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Infiniti QX50 engine failure problems

55 of the 284 owner complaints about the Infiniti QX50 describe engine failure, most of them for the 2019 model year.

owner complaints
55
worst model year
2019
typical repair cost reported
$7,560
typical mileage
98,500
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · GA

On October 11, 2026, while driving my 2019 Infiniti QX50, I experienced a sudden loss of engine power. The check-engine light began flashing, the engine started shaking and making a knocking noise, and the vehicle would not accelerate beyond approximately 20 mph despite pressing the accelerator. This unexpected loss of power created a serious safety concern because I could no longer maintain normal driving speeds. In February 2026, at approximately 170,450 miles, my vehicle underwent an inspection at Infiniti of South Atlanta under the federal safety agency safety recall 25V437, involving defective engine bearings. The dealership informed me that the vehicle passed because insufficient metal debris was found in the oil pan to qualify for engine replacement. Approximately eight months later, on October 12, 2026, the same dealership inspected my vehicle at 197,467 miles. The technician's notes documented failed connecting rod bearings and an injector failure. The dealership recommended replacing the engine long block, turbocharger, and associated components. The vehicle remains at the dealership, unrepaired and available for further inspection by arrangement. I am concerned that the engine experienced a bearing failure after previously passing an inspection under a safety recall involving defective engine bearings. The relationship between this failure and the recall has not yet been determined. I request that the federal safety agency review this incident and investigate whether the failure may be related to recall 25V437 or the effectiveness of the completed recall remedy.

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

While driving on the highway the vehicle would not accelerate and the oil pressure light came on. After pulling over we noticed a slight burning smell and cut the engine. After a few minutes we tried to start the car again and it would not start. Vehicle was towed to independent repair shop who told us the engine had seized. We then learned of the current recall effecting this make model and year of vehicle. The vehicle experienced the same series of events outlined in a service bulletin for the recall. Vehicle was then towed to local Infiniti dealer and they were told the engine is seized and asked to drop oil pan per recall guidelines to confirm and diagnose. After not hearing from dealer after 2 weeks I follow up to be told the vehicle had not been looked at yet and they would get it in that day and call me no later than next day. Once week goes by and they still had not contacted me. I contact them and am told the only thing wrong with my vehicle was a dead battery and that would cost X amount to replace. At that point my car had been sitting in the summer sun for 3 weeks, of course the battery is dead. I reluctantly agree to the repair. After another week I follow up on the repair and am told after replacing the battery the car still will not start and I asked again about the recall diagnosis. After another week, we contact them and am told the car shows information consistent with bearings recall and they submit to Infiniti to approve. A repair timeline is discussed at this time. 24 hours later we are contacted by dealer for first time and told it now does not fit under recall. Have a case with Nissan consumer affairs. We have asked several times for work order and photos of what they are looking at and have not received. Dealer is now asking for $300 plus dollar diagnostic fee to see what is wrong. They say sludge caused engine failure and not recall issue. It has been 46 days at this point and no resolution. Per recall, sludge can be caused by bearings issue

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 25, 2026 · Engine · 94,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2019 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled; however, the contact was able to pull off the highway safely to a safe place. There was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a seized engine. The vehicle was later towed to dealer to see if the failure was associated with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). However, the contact was notified that failure was caused by sludge in engine and could not qualify under the recall. The contact stated that the vehicle had exhibited the failure described in the recall, but the manufacturer and dealer refused to repair the vehicle without charge. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

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 Aug 31, 2026 · Engine · AL

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.

Filed Jun 23, 2026 · Engine · FL

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)

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · TX

2019 Infiniti QX50 with engine bearing failure defect matching the federal safety agency Recall #25V‑437. Vehicle was sold to me on 12/24/2025 by a dealer, MORE THAN FIVE MONTHS after the recall was issued on 07/14/2025. The dealer NEVER disclosed the active, unrepaired safety recall. Two months after purchase, the engine developed loss of power and unusual noises - exact symptoms described in the recall. An independent mechanic diagnosed a pre-existing camshaft bearing defect. Despite component replacement, symptoms persist, confirming the defect was present at time of sale. This is a serious safety violation. The dealer knew or should have known about the recall via CARFAX and failed to disclose it, violating federal law 49 U.S.C. § 30120. The vehicle is unsafe to drive with an unrepaired engine bearing failure. Safety Risk: Engine bearing degradation can lead to complete engine failure while driving, resulting in loss of motive power and crash risk. Requested Action: Federal investigation into dealer's failure to disclose active safety recalls.

Filed Jun 10, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

Engine bearing failures, sudden loss of power, stalling, or complete engine failure — creating crash risks.

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 Infiniti QX50 engine failure

Which Infiniti QX50 years have engine failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2019 (30 complaints), 2021 (13 complaints) and 2020 (10 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix engine failure on the Infiniti QX50?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $7,560 (median of 7 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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