Problems · NHTSA complaints
2016 Infiniti Q50 problems
Owners filed 39 complaints about the 2016 Infiniti Q50 with NHTSA between Aug 2016 and Jul 2026. The most-cited component is engine (10).
Complaints
39
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine10
- Electrical system8
- Steering6
- Air bags5
- Power train4
- Vehicle speed control3
- Seat belts3
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Structure2
- Lane departure2
- Service brakes1
- Tires1
- Forward collision avoidance1
- Fuel system, gasoline1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
2
4
4
1
2
4
2
5
4
6
5
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Engine
10 reports
“My 2016 Q50 was driving strangely, but no indicator light came on the dashboard. I took the vehicle to the dealer where I purchased it and was told that the engine is dying. No other information was given to me. I called the service advisor asking what in particular was wrong with my car, but he said he wasn't sure. I took issue with the fact that my engine died, and no warning lights what-so-ever showed on the dash. I would only take my car to the dealer for repairs, maintenance and oil changes. I also learned that cars should not go beyond 3,000 miles for an oil change, but for some reason Infiniti oil changes were 10,000 miles in between. I believe this could be a reason the engine died...there was never an oil change indicator light illuminated as well. I feel that Infiniti is responsible for an engine dying on a vehicle with less than 100,000 miles on it.”
Electrical system
8 reports
“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.”
Steering
6 reports1 related recall
“Passenger seat light remain on for 4 months the went away. Then the airbag light came on. Took it to Infiniti of Tampa where they supposedly done diagnostics. They cause additional lights to appear on my dashboard to include the steering hard to turn. When I purchased the vehicle in October 2016 I was unaware of any recalls. I found out about a month ago there approximately four recalls for 2016 Infiniti Q50.”
Air bags
5 reports1 related recall
“* 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 sensor unit was abnormal. Sensor and module internally shorted out. Recommend to replace passenger front seat frame assembly (only available as a 1 piece both sensor and module internally shorted seat frame Assy). @ $ 8678.76. Because it’s a different seat from the original seat, I would have to also replace the seat belt. @ 116.87. * It is not recommended to drive a car with the air bag light on. This car is my only source of transportation. * on August 4, 2025 I took my car to Auto Dynamic Services and they suggested initial repair was to replace the Occupant Detection Module. The part was ordered from Nissan, when they received the part it was an updated part design which was slightly larger with more pins than the original part and could not be used on my car. They reordered the part from another Nissan retailer ensuring it matched the original part for my car. Now it’s Aug. 27th, 2025.…”
Power train
4 reports1 related recall
“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 effort to fix this for the population.”
Vehicle speed control
3 reports
“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. Went in business to shop for about 30 minutes. Returned to vehicle and drove about 100 yards through the parking lot. The car appeared to lose power and made a jerking movement as if it didn't want to go. I drove out onto a very busy street and we were almost rear ended by other traffic. I pulled up in another parking lot to assess the problem. I could not determine what was causing the car not to pick up speed. I drove to an AutoZone: battery checked out at 90 percent good; no electrical problems noted either. I drove off about 1 block from AutoZone: the CEL came on for the first time. I went back to the AutoZone to get them to check it out. The diagnosis code is P0720: vehicle speed sensor. I went back to the inspection shop the next day and I was told the same code. I took the vehicle to the dealership and I was told that I need to replace the whole transmission. I purchased the…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.