2020 INFINITI QX50 Engine Problems

I am a [XXX] woman who purchased my first vehicle on December 6, 2024, with 43,000 miles. I have driven fewer than 20,000 miles since purchase, and the vehicle currently has approximately 62,000 miles. Until January 19, 2026, I experienced no issues. I have properly maintained the vehicle and followed all recommended service guidelines. I completed three oil changes during my ownership, averaging approximately every 8,500 miles. Two oil changes were performed by a licensed mechanic, and the most recent oil change and inspection were completed on November 29, 2025 at Legend Infiniti. I have receipts for all services. On January 19, 2026, while driving approximately 65 mph on a four-lane highway in Long Island, the vehicle suddenly went into limp mode and dropped to about 10 mph without warning. This created an extremely dangerous situation with a serious risk of collision. I first brought the vehicle to my mechanic, who advised me to take it to an authorized Infiniti dealership due to an engine bearing recall associated with my VIN. I brought it to the same Infiniti dealership that had serviced it two months earlier. After diagnosis, the dealership stated there was engine sludge and that I needed a new engine. They denied any connection to the recall and attributed the issue to poor maintenance. However, two months prior they completed an oil change and inspection with no documentation of sludge, engine concerns, or maintenance deficiencies. I was not informed of any recall at that time. My warranty claim was denied on the basis that sludge is not covered and that maintenance performed outside Infiniti could not be validated, despite providing receipts from licensed facilities. I am also being told there are record-access issues because the vehicle was originally sold in Canada. Given the sudden loss of power at highway speed and the known recall related to engine components, I believe this presents a significant safety concern and warrants investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFO

NHTSA ID

11719065

Incident

Jan 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, other failures occurred. The contact stated that after the vehicle was dropped off by the local dealer, the front passenger’s side tire deflated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was repaired. The contact stated that the underbody shield of the engine guard had detached, allowing road debris to enter the hood. In addition, the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended, with a rattling sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where the vehicle was lost and misplaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

NHTSA ID

11715926

Incident

Dec 18, 2025

Mileage

51,000 mi

RECIEVE 5 RECALL NOTICE BUT DEALER WILL NOT LOOK INTO THE RECALL. DEALER IS INFINITI OF FIFE IN TACOMA WASHINGTON. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE VEHICLE BREAKDOWN AND THEY SAID IT'S NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR HOW CAN I PROVE THAT.

NHTSA ID

11715564

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Infiniti QX50. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was contacted to schedule an appointment, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was called, but the call was disconnected. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11715561

Incident

Feb 4, 2026

VEHICLE : IMNFINITI QX50 YEAR: 2020 LOCATION : PUERTO RICO My Infiniti QX50 has an active engine recall by VIN In 2023 the Infiniti dealer in San Juan PR documented oil sludge in the engine and performed and engine flush and internal treatment . The vehicle was returned to service and was not declare unsafe In 2024 , the same Infiniti dealer performed maintenance and again returned the vehicle to service without restriction The vehicle has now develop internal engine damage . The dealer is denying recall coverage , stating the damage is due to oil sludge and alleged lack of maintenance . The denial is inconsistent with service history , as the sludge was documented and treated while the vehicle was under dealer maintenance , and dealer performed maintenance continued after that finding. Additionally , Infiniti Consumer Affair stated they cannot assist because the vehicle is in Puerto Rico. I am concerned about federal safety recall. not being honored in US territory , and about vehicle being unsafe to operate due to engine failure risk I am requesting NHTSA review and assistance to ensure recall compliance

NHTSA ID

11714907

Incident

Jan 13, 2026

Received safety recall August 22, 2025. Still no remedy or communication. Recall data was refreshed January 19, 2026 reports unrepaired recall with no remedy plan. Is this a continuing safety risk?

NHTSA ID

11711895

Incident

Jan 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Infiniti QX50. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 ( Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called the local dealer and was advised that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had been changing the oil every 3,000 miles as mitigation for the remedy not being available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11710323

Incident

Jun 26, 2025

I received notification from Infiniti there was a recall for engines failing in the model I drive. I promptly took my vehicle to the dealership, and they confirmed there is metal shavings engine and Infiniti refused to replace the engine. An independent review was done by Infiniti and even though the dealership agrees engine needs replaced Infiniti refused. I am attaching invoice and pictures attached of oil pan confirming metal shavings are present.

NHTSA ID

11710207

Incident

Dec 16, 2025

About 3 months ago I took my car to be inspected for recall Infinity Dealership stated the drained oil and dropped oil pan and inspected for debris on bottom on oil pan however manufacturer has stated engine beating failure happens progressively not all of a sudden I believe the system malfunctioning light I’ve been seeing on my dash is a direct result of something that was missed during recall inspection.

