POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
2018 INFINITI Q50
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 43 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 INFINITI Q50, most frequently naming the engine, airbags and driver assistance categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 159 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 2018 | 1 | 1 |
| Jul 2018 | 1 | 2 |
| Aug 2018 | 1 | 3 |
| Oct 2018 | 1 | 4 |
| Nov 2018 | 1 | 5 |
| Dec 2018 | 1 | 6 |
| Apr 2019 | 1 | 7 |
| Oct 2019 | 3 | 10 |
| Nov 2019 | 1 | 11 |
| Jan 2020 | 2 | 13 |
| Mar 2020 | 1 | 14 |
| May 2020 | 1 | 15 |
| Aug 2020 | 1 | 16 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 17 |
| Mar 2023 | 2 | 19 |
| Apr 2023 | 1 | 20 |
| Jul 2023 | 1 | 21 |
| Aug 2023 | 2 | 23 |
| Jan 2024 | 1 | 24 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 25 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 26 |
| Oct 2024 | 1 | 27 |
| Nov 2024 | 1 | 28 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 29 |
| Mar 2025 | 1 | 30 |
| May 2025 | 1 | 31 |
| Aug 2025 | 1 | 32 |
| Sep 2025 | 1 | 33 |
| Oct 2025 | 3 | 36 |
| Nov 2025 | 1 | 37 |
| Dec 2025 | 1 | 38 |
| Jan 2026 | 1 | 39 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | 40 |
| May 2026 | 1 | 41 |
| Jun 2026 | 1 | 42 |
| Jul 2026 | 1 | 43 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
Safety recalls
3 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govBACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2018 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the front passenger seat and passenger seat belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11748898
- Incident
- May 7, 2026
- Mileage
- 34,000 mi
The contact owns a 2018 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger OCS sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 59,200.
- NHTSA ID
- 11742781
- Incident
- Jun 8, 2026
- Mileage
- 59,200 mi
I am submitting this complaint regarding a safety defect in my 2018 Infiniti Q50, which was manufactured prior to May 1, 2018. Despite matching the make, model, and production timeframe associated with an existing Infiniti recall for backup camera failures, my specific vehicle is not included in the recall population. The backup camera in my vehicle intermittently fails to display an image or presents a blank or distorted screen when the vehicle is placed in reverse. This defect significantly impairs rear visibility and increases the risk of a collision, particularly in situations involving pedestrians, children, or obstacles that may not be visible through mirrors alone. The backup camera is a critical safety feature, and its failure directly compromises safe vehicle operation. The exclusion of my vehicle from the recall is concerning, given that it shares the same model year, platform, and manufacturing period as those already identified as defective. This suggests that the defect may be more widespread than currently acknowledged. A malfunctioning backup camera is not a minor inconvenience as it creates a clear and preventable safety hazard. I urge the NHTSA to review this issue and consider expanding the scope of the existing recall to include all affected 2018 Infiniti Q50 vehicles, including those manufactured before May 1, 2018, that are currently excluded. Additionally, I encourage further investigation into the consistency and reliability of the backup camera systems in this model line. This complaint is submitted not only to address my individual vehicle but also to contribute to a broader understanding of a potential safety defect that may affect other drivers. I believe that multiple reports of similar issues will help prompt appropriate action to ensure public safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
- NHTSA ID
- 11735910
- Incident
- May 5, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Infiniti Q50. It was discovered that there were three separate mileage discrepancies. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 50,370; however, at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage had been rolled back from 54,000 to 28,630 miles. The mileage before the vehicle was purchased was 47,650.
