Research · Midsize Cars

2018 Infiniti Q50Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 43 owner complaints for the 2018 Infiniti Q50. Most complaints involve engine (17) and air bags (9). The EPA rates it 22–25 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
22–25mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Jun 2024
Owner complaints
43
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$3,200est.
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

Back over prevention: camera

Free remedy

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Back over preventionReported Sep 12, 2019NHTSA 19V654000

Fuel system

Free remedy

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.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Jul 27, 2017NHTSA 17V476000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

43 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2018 – Sep 2026
  1. Engine17
  2. Air bags9
  3. Fuel/propulsion system6
  4. Electrical system5
  5. Back over prevention3
  6. Power train3
  7. Wheels3
  8. Engine and engine cooling2
  9. Vehicle speed control2

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
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
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

Engine

17 reports1 fire
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 7, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11709489

Air bags

9 reports
“The contact owns a 2018 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the front passenger seat and passenger seat belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 7, 2026Air bags, Seat beltsODI 11748898

Fuel/propulsion system

6 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 10, 2025Air bags, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11686256
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

6 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
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), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
233025$3,200349
Q50 AWD
Auto (S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
222824$3,300368
Q50
Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
202923$3,450387
Q50 AWD
Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
192722$3,600408
Q50 Red Sport
Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
202622$3,600404
Q50 Red Sport AWD
Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
192622$3,600405
  • Q50
    Auto (S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    23 city · 30 hwy · $3,200/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Q50 AWD
    Auto (S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    22 city · 28 hwy · $3,300/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Q50
    Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    20 city · 29 hwy · $3,450/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Q50 AWD
    Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    19 city · 27 hwy · $3,600/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Q50 Red Sport
    Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    20 city · 26 hwy · $3,600/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Q50 Red Sport AWD
    Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    19 city · 26 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
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Infiniti Q50 as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 12626Vehicle 12625
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

2018 Q50 questions

How many recalls does the 2018 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 2018 Infiniti Q50 problems?

Owners filed 43 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (17), air bags (9), fuel/propulsion system (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2018 Infiniti Q50 get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Infiniti Q50 at 22–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026