KnownCarProblems2021 Infiniti QX50 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 41 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Infiniti QX50, most often about the engine (61% of complaints, typically around 90,500 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about QX50 model year since 2000 and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2021 Infiniti QX50 problems
Engine
25 complaints · 61%Half of these problems showed up before 90,500 miles.
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…
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…
Driver assistance
8 complaints · 20%Parts named most often: automatic emergency braking, warnings, warning.
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…
Electrical
8 complaints · 20%Brakes
4 complaints · 10%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)…
Transmission
4 complaints · 10%Parts named most often: axle assembly.
Other or unspecified
3 complaints · 7%
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2021 Infiniti QX50 recalls
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Suspension: spindle
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Complete loss of motive power due to engine failure
Summary
On december 13, 2023, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened pe23-023 to investigate allegations of engine failures leading to loss of motive power in model year (my) 2021-2023 nissan rogue; my 2019-2021 nissan altima; and my 2019-2021 infiniti qx50 vehicles. At that time, odi had received 6 vehicle owner questionnaires (voq) and multiple early warning reports, with consumers reporting engine knocking noises accompanied by a loss of engine power while driving. The investigation identified bearing failures in certain vehicles equipped with the subject 3-cylinder 1.5l or 4-cylinder 2.0l variable compression turbo (vc-turbo) engines. Odi also identified early warning reports describin
Questions about the 2021 Infiniti QX50
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Infiniti QX50?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (25 complaints, typically around 90,500 miles); driver assistance (8 complaints); electrical (8 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2021 Infiniti QX50 have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from June 27, 2025 (engine). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2021 a bad year for the Infiniti QX50?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about QX50 model year since 2000, with 41 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.