2018 INFINITI QX30

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

The contact owns a 2018 Infiniti QX30. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the steering wheel, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed clockspring. The contact was informed that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was repaired under an undisclosed recall in 2018. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the previous recall. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA ID

11718589

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

Mileage

52,000 mi

The rear subframe on my 2018 Infiniti QX30 experienced a structural failure at approximately 39,000 miles. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Infiniti dealer, who confirmed failure of the rear subframe, a critical structural and safety component. This failure created a serious safety hazard, including risk of loss of vehicle control. The vehicle was deemed unsafe to operate. The failure occurred under normal driving conditions and without warning. A rear subframe is not a wear item and should not fail at this mileage. This appears to be a potential manufacturing or design defect affecting vehicle safety.

NHTSA ID

11715613

Incident

Jan 9, 2026

I am submitting a safety concern regarding the headliner in my vehicle. The rear portion of the headliner has detached and is sagging downward. As shown in the attached photo, the sagging material obstructs visibility through the rear window, significantly reducing the driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle. This creates a dangerous situation, particularly when reversing, changing lanes, or monitoring traffic approaching from the rear. The obstruction compromises rearward visibility, which is a critical safety function. I believe this issue presents a safety defect that could increase the risk of a collision and endanger both the occupants of the vehicle and others on the road. Requested Action:
 I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether this is an isolated incident or part of a larger defect affecting similar vehicles. If found to be systemic, a recall or mandatory repair program should be considered to ensure driver safety.

NHTSA ID

11690929

Incident

Feb 6, 2025

I am reporting a serious manufacturer defect in my 2018 Infiniti QX30. The headliner has detached and is sagging, obstructing rear window visibility and presenting a potential distraction while driving. This impairment significantly reduces rear visibility and has created an ongoing safety risk, especially when changing lanes or reversing. Infiniti Consumer Affairs has acknowledged the defect and its safety concerns but has only offered partial repair coverage, which I have refused on the basis that no consumer should bear any cost for a safety-related manufacturer defect. The defect is not due to misuse, damage, or wear, and the vehicle is otherwise in good condition. This issue has been reported to multiple regulatory agencies. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this matter as a potential safety hazard and evaluate whether it qualifies for a recall or manufacturer accountability. Vehicle Information: Year: 2018 Make: Infiniti Model: QX30 My vehicle is available for inspection although inspected by the dealership and they reportedit as CRITICAL. . .

NHTSA ID

11667031

Incident

Apr 9, 2025

Car has been having issues related to recall but is not on list.

NHTSA ID

11653838

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Infiniti QX30. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the diagnostic trouble codes P052E71 and P053A-00 were retrieved. The mechanic determined that the crankcase ventilation system intake valve had failed. The mechanic also informed the contact that the vehicle was a Mercedes-Benz vehicle that the Infiniti manufacturer had rebranded as an Infiniti vehicle. The mechanic confirmed that the engine was a Mercedes-Benz engine. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact attempted to purchase the part from the dealer, but the dealer provided the incorrect part. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a stop, the vehicle stalled intermittently. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Mercedes-Benz Campaign Number: MC-10241531-0001. The Mercedes-Benz manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The Infiniti manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA ID

11632150

Incident

Nov 11, 2024

Mileage

52,000 mi

I am writing to express my concerns regarding a malfunction in my vehicle, specifically related to the airbags and the steering angle sensor or possibly the steering wheel itself. Over the past year, I have noticed a significant change in my vehicle's performance. Initially, I began hearing a constant clicking sound coming from the steering wheel or its vicinity whenever I make turns, particularly noticeable when I reverse to leave my apartment. Shortly after this sound started, I discovered that my horn is not functioning, which prevents me from alerting other drivers or signaling my presence on the road. This has made me feel unsafe while driving, as I have had several close calls with other vehicles. Due to these issues, I sought mechanical assistance in addition to my regular maintenance. My car has been at the auto care shop for over a month, as this is their first encounter with this problem. They have proposed several solutions, but they are not confident that any of them will completely resolve the issue. I believe this malfunction poses a risk to both myself and others on the road, and I am seeking assistance from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Prior to the onset of the clicking sounds, there were no warning signals, but I did notice an airbag warning light had appeared. I am concerned about the potential for the airbags to either deploy unexpectedly or fail to deploy in the event of an accident. Fortunately, I have not yet experienced a situation that required their use. I will attach the documents from my mechanical visit. The car is still at that location and is available for inspection upon request. I appreciate your attention to this matter and hope to receive guidance on how to proceed. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11622979

Incident

Sep 1, 2024

Hello, My 2018 Infiniti QX30 slips into neutral while driving on the road at high speeds and without any warning. The message on the dash is vague “Service required. Do not shift gears. Visit Dealer.” I almost got into an accident more than once while driving the vehicle as low power to the vehicle accompanies this when it happens. I had absolutely no problems with the vehicle leading up to the first occurrence. In fact, I bought the car with less than 10k miles on it from Infiniti directly, where it was a fleet loner vehicle and well maintained. My car today has 56,000 miles and it is only a 2018. Two months and three car shops later, the issue remains unresolved. Infiniti said at first this was just a dead battery. A day later the issue resurfaced, where I also received a transmission control error. My service tech at Infiniti admitted that it is 90% Mercedes under the hood and they only have flowcharts to diagnose the issue. They recommended replacing a steering control column for $2k and could not answer me when I asked what that has to do with the error. I pulled it out for a second opinion and have confirmed nothing mechanical with the transmission, it is electrical. A quick google search for “Infiniti QX30 Service required do not shift gears visit dealer” yields an unprecedented number of complaints on forums of a widespread issue involving the transmission control unit for this vehicle. This issue needs to be looked at from a governing authority and my attempts to speak with the dealership about the issue has fallen on deaf ears. I learned the hard way that from 2017-2019, Infiniti collaborated with Mercedes on this vehicle and 90% of what is under the hood is Mercedes. It is the sister model to the Mercedes GLA who experienced similar issues, and the 2019 Mercedes GLA recalled their models for the same transmission control unit failure. A Google search for the same 2017-2019 era with Mercedes GLA yields starkingly similar forums from those owners.

NHTSA ID

11611876

Incident

Jun 23, 2024

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).

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.

INTELLIGENT KEY NOT DETECTED / ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.