42 of the
740 complaints filed about the Infiniti Q50
are about the braking system —
6% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2014.
Something happened to cause power loss. I checked the recalls and work that was supposed to be performed but didn’t get done like it was supposed to. I need to have it checked now asap! I see 2 engine replacements and also the turbos and 2 of the catalytic converters. The last 2 need replacing as well or it’s not going to be right.
NHTSA complaint #11743844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On April 2nd I took my vehicle into the dealer for recall servicing. After leaving the dealer I had my vehicle inspected the next day by a third party repair shop and my brake caliper was missing the main bolt that connects to the brake pad. Brake pads were also less than 5% wear remaining. Myself and others were put in serious danger if my brakes had failed due to this serious oversight and disregard. My suspension also was unsafe in the rear but the dealer carried out a multi point inspection stating everything passed.
NHTSA complaint #11729283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I experienced an ongoing grinding/rattling noise from the wheel/brake area. The vehicle was serviced multiple times by a franchised dealer, which diagnosed the issue as brake-related and performed brake repairs. The noise was not resolved, and the vehicle was returned in the same condition. Shortly after service, an independent mechanic discovered a cracked/broken brake pad installed on the vehicle. Due to safety concerns, the manufacturer authorized inspection at a separate franchised dealership under different ownership. That inspection confirmed aftermarket brake pads, rotors, and related components of unknown origin installed on both the front and rear, missing OEM hardware, improper lubrication, and wheel bearing issues contributing to the noise. The inspecting dealer documented that the braking system must be returned to OEM specifications before safe operation and further diagnosis could continue. Despite this, the manufacturer has declined to require OEM remediation, and the vehicle continues to operate with unauthorized aftermarket brake components. The grinding noise has continued and has since shifted toward the rear. The condition is reproducible, documented by video, and confirmed by independent inspection. I believe the vehicle was returned to service in an unsafe condition involving a critical braking system.
NHTSA complaint #11711898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The engine and turbo system failed in my 2017 Infiniti Q50 Signature Edition (VIN [XXX] ). The vehicle remains at CarMax Naperville, where it has been since March 2025. Internal repair orders show CarMax performed two failed inspections in August 2020 before selling the vehicle as “CarMax Certified” on September 3, 2020. The vehicle should not have passed certification. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, I noticed it was pulling hard to the right. During my first tire rotation and oil change, the technician informed me that all four tires were severely dry-rotted and unsafe to drive on. CarMax had represented the vehicle as fully inspected and road-ready. These conditions suggest the vehicle had sat for an extended period after a prior four-point accident and should have never been certified for sale. None of this was disclosed to me at purchase. In March 2025, the engine failed. CarMax later reported that a replacement engine was installed, part #10102-6HN3A (single-turbo) instead of the required #10102-5CH2D (twin-turbo VR30DDTT). This engine does not match the original factory specifications for my VIN. Infiniti of Naperville confirmed that my vehicle qualifies for a free extended turbo and engine warranty (TSB P4A05/P4A06), but CarMax declined to use the required OEM one-time-use parts, voiding that coverage. CarMax has refused to provide inspection reports, diagnostic data, emissions test results, or engine serial numbers despite over forty written requests. I have no documentation confirming what work was performed or whether the vehicle is safe or compliant with emissions standards. The car has now been sitting at CarMax for over seven months, with rusted brakes and unknown mechanical condition. They are just concerned about me coming to get the car. This raises serious concerns about safety, emissions compliance, and potential consumer fraud involving improper certification and undisclosed prior damage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11696710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact's son owns a 2018 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated that soon after purchasing the vehicle, there was an abnormal screeching sound coming from the brakes while depressing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's son took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to have the brake pads and rotors replaced. However, less than one month after the replacement of the pads and rotors, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the front passenger’s side brakes. The mechanic was notified of the issue, and the contact was informed that the brake calipers might also need to be replaced. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot(H), with white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, but the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and the contact's son was informed that the head gasket had failed, and an engine replacement was recommended. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls or warranty on the vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and provided the same information as the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
NHTSA complaint #11693654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I’m reporting a recurring safety issue with my Infiniti Q50 involving the brake, steering, and acceleration systems. While driving, I’ve experienced the brake pedal becoming unresponsive, the gas pedal not reacting, and the steering wheel locking or feeling stiff, making it extremely difficult to control the car. The most recent incident occurred today, [XXX]. I had to stop driving immediately and had the car towed to an Infiniti dealership, where a full systems check was performed. However, since the issue didn’t replicate while there, the dealer said they could not determine the cause. The car is available for inspection if needed. The safety risk is severe: I could not stop or accelerate safely, and I struggled to steer — this put me and other drivers in danger of a serious accident. I have experienced this more than once. The dealership originally diagnosed worn brake pads, which I had replaced at an independent shop, but the problem continued afterward. I also showed the dealership photos of the warning symbol that appeared on my dash during both incidents. The car has been inspected by the Infiniti dealer and an independent mechanic, but no resolution has been found. No inspections have been done by police or insurance. Given the serious nature of this malfunction, I am requesting this be investigated as a possible safety defect. Thank you, [XXX] Suffern, NY [XXX] [XXX] Infiniti Q50 2023 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11660788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car has white smoke coming from the exhaust and the oil level keeps decreasing. Car stalls and takes time to accelerate P0106 code pops up from engine. There’s a rattle and whine noise coming from the engine bay. Also the gas was stuck accelerating. Had to switch the car to neutral so it does continue accelerating. After switching to neutral I was able to decrease power to the wheels and had to pull over on the road.
NHTSA complaint #11649920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle was parked in my driveway with the engine running for about 5-10 minutes while I was going into the house to turn off my alarm, then return to take out 2 of my elderly dogs; & finally to take out my other dogs. I then returned to the car, opened the driver's side front door & reached in to push the "stop" button on the dash. As soon as I did, the vehicle immediately went into reverse & pulled me down the driveway by the open door. The vehicle continued down the driveway & crossed the street, hitting a fire hydrant in my neighbor's yard across the street. I never physically got into the vehicle to do the steps required to put the vehicle into reverse, i.e. putting my foot on the brake & depressing the transmission shift button. I contacted the dealership where I purchased the vehicle after the incident & explained what had happened. I spoke to Francisco, but he said there was nothing he could do unless I wanted to pay for diagnostics on the vehicle. I explained that the vehicle had clearly malfunctioned since I was not physically inside of the vehicle to put it into reverse. I asked him to document the incident, but he said he was unable to & suggested I contact Infiniti Consumer Affairs. I did that immediately after speaking with Francisco, & gave a detailed description of the incident. I was given a Case Number at that time. I called another Infiniti dealership to explain the situation to ask about diagnostics, & was informed that the car's computer would not give an error code for the car going into reverse. I called to speak to my dealership service advisor & was able to schedule a diagnostics appointment at no charge. I did an internet search & discovered it could be a linkage issue, which is a safety issue & the recommendation was for the vehicle to NOT be driven. I have since scheduled an inspection with Nissan Corp. but the rep was not receptive to my request for repairs. I supplied a video to the dealership, but Nissan said they did not have it.
NHTSA complaint #11623454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My braking system completely failed while I was driving with no warning of sound or dash safety indicators. The only way I was able to stop my vehicle is by shifting into park while I was in motion. Two days prior to my car losing all ability to brake, my car was routinely serviced by the local dealership. All check points were green, including my brakes. The dealership towed my car back to the service center to inspect. The diagnostics came back as the break actuator unit (computer sensor) shorted which led to no communication to the brake control assist unit (computer sensor). This loss of communication between these sensors basically caused my brake functions to fail. I was fortunate to have been leaving a parking garage and not on the open road. This could have been a fatal incident. The repairs are $7000 of which Infiniti has only offered to cover $3000. This is a safety issue and a loss of faith with Infiniti as a vehicle manufacturer. There needs to be an investigation so no lives are lost. My vehicle is still not fixed.
NHTSA complaint #11576051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Traction Control did not function when needed. I had my breaks and rotors replaced two days prior to the accident, which may have had an impact on the performance of the vehicle. Insurance representatives did look over the vehicle, as it is now in their possession. However, I do not feel as though they took the time to look into my concerns. There was no warnings on the Dash.
NHTSA complaint #11566220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brake Pedal sinks to floor slowly at Red Lights. Randomly vehicle will yank seat belt back when abs module detects no brake fluid pressure once in a blue moon. This is because of the defective ABS module hydraulics leak internally from the factory. As brake fluid heats up the internal leak gets worse. Most likely check ball to pump or out valve leaking by. Model year 2015 for sure. I never got it covered under warranty because the problem starts out very random and takes a lot of time for it to always happen. Dealers will just say no problem found. ABS module cost $1k for me to buy at the dealer. Now I have brakes all the time again no thanks to a factory defect module randomly giving poor to no braking power. Internet forums of 2014-2016 have many people saying the same thing. Not the master cylinder, it is an internally leaking ABS module and will have no codes. Not happy about paying to replace a factory defective part.
