2021 INFINITI QX50 Engine Problems

On June 16, 2026, a 2021 Infiniti QX50 experienced a safety-related malfunction while being driven at approximately 15–20 mph. The vehicle suddenly jerked, lost power response, displayed multiple warning lights, showed a “System Fault – See Owner’s Manual” message, and became unresponsive/difficult to control. The engine remained on, but the vehicle did not respond properly. The vehicle struck a fixed object/rock. A police report was filed/requested, and medical evaluation was sought afterward. The suspected failed or malfunctioning systems are the engine/powertrain response, electrical system, and related control systems. The vehicle should be available for inspection upon request and should be preserved before any diagnostic codes, freeze-frame data, event data, modules, or electronic records are cleared, reset, repaired, overwritten, or destroyed. Before this incident, repeated drivability and safety-related concerns were reported to Infiniti/dealer service departments, including vibration during acceleration, abnormal gas pedal vibration, lack of acceleration, poor power response, jerking/jolting, rough ride, abnormal noises, front-end noise, and safety/reliability concerns. Some concerns were documented in service records. Prior repairs included front passenger-side wheel bearing replacement and cooling fan/IPDM-related warranty work, but the drivability/power-response concerns continued. UNKNOWN whether the manufacturer completed a full post-incident inspection. The vehicle has been reviewed by police and insurance-related parties to the extent related to the collision. This complaint is being filed because the condition appears to involve a safety defect causing loss of power response and system fault warnings while driving. I am currently waiting on the police report, the report number has been provided.

NHTSA ID

11747250

Incident

Jun 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from under the hood. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and metal shavings were found in the oil pan. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the repair was denied due to the criteria not being met, a lack of maintenance records, and sludge in the oil pan. The vehicle was previously taken to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed and there was no sludge in the oil pan from a previous maintenance service. The contact was adamant that the VIN was previously associated with the recall, but was removed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

NHTSA ID

11746230

Incident

Jun 17, 2026

Mileage

122,000 mi

There is an active and unremedied safety recall on my 2021 Infiniti QX50 (NHTSA Recall #25V-437) for a critical engine defect that can result in complete engine failure and risk of fire. The recall was issued on June 26, 2025. I am an active-duty military member stationed in Germany. I shipped my vehicle in January 2026, before a remedy was available. My vehicle is now exhibiting all the early warning signs mentioned in the recall notice, including unusual engine noises, rough performance, and illuminated warning lights. I first contacted Infiniti for assistance on March 19, 2026. As of today's date, after more than three months of communication with their representative (case #[XXX]), Infiniti has failed to provide a remedy or a timeline for the repair. They have been unable to coordinate with a local dealer in Germany, leaving me to drive a vehicle with a known, dangerous safety defect. The manufacturer is failing to provide a remedy in a timely manner as required. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11745834

Incident

Jun 22, 2026

Open recall on Engine (NHTSA #25-V437) Engine has been replaced and recall repaired.

NHTSA ID

11740437

Incident

Jan 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 INFINITI QX50. The contact stated while operating the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, she stated she heard a loud sound coming from the motor, she pulled over and attempt to restarted the vehicle but it would not turn on. The vehicle was towed where it was diagnosed that the vehicle engine oil had metal shavings in the oil, the vehicle was brought in for regular maintenance and a recall repair. The vehicle engine was replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) however, after the repair, the issue had reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,193.

NHTSA ID

11735660

Incident

May 4, 2026

Mileage

95,193 mi

Dear NHTSA Representative, I am filing a complaint against Infiniti regarding refusal to perform a recall-related engine replacement on my vehicle. Vehicle Information: • Year: 2021 • VIN: [XXX] I brought my vehicle to Grubbs INFINITI in Grapevine, TX for recall service in August 2026 and again on February 11, 2026. The dealership refused to perform the recall-related engine replacement. The reason provided was that oil change maintenance had not been completed on time by the previous owner before I purchased the vehicle. However, since I have owned the vehicle, all oil change maintenance has been completed on time and properly maintained. The engine has not failed, but it remains subject to the recall and the associated safety risk. I believe denying recall service based on maintenance history from a prior owner is improper and leaves me operating a vehicle that is subject to an unresolved safety recall. I respectfully request that this matter be investigated and that Infiniti be required to comply with its recall obligations and perform the required repair at no cost. Please let me know if additional documentation is needed. I can provide maintenance records and service documentation. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11719273

Incident

Feb 11, 2026

1. The engine is the system that is malfunctioning. There was a recall on my vehicle. I was told to bring the vehicle in for the metal found in oil. Infiniti denied to replace my engine which was stated during the recall that the engine would be replaced. My vehicle was returned to me without receiving an engine per the recall. 2. My safety is at risk because the engine can fail which can cause me to lose controls of the vehicle and not be able to prevent an accident. That also places others at risk. My engine could also blow up at any given time. 3.The problem has been confirmed by the Infiniti dealership (service department) during both inspections. 4.The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer. Infiniti had denied to expect responsibility per the recall and denied to replace my engine per their recall. 5.There had not been any warnings, messages or symptoms of the problem prior to getting notification of the recall or getting my vehicle inspected per the recall. This is the second complaint that I am filing against Infiniti per the recall that was called on my vehicle. My vehicle has not been serviced correctly and my engine has not been replaced.

NHTSA ID

11719271

Incident

Feb 11, 2026

My 2021 Infiniti QX50 is subject to Recall 25V437000 for engine bearing defects that can cause engine failure, loss of power, and fire. During the recall inspection, Cerritos Infiniti found metal debris. They first diagnosed this debris as being in the engine oil and recommended immediate engine replacement. Days later, they reversed this diagnosis, claiming the debris was only on the removed oil pan from "technician scraping" and that the engine is safe. Infiniti Corporate reviewed the dealer's evidence, denied the warranty claim for an engine replacement, and refuses to provide me with any technical documentation—photographs, video, or analysis—that would verify which diagnosis is correct. They have refused my request for an independent inspection by a Field Technical Representative at a different dealership. The dealer has now threatened $60/day storage fees to coerce me into accepting the vehicle back without any verifiable proof of engine safety. I am being forced to choose between paying punitive fees or driving an unverified vehicle with known, documented risks of catastrophic failure and fire. I am filing this complaint not to seek an engine replacement, but to request that NHTSA investigate whether Cerritos Infiniti and Infiniti Corporate have violated federal safety recall requirements by: 1. Failing to provide owners with complete and accurate information about the results of recall inspections; 2. Destroying evidence (the original contaminated oil/filter) before an independent review could occur; 3. Coercing owners into accepting potentially unsafe vehicles through punitive storage fees; 4. Failing to perform the required recall remedy—which, if "specific debris" is found, requires engine replacement—and instead substituting an unverified, undocumented "second oil change" as an informal remedy.

NHTSA ID

11717437

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

I proactively brought my Infiniti QX50 to the dealership for inspection due to the recall. The service department found metal in the engine, which they stated is related to a known recall issue. The service department told me that I need an engine replacement, but Infiniti has denied engine replacement despite this finding. According to the recall, metal inside the engine presents a risk of sudden engine failure, including loss of power while driving, which increases the risk of a crash. The recall exists to prevent this exact outcome, yet the manufacturer is refusing the recommended remedy. I am concerned about vehicle safety and believe this condition should qualify for engine replacement under the recall.

NHTSA ID

11714121

Incident

Jan 28, 2026

I took my vehicle into Roswell Infiniti to repair/replace the engine bearings as instructed on the recall notice and as it has been making noises and I have experienced rough driving. The workers did not repair or replace the bearings. And when I reported rough driving and problems with the engine, they offered to charge me $175 for a diagnostic fee. The engine is still driving rough and making knocking noises.

NHTSA ID

11711840

Incident

Jan 14, 2026

Vehicle: 2021 Infiniti QX50 VIN: [XXX] Mileage at second failure: 154,282 miles I am reporting a repeat engine failure involving bearing material consistent with a known Infiniti VC-Turbo engine defect. The original engine in my 2021 Infiniti QX50 failed and was replaced with a brand-new long block in May 2024 at approximately 85,700 miles. I paid for this engine replacement out of pocket because the recall had not yet been issued. After the engine replacement, the vehicle was regularly maintained with full synthetic oil at reasonable intervals. There was no sludge present in oil, upon inspection. After receiving notice of Infiniti recall R25B2, I contacted the authorized Infiniti dealer (Ed Hicks Infiniti) to request an inspection and was advised to wait because the recall was temporarily on hold. As a precaution, I had another dealership inspect the oil and oil pan on August 18, 2025, and no debris or abnormalities were found at that time. On [XXX], the vehicle experienced engine failure symptoms and was towed to Ed Hicks Infiniti. The dealer inspected the engine and confirmed bearing material present in the oil pan with no sludge. This is the same failure mode described in the recall. Infiniti denied recall coverage and goodwill assistance solely due to total vehicle mileage, despite the fact that: • The failed engine was a replacement engine installed before the recall • The failure occurred well before a reasonable engine lifespan • The failure mode matches the recall defect • There was no evidence of neglect or sludge I am reporting this to document a repeat engine failure related to a known defect and to request regulatory review, as consumers who paid for engine replacements prior to the recall appear to be excluded despite experiencing the same safety-related failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11710783

Incident

Jan 5, 2026

Around 530pm At the corner of Briarcliff Rd NE Atlanta Ga and N Druid Hills Rd NE Atlanta GA As I was about to accelerate after the Red Light turned green, my car experienced a significant loss of power. Several warning lights came on, the engine light came on and a warning that said System Default came on. I was almost rear ended but was able to put on my hazards and coast to the side of the road, where I turned the car off and back on. It continued to display the warning and system default message as well as loss of power. I was able to coast into the parking garage at work and park. I am a healthcare worker and my shift ends at midnight. I have a 30 minute drive home and I’m afraid my car may do the same thing-lose power- and that can be catastrophic on the interstate. This is not the first time this has happened. I took my car to Infiniti and they said the recall was cancelled for now. I have two small children that I have to transport in my car and it is unsafe. We need a solution asap!

NHTSA ID

11704901

Incident

Dec 13, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer for an oil change; however, the dealer informed the contact that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for an oil change, and the dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that there were metal flakes in the oil pan and that the flakes were believed to be caused by inconsistent oil changes. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was notified that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the dealer informed the contact that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The dealer stated that the contact was not eligible for a loaner vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that the dealer could not provide a loaner vehicle and that the art was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 90,321.

NHTSA ID

11702707

Incident

Sep 11, 2023

Mileage

90,321 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start and was inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was referred to Roadside Assistance to tow the vehicle to the dealer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000.

NHTSA ID

11687923

Incident

Sep 17, 2025

Mileage

59,000 mi

I received the recall notice approximately 2 weeks ago, the notice state “parts are anticipated to be available beginning in Q4 2025” so I did not schedule for an inspection. This morning, 09/16/2025, I was unable to accelerate after being stopped at a traffic light. I was able to get to a parking lot to have my car towed to an Infiniti Dealership/service center for $260 at their recommended tow provider. After calling the service department to inform them of my vehicle arrival, I requested they run diagnostics for the recall I had received regarding my engine. I received a call shortly after they received my vehicle informing me the diagnostics test would be $250. I agreed and after several calls with no answers I get informed my engine has failed, it is not due to the recall and my cost will be $12,100 for replacement of my engine. I was later informed they had not investigated the recall at all and I would need to sign forms for this. I feel Infiniti of Orlando is not willing to honor the recall repair and looking to take my money for the $12,100 engine replacement.

NHTSA ID

11687724

Incident

Sep 16, 2025

Vehicle Issue Summary – 2021 INFINITI QX50 I purchased a 2021 INFINITI QX50 in March 2024. Recently, I received notice of an active safety recall (NHTSA 25V437) related to the VC-Turbo engine bearings. In addition to the recall alert, I’ve also experienced several concerning symptoms: 1) A knocking noise when reversing. 2) The malfunction indicator light turning on and off intermittently. 3) Other irregular behaviors that raise concerns about engine performance and overall safety. Given the recall and these symptoms, I’d like to schedule an immediate inspection and any necessary repairs. My job requires me to drive multiple children on a daily basis and is a safety concern for the family I work for. This effects my work situation tremendously and my ability to perform my job responsibilities.

NHTSA ID

11684761

Incident

May 1, 2024

The specific component or system which has failed and or is malfunctioning is unknown due to the fact the manufacturer and dealer were unable to properly diagnose and resolve the issue. The vehicle continues to malfunction, as of 8/28/2025. Beginning [XXX], the vehicle's engine began to make a very loud, concerning noise. The vehicle was inspected by the Infiniti of Mobile Dealership, in Mobile, Alabama on 12/18/2023. The dealership's service technician diagnosis at the time was the vehicle's radiator fan was stuck wide opened due to a failed idpm and a radiator leak from a crack. The dealership installed a motor and fan assembly and a control unit ipdm. However, the noise persisted after the "repair" and in addition, the heater/ac was not working properly. The vehicle was brought back to the same dealership on 02/22/2024 for further diagnosis. No action was taken by the dealership to repair the issue. The noise and malfunctioning of the A/C/heater persisted and became worse over time and the vehicle was then taken to the Infiniti of Memphis dealership in Memphis TN om 7/2024. The noise was much louder and the A/C stopped working in 98 degree weather as the car overheated. The vehicle's A/C continued to suddenly go out while the vehicle was in motion in high temperatures between 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, causing a health and safety concern. The dealership reviewed the history of the problem and could not properly diagnose the issue. The dealership claimed the vehicle was working exactly as it should be. The vehicle owner insisted it was not working properly and the Infiniti of Memphis Service Manager contacted the Infiniti of Mobile Service Manager and both agreed to replace the fan assembly once again. The replacement failed to repair the problem. Both dealerships stated there was nothing further it could do. The Infiniti USA manufacturer Consumer Affairs Department was contacted by the owner of the vehicle on 8/13/2024 to lodge a complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INF

NHTSA ID

11683863

Incident

Nov 21, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who referenced the Collision Avoidance System; however, did not diagnose the vehicle for any failure. The dealer confirmed that the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and then restarted to deactivate the check engine warning light. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 28,500.

NHTSA ID

11683499

Incident

Aug 27, 2024

Mileage

28,500 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle jerked while driving and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact called the local dealer and explained the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle could not be inspected if the failure was due to the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

NHTSA ID

11683280

Incident

Aug 4, 2025

Mileage

165,000 mi

Component or System Failed: Engine failure. The vehicle is available for inspection at Sewell Infinity in Dallas, TX. Safety Risk: The engine failure The loss of acceleration created a serious safety risk. The vehicle was unable to accelerate properly in traffic, which could have caused an accident on the freeway. Fortunately, I was able to get back home and have the vehicle towed. Problem Reproduced/Confirmed: The dealership has confirmed the engine failure after their inspection. Inspection: The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership. Warning Lamps/Messages: There were no prior warning lamps or error messages before or after the engine failure. The failure occurred suddenly without warning. Additional Information: NHTSA shows my VIN [XXX] ) has an active, incomplete recall (Manufacturer Recall Number R25B2, NHTSA Recall Number 25V-437) related to engine failure. However, the dealership denied coverage under warranty citing “lack of maintenance,” even though this is an official recall repair which should be covered regardless of maintenance history. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11681312

Incident

Aug 9, 2025

While driving on the highway and having no visible vehicle in front of me; my car automatically slams on the breaks and the Emergency Braking system light comes up on the dashboard briefly and then disappears. This has occurred multiple times while driving on highway speeds. It is concerning because there has been no evident or visible vehicles in front of my vehicle when my car abruptly slams on the brakes. To me this is a safety concern. I had mentioned this concern to the service advisor at Infiniti, but he said it would cost approximately $200 just to diagnose it. My vehicle is currently at a Infiniti dealership. They found a lot of metal debris inside the oil pan.

NHTSA ID

11680672

Incident

Jul 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine bearings, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The VIN was included, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was later informed that the manufacturer would not cover the cost to replace the engine because the failure failed to meet the requirements for engine replacement. The failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11676237

Incident

Jul 25, 2025

Mileage

80,000 mi

Without any warning or indicator light on the dash, the vehicle lost power when pulling out of our driveway - we live on a main road and were very lucky not to be hit by upcoming traffic. The car went into limp mode and would not accelerate past 20mph. We have been fighting with Infiniti for the last three weeks as no one can find the problem and they finally said a new engine was needed. There is on 35,000 miles on this car and we had to fight to have this replacement covered under warranty. Now that parts are back ordered and we are not receiving any help. We are three weeks without a vehicle and have no loaner vehicle. No one at Infiniti can give a timeframe for the resolution of this issue, what caused this issue and we are now very fearful that this will happen again - even with an engine replacement. This was very scary for our family and we are amazed that there was no indicator light or warning. The car didn't make any noises and was running great and then all of a sudden it would not go. Very alarming to say the least!

NHTSA ID

11621911

Incident

Oct 8, 2024

I purchased this 2021 QX50 Infiniti on [XXX] and have experienced consistent engine knocking. In checking out this problem, I have found that it is apparently a widespread problem with the engine in 2021 QX50 vehicles and can possibly lead to engine lock up and engine failure. The engine thus far has not locked up or failed. I have reported the issue to the dealership, Infiniti of Gwinnett located at 3090 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30096 and am scheduling to have the dealership investigate the problem. Needless to say this is a major concern and if there are ongoing NHTSA investigations and findings I definitely want to be made aware of same. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11577561

Incident

Feb 7, 2024