2018 INFINITI Q50 Problems

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

My car wouldnt start and when it did, it would start shaking and every time I accelerate, The speed wasnt going any faster but only the RPMs were

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.

Within one month of purchase, the airbag warning light illuminated and has remained on continuously. A separate dealership later confirmed the airbag system is defective and may not deploy in an accident. This is a serious safety defect that was not disclosed to me at the time of sale. Additional Issues: •On July 14, 2025, I dropped the car off for prolonged starting issues. I was told the vehicle had six faulty fuel pumps/injectors. •I have not had possession of the car since July 14. •On August 30, 2025, I received an email from Nissan of Orange Park stating the car was “completed and ready.” When I called the next day, I was told the car was not at Nissan at all, but at Infiniti, with no clear repair status or timeline. Concern: This is a federal safety defect. I request NHTSA’s review and investigation into Infiniti/Nissan’s handling of defective airbag systems in this vehicle and the misleading communication surrounding repairs.

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.

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.

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.

Car has white smoke coming from the exhaust and the oil level keeps decreasing. Car stalls and takes time to accelerate P0106 code pops up from engine. There’s a rattle and whine noise coming from the engine bay. Also the gas was stuck accelerating. Had to switch the car to neutral so it does continue accelerating. After switching to neutral I was able to decrease power to the wheels and had to pull over on the road.

WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY INFINITI ON THE HIGHWAY MY SERPENTINE BELT SNAPPED 4 DIFFERENT TIMES WHILE IN MOTION. ALL WITHIN ONE YEAR. INCLUDING ME GETTING MY CAR BACK FROM THE DEALER AND THEM LETTING ME HAVE IT BACK THAT WAY. ALSO, THE TIRES ARE HORRENDOUS, FROM DAY ONE, THEY PULLED THE CAR LEFT OR RIGHT ON THE CAR. ALL THE SETTINGS WERE CORRECT ON THE CAR. I WANTED TO HAVE THE TIRES REPLACED, BY THE MANUFACTURER, AND THAT CAN BE DONE BECAUSE NO IT'S TO LONG AND EVERYONE TOOK TO LONG TO MAKE THINGS HAPPEN. NOT TO MENTION DUNLOP IS IMPOSSIBLE TO GET A HOLD OF.

RUN FLAT TIRES WENT FLAT ON A POTHOLE THAT WAS NOT EVEN REALIZED ON A SUNDAY WITH NO SERVICE STATION OPEN. EVEN IF THEY WERE, THE TIRE HAS TO BE REPLACED, CANNOT BE REPAIRED. THERE IS NO SPARE TIRE OPTION- WHEN CONTACTED, COMPANY REFUSED " NOT POSSIBLE". THIS IS NOT SAFE AT ALL AND MUST BE ADDRESSED. MUST HAVE SPARE TIRE ESP SINCE RUN FLAT TIRES CANNOT BE REPAIRED AND ARE NOT IN STOCK AT MOST SERVICE STATIONS

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.

Car has white smoke coming from the exhaust and the oil level keeps decreasing. Car stalls and takes time to accelerate P0106 code pops up from engine. There’s a rattle and whine noise coming from the engine bay. Also the gas was stuck accelerating. Had to switch the car to neutral so it does continue accelerating. After switching to neutral I was able to decrease power to the wheels and had to pull over on the road.

THIS WAS A RENTAL VEHICLE, NOT MY PERSONAL VEHICLE, BUT IS APPLICABLE TO MULTIPLE BRANDS AND MODELS. THE SAFETY ISSUE IS DUE TO THE HEADLIGHT MODES. THE DEFAULT MODE IS OFF, YET THE DRL'S REMAIN ON. THESE ARE BRIGHT ENOUGH THAT YOU CAN DRIVE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND NOT REALIZE THAT YOUR ACTUAL HEADLIGHTS ARE OFF, WHICH MEANS THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS ARE OFF. I HAVE BEEN SEEING SEVERAL VEHICLES EVERY DAY WITH PEOPLE DRIVING WITH NO LIGHTS ON, EVEN IN POOR VISIBILITY. THE DEFAULT SHOULD BE FOR THE HEADLIGHTS TO BE IN AUTO MODE OR DRL'S MUST BE OFF WHEN YOU SELECT OFF. I HAVE BEEN SURPRISED SEVERAL TIMES THIS FALL BY DRIVERS DRIVING EXCESSIVELY SLOW WITH THEIR LIGHTS OFF ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE RAIN AT NIGHT. YOU CANNOT SEE THEM TILL YOU ARE VERY CLOSE. ALL OF THEM HAVE THESE NEW LED DRL'S ON AT THE TIME. THIS IS A UNIVERSAL ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. IT SHOWS A VERY BASIC LACK OF THOUGHT TO DESIGN HEADLIGHTS IN THIS WAY AND IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE IN MY OPINION.

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.

I was driving down the highway and my car started to shut down and started to make a knocking sound inside the engine bay, putting at risk other drivers, so i turned on my hazards and pulled to the shoulder of the road,the car wouldn’t turn on so i called a tow truck. Took the car to dealer and stated engine is seized

AS I WAS PARKING THE VEHICLE AT 5MPH BEHIND A PARKED CAR, WITH THE FRONT TIRES SLIGHTLY TURNED TO THE LEFT, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. RESULTING IN HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT AND PUSHING IT OUT OF THE WAY, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED MOVING DESPITE HAVING THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED TO THE LIMIT, THE ENGINE WAS REVVING VERY HIGH. THE VEHICLE CROSSED THE MEDIAN AND CAME TO A STOP ON THE OPPOSITE TRAVEL LANE OF THE STREET AFTER THE ENGINE WENT TO IDLE SPEED. THE DEALER SUGGESTED TO CONTACT INFINITI USA TO START AN INVESTIGATION(TBA), A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. COLLISION AVOIDANCE/AUTO BRAKE DID NOT ENGAGE. VIDEO WITH SOUND OF THE INCIDENT IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

The airbag passenger light is illuminated causing air bag system to remain off until resolve. The vehicle was taken in for inspection and dealer confirmed diagnostic results found Occupant sensor malfunctioning. Under warranty, the sensor was covered, but after installation the system also found that wasn’t the only thing to replace. It’s a handful of sensors and harness that is integrated within the seat frame with the ONLY solution to replace the entire chair/seat frame. This item does not fall under warranty. My concern is the safety of my family riding in the vehicle. This issue was happening to 2016 and 2017 models that were recalled for the same issue. Unfortunately this vehicle may have been manufactured in 2017, but holds the 2018 year on paper found through carmax.