2016 INFINITI Q50 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 INFINITI Q50, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine1018.5%
- Electrical814.8%
- Driver assistance713.0%
- Steering611.1%
- Airbags59.3%
- Powertrain (other)47.4%
- Fuel system47.4%
- Seat belts35.6%
- Body & structure23.7%
- Visibility11.9%
- Brakes11.9%
- Interior & seats11.9%
- Other / unspecified11.9%
- Tires & wheels11.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2016 Q50 was driving strangely, but no indicator light came on the dashboard. I took the vehicle to the dealer where I purchased it and was told that the engine is dying. No other information was given to me. I called the service advisor asking what in particular was wrong with my car, but he said he wasn't sure. I took issue with the fact that my engine died, and no warning lights what-so-ever showed on the dash. I would only take my car to the dealer for repairs, maintenance and oil changes. I also learned that cars should not go beyond 3,000 miles for an oil change, but for some reason Infiniti oil changes were 10,000 miles in between. I believe this could be a reason the engine died...there was never an oil change indicator light illuminated as well. I feel that Infiniti is responsible for an engine dying on a vehicle with less than 100,000 miles on it.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
* the passenger airbag light came on July 2025. I was not in a accident the light just came on. * 7/29/2025 I took my car in for service at Infinity of Las Vegas (the only Infinity dealership in Las Vegas) I asked to check why the airbag light was on. I was told the occupant sensor unit was abnormal. Sensor and module internally shorted out. Recommend to replace passenger front seat frame assembly (only available as a 1 piece both sensor and module internally shorted seat frame Assy). @ $ 8678.76. Because it’s a different seat from the original seat, I would have to also replace the seat belt. @ 116.87. * It is not recommended to drive a car with the air bag light on. This car is my only source of transportation. * on August 4, 2025 I took my car to Auto Dynamic Services and they suggested initial repair was to replace the Occupant Detection Module. The part was ordered from Nissan, when they received the part it was an updated part design which was slightly larger with more pins than the original part and could not be used on my car. They reordered the part from another Nissan retailer ensuring it matched the original part for my car. Now it’s Aug. 27th, 2025. Auto Dynamic received the correct replacement module. Unfortunately the part was replaced and the airbag light came on again. They also stated the seat would have to be replaced in order for the airbag light to go off. For around the same price. It cost me 1800.00 to find this out. * I do not have money to resolve this issue especially if the driver airbag errors next, I am fearful of the unknown driving around with the airbag light on. If in an accident possibly not being covered because I was driving with a know issue. Or the bags just deploying randomly. * On [XXX] I traded a perfect running car in, I did not receive much on the trade as the airbag light is on. I can drive safely and register the car when required * it looks like there was a recall but the Q50 2.0 turbo was not included. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INF
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Passenger seat light remain on for 4 months the went away. Then the airbag light came on. Took it to Infiniti of Tampa where they supposedly done diagnostics. They cause additional lights to appear on my dashboard to include the steering hard to turn. When I purchased the vehicle in October 2016 I was unaware of any recalls. I found out about a month ago there approximately four recalls for 2016 Infiniti Q50.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Passenger seat light remain on for 4 months the went away. Then the airbag light came on. Took it to Infiniti of Tampa where they supposedly done diagnostics. They cause additional lights to appear on my dashboard to include the steering hard to turn. When I purchased the vehicle in October 2016 I was unaware of any recalls. I found out about a month ago there approximately four recalls for 2016 Infiniti Q50.
