2016 INFINITI Q50 Complaints and Recall Information
The 2016 INFINITI Q50 has 11 complaints and 12 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report issues with the engine losing power and warning lights activating, including persistent airbag and passenger seat sensor warnings. Multiple reports describe sudden electrical failures resulting in complete power loss while driving. Some owners also report steering difficulties and concerns with diagnostic services causing additional dashboard warnings.
- Engine failure. Reports of coolant mixing with oil due to a porous engine block causing bearing failure and engine shutdowns under 60,000 miles.
- Loss of engine power. Vehicles show decreased power and slow acceleration concurrent with engine check light activation.
- Electrical system failure. Sudden total loss of electrical power while driving, causing the engine to shut off and disabling power functions like windows and trunk release.
- Airbag warning light. Passenger airbag light activates without an accident, leading to recurring airbag system errors and costly repairs including replacement of the seat frame assembly.
- Passenger occupant sensor malfunction. Occupant Detection Module fails causing airbag warnings; replacement parts sometimes incompatible or ineffective, requiring seat replacement.
- Steering difficulties. Additional dashboard lights appear and steering becomes unusually hard after diagnostic visits.
- Battery and wiring issues. Corroded battery terminal cables cause blocked signals from a new battery contributing to power shutdowns.
- Recall awareness. Some owners were unaware of multiple recalls at the time of purchase or found their specific vehicle variant was exempt from certain recalls.
- Diagnostic and repair challenges. Multiple authorized service centers present conflicting repair solutions and part availability issues.
- Safety concerns. Customers express fear of driving with unresolved airbag and electrical system faults affecting crash protection.
Twelve recalls affect various systems including the driveline, steering, airbags, fuel system, and electrical software. The recalls address risks such as driveline failure, steering responsiveness errors, incorrect occupant classification affecting airbag deployment, and engine stall due to fuel pump control module software issues.
- Driveshaft defect. NHTSA recall 24V470000 affecting 7,222 vehicles for driveshaft fatigue and breakage which can cause loss of drive power or unintended vehicle movement. Dealers will replace the driveshaft free of charge.
- Steering system error. Recall 16V430000 covering 28,182 vehicles with Direct Adaptive Steering software errors at startup that alter steering response and turning radius, increasing crash risk. Dealers will reprogram the ECU free of charge.
- Occupant Classification System. Recall 16V244000 involving over 3.2 million vehicles including the 2016 Q50 for faulty front passenger seat sensors that may disable airbag deployment, increasing injury risk. Remedies involve ECU reprogramming or sensor replacement at no cost.
- Fuel pump software flaw. Recall 17V476000 for 14,192 vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines where incorrect software may cause fuel delivery failure, leading to engine stall and crash risk. Dealers reprogram the Fuel Pump Control Module free of charge.
Owners dealing with repeated powertrain failures, ongoing airbag system faults, or unresolved recall repairs may have rights under their state’s lemon law. These protections could apply if defects substantially impair vehicle use, safety, or value despite repair attempts.
2016 INFINITI Q50 Summary
2016
Model Year
11
Total Complaints
4
Total Recalls
3346543
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2016 INFINITI Q50
7222 vehicles affected
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Nissan North America, Inc. (INFINITI) is recalling certain 2011-2013 M56, 2012-2013 M35 Hybrid, 2014-2018 Q50, Q70 Hybrid, 2014-2019 Q70, and 2015-2019 Q70L two-wheel drive vehicles. The driveshaft can fatigue and break.
Risk: A broken driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power, or a vehicle roll away when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
2016 INFINITI Q50
14192 vehicles affected
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Infiniti Q50 and 2017 Infiniti Q60 vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. Incorrect Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM) software may allow the fuel level in the main tank to be too low to supply fuel to the engine, causing the engine to stall while driving.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
2016 INFINITI Q50
3296947 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
Risk: If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
2016 INFINITI Q50
28182 vehicles affected
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Nissan North America, Inc.'s (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Infiniti Q50 vehicles manufactured December 26, 2012, to December 11, 2015, and Infiniti Q50 Hybrid vehicles manufactured December 10, 2012, to December 17, 2015. The Direct Adaptive Steering system may experience an error at vehicle start up altering the vehicle's steering responsiveness and turning radius.
