2021 Infiniti QX50

40 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

1. Filed Aug 31, 2026Failure Aug 31, 2026Prattville, ALEngine

   My 2021 Infiniti QX50 has suffered a catastrophic internal engine failure. This vehicle is explicitly covered under active federal safety recall NHTSA Campaign 25V437000 (Infiniti Campaign R25A8/A9 / R25B1/B2) for defective, failing main and link bearings. The Infiniti dealership is actively refusing to honor the mandated federal recall remedy. The service department is attempting to illegally bypass the safety recall mandate by blaming the presence of engine sludge and claiming they do not visually see metal shavings. They are demanding that I pay out-of-pocket for a consumer-pay engine replacement. Under federal law, a manufacturer cannot deny a safety recall remedy based on vehicle maintenance history or engine sludge. Furthermore, the massive friction and overheating caused by the defective, failing recalled factory bearings directly causes and accelerates oil breakdown and sludge. The dealership is using the presence of sludge to mask a federal safety defect.

   NHTSA complaint 11761058
2. Filed Jun 29, 2026Failure Jun 16, 2026Waterbury, CTElectrical system, Engine, Power trainCrash3 injured

   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 complaint 11747250
3. Filed Jun 24, 2026Failure Jun 17, 2026122,000 milesUpper Marlboro, MDEngine and engine cooling

   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 complaint 11746230
4. Filed Jun 23, 2026Failure Jun 22, 2026Hollywood, FLEngine

   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 complaint 11745834
5. Filed May 27, 2026Failure Jan 19, 2026Fairbanks, AKEngine

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

   NHTSA complaint 11740437
6. Filed May 18, 2026Failure May 13, 2026NEW Haven, CTElectrical system, Unknown or other

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11738589
7. Filed May 15, 2026Failure Jul 15, 2025East Haven, CTElectrical system, Warnings, Warning

   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

   NHTSA complaint 11738125
8. Filed May 12, 2026Failure Apr 27, 2026Charlotte, NCBody

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11737328
9. Filed May 4, 2026Failure May 4, 202695,193 milesConroe, TXEngine and engine cooling

   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 complaint 11735660
10. Filed Mar 16, 2026Failure Sep 9, 2025Rochester, MNElectrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11724522
11. Filed Feb 20, 2026Failure Feb 11, 2026Dallas, TXEngine

    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 complaint 11719273
12. Filed Feb 20, 2026Failure Feb 11, 2026Dallas, TXEngine

    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 complaint 11719271
13. Filed Feb 11, 2026Failure Feb 2, 2026Santa Fe Springs, CAEngine

    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 complaint 11717437
14. Filed Feb 11, 2026Failure Oct 5, 2025Estero, FLUnknown or other

    On October 29, 2025, my Infiniti QX50 was repaired at Naples Infiniti after the engine under shield detached while driving, ripping off the passenger-side wheel well liner. The technician stated the failure was likely caused by missing bolts from a prior oil change approximately two weeks earlier. Based on that representation, I authorized the repair. That explanation later proved to be incorrect. On January 18, 2026, the entire under shield detached again while driving, once more tearing off the wheel well trim and additional underbody plastic components. This second incident also caused a visible gouge in a new tire. This was the second identical failure, creating a significant and ongoing safety hazard. Subsequent research shows a well-documented pattern affecting 2019–2021 Infiniti QX50 vehicles, where underbody components detach while driving. This strongly suggests a design or materials defect, not isolated maintenance error. On January 19, 2026, while driving to Naples Infiniti to drop the vehicle off following the second failure, additional plastic components detached from the vehicle, nearly causing an accident. Photographs are available documenting the damage and debris. I immediately reported this to Infiniti, and they deny any wrongdoing or vehicle design defects.

    NHTSA complaint 11717171
15. Filed Jan 29, 2026Failure Jan 28, 2026Sunrise, FLEngine

    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 complaint 11714121
16. Filed Jan 19, 2026Failure Jan 14, 2026Atlanta, GAEngine

    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 complaint 11711840
17. Filed Jan 13, 2026Failure Jan 5, 2026Three Rivers, TXEngine

    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 complaint 11710783
18. Filed Dec 22, 2025Failure Dec 14, 202562,000 milesKyle, TXAutomatic emergency braking

    The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. There was an unknown message displayed on the instrument panel. The failure had occurred twice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the failure was a known issue; however, there was no repair available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the windshield had previously been replaced, but was installed incorrectly, which could have caused the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000. The VIN was not available.

    NHTSA complaint 11706548
19. Filed Dec 13, 2025Failure Dec 13, 2025College park, GAElectrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system

    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 complaint 11704901
20. Filed Dec 3, 2025Failure Sep 11, 202390,321 milesHenrico, VAEngine and engine cooling

    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 complaint 11702707