Research · Midsize Cars

2015 Infiniti Q50Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 126 owner complaints for the 2015 Infiniti Q50. Most complaints involve power train (39) and steering (28). The EPA rates it 22–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
22–23mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Jun 2024
Owner complaints
126
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$3,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train: driveshaft

Free remedy

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.

Power trainReported Jun 21, 2024NHTSA 24V470000

Steering: automated

Free remedy

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.

SteeringReported Jun 13, 2016NHTSA 16V430000

Air bags: occupant classification

Remedy pending

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.

Air bagsReported Apr 26, 2016NHTSA 16V244000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

126 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2015 – Sep 2026
  1. Power train39
  2. Steering28
  3. Vehicle speed control21
  4. Air bags19
  5. Electrical system17
  6. Service brakes12
  7. Engine9
  8. Seat belts3
  9. Seats3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Q50 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2014170
2015126
201639
201763
201843
201930
20203
20216
20221
20238
Crashes reported
16
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
10
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

39 reports1 fire
“While operating the vehicle, the transmission suffered an abrupt failure resulting in Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0720 (Output Speed Sensor Circuit). Further diagnostic inspection revealed a complete internal failure of the integrated valve body assembly, which houses the Transmission Control Module (TCM), solenoids, and output speed sensors. The failure caused an immediate loss of gear selection, restricting the transmission to 3rd gear ("limp mode"). Attempting to accelerate beyond 3rd gear causes violent vehicle shaking, severe hesitation, and an inability to maintain traffic speeds due to the TCM losing signal input from the speed sensors and solenoid circuits. This total valve body/TCM failure creates a critical safety hazard. Sudden restriction to 3rd gear without warning on highways or during turn movements leaves the vehicle unable to match surrounding traffic speeds, creating an immediate risk of a rear-end or side-impact collision. The vehicle has been strictly maintained according to manufacturer schedules. Because Nissan/Infiniti designed the TCM and speed sensors as an integrated unit inside the hydraulic valve body, a sensor failure requires…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 12, 2026Power train, Unknown or otherODI 11756528

Steering

28 reports3 crashes
“After starting the car the steering wheel jumps off center and the steering is all over the place. have to start the car again and the steering wheel jumps the other direction. I strongly suggest this is exactly what the June 13, 2016 NHTSA campaign number 16V43000 the software may reduce steering ability and increase risk of crash.the direct steering system my experience an error at vehicle start up altering the vehicle steering responsiveness and turning radius. Exact problem with this car. This car has been recalled for the driveshaft break NHSTA 24V470000”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 27, 2026SteeringODI 11753148

Vehicle speed control

21 reports
“While driving my 2015 Infiniti Q50s, the transmission suddenly suffered a catastrophic electronic failure, causing the vehicle to immediately drop into "limp mode." This resulted in a sudden and dangerous loss of acceleration while operating in traffic. A diagnostic scan revealed trouble codes P0500 and P0720 (Output Speed Sensor circuit). However, following Infiniti's official Technical Service Bulletin (TSB ITB19-040), the actual failure was the Transmission Control Module (TCM), which is permanently integrated into the transmission control valve body inside the transmission. Because the speed sensor cannot be replaced independently of the integrated module, I was forced to pay out-of-pocket to replace the entire transmission control valve body assembly and have a dealership program the new unit. This is a widely documented, premature failure on this vehicle platform that creates an immediate highway safety hazard when the vehicle drops power without warning.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 15, 2026Power train, Vehicle speed controlODI 11750490
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
3.7L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S7)
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Q50
Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
202923$3,450389
Q50 AWD
Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.7 L · All-Wheel Drive
192722$3,600410
  • Q50
    Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.7 L
    20 city · 29 hwy · $3,450/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Q50 AWD
    Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.7 L
    19 city · 27 hwy · $3,600/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Infiniti Q50 4 DR AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.7%
Overall
5 / 5
Infiniti Q50 4 DR RWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 9342Vehicle 9341
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2015 Q50 questions

How many recalls does the 2015 Infiniti Q50 have?

3 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2015 Infiniti Q50 problems?

Owners filed 126 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (39), steering (28), vehicle speed control (21). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2015 Infiniti Q50 get?

The EPA rates the 2015 Infiniti Q50 at 22–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2015 Infiniti Q50?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2015 Infiniti Q50 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026