On 12/11/21 my vehicle had limited turning (left or right) capability. The vehicle has < than 23K miles, was purchased at Bommarito Infiniti, and has been serviced at the same dealership since I purchased it. I bought the vehicle new and drove it over the last 5 years as a back-up vehicle to a Chevy Cruze (w/greater than 180K miles on it and no faulty parts). I did not purchase the extended warranty because it was supposedly a reliable vehicle, based on my prior history/ownership of a 2006 G50. I made timely payments for 5 years, performed all of the required maintenance, and took my car in for all of the Infiniti “recalls.” After the ability to turn failed, I took the vehicle to Bommarito Infiniti for a diagnostic and routine oil change. The steering diagnostic found 3 leaks on the steering rack and pinion., (no oil was visible on the ground). I did not have any warning lights for low steering fluid or service required indicators, but the dealership stated the power steering fluid was low. I contacted Infiniti Consumer Affairs department for review of the faulty part, considering that I had less than 23k miles on the vehicle. Stewart at Infiniti Consumer Affairs stated that the claim for repair assistance was denied due to the vehicle being out of warranty and the "lack of service history" with Bommarito Infiniti. When I questioned him about defining/explaining what he meant by the lack of history, he could not explain his statement. He placed me on hold, and then returned only to reiterate his previous statement. I then informed him and verified with the dealership that I did not deny any required repair or service that was recommended/required. The dealership also stated that the rack and pinion that was installed on my Q50 had to be a faulty part because this is the 1st time that a 2016 Q50 with less than 36k miles has ever needed this part replaced. This is a safety issue and a crash waiting to happen!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
* the passenger airbag light came on July 2025. I was not in a accident the light just came on. * 7/29/2025 I took my car in for service at Infinity of Las Vegas (the only Infinity dealership in Las Vegas) I asked to check why the airbag light was on. I was told the occupant sensor unit was abnormal. Sensor and module internally shorted out. Recommend to replace passenger front seat frame assembly (only available as a 1 piece both sensor and module internally shorted seat frame Assy). @ $ 8678.76. Because it’s a different seat from the original seat, I would have to also replace the seat belt. @ 116.87. * It is not recommended to drive a car with the air bag light on. This car is my only source of transportation. * on August 4, 2025 I took my car to Auto Dynamic Services and they suggested initial repair was to replace the Occupant Detection Module. The part was ordered from Nissan, when they received the part it was an updated part design which was slightly larger with more pins than the original part and could not be used on my car. They reordered the part from another Nissan retailer ensuring it matched the original part for my car. Now it’s Aug. 27th, 2025. Auto Dynamic received the correct replacement module. Unfortunately the part was replaced and the airbag light came on again. They also stated the seat would have to be replaced in order for the airbag light to go off. For around the same price. It cost me 1800.00 to find this out. * I do not have money to resolve this issue especially if the driver airbag errors next, I am fearful of the unknown driving around with the airbag light on. If in an accident possibly not being covered because I was driving with a know issue. Or the bags just deploying randomly. * On [XXX] I traded a perfect running car in, I did not receive much on the trade as the airbag light is on. I can drive safely and register the car when required * it looks like there was a recall but the Q50 2.0 turbo was not included. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INF
Airbag sensor light stays on instrument panel due to an issue with passenger airbag sensor under passenger seat.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car has only 50,000 miles and the valve body of the car just burnt out. I’ve done all the mandatory/ recommended maintenance and with the history of the brand I expected better quality of their product. Would greatly appreciate the accountability on this issue and some effort to fix this for the population.
The contact owns a 2016 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated upon attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that upon attempting to drive the vehicle 30 minutes later, the vehicle responded as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed that the valve body had failed. The mechanic determined that the valve body and the entire transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and charged a fee for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,636. The VIN was not available.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle has been having issues for several months now. I have taken it to Nissan, an auto shop, and Infiniti and no one has been able to find out what’s wrong with it, why it stalls to start on a cold start. Infiniti has had my car for a month now because they believe it’s the fuel pressure sensor and they are waiting on the part, for which they have no estimated time of arrival, but they are not sure is that is what is wrong with the car.
