Wrench.Pro

2016 Infiniti Q50 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2016 Infiniti Q50 carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering automated/adaptive steering and occupant classification. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission valve body and speed sensor failure.” Infiniti manuals split service into Schedule 1 (severe — short trips, city traffic, extreme temperatures) and Schedule 2 (easy highway use). Most US drivers honestly belong on Schedule 1: oil every 5,000 miles. The VQ V6s that power most of the lineup are chain-driven and durable when the oil stays fresh. The two things owners skip at their peril: CVT fluid on QX50/QX60 (extended intervals are how these transmissions die) and oil discipline on the twin-turbo VR30 in Q50/Q60 Red Sport.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING

Campaign #16V430000 · Jun 13, 2016

Issue: 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.

Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Direct Adaptive Steering ECU software, free of charge. The recall began on August 12, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Campaign #16V244000 · Apr 26, 2016

Issue: 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.

Fix: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #17V476000 · Jul 27, 2017

Issue: 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.

Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and Infiniti dealers will reprogram the Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM) with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began August 29, 2017. Owners may contact Infiniti customer service at 1-800-662-6200.

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Campaign #24V470000 · Jun 21, 2024

Issue: 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.

Fix: Dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 13, 2024. Owners may contact INFINITI's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. INFINITI's numbers for this recall are R24A5 and R24A7.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2016 Infiniti Q50.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission valve body and speed sensor failure

POWER TRAIN

4 NHTSA complaints · 2023-11 → 2025-05

“OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR on 2016 INFINITI Q50t - Took vehicle in for oil and filter change 2 days ago. I drove the car about 40 miles, without incident. Went back to same place for state inspection yesterday. I drove about 2 miles from the inspection place and park in shopping lot”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11738665
“The car has only 50,000 miles and the valve body of the car just burnt out. I’ve done all the mandatory/ recommended maintenance and with the history of the brand I expected better quality of their product. Would greatly appreciate the accountability on this issue and some”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11615795
“The contact owns a 2016 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated upon attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that upon attempting to drive the vehicle 30 minutes later, the vehicle responded as needed. The check engine warning light”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11593371

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering pull and drift at highway speed

STEERING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2016-12 → 2021-12

“On 12/11/21 my vehicle had limited turning (left or right) capability. The vehicle has < than 23K miles, was purchased at Bommarito Infiniti, and has been serviced at the same dealership since I purchased it. I bought the vehicle new and drove it over the last 5 years as a”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11444247
“THERE IS A DANGEROUS DESIGN/ENGINEERING FLAW IN THE INFINITI STEER-BY-WIRE SYSTEM AND INFINITI REFUSES TO EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE IT. THE CAR IS INCAPABLE OF DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE, IS CONSTANTLY DRIFTING TO EITHER THE RIGHT OR TO THE LEFT AND REQUIRES A STEERING ADJUSTMENT EVERY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10946397
“MY INFINITI Q50 WILL, AT RANDOM, HEAVILY PULL AND SHIFT ACROSS MULTIPLE LANES OF TRAFFIC. THE PULLING IS WORSE DURING ACCELERATION AND HAS HAD AT LEAST THREE ALIGNMENTS IN 2018 IN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. INFINITI HAS BEEN UNABLE TO FULLY RESOLVE THE PULLING AND THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11078332

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Turbocharger and engine failure requiring replacement

ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2017-07 → 2026-07

“The vehicle experienced a failure while driving, producing heavy smoke and requiring the car to be stopped immediately. The “Low Oil Pressure – Stop Vehicle” warning light illuminated on 2/19/2026. The vehicle was subsequently taken to an Infiniti dealership for inspection. Upon”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11730143
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11636774
“The contact owns a 2016 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked before stalling. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine was faulty. After replacing the engine, the failure”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11419618

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger seat airbag and occupant sensor warning light

AIR BAGS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2025-09

“* 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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11686172
“The contact owns a 2016 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V244000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11525806
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 INFINITI Q50. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE EVEN THOUGH THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10896091

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of electrical power and engine shutdown while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2017-09 → 2025-06

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11668023
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 INFINITI Q50. WHILE AT A STOP, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO ECONOMY MODE AND SHUT OFF. THE START/ON/OFF WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND TAKEN TO INFINITI OF COCONUT CREEK (5501 WEST SAMPLE RD, COCONUT CREEK, FL 954-861-6100) AND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11024237
“The engine check light came. I also received a letter from infinti for recall. The power of the vehicle declined”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11652944

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1 (most US driving); 7,500 on the easy-use Schedule 2. VQ engines tolerate a lot but reward fresh oil with quiet chains and clean variable-timing operation. VR30 twin-turbo: treat 5,000 as the ceiling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate with every oil change. Staggered-fitment sport models (G37S, Q60) can't rotate front-to-rear — budget rear tires accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

CVT Fluid (QX50 / QX60)

Every 60,000 mi

CVT-equipped models: replace fluid around 60,000 miles — sooner with towing or hot-climate city driving. Use only Nissan NS-spec CVT fluid. This is the single most skipped, most expensive-to-skip item on modern Infiniti SUVs.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Akebono-caliper sport packages wear pads unevenly if the slide hardware isn't serviced — have it cleaned and lubricated with pad changes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace around 30,000 miles. Twin-intake VQ and VR engines use two filters — replace both, not just the easy one.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace roughly every 30,000 miles or 2 years — Infiniti pairs it with major services. Sport models driven hard should err toward the 2-year mark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (7/9-speed)

Every 60,000 mi

Conventional automatics (G35/G37/Q50 RWD 7-speed, QX80 9-speed): fluid service around 60,000 miles under severe use keeps shifts clean. Matic-S/Matic-D spec fluid only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium plugs rated to 105,000 miles. On transverse VQ models (older QX60, JX35) the rear bank hides under the intake plenum — pay the labor once, at the full interval.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace about every 15,000 miles; behind the glovebox on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 75,000 mi

First replacement at 75,000 miles / 5 years (Nissan blue long-life), then about every 4 years after. Genuine or NS-spec coolant only — mixing types gels.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking, glazing, or tensioner noise. VQ accessory belts announce their age with a cold-start chirp.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Intelligent-Key and always-on telematics draw at rest — weak batteries show up first as slow push-button starts.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

32 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

1

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2016 Infiniti Q50 reflects INFINITI's published service intervals and the Schedule 1 / Schedule 2 Maintenance system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →