2021 INFINITI QX50 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2021 INFINITI QX50, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine2444.4%
- Driver assistance814.8%
- Electrical814.8%
- Brakes47.4%
- Powertrain (other)47.4%
- Fuel system23.7%
- Steering11.9%
- Exterior lighting11.9%
- Other / unspecified11.9%
- Body & structure11.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased my vehicle 4.25. soon after I noticed lights flickering. I was notified shortly after my car was part of the major recall. I brought it in, they said no engine bearings, car is ok, they did not acknowledge the lights because there was no code. I was due for an oil change a few months later and the dealer gave me a 2600.00 estimate for repairs. soon after the FEB light and the lane assist malfunctions. emergency brake malfunctions are DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE .I have made numerous calls to infiniti in the meantime to initiate a buy back. I take the car to Infiniti, now i have. 4376.00 estimate.I have only had this vehicle 13 months. it was a CPO. They assume no responsibility and refuse to buy back. There are numerous complaints with the 2021 qx50 all are the same. This vehicle is not reliable, this company is not reputable. something needs to be done. my car has visited the dealer 3xs and everytime , more money. they know this is a problem- I am now stuck in a vehicle that was sold knowing it was not reliable or safe
The front passenger door latch seems to go off and say that the door is open and the alarm goes off in the car so in the middle of the night, the alarm will start ringing and then when driving in the car, it constantly beeps and says the door is open when it’s closed. Sometimes you can’t open the door.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The vehicle has experienced ongoing electrical and safety-system related malfunctions shortly after being purchased as an INFINITI Certified Pre-Owned vehicle in April 2025. The issues initially included flickering interior and exterior lights, intermittent door lock malfunctions, and other electrical irregularities. In June 2025, I received notification through the INFINITI app regarding a major engine recall involving engine bearing failure concerns affecting my vehicle. I brought the vehicle to Harte INFINITI for inspection regarding the recall and my electrical concerns. During that visit, dealership personnel acknowledged there were multiple vehicles experiencing similar engine bearing issues related to the recall. Despite my concerns, I was told the vehicle was “safe to drive” because no diagnostic codes were present at that time. The problems continued to worsen over time. On February 26, 2026, during a routine oil change shortly after expiration of the basic warranty, I was presented with approximately $2,600 in recommended repairs despite previously being told there were no issues with the vehicle. Most recently, the vehicle developed Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) malfunction warnings and Lane Assist malfunction warnings involving critical driver assistance and collision-avoidance systems. These warnings raised serious concerns regarding the safe operation of the vehicle because they involve systems designed to help prevent collisions and maintain vehicle control. I was concerned that these systems could fail unexpectedly while driving, potentially increasing the risk of an accident or injury to myself, passengers, or others on the roadway. The vehicle was returned to the dealership for inspection, where I was presented with an additional repair estimate exceeding $4,600 along with diagnostic charges. Despite the active safety-system malfunction warnings, I was again advised that the vehicle was safe to drive.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
3 separate accounts of automatic braking (phantom braking ) has occurred on the last year and electronic emergency brake would not engage 3 times in one day. Worried about rear end collision due to my car braking on its own. Brought to an infinity dealer who tested it with software (unknown type or version)and found no codes.
The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, attempting to stop, the rear brakes would make an abnormal sound. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was repaired for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the contact was advised that the rear brake pads, rotors, mount, cabin filter, air filter, transmission flush kit, and the back rear passenger side tire balance required immediate attention for repairs. The vehicle was not repaired under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,059.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 INFINITI QX50. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED INSIDE THE GARAGE, HE DETECTED AN ABNORMAL GASOLINE ODOR. SUBURBAN INFINITI OF NOVI (24355 HAGGERTY RD, NOVI, MI 48375) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE VACUUM LINES WHICH DRAINED THE FUMES WERE DESIGNED INCORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND THE ENGINEERS WERE WORKING ON A REMEDY AND DEALERS WOULD BE MADE AWARE WHEN THE REMEDY WAS AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
This vehicle is equipped with a push button to start and stop the vehicle engine. The button is mounted horizontally next to the gear selector switch near the driver. Twice now, while traveling at highway speeds, the vehicle engine has stopped when my dog taps on the switch. I usually secure my dog while traveling with him, but there are occasions when his seat belt needs to be released, usually due to him getting tangled up. If you own a dog than you know that he will tend to want to climb on top of you as soon as he is released from his leash, so putting the button in that position represents a pretty significant safety issue for me. I have called and reported this to Infiniti, and the agent told me I needed to fashion some sort of cover for the button, and ask my dealer if there is a software solution.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The front passenger door latch seems to go off and say that the door is open and the alarm goes off in the car so in the middle of the night, the alarm will start ringing and then when driving in the car, it constantly beeps and says the door is open when it’s closed. Sometimes you can’t open the door.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
07/24/2023 Purchased car, drove approximately ten miles Tire Pressure sensor light appeared on dash screen and individual Tire Pressure reading not available. Notified dealership, appointment scheduled for the next day at GoodYear service center 07/25/2023 Good Year reset sensors. Drove approximate 10 miles, Tire Pressure light reappeared. Returned to Good Year, sensor replaced with new sensor. Once again after driving 10 miles, Tire Pressure sensor light reappeared. Notified Good Year and CarMax. Good Year offered for me to return to service and they would order sensor from local Infiniti dealership and try install new sensor, once sensor available. 07/28/2023 Car taken to local Infiniti dealership, dealership reset sensor setting. Same outcome after driving ten miles, Tire Pressure sensor light appeared. Notified dealership. Return appointment provided. 08/11/2023 return to Infiniti dealership. Unable to be seen do to staff storage. return appointment provided. Tire Pressure sensor light still appearing in dash and no individual tire pressure readings registering 08/14/2023 Returned to dealership, sensor changed recalculated. Drove car ten miles, Tire Pressure sensor light appeared and still no individual tire pressure readings registering. Called dealership, spoke with service advisor, discussed bringing car back and leaving it for further inspection. I declined offer. Spoke with CarMax, discussed issue and informed them that I will return car 08/18/2023 Car returned to CarMax. Provided manger with written info from Infiniti dealership.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The front driver-side door on my 2021 Infiniti QX50 appears to have a faulty latch, hinge, or door ajar sensor issue. The vehicle repeatedly displays a “door open/door ajar” warning even when the door is fully shut and latched. The warning can sometimes be triggered or worsened by leaning on the door or applying light pressure, which suggests movement in the latch or hinge assembly. The issue also occurs while making left turns, where the warning activates as if gravity or vehicle movement is pulling the door slightly outward. This raises concern that the door latch may not be fully securing the door during normal driving conditions. This creates a safety concern because the vehicle may not properly recognize the door as securely closed while driving. There is concern that the latch assembly may not be functioning correctly or could fail unexpectedly. The issue also creates distraction while driving due to warning messages and alerts appearing intermittently. There were warning messages prior to the issue becoming more noticeable, specifically repeated “door open” alerts despite the door appearing fully closed. The issue appears consistent with reports involving faulty or misaligned door latch assemblies and/or door ajar switch malfunctions on Infiniti QX50 vehicles. At this time, the vehicle has not yet been fully repaired or confirmed by a dealer. The problem can be reproduced intermittently by closing the door normally and applying slight pressure or leaning against the door from inside or outside the vehicle, as well as during left-hand turns while driving.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .