29 of the
740 complaints filed about the Infiniti Q50
are about the fuel system —
4% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2017.
While operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions, the engine experienced a significant loss of power and reduced acceleration. The issue is believed to be related to turbocharger failure within the engine system. The loss of power created a safety concern, particularly when attempting to merge into traffic and maintain highway speeds. The vehicle did not respond as expected when acceleration was needed, which could increase the risk of an accident in certain driving situations. The problem has been confirmed by a dealership service department, and the vehicle is currently available for inspection. The diagnosis indicates that the turbochargers require replacement. Prior to the failure, there were limited warning signs. Any warning indicators were either minimal or appeared shortly before the issue became noticeable. The failure occurred at approximately 107,000 miles. Based on publicly available information, similar failures have been reported on this vehicle model, suggesting a possible pattern related to the turbocharger system.
NHTSA complaint #11732566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The problem is on the recall, I understand my car is not on the VIN recall list but it's the same problem. Potential Recalls for 2017 Q50: Fuel Pump Control Module (2.0L engines): Improper software may cause the engine to stall.
NHTSA complaint #11723136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, I began experiencing serious performance issues. While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost power, would not accelerate properly, and warning lights appeared on the dashboard. The vehicle eventually shut off while in operation. The vehicle was inspected by a dealership, which initially stated there were no issues. However, the problem continued and worsened. The vehicle was then inspected by an authorized Infiniti dealership, where technicians identified a consistent knocking noise coming from the engine. The dealership indicated that the noise is consistent with internal engine damage and recommended further inspection and likely engine replacement. The issue developed very shortly after purchase, and there were no prior indications that the vehicle had been damaged or misused. The sudden loss of power and engine failure created a potential safety hazard, especially while driving in traffic, as the vehicle was unable to accelerate and could have led to a dangerous situation. The vehicle is currently available for inspection, and the issue has been confirmed by a certified dealership. The cause of the failure is currently under further evaluation.
NHTSA complaint #11721157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Filing this complaint regarding a safety-related defect involving the turbocharger system on my 2018 INFINITI Q50. The vehicle has approximately 46,000 miles and is 8 years old. INFINITI/Nissan has acknowledged through its own Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that turbocharger failure on 2016–2018 Q50 3.0T vehicles is a known defect. Nissan’s documentation identifies issues such as turbo oil seal leaks, reduced engine power, smoke, and potential catastrophic engine failure, and provides an extended warranty of up to 10 years or 120,000 miles due to the safety risks associated with sudden power loss. My vehicle experienced turbocharger failure consistent with these known defects, resulting in loss of engine power, which presents a serious safety hazard, particularly during highway driving, merging, or intersections. Sudden loss of propulsion increases crash risk and endangers vehicle occupants and others on the road. In some cases, turbo failure can occur with little or no warning, further increasing risk. The failure was confirmed by INFINITI/Nissan service departments, and the vehicle remains available for inspection. CarMax insurance approved the engine repair, acknowledging mechanical failure; however, they declined to approve turbocharger repair specifically because INFINITI has issued a known TSB and extended warranty covering turbo failure, deferring responsibility to the manufacturer. Despite the vehicle being within the extended warranty limits, Nissan denied coverage, claiming the vehicle has a “branded title.” This claim is unsupported by VIN reports, the loan originator, and CarMax’s own title search prior to leasing all confirm the title is not branded. Nissan has provided no documentation supporting its assertion. Nissan N.A. reviewed and closed the matter despite the known safety defect and lack of evidence for the title claim. Represents a safety-related defect and improper denial of a manufacturer-recognized safety remedy, warranting NHTSA review.
NHTSA complaint #11709489 — 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.
Within one month of purchase, the airbag warning light illuminated and has remained on continuously. A separate dealership later confirmed the airbag system is defective and may not deploy in an accident. This is a serious safety defect that was not disclosed to me at the time of sale. Additional Issues: •On July 14, 2025, I dropped the car off for prolonged starting issues. I was told the vehicle had six faulty fuel pumps/injectors. •I have not had possession of the car since July 14. •On August 30, 2025, I received an email from Nissan of Orange Park stating the car was “completed and ready.” When I called the next day, I was told the car was not at Nissan at all, but at Infiniti, with no clear repair status or timeline. Concern: This is a federal safety defect. I request NHTSA’s review and investigation into Infiniti/Nissan’s handling of defective airbag systems in this vehicle and the misleading communication surrounding repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11686256 — 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.
My car has a start and stop problem and the dealer reprogram the ecm but it didn't work got back on the road and almost got hit twice bc my car went into limp mode. And they won't fix up unless I pay even know it's a recall and my drive shaft has a recall but they said that was close out
NHTSA complaint #11643175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In October of 2023 I was driving onto the high way and my car just started to slow down I could not accelerate that gas while I was on the highway which is very dangerous when you are on the highway. My car turn off completely the engine light started to blink. All the lights were blinking. The only thing that was on was my radio. I could not move the car I was having. Trouble putting the car into park. Everything was stuck. Good thing I was not in the middle of the highway and not on a really busy highway but it was late at night. Drivers on the high way and myself are out at risk I could not even put my hazards on. A car could have crash into me and serious injury’s could have happen. I was stuck and was having trouble putting the car in park. Could not go into neutral. For a car to come to a sudden stop not be able to put the car in park that can be a risk factor due to if the car turn back on going into neutral on its own. The car was fixed with new engine at an auto body In July or August 2024 Now the engine light is on again the car will not even turn on. All the oil leaked out. Infiniti did my last oil change and said it was due at 117k which that is my current reading. When the oil all leaked out the car had a steering issue it crashed into a guardrail. That is the second time the car slow down had some type of issue is a big risk factor In August 2024 when the oil came out the car that can cause a fire and lost of steering the car crashed into rail with us in it. I did not have any warning signs about this going to happen. The car has not been driven since
NHTSA complaint #11630863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Independent service center ran diagnostics and Code that pops up is the P0090. FUEL PUMP .no inspection by dealership when requested. We called dealership and they wanted to charge for inspecting vehicle. When driving vehicle stalls,in the middle of traffic. Check engine light turned on .No exaleracion when I press gas pedal. Very dangerous it stalled in the middle of traffic with children in vehicles.. the car goes to limp mode and didn't want to move . The muffler smokes and when checked the engine oil smells like gas.
NHTSA complaint #11602824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle has been having issues for several months now. I have taken it to Nissan, an auto shop, and Infiniti and no one has been able to find out what’s wrong with it, why it stalls to start on a cold start. Infiniti has had my car for a month now because they believe it’s the fuel pressure sensor and they are waiting on the part, for which they have no estimated time of arrival, but they are not sure is that is what is wrong with the car.
NHTSA complaint #11569619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing inaccurate fuel gauge reading. The contact stated that the failures had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, and the dealer diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V476000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Electrical System). The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11546417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A short in the hybrid system's fuse relay caused the air conditioning control unit and compressor to fail. This further shorted out the hybrid junction box causing the hybrid battery recharge and power management system to malfunction. Gas mileage was very adversely affected and the hybrid system would have eventually failed causing a potential safety issue where the vehicle could lose propulsion suddenly while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11518218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving vehicle if you suddenly stop vehicle would stop, however when applying pressure to gas pedal vehicle would not move, if foot is left on pedal car would jerk and then proceed forward. Unlike other vehicle after breaking hard vehicle would move without hesitation.
NHTSA complaint #11493585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
-When braking while hybrid and engine system are attemping to determine the power draw the vehicle will propel forward increasing momentum of vehicle rather than braking. -Vehicle is available for inspection. -This issue can cause collision due to the sudden undesired propulsion of the vehicle, as well as addition unnecssary use of the braking system. -Dealer states this is normal condition. -Vehicle has only been inspected by dealer. -There are NO warning signs, indicators, or alerts. Issue first started around 35,000 miles. -In addition the drivetrain might also affect the ability to propel forward. While in slow speeds (10 mph and below) the vehicle the vehicle will stutter making take off difficult from complete stop. Additionally, vehicle stutters just the same while braking to come to a stop (10 mph and below) making it difficult to navigate a safe stop.
NHTSA complaint #11475430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns the 2016 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle would shake and decelerate independently. The check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact diagnosed the failure as a stuck open fuel injector. Additionally, there was a fuel odor present. The vehicle was repaired by the contact. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11459211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I PROCEEDED FROM A STOP SIGN AND ONCE I MADE IT TO MY DESTINATION WHICH WAS LESS THAN A 1/4 MILE THE CAR STARTED SPUTTERING ONCE I PULLED IN THE YARD. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, SO I LEFT TO GO BACK TO MY HOUSE AND IT STARTED ACTING FINE. I COULD SMELL FULL IN THE CABIN. I WAS COMING HOME ONE NIGHT AND IT DID THE SAME THING EXCEPT THE ENGINE LIGHT DIDN'T COME ON. THIS IS THE SECOND Q50 THAT HAS DONE THIS. THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO COME GET THE FIRST ONE BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T CRANK.
NHTSA complaint #11386856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.