The contact owns the 2016 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle would shake and decelerate independently. The check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact diagnosed the failure as a stuck open fuel injector. Additionally, there was a fuel odor present. The vehicle was repaired by the contact. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
* the passenger airbag light came on July 2025. I was not in a accident the light just came on. * 7/29/2025 I took my car in for service at Infinity of Las Vegas (the only Infinity dealership in Las Vegas) I asked to check why the airbag light was on. I was told the occupant sensor unit was abnormal. Sensor and module internally shorted out. Recommend to replace passenger front seat frame assembly (only available as a 1 piece both sensor and module internally shorted seat frame Assy). @ $ 8678.76. Because it’s a different seat from the original seat, I would have to also replace the seat belt. @ 116.87. * It is not recommended to drive a car with the air bag light on. This car is my only source of transportation. * on August 4, 2025 I took my car to Auto Dynamic Services and they suggested initial repair was to replace the Occupant Detection Module. The part was ordered from Nissan, when they received the part it was an updated part design which was slightly larger with more pins than the original part and could not be used on my car. They reordered the part from another Nissan retailer ensuring it matched the original part for my car. Now it’s Aug. 27th, 2025. Auto Dynamic received the correct replacement module. Unfortunately the part was replaced and the airbag light came on again. They also stated the seat would have to be replaced in order for the airbag light to go off. For around the same price. It cost me 1800.00 to find this out. * I do not have money to resolve this issue especially if the driver airbag errors next, I am fearful of the unknown driving around with the airbag light on. If in an accident possibly not being covered because I was driving with a know issue. Or the bags just deploying randomly. * On [XXX] I traded a perfect running car in, I did not receive much on the trade as the airbag light is on. I can drive safely and register the car when required * it looks like there was a recall but the Q50 2.0 turbo was not included. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INF
The contact owns a 2016 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change. The contact stated while driving to the residence, the RPMs and the speedometer were intermittently dim, and the daytime running lights were intermittently inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated that the front passenger's side seat belt light indicated that the seat belt was not buckled even though the front passenger’s seat was unoccupied. The contact stated that upon buckling the front passenger's side seat belt, the seat belt warning light turned off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The hood of my vehicle is raised on the upper right side. It was a small opening but now it has gotten bigger. I'm afraid that the entire hood may come off at a high speed. I also have rust spots on the top of my car close to the sunroof. I use Infiniti of the Palm Beaches for all of my services and have reported both concerns and was told it was normal wear and tear. I have owned many cars and never had the problems that I've had with a vehicle.
THE WINDOW REGULATOR ASSEMBLY IS DEFECTIVE ON A VARIETY OF INFINITI Q50 MODELS. THIS IS A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT AND SOME DEALERS ARE AWARE OF IT. THIS IS MORE FREQUENT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FROM WHAT HAS BEEN POSTED ONLINE. THIS INITIALLY PRESENTS ITSELF AS A RATTLE WHICH CAN BE HEARD DURING BASS NOTES WITH A FREQUENCY OF 50-100HZ. ~70HZ FROM MY TEST. THE WINDOW BASICALLY GETS OFF THE TRACK AND THIS CAN CAUSE A SAFETY ISSUE IF THE WINDOW SHATTERS DUE TO A MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THE WINDOW REGULATOR ASSEMBLY WHICH CAN POTENTIALLY PUT STRESS ON THE WINDOW. ALSO, THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS IF THE WINDOW REGULATOR FAILS DURING A DAY IN WHICH THE WEATHER INVOLVES RAIN OR SNOW AND THE DRIVER IS UNABLE TO ROLL UP THEIR WINDOW. I TOOK MY CAR TO A INFINITI DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER ONLY PAYS THEM A FLAT RATE TO INSPECT THE CAR SO ESSENTIALLY IT WAS NOT WORTH THEIR TIME TO INSPECT IT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY INFINITI Q50 WILL, AT RANDOM, HEAVILY PULL AND SHIFT ACROSS MULTIPLE LANES OF TRAFFIC. THE PULLING IS WORSE DURING ACCELERATION AND HAS HAD AT LEAST THREE ALIGNMENTS IN 2018 IN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. INFINITI HAS BEEN UNABLE TO FULLY RESOLVE THE PULLING AND THE TECHNICIAN, IN HIS OWN WORDS, DESCRIBED THE VEHICLE AS DRAMATIC AND UNSAFE. ADDITIONALLY, INFINITI HAS REPLACED MY DRIVER MIRROR TWICE IN EFFORTS TO REDUCE VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE MIRROR WILL VIBRATE MAKING VISIBILITY AND USE OF THE DRIVER MIRROR LIMITED TO NOT USABLE AT ALL.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEAT SENSOR PROBLEM ON PASSENGER SIDE, SEAT BELT LIGHT ON WITHOUT PERSON SEAT IN, FIX MANY TIME STILL COME BACK.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE97AS TIRES ARE DELAMINATING AND PEELING AWAY IN STRIPS AND AREAS THAT APPEAR TO BE AIR POCKETS ARE BEING EXPOSED AND OPENED UP AS THE TREAD WEARS. DOT EJ UP CCM1516. TIRES HAVE APPROXIMATELY 25K MILES ON THEM AND ALWAYS WERE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, FLORIDA ONLY CAR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Had 2 new tires installed on the rear of the car and they both busted at the seam. Shredded the tires and damaged 4 wheels.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .