RoadVitals

2018 INFINITI Q50

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
43
Latest Jul 7, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Jun 21, 2024
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine1830.5%
  • Airbags813.6%
  • Driver assistance711.9%
  • Fuel system610.2%
  • Electrical610.2%
  • Brakes35.1%
  • Other / unspecified35.1%
  • Powertrain (other)35.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

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.gov

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Jun 21, 2024
7,222 units potentially affected
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (INFINITI) is recalling certain 2011-2013 M56, 2012-2013 M35 Hybrid, 2014-2018 Q50, Q70 Hybrid, 2014-2019 Q70, and 2015-2019 Q70L two-wheel drive vehicles. The driveshaft can fatigue and break.
The risk: A broken driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power, or a vehicle roll away when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 13, 2024. Owners may contact INFINITI's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. INFINITI's numbers for this recall are R24A5 and R24A7.
Nissan North America, Inc.Manufacturer number R24A5, R24A7View on NHTSA.gov

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Sep 12, 2019
1,228,830 units potentially affected
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Nissan North America, Inc.View on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Jul 27, 2017
14,192 units potentially affected
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Infiniti Q50 and 2017 Infiniti Q60 vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. Incorrect Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM) software may allow the fuel level in the main tank to be too low to supply fuel to the engine, causing the engine to stall while driving.
The risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and Infiniti dealers will reprogram the Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM) with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began August 29, 2017. Owners may contact Infiniti customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Nissan North America, Inc.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Jul 7, 2026

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
Airbags
Filed Jun 8, 2026

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
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed May 5, 2026

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
Electrical
Filed Mar 19, 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
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 7, 2026

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
Engine
Filed Dec 10, 2025

Leak in the turbo causing oil to burn and create smoke from the exhaust

NHTSA ID
11704146
Incident
Dec 10, 2025
Engine
Filed Nov 28, 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
BrakesEngine
Filed Oct 15, 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.

ITB09-063C

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).

ITB12-011R

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.

ITB23-023A

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

P4A05, P4A06

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.

ITB22-038D

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.

ITB17-050C

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

INFINITI Q50 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2024000
2023700
2022100
2021430
2020300
2019301051.7
2018Viewing433057.8
2017624057.1
2016394053.7
20151253061.7
20141695261.2

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.