2021 Infiniti QX50 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
40 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
71,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 10 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 18 of 40 complaints (45.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 7 | 17.5% |
| Engine operation | 4 | 10.0% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 5.0% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 2.5% |
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 | 18 |
| Electrical System | 8 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 7 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 5 |
| Service Brakes | 4 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 3 |
| Power Train | 3 |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 |
Engine: 18; Electrical System: 8; Engine And Engine Cooling: 7; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 5; Service Brakes: 4; Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings: 3; Power Train: 3; Unknown Or Other: 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 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 2 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 2 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 3 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 3; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 1
75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 30 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 |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 17 |
2021: 3; 2022: 2; 2023: 2; 2024: 2; 2025: 14; 2026: 17
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 7 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 4 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 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 11458034 · 2022-03-23 (March 23, 2022)
While driving on a clear day with no traffic in front of me or debris on the road at approximately 45 mph, a master warning light appeared on my dash with an accompanying warning signal and simultaneously the emergency braking system engaged and brought my vehicle to a sudden stop. As quickly as it started, the warning and braking ceased and left me stunned and terrified. Had I been in traffic or on a highway, I am quite certain that I would have been rear-ended. Luckily, that was not my fate yesterday but this defect is serious and dangerou…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11458034 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11677208 · 2025-07-30 (July 30, 2025)
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 no…
Owner-reported narrative. 32,059 miles reported. Look up ODI 11677208 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11704901 · 2025-12-13 (December 13, 2025)
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 coa…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11704901 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11714121 · 2026-01-29 (January 29, 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…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11714121 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11738589 · 2026-05-18 (May 18, 2026)
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 rec…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11738589 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11747250 · 2026-06-29 (June 29, 2026)
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 ar…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11747250 at NHTSA ↗