2016 Infiniti Q50 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
39 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
33,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2016 model year. Data snapshot: . 20 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 10 of 39 complaints (25.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 4 | 10.3% |
| Engine operation | 3 | 7.7% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 3 | 7.7% |
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 5.1% |
| Braking behavior | 2 | 5.1% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 2.6% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 10 |
| Electrical System | 8 |
| Steering | 6 |
| Air Bags | 5 |
| Power Train | 4 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 |
| Seat Belts | 3 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 |
Engine: 10; Electrical System: 8; Steering: 6; Air Bags: 5; Power Train: 4; Fuel/Propulsion System: 3; Seat Belts: 3; Vehicle Speed Control: 3
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 8 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 5 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 4 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 2 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 8; 25,000 to 49,999: 5; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 1
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (8). 19 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 5 |
2016: 2; 2017: 4; 2018: 4; 2019: 1; 2020: 2; 2021: 4; 2022: 2; 2023: 5; 2024: 4; 2025: 6; 2026: 5
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 3 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 3 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10946397 · 2017-01-19 (January 19, 2017)
THERE IS A DANGEROUS DESIGN/ENGINEERING FLAW IN THE INFINITI STEER-BY-WIRE SYSTEM AND INFINITI REFUSES TO EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE IT. THE CAR IS INCAPABLE OF DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE, IS CONSTANTLY DRIFTING TO EITHER THE RIGHT OR TO THE LEFT AND REQUIRES A STEERING ADJUSTMENT EVERY FEW SECONDS. ON A LONG DRIVE, ON A HWY, THIS IS NOT ONLY FATIGUING IN THE ARMS BUT FATIGUING MENTALLY, AS WELL, AS THE DRIVER CAN NEVER RELAX. I'VE HAD THE CAR TO THE DEALER 4X AND WHILE THE SERVICE PEOPLE HAVE PRIVATELY ADMITTED TO ME THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTS, THEIR CO…
Owner-reported narrative. 250 miles reported. Look up ODI 10946397 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11331434 · 2020-06-29 (June 29, 2020)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 INFINITI Q50. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED TO THE LEFT INDEPENDENTLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REGAINED CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE ENGINE FAILURE WARNING LIGHT BEING ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INFINITI OF ONTARIO LOCATED AT 2192 INLAND EMPIRE BLVD, ONTARIO, CA 91764, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE STEERING SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFA…
Owner-reported narrative. 40,694 miles reported. Look up ODI 11331434 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11419618 · 2021-06-04 (June 4, 2021)
The contact owns a 2016 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked before stalling. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine was faulty. After replacing the engine, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired several times before the engine was replaced. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 60,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11419618 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11555445 · 2023-11-16 (November 16, 2023)
The contact owns a 2016 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to accelerate and stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel even when the vehicle was driven a short distance. The contact stated that the rear driver’s and passenger’s side door latches were inoperable and failed to securely lock. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Th…
Owner-reported narrative. 70,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11555445 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11024237 · 2017-09-19 (September 19, 2017)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 INFINITI Q50. WHILE AT A STOP, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO ECONOMY MODE AND SHUT OFF. THE START/ON/OFF WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND TAKEN TO INFINITI OF COCONUT CREEK (5501 WEST SAMPLE RD, COCONUT CREEK, FL [phone removed]) AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT IT WAS PERFORMING AS EXPECTED. LATER, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V476000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER AND REPAIRED PER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS M…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11024237 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11668023 · 2025-06-19 (June 19, 2025)
I’m reporting a safety issue with my 2016 Infiniti Q50. Last Friday [XXX], my the car wouldn’t crank and there was minimal dashboard power, but the engine wouldn’t start. After receiving a jump, I had the battery replaced assuming it was the issue. However, six days later, while driving, the vehicle suddenly lost all electrical power mid-drive with no warning or dashboard alerts. The engine shut off, the brake pedal became stiff, and I was unable to use any power-operated functions, such as rolling down the windows (98 degree day in Texas) or …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11668023 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11593371 · 2024-06-10 (June 10, 2024)
The contact owns a 2016 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated upon attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that upon attempting to drive the vehicle 30 minutes later, the vehicle responded as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed that the valve body had failed. The mechanic determined that the valve body and the entire transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown deale…
Owner-reported narrative. 77,636 miles reported. Look up ODI 11593371 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11738665 · 2026-05-18 (May 18, 2026)
OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR on 2016 INFINITI Q50t - Took vehicle in for oil and filter change 2 days ago. I drove the car about 40 miles, without incident. Went back to same place for state inspection yesterday. I drove about 2 miles from the inspection place and park in shopping lot. Went in business to shop for about 30 minutes. Returned to vehicle and drove about 100 yards through the parking lot. The car appeared to lose power and made a jerking movement as if it didn't want to go. I drove out onto a very busy street and we were almost rear ended b…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11738665 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11093336 · 2018-05-11 (May 11, 2018)
VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT THE RED LIGHT. THIS VEHICLE HAS A STOP-START SYSTEM. WHEN I PUT MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, I SHOWED SYSTEM FAILURE AND DID NOT START THE ENGINE. I BROUGHT THIS TO INIFITNI DEALER, THERE WAS THE SAME RECALL ON DIFFERENT VIN. THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS SAFETY CONCERN.
Owner-reported narrative. 33,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11093336 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11459211 · 2022-04-01 (April 1, 2022)
The contact owns the 2016 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle would shake and decelerate independently. The check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact diagnosed the failure as a stuck open fuel injector. Additionally, there was a fuel odor present. The vehicle was repaired by the contact. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11459211 at NHTSA ↗