2019 INFINITI QX50

On December 13, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-023 to investigate allegations of engine failures leading to loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021-2023 Nissan Rogue; MY 2019-2021 Nissan Altima; and MY 2019-2021 Infiniti QX50 vehicles. At that time, ODI had received 6 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) and multiple early warning reports, with consumers reporting engine knocking noises accompanied by a loss of engine power while driving. The investigation identified bearing failures in certain vehicles equipped with the subject 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. ODI also identified early warning reports describing thermal incidents that occurred immediately after the vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure.  The failures were the result of a manufacturing defect in specific engine bearings (main, A-, C-, and L-link) or other engine components that may cause engine damage and potentially lead to engine failure. Engine failure can result in a loss of motive power event that can increase the risk of a crash.  Engine failure might also result in a fire if internal components detach and impact the engine block creating a hole that allows engine oil to reach hot surfaces. In its April 2024, May 2024, and June 2025 responses to ODI’s information requests, Nissan provided 998 customer reports (including complaints, field reports, and legal claims) and 1,107 warranty claims related to the alleged defect.  When combining ODI and manufacturer report data, there are 1,878 unique VINs that have experienced failures across all subject vehicles.  In one of the early warning reports, ODI identified an incident involving a 2022 Infiniti QX55 that resulted in an engine fire following an alleged engine failure. The 2022 Infiniti QX55 was not included in the scope of this investigation but the vehicle model shares the same 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo engine.  Based on the information included with the early warning report, the fire can be directly related to the alleged defect.   A further review of ODI and manufacturer data, identified 12 allegations of engine compartment fires in subject vehicles; three were confirmed as directly related to the engine failure, and nine reports described an under-hood fire that occurred following a loss of power event. Additionally, ODI identified multiple reports describing an engine block crack or hole surrounded by oil residue following an engine failure. On June 27, 2025, Nissan submitted recall 25V-437 involving 443,899 MY 2021-2023 Nissan Rogue, MY 2019-2021 Nissan Altima; MY 2019-2021 Infiniti QX50; and 2022 Infiniti QX55 vehicles. The recall remedy provides the dealer instructions to inspect the engine oil pan for the presence of specific metal debris. For customers with the 3-cylinder 1.5L VC-Turbo engine, if no debris is detected during the inspection, dealers will replace the oil pan gasket, engine oil, and reprogram the vehicle’s Engine Control Module (ECM). For customers with the 4-cylinder 2.0L VC-Turbo engine, if no debris is detected, dealers will replace the engine oil. In the case where specific debris is detected and confirmed by Nissan Powertrain Call Center, dealers will be instructed to replace the engine. In addition, Nissan will extend the vehicle warranty to 10 years and 120,000 miles for the recall subject vehicle population after the dealer performs the inspection. Nissan has implemented multiple corrective actions to address the identified manufacturing defects of certain engine block internal components.  In view of the recall action (25V437) taken by Nissan, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

This complaint concerns a 2019 Infiniti QX50 with a 2.0L VC-Turbo engine affected by NHTSA Safety Recall 25V437, involving potential engine bearing failure, loss of power, and fire risk. Before purchasing the vehicle at auction, we performed due diligence by obtaining an AutoCheck history report, which revealed no issues suggesting warranty or recall coverage had been compromised. Before our purchase, Infiniti performed a recall inspection, documented engine sludge but no metallic debris, reassembled the oil pan, and marked the recall completed. The sludge findings were never disclosed to us before purchase. After purchasing the vehicle, we discovered metallic debris in the engine, raising concerns about bearing damage associated with the recall. Infiniti initially claimed there was no open recall because the previous inspection was completed. After further discussions, Infiniti acknowledged the recall issue but refused repairs, citing the previously documented sludge. We brought the vehicle to an authorized Nissan dealership for inspection. Despite the metallic debris findings, Infiniti refused repairs, claiming sludge voided the manufacturer's warranty. A subsequent goodwill review was also denied. We dispute Infiniti's use of a warranty exclusion to deny a federal safety recall remedy. A voided warranty does not automatically eliminate a manufacturer's recall obligations. Furthermore, the previous sludge finding does not establish that the engine is free from the identified manufacturing defect. Potential engine bearing failure creates serious risks, including sudden loss of power, crashes, and engine fires. We request that NHTSA investigate whether Infiniti properly completed the original recall inspection and whether its refusal to provide recall repairs based on engine sludge complies with federal safety recall requirements.