NHTSA complaint #11479021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shudder while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated no warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local mechanic to be inspected. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.
NHTSA complaint #11443759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY VEHICLE HAS HAD TO HAVE MY ROTORS REPLACED 5 TIMES OR MORE IN A SINGLE YEAR. THE DEALER SAID THAT THESE ROTORS GET HOT AND CREATE HOT SPOTS WHICH IN TURN REQUIRES NEW ROTORS AND BRAKES EVERY 2-3 MONTHS. THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE COST FOR SUCH A LUXURY VEHICLE. THERE IS A RISK THAT THESE ROTORS WILL CONTINUE TO BURN THROUGH THE PADS LEAVING DRIVERS WITHOUT PROPER BRAKING SYSTEMS.
NHTSA complaint #11404507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND DETERMINED THAT BATTERY WAS DEAD. ARRANGED FOR JUMP START (THROUGH MY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM) BUT VEHICLE WOULD STILL NOT START. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO INFINITI DEALERSHIP. THEY FIGURED OUT A WAY TO CHARGE CAR (WASN'T ACCESSIBLE VIA FRONT HOOD SINCE A HYBRID) AND FOUND A WAY TO OPEN TRUCK TO DIRECT ACCESS AND CHARGE BATTERY. UPON CAR STARTING, VARIOUS ERROR CODES APPEARED. CAR DEALERSHIP HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT THEY MEANT AS THEY HAD NOT SEEN THEM BEFORE. I CONTACTED INFINITI CORPORATE AND THEY ASSOCIATED THE CODES WITH A PREVIOUS DAS VOLUNTARY RECALL. HOWEVER, UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION BY DEALERSHIP, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT DAS UPDATE WAS ALREADY APPLIED. TO DETERMINE THE ROOT CAUSE, I WAS TOLD IT WOULD REQUIRE THE CAR TO BE PARTIALLY DISASSEMBLED. AS TWO OF THE CODES POINTS TO A BRAKING SYSTEM ISSUE, AND ONE TO THE CHASSIS SYSTEM, I WANTED TO VERIFY IF THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND IF A RECALL IS NEEDED. (SEE ATTACHMENTS FOR REFERENCE)
NHTSA complaint #11391030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 INFINITI Q50. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT WHILE DRIVING. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE SHOOK ABNORMALLY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MIKE WARD INFINITI (1800 LUCENT CT, HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO 80129, (303) 350-4300) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE CONTROL ARMS ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
NHTSA complaint #11355194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 INFINITI Q50. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS, THE REAR END BECAME VERY UNSTABLE. THE ABS WOULD NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THERE WAS NO PULSATION TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. ADDITIONALLY, THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM RANDOMLY ACTIVATED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STOP ABRUPTLY WITH NO OBJECT OR VEHICLE NEARBY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LINES WERE LEAKING CAUSING AN ODOR OF FUEL TO BE PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49.*DT
NHTSA complaint #11353819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
PLACE THE CAR IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. WHEN I GOT TO MY STOPPING POINT I APPLIED MY BRAKES TO STOP TO SHIFT GEARS TO GO FORWARD. UPON PRESSING THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AND CONTINUE TO ROLL BACKWARDS I PRESSED HARDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE IT DID NOT STOP IT ROLLED OVER A CURB AND BACKED INTO ANOTHER CAR BEFORE IT STOPPED. ONCE I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND RE-STARTED THE CAR AGAIN THE BRAKES WORKED PROPERLY. DAMAGE OCCURRED TO BOTH VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #11341467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE TODAY APPROXIMATELY AT 4:20 PM MST, MY STEERING AND BRAKING SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND AS I WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION LOCATED HERE IN COLORADO SPRINGS, CO. THIS SCARED ME AND I THOUGHT I WAS ABOUT TO DIE. IS THERE A RECALL ON THE 2014 INFINITI Q50 HYBRID STEERING AND BRAKING SYSTEM? IF SO, WHAT DO I DO ABOUT THESE ISSUES? SO MANY LIVES ARE AT DANGER WITH THIS VEHICLE AND ITS STEERING AND BRAKE SYSTEMS. THIS MUST BE FIXED IMMEDIATELY! I'M IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THIS COULD BE CATASTROPHIC FOR INFINITI AND NISSAN.
NHTSA complaint #11321140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THIS CAR HAS ALWAYS DRIFTED TO THE RIGHT. NOW IT IS DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT AND LEFT. CONSTANTLY HAVING TO CORRECT STEERING TO KEEP STRAIGHT. CAR PULLS HARD TO THE LEFT WHEN BRAKING. GOING OVER BUMPS OR AT HIGH SPEEDS THE CAR FEELS VERY LOOSE AND GETTING HARDER TO KEEP IN CONTROL. THE CAR ALSO SHIFTS AT 2 RPMS AND FEELS LIKE ITS JERKING. HAS BEEN TAKEN IN FOR ALIGNMENT 4 TIMES AND THE DEALERSHIPS REFUSE TO INSPECT OR FIX CAR. THE TOE SPECS ARE CONSTANTLY BEING THROWN OUT OF SPEC IN LESS THAN 4 WEEKS WHEN HITTING BUMPS THE STEERING WHEEL SHIFTS AND STAYS SHIFTED. IT IS HARDER TO TURN LEFT THAN IT IS TO TURN RIGHT.*DT CONSUMER STATED SHE NOW HAS A BENT STRUT AND MANUFACTURER TOLD THE DEALERSHIP TO RELEASE THE CAR UNTIL CONSUMER SETTLED THE CLAIM WITH HER LAWYER.*JB*DT*DT*JB CONSUMER STATED THERE ARE MULTIPLE MANUFACTURER DEFECT.*JB*DT
NHTSA complaint #11320913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD EMERGENCY BRAKING (FEB) ACTIVATING WHEN NOT NEEDED. JANUARY 11TH 2020 FIRST DAY OF OWNING INFNITI Q50 LUXE 3.0T NO PACKAGES, ONLY FEB (WHICH IS STANDARD ON ALL Q50 NOW) DRIVING HOME FROM KELLY INFINITI OF DENVERS, MA DEALERSHIP. ALLEN RD EXTENTION - SPEED LIMIT 30MPH, SLIGHTLY WINDY ROAD, WET, POSSIBILITY OF BLACK ICE. ALL OF A SUDDEN, WITH NOT A SINGLE CAR AHEAD OF ME AND NO CARS GOING TOWARD ME - CAR STARTS TO BRAKE LIKE COLLUSSION TO SOME IMAGINARY OBJECT IS UNAVOIDABLE. WAS ABLE TO STAY ON THE ROAD. FEW DAYS AFTER THAT - DRIVING FROM NASHUA, NH TO MY HOUSE AT 159 ALLEN RD BY HIGHWAY RT 3 (55 MPH). DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE, SWITCHING INTO THE LEFT LANE TO PASS SLOW MOVING CAR IN MIDDLE LANE. THERE ARE TWO CARS IN THE LEFT LANE AND PLENTY OF SPACE IN BETWEEN THEM. DISTANCE TO THE CAR AHEAD OF ME IN LEFT LANE IS ABOUT 10-12 YEARDS. TO THE CAR BEHIND - 15-20 YEARDS. ALL OF A SUDDNE WHEN I ALREADY MOVED INTO THE LEFT LANE CAR STARTS TO BRAKE LIKE THERE IS NO TOMORROW, CAR BEHIND ME ALMOST REAR ENDED ME. WHAT WAS WORSE - THE PERSON IN THAT CAR THOUGHT I DID THAT ON PURPOSE AND CRAZY PERSON STARTS TO CHASE ME SITTING DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO MY REAR BUMPER. THEN HE/SHE PASSES ME AND HITS THE BRAKES IN FRONT OF ME - I BARELY AVOIDED REAR ENDING THAT CAR AT HIGHWAY SPEED. FRIDAY JANUARY 24TH 2020 DRIVING ON RT 3 (SPEED LIMIT 55MPH) DRIVING IN THE RIGHT LANE, SLOW MOVING TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME, CHANGING LANE TO THE LEFT (MIDDLE LANE), IN THE PROCESS OF PASSING THE TRUCK - ALREADY DRIVING BY THE TRUCK'S SIDE - ALL OF A SUDDNE CAR STARTS TO BRAKE SO HARD THAT CAR STATS TO SWAY AND I SEE IN THE RIGHT REAR VIEW MIRROW THAT TRUNK OF MY CAR IS UNDER THE TRUCK. MIRCIOUSLY I WAS ABLE TO MANAGE TO ESCAPE THIS SITUATION. THIS CAR WITH THIS TECHNOLOGY IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, IT WILL CAUSE MORE ACCIDENTS THAN PREVENT.
NHTSA complaint #11302526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.