacted Infiniti for assistance on March 19, 2026. As of today's date, after more than three months of communication with their representative (case #[XXX]), Infiniti has failed to provide a remedy or a timeline for the repair. They have been unable to coordinate with a local dealer in Germany, leaving me to drive a vehicle with a known, dangerous safety defect. The manufacturer is failing to provide a remedy in a timely manner as required. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Open recall on Engine (the federal safety agency #25-V437) Engine has been replaced and recall repaired.
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 brought the vehicle to Harte INFINITI for inspection regarding the recall and my electrical concerns. During that visit, dealership personnel acknowledged there were multiple vehicles experiencing similar engine bearing issues related to the recall. Despite my concerns, I was told the vehicle was “safe to drive” because no diagnostic codes were present at that time. The problems continued to worsen over time. On February 26, 2026, during a routine oil change shortly after expiration of the basic warranty, I was presented with approximately $2,600 in recommended repairs despite previously being told there were no issues with the vehicle. Most recently, the vehicle developed Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) malfunction warnings and Lane Assist malfunction warnings involving critical driver assistance and collision-avoidance systems. These warnings raised serious concerns regarding the safe operation of the vehicle because they involve systems designed to help prevent collisions and maintain vehicle control. I was concerned that these systems could fail unexpectedly while driving, potentially increasing the risk of an accident or injury to myself, passengers, or others on the roadway. The vehicle was returned to the dealership for inspection, where I was presented with an additional repair estimate exceeding $4,600 along with diagnostic charges. Despite the active safety-system malfunction warnings, I was again advised that the vehicle was safe to drive.
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 made numerous calls to infiniti in the meantime to initiate a buy back. I take the car to Infiniti, now i have. 4376.00 estimate.I have only had this vehicle 13 months. it was a CPO. They assume no responsibility and refuse to buy back. There are numerous complaints with the 2021 qx50 all are the same. This vehicle is not reliable, this company is not reputable. something needs to be done. my car has visited the dealer 3xs and everytime , more money. they know this is a problem- I am now stuck in a vehicle that was sold knowing it was not reliable or safe
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 vehicle movement is pulling the door slightly outward. This raises concern that the door latch may not be fully securing the door during normal driving conditions. This creates a safety concern because the vehicle may not properly recognize the door as securely closed while driving. There is concern that the latch assembly may not be functioning correctly or could fail unexpectedly. The issue also creates distraction while driving due to warning messages and alerts appearing intermittently. There were warning messages prior to the issue becoming more noticeable, specifically repeated “door open” alerts despite the door appearing fully closed. The issue appears consistent with reports involving faulty or misaligned door latch assemblies and/or door ajar switch malfunctions on Infiniti QX50 vehicles. At this time, the vehicle has not yet been fully repaired or confirmed by a dealer. The problem can be reproduced intermittently by closing the door normally and applying slight pressure or leaning against the door from inside or outside the vehicle, as well as during left-hand turns while driving.
The contact owns a 2021 INFINITI QX50. The contact stated while operating the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, she stated she heard a loud sound coming from the motor, she pulled over and attempt to restarted the vehicle but it would not turn on. The vehicle was towed where it was diagnosed that the vehicle engine oil had metal shavings in the oil, the vehicle was brought in for regular maintenance and a recall repair. The vehicle engine was replaced under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V437000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) however, after the repair, the issue had reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,193.
Compare the 2021 Infiniti QX50
Other model years
Questions about the 2021 Infiniti QX50
Is the 2021 Infiniti QX50 reliable?
Owners have filed 41 complaints about the 2021 Infiniti QX50, 2.4 times a typical QX50 model year.
What is the 2021 Infiniti QX50 year score?
The 2021 Infiniti QX50 scores 42 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Infiniti QX50: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Infiniti QX50?
Engine and cooling, with 25 complaints, typically around 90,321 miles. Next is driver assistance (8).
How many recalls does the 2021 Infiniti QX50 have?
2 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and suspension.
Was there a recall on the 2021 Infiniti QX50 engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 25V437000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Infiniti QX50 have bad engine?
The Infiniti QX50 model years with the most engine complaints are 2019 (90 complaints), 2021 (25 complaints) and 2020 (22 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Infiniti QX50 get?
Official estimates for the 2021 Infiniti QX50 range from 25 to 26 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 23 city and 29 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2021 Infiniti QX50?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history