NHTSA ID

11776308

Incident

May 7, 2026

On October 11, 2026, while driving my 2019 Infiniti QX50, I experienced a sudden loss of engine power. The check-engine light began flashing, the engine started shaking and making a knocking noise, and the vehicle would not accelerate beyond approximately 20 mph despite pressing the accelerator. This unexpected loss of power created a serious safety concern because I could no longer maintain normal driving speeds. In February 2026, at approximately 170,450 miles, my vehicle underwent an inspection at Infiniti of South Atlanta under NHTSA safety recall 25V437, involving defective engine bearings. The dealership informed me that the vehicle passed because insufficient metal debris was found in the oil pan to qualify for engine replacement. Approximately eight months later, on October 12, 2026, the same dealership inspected my vehicle at 197,467 miles. The technician's notes documented failed connecting rod bearings and an injector failure. The dealership recommended replacing the engine long block, turbocharger, and associated components. The vehicle remains at the dealership, unrepaired and available for further inspection by arrangement. I am concerned that the engine experienced a bearing failure after previously passing an inspection under a safety recall involving defective engine bearings. The relationship between this failure and the recall has not yet been determined. I request that NHTSA review this incident and investigate whether the failure may be related to recall 25V437 or the effectiveness of the completed recall remedy.

NHTSA ID

11770900

Incident

Oct 11, 2026

While driving on the highway, all of a sudden I heard a very loud boom and then heard some wind/air movement. The sunroom shade was closed but when i pulled over and got out, the sunroof was shattered and the sunroom framing was coming off the car. The glass that fell into the car was caught by the sunroof shade but there were large chunks of glass on the outside too with some pointing outward (as if explosion from inside and pushed it out). If the shade was open, glass would have fallen into the car and potentially caused injury to me and my dog. There were no damage or cracks in the window that were visible to cameras above my garage that morning. The dashcam footage also does not show anything coming towards the car at that moment. It is clear on the images the glass is angled out from the car. I have seen this exact case on the news and online for both Infiniti and Nissan. I was a couple miles from Infiniti and brought it in. The team working (sales team only onsite that day) have not seen this and recommended I submit to insurance as they cannot confirm the cause. I will be submitting to Infiniti Consumer Relations once they are open. I submitted claim to insurance, pending response. (Images named "IMG..." were photos taken off the exit immediately after the incident occurred.)

NHTSA ID

11770607

Incident

Oct 10, 2026

While driving my 2019 Infiniti QX50, the engine suddenly lost significant power and entered failsafe (limp) mode due to a diagnosed VCR actuator fault (diagnostic codes P11A8-00 and P11AC-00). The sudden power loss caused a single-vehicle accident. No injuries. The vehicle had recall 25V437 service performed at Infiniti of White Plains on 08/27/2026. The check engine light was documented as ON during that visit. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the VCR actuator failure mode can cause sudden power loss creating a crash risk.

NHTSA ID

11770459

Incident

Oct 8, 2026

While driving my 2019 Infiniti QX50, the engine suddenly lost significant power and entered failsafe (limp) mode due to a diagnosed VCR actuator fault (diagnostic codes P11A8-00 and P11AC-00). The sudden power loss caused a single-vehicle accident. No injuries. The vehicle had recall 25V437 service performed at Infiniti of White Plains on 08/27/2026. The check engine light was documented as ON during that visit. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the VCR actuator failure mode can cause sudden power loss creating a crash risk.

NHTSA ID

11770458

Incident

Oct 8, 2026

While driving on the highway the vehicle would not accelerate and the oil pressure light came on. After pulling over we noticed a slight burning smell and cut the engine. After a few minutes we tried to start the car again and it would not start. Vehicle was towed to independent repair shop who told us the engine had seized. We then learned of the current recall effecting this make model and year of vehicle. The vehicle experienced the same series of events outlined in a service bulletin for the recall. Vehicle was then towed to local Infiniti dealer and they were told the engine is seized and asked to drop oil pan per recall guidelines to confirm and diagnose. After not hearing from dealer after 2 weeks I follow up to be told the vehicle had not been looked at yet and they would get it in that day and call me no later than next day. Once week goes by and they still had not contacted me. I contact them and am told the only thing wrong with my vehicle was a dead battery and that would cost X amount to replace. At that point my car had been sitting in the summer sun for 3 weeks, of course the battery is dead. I reluctantly agree to the repair. After another week I follow up on the repair and am told after replacing the battery the car still will not start and I asked again about the recall diagnosis. After another week, we contact them and am told the car shows information consistent with bearings recall and they submit to Infiniti to approve. A repair timeline is discussed at this time. 24 hours later we are contacted by dealer for first time and told it now does not fit under recall. Have a case with Nissan consumer affairs. We have asked several times for work order and photos of what they are looking at and have not received. Dealer is now asking for $300 plus dollar diagnostic fee to see what is wrong. They say sludge caused engine failure and not recall issue. It has been 46 days at this point and no resolution. Per recall, sludge can be caused by bearings issue

NHTSA ID

11769331

Incident

Aug 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled; however, the contact was able to pull off the highway safely to a safe place. There was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a seized engine. The vehicle was later towed to dealer to see if the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). However, the contact was notified that failure was caused by sludge in engine and could not qualify under the recall. The contact stated that the vehicle had exhibited the failure described in the recall, but the manufacturer and dealer refused to repair the vehicle without charge. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

NHTSA ID

11766956

Incident

Aug 20, 2026

Mileage

94,000 mi

#11753348 - on 7/1/2026, Infiniti Dealer found metal shavings actively present in my oil pan during a recall inspection. They passed the vehicle as good condition stating nothing found per a vehicle inspection report given to me. On July 25, 2026, my engine red light came on while driving and my engine began to shake violently and making a loud clunking noise. I towed the vehicle back to the dealer for another recall inspection. On 8/30/2026, the dealer informed me that the engine was failing due to the recall and needing bearing replacement but due to it passing back in July I would be responsible for replacing the bearings. They invoiced me for excess of $15,000, the diagnostic inspection of $270 and demanded that I return the loaner vehicle. When I returned the loaner vehicle on 9/3/2026, they attempted to sell me a new/pre-owned vehicle instead of providing me a written denial refusal notice of not honoring the vehicle recall. On 9/5/2026 Infiniti Consumer Affairs representative verbally confirmed that they were informed by the dealer that there were metal shavings present in my oil pan but denied the repair because there were not "chunks" or "clusters" of metal present. The manufacturer verbally claimed that the metal debris did not meet an internal, undocumented threshold of "chunks" or "clusters," and explicitly stated that Infiniti considered my vehicle's mileage and vehicle age and sludge present on the latter inspection that was not present on July 1 nor reported in making this denial decision. The representative also referenced a photograph sent to them at the end of August as justification for the denial. This photograph was not taken nor sent to them during the actual July 1st inspection. The dealer had already informed me that they did not send the manufacturer a photograph on July 1. The manufacturer refused to provide me written notice refusing to honor the recall and said to get it from the dealer.

NHTSA ID

11762635

Incident

Jul 21, 2026

WIRING HARNESS REPAIR INFORMATION This bulletin is no longer active. For future reference, see the HRK mobile app and the Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC). Please discard previous versions of ITB14-020.

ROARING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY AND THE A/C IS NOT COOLING IF YOU CONFIRM A roaring noise from the engine cooling fan assembly (engine fan on high not cycling) is present, and the Air Conditioning (A/C) is not cooling. ACTION 1. Check the hardware part number for the IPDM E/R. 2. Replace the IPDM E/R with the part number listed in the PARTS INFORMATION, if applicable. 3. Reconfigure the IPDM E/R, if applicable. 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.

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.

IF YOU CONFIRM The client states that either the rear hatch is inoperative, or the rear hatch closes after opening only a small amount, AND DTC B2426-23 for “SPINDLE SENSOR LH” and/or DTC B2427-23 for “SPINDLE SENSOR RH” is stored, AND/OR There is a growling type noise from the rear hatch area when opening/closing the rear hatch. · DTC B2426-23 for “SPINDLE SENSOR LH” and/or DTC B2427-23 for “SPINDLE SENSOR RH” may also be stored. HINT: If any DTC other than B2426-23 and/or B2427-23 is stored, this bulletin does not apply. ACTION Replace ONLY the spindle unit that is confirmed to be setting one of the DTCs listed above and/or causing the growling noise. Do NOT replace both spindle units when diagnosis leads to replacement of only one. HINT: Rear hatch spindle units are not hydraulic systems. If a rear hatch spindle unit appears to be leaking, this is normal drainage of water (rain, car wash, condensation) and design intended water management. Do not replace spindle units for suspected leaking. 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.

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