NHTSA ID

11701610

Incident

Nov 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. No further information was available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer, where it was determined that the timing belt needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that there was an unresolved dispute with the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11701393

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

Crest Infiniti staff, including Service Rep Trevor and Manager Randy Nadors, misrepresented Recall 25V437 as "not a safety recall" and claimed repairs were stopped until year-end. This contradicts NHTSA"s designation of 25V437 as a serious safety recall and Infiniti Corporate's confirmation. Their false statements indicate a failure to disclose material safety information and unsatisfactory service, thereby putting consumers at risk.

NHTSA ID

11700371

Incident

Nov 18, 2025

My vehicle is affected by Recall 25V437. I am already experiencing recall-related symptoms, including stuttering, unusual engine noises, and uneven acceleration. I leased the vehicle through DFW Auto and Services INC, On August 15, 2025, at 9:35 AM, I spoke with Sam in the finance department of DFW Auto and Services INC during a 3‑minute call from 214‑205‑7327. I specifically asked about the recall affecting this vehicle. Sam stated that the recall had been “taken care of.” This was false, as Recall 25V437 remains open and unresolved. The dealership misrepresented the recall status of my vehicle, failed to disclose that Recall 25V437 remained open, and delivered a defective product – a vehicle with a known safety defect that directly impacts usability, value, and consumer safety. On November 18, 2025, I submitted a formal complaint to the Attorney General regarding this matter. This misrepresentation placed me at risk of driving a vehicle with a known safety defect that could result in sudden engine failure or fire. I am requesting NHTSA to investigate the dealer’s misrepresentation and ensure proper enforcement of Recall 25V437. This recall must be remedied at no cost to me. I have contacted: Crest Infiniti 6100 State Highway 121, Frisco, TX 75034 to have Recall 25V437 remedied. I am currently still waiting response from the service center for an appointment to have the engine replaced.

NHTSA ID

11700129

Incident

Sep 25, 2025

I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding Recall R25B2 on my 2020 Infiniti QX50. I purchased the vehicle in July 2024 from a dealership in Indiana and currently reside in Illinois. Summary of the Issue In July 2025, I received notice that my VIN was included in Recall R25B2 for an engine-related defect. Infiniti of Orland Park (IL) inspected the vehicle and confirmed that it exhibited symptoms consistent with the recall. My recall/warranty repair was denied because Infiniti claims the engine is “branded” in its internal system. This branding does not appear on Carfax or any public record and was never disclosed at the time of sale. According to California DMV documentation I obtained, the vehicle sat on a California Infiniti dealership lot from 2022 through 2024 before being auctioned. Infiniti later stated that the engine was branded in 2023 due to “lack of maintenance”—a period when the vehicle was under Infiniti’s possession or control. I purchased an Infiniti Vehicle Service Contract (VSC) in 2024 (which has since been refunded), indicating Infiniti’s own retail systems did not flag the vehicle as ineligible. During two prior oil services (January 2025 and the week before the recall inspection), no dealership representative mentioned any “engine smut” or branding concerns until the recall claim was denied. I believe this situation represents a safety and consumer transparency issue. Infiniti is allegedly using non-public internal “engine branding” flags to deny recall eligibility for vehicles otherwise included in a safety recall. Consumers and selling dealerships have no way to access or verify these internal designations through Carfax or public records. As a result, affected vehicles may be excluded from safety recall repairs without notice or recourse—despite meeting all other criteria. Requested NHTSA Actions Investigate whether Infiniti/Nissan is improperly using internal branding to deny Recall R25B2 remedies to otherwise eligible vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11699837

Incident

Jul 19, 2025

Infiniti has acknowledged that certain vehicles equipped with this engine may experience bearing failures caused by a manufacturing defect affecting the main, A-, C-, and L-link bearings. These defects can result in engine damage or complete engine failure, as outlined in Infiniti’s recall notice. In September 2025, I took my vehicle to an authorized Infiniti service center after receiving notice of the recall. At that time, I was informed that no repair remedy was yet available. I continued operating the vehicle as advised, and no warning lights or performance issues were present. However, on October 16, 2025, the Service Engine Light illuminated unexpectedly. I immediately brought the vehicle to the nearest certified repair facility the following day (October 17, 2025). Diagnostic testing determined that the engine had suffered internal bearing failure, consistent with the known recall condition. The vehicle required a complete engine replacement, which I had to proceed with at significant personal expense, covering both parts and labor. At no time prior to this incident did my vehicle display any warning indicators or abnormal performance. The sudden nature of the engine failure created a serious safety concern and considerable financial hardship. I am therefore formally requesting reimbursement or assistance with the full cost of the engine replacement and associated labor. I have attached supporting documentation, including repair invoices, diagnostic reports, and proof of payment, for your review. Given that the failure directly relates to the known defect identified in the recall, I believe reimbursement is both appropriate and warranted.