Risk: If the vehicle does not steer as the driver anticipates, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
Complaints
2016 INFINITI Q50
ID: 2128176SEAT BELTS
* the passenger airbag light came on July 2025. I was not in a accident the light just came on. * 7/29/2025 I took my car in for service at Infinity of Las Vegas (the only Infinity dealership in Las Vegas) I asked to check why the airbag light was on. I was told the occupant sensor unit was abnormal. Sensor and module internally shorted out. Recommend to replace passenger front seat frame assembly (only available as a 1 piece both sensor and module internally shorted seat frame Assy). @ $ 8678.76. Because it’s a different seat from the original seat, I would have to also replace the seat belt. @ 116.87. * It is not recommended to drive a car with the air bag light on. This car is my only source of transportation. * on August 4, 2025 I took my car to Auto Dynamic Services and they suggested initial repair was to replace the Occupant Detection Module. The part was ordered from Nissan, when they received the part it was an updated part design which was slightly larger with more pins than the original part and could not be used on my car. They reordered the part from another Nissan retailer ensuring it matched the original part for my car. Now it’s Aug. 27th, 2025. Auto Dynamic received the correct replacement module. Unfortunately the part was replaced and the airbag light came on again. They also stated the seat would have to be replaced in order for the airbag light to go off. For around the same price. It cost me 1800.00 to find this out. * I do not have money to resolve this issue especially if the driver airbag errors next, I am fearful of the unknown driving around with the airbag light on. If in an accident possibly not being covered because I was driving with a know issue. Or the bags just deploying randomly. * On [XXX] I traded a perfect running car in, I did not receive much on the trade as the airbag light is on. I can drive safely and register the car when required * it looks like there was a recall but the Q50 2.0 turbo was not included. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INF
2016 INFINITI Q50
ID: 2128175ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
* the passenger airbag light came on July 2025. I was not in a accident the light just came on. * 7/29/2025 I took my car in for service at Infinity of Las Vegas (the only Infinity dealership in Las Vegas) I asked to check why the airbag light was on. I was told the occupant sensor unit was abnormal. Sensor and module internally shorted out. Recommend to replace passenger front seat frame assembly (only available as a 1 piece both sensor and module internally shorted seat frame Assy). @ $ 8678.76. Because it’s a different seat from the original seat, I would have to also replace the seat belt. @ 116.87. * It is not recommended to drive a car with the air bag light on. This car is my only source of transportation. * on August 4, 2025 I took my car to Auto Dynamic Services and they suggested initial repair was to replace the Occupant Detection Module. The part was ordered from Nissan, when they received the part it was an updated part design which was slightly larger with more pins than the original part and could not be used on my car. They reordered the part from another Nissan retailer ensuring it matched the original part for my car. Now it’s Aug. 27th, 2025. Auto Dynamic received the correct replacement module. Unfortunately the part was replaced and the airbag light came on again. They also stated the seat would have to be replaced in order for the airbag light to go off. For around the same price. It cost me 1800.00 to find this out. * I do not have money to resolve this issue especially if the driver airbag errors next, I am fearful of the unknown driving around with the airbag light on. If in an accident possibly not being covered because I was driving with a know issue. Or the bags just deploying randomly. * On [XXX] I traded a perfect running car in, I did not receive much on the trade as the airbag light is on. I can drive safely and register the car when required * it looks like there was a recall but the Q50 2.0 turbo was not included. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INF
2016 INFINITI Q50
ID: 2128174AIR BAGS
