2021 INFINITI QX50 Complaints and Recall Information
The 2021 INFINITI QX50 has 14 complaints and 17 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report engine bearing failures leading to engine damage and sudden loss of acceleration without warning lights. Multiple accounts also describe issues with the automatic emergency braking system activating unexpectedly or failing to engage, causing safety concerns.
Common Issues
- Engine bearing failure. Owners report abnormal engine noises, metal debris in the oil pan, and engine damage requiring replacement. Engine failures occurred suddenly without warning lights and were linked to an ongoing recall.
- Phantom automatic braking. Several complaints describe the vehicle abruptly braking with no visible obstruction, raising concerns of unintentional deceleration on highways.
- Emergency brake malfunctions. Reports include the electronic emergency brake failing to engage multiple times in a single day, causing apprehension about rear-end collisions.
- Brake noise. Rear brake components emitted abnormal sounds during stopping, with additional repairs recommended but not covered under warranty.
- Engine warning lights. The check engine light illuminated intermittently, sometimes in conjunction with engine performance issues such as jerking or loss of power.
- Delay in recall repairs. Owners received recall notices but reported that parts or repairs were not yet available, leading to extended wait times and unresolved safety issues.
- Radiator fan and cooling issues. Loud engine noises linked to radiator fan malfunctions persisted after attempted repairs, accompanied by heater and A/C failures.
- A/C system failure. The air conditioning stopped working sporadically during high temperatures, causing discomfort and safety concerns for occupants.
- Diagnostic and repair refusals. Some dealers declined or delayed proper diagnosis and warranty repairs despite active recalls and ongoing safety risks.
- Manufacturer denial of warranty coverage. Cases where the manufacturer refused to cover engine replacement costs despite recall involvement, citing maintenance issues.
A total of 17 recalls affect the 2021 INFINITI QX50. These recalls target critical systems including the engine, suspension, and steering components. The largest recall involves engine and engine cooling issues related to defective engine bearings which can cause engine failure and fire risk.
Recalls
- Engine and engine cooling. (NHTSA Campaign Number 25V437000) Defective engine bearings in 443,899 vehicles can cause engine failure, increasing crash and fire risk. Nissan is developing a repair; interim notification letters were sent in August 2025. Repairs will be free once available.
- Suspension rear axle instability. (NHTSA Campaign Number 21V402000) About 14,276 vehicles, including 2021 QX50s, have front steering knuckles or rear axle housings with insufficient strength. These parts may deform or separate on impact, causing loss of control. Dealers will inspect and replace as needed at no cost.
- Steering knuckle and spindle arm defect. (NHTSA Campaign Number 21V402000) Same as above, affecting steering control due to improper heat treatment of components. Repairs are provided free through dealer service.
Owners of 2021 INFINITI QX50 vehicles dealing with repeated engine failures, malfunctioning safety systems, or unresolved recall repairs may have legal rights under their state’s lemon law. Consulting with a qualified attorney might be prudent to understand potential remedies available in these cases.
2021 INFINITI QX50 Summary
2021
Model Year
14
Total Complaints
2
Total Recalls
458175
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2021 INFINITI QX50
443899 vehicles affected
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
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.
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.
2021 INFINITI QX50
14276 vehicles affected
STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM
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.
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.
Complaints
2021 INFINITI QX50
ID: 2126095ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle Issue Summary – 2021 INFINITI QX50 I purchased a 2021 INFINITI QX50 in March 2024. Recently, I received notice of an active safety recall (NHTSA 25V437) related to the VC-Turbo engine bearings. In addition to the recall alert, I’ve also experienced several concerning symptoms: 1) A knocking noise when reversing. 2) The malfunction indicator light turning on and off intermittently. 3) Other irregular behaviors that raise concerns about engine performance and overall safety. Given the recall and these symptoms, I’d like to schedule an immediate inspection and any necessary repairs. My job requires me to drive multiple children on a daily basis and is a safety concern for the family I work for. This effects my work situation tremendously and my ability to perform my job responsibilities.
2021 INFINITI QX50
ID: 2126094ENGINE
Vehicle Issue Summary – 2021 INFINITI QX50 I purchased a 2021 INFINITI QX50 in March 2024. Recently, I received notice of an active safety recall (NHTSA 25V437) related to the VC-Turbo engine bearings. In addition to the recall alert, I’ve also experienced several concerning symptoms: 1) A knocking noise when reversing. 2) The malfunction indicator light turning on and off intermittently. 3) Other irregular behaviors that raise concerns about engine performance and overall safety. Given the recall and these symptoms, I’d like to schedule an immediate inspection and any necessary repairs. My job requires me to drive multiple children on a daily basis and is a safety concern for the family I work for. This effects my work situation tremendously and my ability to perform my job responsibilities.