- NHTSA ID
- 11725568
- Incident
- Jan 12, 2026
- Mileage
- 54,000 mi
Filing this complaint regarding a safety-related defect involving the turbocharger system on my 2018 INFINITI Q50. The vehicle has approximately 46,000 miles and is 8 years old. INFINITI/Nissan has acknowledged through its own Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that turbocharger failure on 2016–2018 Q50 3.0T vehicles is a known defect. Nissan’s documentation identifies issues such as turbo oil seal leaks, reduced engine power, smoke, and potential catastrophic engine failure, and provides an extended warranty of up to 10 years or 120,000 miles due to the safety risks associated with sudden power loss. My vehicle experienced turbocharger failure consistent with these known defects, resulting in loss of engine power, which presents a serious safety hazard, particularly during highway driving, merging, or intersections. Sudden loss of propulsion increases crash risk and endangers vehicle occupants and others on the road. In some cases, turbo failure can occur with little or no warning, further increasing risk. The failure was confirmed by INFINITI/Nissan service departments, and the vehicle remains available for inspection. CarMax insurance approved the engine repair, acknowledging mechanical failure; however, they declined to approve turbocharger repair specifically because INFINITI has issued a known TSB and extended warranty covering turbo failure, deferring responsibility to the manufacturer. Despite the vehicle being within the extended warranty limits, Nissan denied coverage, claiming the vehicle has a “branded title.” This claim is unsupported by VIN reports, the loan originator, and CarMax’s own title search prior to leasing all confirm the title is not branded. Nissan has provided no documentation supporting its assertion. Nissan N.A. reviewed and closed the matter despite the known safety defect and lack of evidence for the title claim. Represents a safety-related defect and improper denial of a manufacturer-recognized safety remedy, warranting NHTSA review.
- NHTSA ID
- 11709489
- Incident
- Oct 4, 2025
Leak in the turbo causing oil to burn and create smoke from the exhaust
- NHTSA ID
- 11704146
- Incident
- Dec 10, 2025
The serpentine belt on my 2018 Infiniti Q50 Sport became contaminated with oil immediately after dealer turbo replacement at the end of August 2025, causing the belt to slip, shred, and be pulled into the engine. This resulted in sudden loss of essential engine functions and poses a significant safety hazard. This failure was caused by improper repair at the dealership.”
- NHTSA ID
- 11701863
- Incident
- Nov 11, 2025
The contact's son owns a 2018 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated that soon after purchasing the vehicle, there was an abnormal screeching sound coming from the brakes while depressing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's son took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to have the brake pads and rotors replaced. However, less than one month after the replacement of the pads and rotors, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the front passenger’s side brakes. The mechanic was notified of the issue, and the contact was informed that the brake calipers might also need to be replaced. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot(H), with white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, but the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and the contact's son was informed that the head gasket had failed, and an engine replacement was recommended. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls or warranty on the vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and provided the same information as the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11693654
- Incident
- Aug 1, 2025
- Mileage
- 88,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
STRUCTURE:BODY
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Infiniti by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TELEMATICS SERVICE INFORMATION See ITB19-029 for models built after those listed above for a different Service Procedure. SERVICE INFORMATION The Applied Vehicles are equipped with a wireless communication device called a Telematics Communication Unit (TCU). With an active Infiniti Connection® or Infiniti InTouch Services™, the TCU communicates with the Infiniti Data Center to provide various security and convenience services. This bulletin contains important service procedures that must be performed properly in order to set-up and maintain the telematics system for the Applied Vehicles. Ø A table has been provided on the next page that lists the model and year specific steps required to successfully configure a TCU after it has been replaced. Ø A check OFF sheet has been provided on page 21 to print and check off steps as they are performed. Please staple the completed Check OFF Sheet to the repair order.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