* the passenger airbag light came on July 2025. I was not in a accident the light just came on. * 7/29/2025 I took my car in for service at Infinity of Las Vegas (the only Infinity dealership in Las Vegas) I asked to check why the airbag light was on. I was told the occupant sensor unit was abnormal. Sensor and module internally shorted out. Recommend to replace passenger front seat frame assembly (only available as a 1 piece both sensor and module internally shorted seat frame Assy). @ $ 8678.76. Because it’s a different seat from the original seat, I would have to also replace the seat belt. @ 116.87. * It is not recommended to drive a car with the air bag light on. This car is my only source of transportation. * on August 4, 2025 I took my car to Auto Dynamic Services and they suggested initial repair was to replace the Occupant Detection Module. The part was ordered from Nissan, when they received the part it was an updated part design which was slightly larger with more pins than the original part and could not be used on my car. They reordered the part from another Nissan retailer ensuring it matched the original part for my car. Now it’s Aug. 27th, 2025. Auto Dynamic received the correct replacement module. Unfortunately the part was replaced and the airbag light came on again. They also stated the seat would have to be replaced in order for the airbag light to go off. For around the same price. It cost me 1800.00 to find this out. * I do not have money to resolve this issue especially if the driver airbag errors next, I am fearful of the unknown driving around with the airbag light on. If in an accident possibly not being covered because I was driving with a know issue. Or the bags just deploying randomly. * On [XXX] I traded a perfect running car in, I did not receive much on the trade as the airbag light is on. I can drive safely and register the car when required * it looks like there was a recall but the Q50 2.0 turbo was not included. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INF
2016 INFINITI Q50
ID: 2101683ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 opening the trunk, which contained my emergency tools. A police officer had to assist and the vehicle was towed. Upon inspection, the issue was traced to corroded battery terminal cables, which were blocking the signal from the new battery and causing the full shutdown. This is a serious safety concern as complete power failure while driving, with no warning, and no manual trunk release for emergencies, could place drivers at significant risk. I’m submitting this for review and potential recall consideration. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2016 INFINITI Q50
ID: 2080056ENGINE
The engine check light came. I also received a letter from infinti for recall. The power of the vehicle declined.
2016 INFINITI Q50
ID: 2080055ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The engine check light came. I also received a letter from infinti for recall. The power of the vehicle declined.
2016 INFINITI Q50
ID: 2080051ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Then engine light came on. And the vehicle decline in power. It moves very slow.
2016 INFINITI Q50
ID: 2056646ENGINE
Engine manufactured with porous block causing coolant to mix with oil resulting in bearing failure. Vehicle has less than 60k miles and I have seen numerous reports on Infiniti Q50/Q60 forums with people having the exact same issue. Some vehicles have had multiple engine replacements. Vehicle out of warranty due to age. Have not been able to drive vehicle for over a year and was told I should report issue to the government since Infiniti has not stepped up and done a voluntary recall.
2016 INFINITI Q50
ID: 2053341STEERING
Passenger seat light remain on for 4 months the went away. Then the airbag light came on. Took it to Infiniti of Tampa where they supposedly done diagnostics. They cause additional lights to appear on my dashboard to include the steering hard to turn. When I purchased the vehicle in October 2016 I was unaware of any recalls. I found out about a month ago there approximately four recalls for 2016 Infiniti Q50.
2016 INFINITI Q50
ID: 2053340FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Passenger seat light remain on for 4 months the went away. Then the airbag light came on. Took it to Infiniti of Tampa where they supposedly done diagnostics. They cause additional lights to appear on my dashboard to include the steering hard to turn. When I purchased the vehicle in October 2016 I was unaware of any recalls. I found out about a month ago there approximately four recalls for 2016 Infiniti Q50.
2016 INFINITI Q50
ID: 2053339ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Passenger seat light remain on for 4 months the went away. Then the airbag light came on. Took it to Infiniti of Tampa where they supposedly done diagnostics. They cause additional lights to appear on my dashboard to include the steering hard to turn. When I purchased the vehicle in October 2016 I was unaware of any recalls. I found out about a month ago there approximately four recalls for 2016 Infiniti Q50.