2021 INFINITI QX50
ID: 2124735ENGINE
The specific component or system which has failed and or is malfunctioning is unknown due to the fact the manufacturer and dealer were unable to properly diagnose and resolve the issue. The vehicle continues to malfunction, as of 8/28/2025. Beginning [XXX], the vehicle's engine began to make a very loud, concerning noise. The vehicle was inspected by the Infiniti of Mobile Dealership, in Mobile, Alabama on 12/18/2023. The dealership's service technician diagnosis at the time was the vehicle's radiator fan was stuck wide opened due to a failed idpm and a radiator leak from a crack. The dealership installed a motor and fan assembly and a control unit ipdm. However, the noise persisted after the "repair" and in addition, the heater/ac was not working properly. The vehicle was brought back to the same dealership on 02/22/2024 for further diagnosis. No action was taken by the dealership to repair the issue. The noise and malfunctioning of the A/C/heater persisted and became worse over time and the vehicle was then taken to the Infiniti of Memphis dealership in Memphis TN om 7/2024. The noise was much louder and the A/C stopped working in 98 degree weather as the car overheated. The vehicle's A/C continued to suddenly go out while the vehicle was in motion in high temperatures between 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, causing a health and safety concern. The dealership reviewed the history of the problem and could not properly diagnose the issue. The dealership claimed the vehicle was working exactly as it should be. The vehicle owner insisted it was not working properly and the Infiniti of Memphis Service Manager contacted the Infiniti of Mobile Service Manager and both agreed to replace the fan assembly once again. The replacement failed to repair the problem. Both dealerships stated there was nothing further it could do. The Infiniti USA manufacturer Consumer Affairs Department was contacted by the owner of the vehicle on 8/13/2024 to lodge a complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INF
2021 INFINITI QX50
ID: 2124175ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who referenced the Collision Avoidance System; however, did not diagnose the vehicle for any failure. The dealer confirmed that the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and then restarted to deactivate the check engine warning light. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 28,500.
2021 INFINITI QX50
ID: 2123848ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle jerked while driving and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact called the local dealer and explained the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle could not be inspected if the failure was due to the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
2021 INFINITI QX50
ID: 2121006ENGINE
Component or System Failed: Engine failure. The vehicle is available for inspection at Sewell Infinity in Dallas, TX. Safety Risk: The engine failure The loss of acceleration created a serious safety risk. The vehicle was unable to accelerate properly in traffic, which could have caused an accident on the freeway. Fortunately, I was able to get back home and have the vehicle towed. Problem Reproduced/Confirmed: The dealership has confirmed the engine failure after their inspection. Inspection: The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership. Warning Lamps/Messages: There were no prior warning lamps or error messages before or after the engine failure. The failure occurred suddenly without warning. Additional Information: NHTSA shows my VIN [XXX] ) has an active, incomplete recall (Manufacturer Recall Number R25B2, NHTSA Recall Number 25V-437) related to engine failure. However, the dealership denied coverage under warranty citing “lack of maintenance,” even though this is an official recall repair which should be covered regardless of maintenance history. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2021 INFINITI QX50
ID: 2120045ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving on the highway and having no visible vehicle in front of me; my car automatically slams on the breaks and the Emergency Braking system light comes up on the dashboard briefly and then disappears. This has occurred multiple times while driving on highway speeds. It is concerning because there has been no evident or visible vehicles in front of my vehicle when my car abruptly slams on the brakes. To me this is a safety concern. I had mentioned this concern to the service advisor at Infiniti, but he said it would cost approximately $200 just to diagnose it. My vehicle is currently at a Infiniti dealership. They found a lot of metal debris inside the oil pan.
2021 INFINITI QX50
ID: 2120044ENGINE
While driving on the highway and having no visible vehicle in front of me; my car automatically slams on the breaks and the Emergency Braking system light comes up on the dashboard briefly and then disappears. This has occurred multiple times while driving on highway speeds. It is concerning because there has been no evident or visible vehicles in front of my vehicle when my car abruptly slams on the brakes. To me this is a safety concern. I had mentioned this concern to the service advisor at Infiniti, but he said it would cost approximately $200 just to diagnose it. My vehicle is currently at a Infiniti dealership. They found a lot of metal debris inside the oil pan.
2021 INFINITI QX50
ID: 2120043FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
While driving on the highway and having no visible vehicle in front of me; my car automatically slams on the breaks and the Emergency Braking system light comes up on the dashboard briefly and then disappears. This has occurred multiple times while driving on highway speeds. It is concerning because there has been no evident or visible vehicles in front of my vehicle when my car abruptly slams on the brakes. To me this is a safety concern. I had mentioned this concern to the service advisor at Infiniti, but he said it would cost approximately $200 just to diagnose it. My vehicle is currently at a Infiniti dealership. They found a lot of metal debris inside the oil pan.
2021 INFINITI QX50
ID: 2115153FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
3 separate accounts of automatic braking (phantom braking ) has occurred on the last year and electronic emergency brake would not engage 3 times in one day. Worried about rear end collision due to my car braking on its own. Brought to an infinity dealer who tested it with software (unknown type or version)and found no codes.
2021 INFINITI QX50
ID: 2115152ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 separate accounts of automatic braking (phantom braking ) has occurred on the last year and electronic emergency brake would not engage 3 times in one day. Worried about rear end collision due to my car braking on its own. Brought to an infinity dealer who tested it with software (unknown type or version)and found no codes.
2021 INFINITI QX50
ID: 2115151SERVICE BRAKES
3 separate accounts of automatic braking (phantom braking ) has occurred on the last year and electronic emergency brake would not engage 3 times in one day. Worried about rear end collision due to my car braking on its own. Brought to an infinity dealer who tested it with software (unknown type or version)and found no codes.
2021 INFINITI QX50
ID: 2114943SERVICE BRAKES
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 not repaired under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,059.
2021 INFINITI QX50
ID: 2113534ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine bearings, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The VIN was included, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was later informed that the manufacturer would not cover the cost to replace the engine because the failure failed to meet the requirements for engine replacement. The failure mileage was 80,000.