2021 Infiniti QX50: complaints, problems and recalls
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.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11414918 · 2021-05-03 (May 3, 2021)
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 AW…
Owner-reported narrative. 4,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11414918 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11426659 · 2021-07-27 (July 27, 2021)
there was a problem with safety recall a week after I took the vehicle test! I went to the dealer in Las Vegas many times, but they didn't find the mistake, they told me that the car was in order! There are no warning lights on the dashboard! Everything seems fine, but I don't know why he still writes it safety recall, don't clear this and why no one can clear this and help me!
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11426659 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11428792 · 2021-08-12 (August 12, 2021)
Picked up the car on 5/25, on 6/4 sitting at a red light, forward collision warning and lane assist malfunctions showed up on dashboard. Called Faulkner willow grove where my company leased the car, the set up an appt on 6/17. the next day, 6/18 both malfunctions came back, I called and said I don't have time out of my day to drive back and forth for you to not fix my car, he told me to go somewhere else and found Holman Infiniti, they scheduled me on 6/25, they found I needed a new camera but the part was on a national backorder no eta. on 7/6…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11428792 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11453466 · 2022-02-22 (February 22, 2022)
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 hi…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11453466 at NHTSA ↗
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 11542783 · 2023-09-05 (September 5, 2023)
The contact owned a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, he collided with another vehicle on the rear driver's side of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle was thrust off the roadway, coming to a complete stop after colliding with a pole, and the front passenger side wheel disconnected from the axle. The air bags were deployed. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact was later treated for various nondescript injuries. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and declared a total loss by his…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11542783 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11545080 · 2023-09-17 (September 17, 2023)
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 …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11545080 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11577561 · 2024-03-15 (March 15, 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 a…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11577561 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
21V402000 · Suspension:Rear:Axle:Spindle | Steering:Linkages:Knuckle:Spindle:Arm
Reported: 2021-05-27 (May 27, 2021)
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Nissan Murano, INFINITI QX60, 2021 Nissan GT-R, INFINITI QX50, and Q50 vehicles. The front steering knuckle or rear axle housing may have insufficient strength due to improper heat-treatment.
Consequence: The steering knuckle or rear axle could deform upon impact, such as from hitting a curb, resulting in a loss of steering control, or possible wheel separation. Both of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckle and rear axle housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2021. Nissan owners may contact customer service at 1-800-867-7669. INFINITI owners may contact customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V437000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical
Reported: 2025-06-27 (June 27, 2025)
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Rogue, 2019-2020 Altima, 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50, and 2022 Infiniti QX55 vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. The engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure.
Consequence: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. A bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk of an engine fire.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or Infiniti's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R25A8/A9 and R25B1/B2.
NHTSA campaign record ↗