NHTSA ID

11698665

Incident

Oct 16, 2025

I experienced loss of power while on the interstate and at that time I was unaware of what the issue was until I received a Recall regarding the engine. I often have my grandson [XXX]) who sits in the back seat of my 2020 QX/50. I went into the Infiniti of South of Atlanta, Union City, Georgia 30291 and I was informed by my Service Representative (Mrs. Dyamond Cobb) on September 12, 2025 @ 11:00 a.m. that this Recall has been suspended. I was given info to reach out to Infiniti Consumer Affairs Department and also to submit through on line a complaint to www.safercar.gov and I am submitting this info on line as a means to document that I am having serious concerns. I am making payments on a vehicle that could cost me and my family our life! In addition, the dealership is definitely NOT ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE CUSTOMER WHATSOEVER! I will SUE should this vehicle loose power in the stream of ongoing traffic or on the interstate, this is my only vehicle and no one is willing to assist with repairs KNOWING THERE IS AN ENGINE ISSUE and a bearing failure may cause a break in the engine block allowing hot oil to be discharged increasing the risk of an ENGINE FIRE! This is a SERIOUS SITUATION and I SHOULD NOT BE FORCED TO DRIVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE THAT I CURRENTLY MAKE PAYMENTS ON!!!! LAW SUIT INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11686908

Incident

Aug 4, 2025

The vehicle's engine light turned on. The engine light remains on, and frequently the Malfunction and System fault See Owners Manual will display. When the malfunction message appears all the traction lights are also turned on. The RPM's in the vehicle are very accelerated, and it's difficult to drive the vehicle. The vehicle will also produce a very heavy smog smell. I took the vehicle into the retailer several times and nothing was done. The manufacturer is also not taking responsibility and stated the issue is unrelated to the engine bearing recall.

NHTSA ID

11685805

Incident

Aug 1, 2021

I own a 2020 Infiniti QX50 that is included in NHTSA Recall 25V-437 for defective engine bearings that may cause sudden engine failure. My VIN has been confirmed by the dealer as part of the active recall. I have already noticed intermittent shaking at idle and a grinding sensation during acceleration, which are early warning signs listed for this defect. I am worried these symptoms indicate my engine may be starting to fail. My Infiniti dealer told me they “see the recall as active,” but that it is on hold and they cannot inspect or repair my vehicle at this time. They also stated they cannot provide me with a loaner or rental vehicle in the meantime. I believe this puts me, my family, and others on the road at risk because engine failure could occur suddenly while driving, leading to a crash. I am nervous to continue driving the vehicle, but I have no safe alternative since Infiniti has refused to provide a replacement vehicle until repairs are available. I am requesting NHTSA to investigate this delay and Infiniti’s refusal to provide a safe alternative vehicle while recall repairs are unavailable.

NHTSA ID

11683994

Incident

Aug 29, 2025

Pulled out into an intersection with limited visibility. Once I got into my lane I observed a car behind me that I had not seen. I tried to accelerate to avoid being hit. My car began making a knocking sound with loss of power. The other car went around me on the shoulder to avoid a collision. Infiniti of Birmingham (Alabama) says that one of the bearings in the engine spun and there is metal shavings in the oil pan. They say I need a new engine with only 68,000 miles. They are “unsure” if Infiniti will warranty the cost of repairs. Absolutely ridiculous! Please help!

NHTSA ID

11664985

Incident

May 27, 2025

FUEL SMELL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN PARKIED IN THE GARAGE. HAS BEEN CHECK OUT TWICE. 1 ST TIME INFINITI COULD NOT FIND ANY ISSUE, BUT TOLD ME THEY WERE LOOKING INTO IT UNDER ENGINEERING REVIEW. 2 MONTHS LATER AFTER LIVING WITH THE SMELL BROUGHT IT BACK THEY HAD A INFINITI ENGINEER LOOK AT IT. NOW THEY ARE TELLING ME THEY ACKNOWLEGDE THAT THERE IS A ISSUE WITH THE CRANK CASE VENTALATION SYSTEM. STILL NO FIX WAITING ON ENGINEERING REVIEW TO COME OUT WITH NEW BULLETIN COULD TAKE UP TO 3 MONTH. THE SMELL OF GAS IN MY GARAGE IS A HEALTH HAZARD TO HUMANS. THEY HAVE BEEN COMPLAINT OF THIS ISSUE DATING BACK TO 2019. IT NEEDS TO RECALLED.

NHTSA ID

11399845

Incident

Mar 8, 2021

Mileage

5,300 mi