AEB WARNING LIGHT IS ON WITH WARNING MESSAGES DISPLAYED ON COMBINATION METER APPLIED VEHICLES: 2015-2024 Q50 (V37) 2015-2018 Q50 Hybrid (HV37) 2017-2022 Q60 (CV37) 2015-2019 Q70 (Y51) 2015-2018 Q70 Hybrid (HY51) 2019-2024 QX50 (J55) 2022-2024 QX55 (FJ55) 2015-2021 QX60 (L50) 2022-2024 QX60 (L51) 2015-2019 QX60 Hybrid (L50H) 2015-2024 QX80 (Z62) SERVICE INFORMATION The AEB system is designed to turn itself OFF during driving conditions (e.g., rain, snow, fog, etc.) that obstruct its sensors. This behavior is normal, and no repairs should be performed. When the AEB system performs an intentional shutdown, the customer may state the following: The ICC stopped working while driving, The AEB/FEB warning light is ON, or turned ON, while driving (Figure 1), The message “Unavailable Front Radar Obstruction” or “Forward Driving Aids Temporarily Disabled Front Sensor Blocked See Owner's Manual” has displayed while driving (Figure 2). AND DTC C1A16, C1A16-97, C2582, or C2582-97 is the ONLY DTC stored. Figure 1 Figure 2 Forward Driving Aids Temporarily Disabled Front Sensor Blocked See Owner’s Manual
ENGINE
***** Retailer Announcement ***** INFINITI is committed to providing the highest levels of product quality and customer satisfaction. Therefore, INFINITI is conducting a warranty extension to Full Useful Life (FUL) of 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever occurs first, if white smoke or oil leak occurs with MIL-On condition that requires replacement of the turbocharger assembly on model year 2016-2018 Q50 and model year 2017-2018 Q60. All other warranty terms, limitations, and conditions remain unchanged. On some model year 2016-2018 INFINITI Q50 and 2017-2018 Q60 vehicles there is a possibility that the turbocharger bearing may leak engine oil internally due to premature wear. The internal turbocharger oil leak may cause one or more of the following: Excessive smoke from the exhaust, Service Engine Soon (MIL) light and in severe cases, lack of engine power or damage to the internal components of the turbocharger. During the limited emission warranty extension period, owners are eligible for free replacement of the Turbocharger if it is determined to be required by an INFINITI trained technician. Owners of eligible vehicles will receive notification of this limited emission warranty extension during February 2025. ***** What Retailers Should Do ***** 1. Verify if vehicles are eligible for this Warranty Extension using the warranty extension page of Service Comm. Then, proceed with the instructions in item (2) below. 2. If a client contacts the retailer with a Turbocharger concern in an owned or leased vehicle, retailers should use the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) and appropriate Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) to diagnose the root cause of the customer concern and identify the correct repair to resolve the customer concerns. NOTE: Retailers will need to follow the warranty process and obtain pre-approval when the repair cost exceeds a Retailer’s Claims Administration/Authorization Limits (DCAL). CONFIRM: With the vehicle at operating temperature excessive smoke from exhaust, the Service Engine Soon (MIL) light on (with DTC P0106) due to excessive oil in the intake system from a turbocharger, or other damage to the turbocharger due to unusual bearing P4A05/P4A06 | Original Document wear and oil leakage. Proceed to replace the affected turbocharger(s) and update the vehicle to the latest engine software.
ENGINE
TURBOCHARGER REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE APPLIED ENGINES: VR30DDTT IF YOU CONFIRM One or both turbochargers require replacement. ACTION 1. Replace the affected turbocharger(s). Refer to the SERVICE PROCEDURE in this bulletin for the updated procedure. IMPORTANT: You MUST closely follow the entire SERVICE PROCEDURE as it contains information that is essential to successfully completing this repair. 2. Refer to step 212 in the SERVICE PROCEDURE to confirm if the ECM needs to be reprogrammed. 2016-2024 Q50 and 2017-2021 Q60 will require ECM reprogramming at the end of this SERVICE PROCEDURE. 3. If the ECM part number is in Table A (page 61 and 63), reprogram the ECM. IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTION (above) is to give you a quick idea of the work you will be performing. You MUST closely follow the entire SERVICE PROCEDURE as it contains information that is essential to successfully completing this repair.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE
MIL ON WITH DTC(S) STORED IN THE ECM This bulletin is no longer active. Please discard previous versions of ITB17-050.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.