Research · Midsize Cars

2021 Infiniti Q50Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 7 owner complaints for the 2021 Infiniti Q50. Most complaints involve engine (2) and forward collision avoidance (2). The EPA rates it 22–23 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
22–23mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Aug 2021
Owner complaints
7
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$3,250est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

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

Back over prevention: display function

Free remedy

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Infinity Q50, Q60, and QX80 vehicles. A software error may deactivate the audio/video control unit screen, preventing the rear-view image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Back over preventionReported Aug 2, 2021NHTSA 21V599000

Suspension: spindle

Free remedy

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Nissan Murano, INFINITI QX60, 2021 Nissan GT-R, INFINITI QX50, and Q50 vehicles. The front steering knuckle or rear axle housing may have insufficient strength due to improper heat-treatment.

SuspensionReported May 27, 2021NHTSA 21V402000

Engine and engine cooling: engine control module (ecu

Free remedy

Nissan North America, Inc. (INFINITI) is recalling certain 2021 INFINITI Q50 and Q60 vehicles. After detecting rapid acceleration, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may incorrectly reduce engine power and reduce fuel supply to the engine.

Engine and engine coolingReported Apr 4, 2021NHTSA 21V234000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

7 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2022 – Nov 2026
  1. Engine2
  2. Forward collision avoidance2
  3. Vehicle speed control2
  4. Fuel/propulsion system1
  5. Power train1
  6. Engine and engine cooling1
  7. Wheels1
  8. Air bags1
  9. Structure1

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
20204
20217
20221
20238
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

2 reports
“While driving a year ago, car automatically stopped short, no reason for it. About 15-20 minutes later strong gas smell entered the cabin, stopped twice to get out of the car, as the gas smell was extremely overwhelming then my next stop called for a tow. I had another 20 minutes to reach my home, but smell was so strong I couldn't do it. Service department found no problem and I took it home. No other episode for a year. About a year later, this week 11/5/26 and 11/6 that episode happened twice this week and car is being checked and, again, service can't find a problem with out extensive testing at my expense ($600.+) and no guarantee of solution.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 9, 2026Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11776877

Forward collision avoidance

2 reports1 crash
“I purchased a new 2021 Infiniti Q50 from Infiniti of Cool Springs on September 28, 2020. There was an incident on January 13, 2022 due to a manufacturer defect that caused my car to accelerate on it’s own. I was parked at a car wash to vacuum my vehicle. I had my foot on the brake to move the gear shift into park when my car rapidly accelerated which caused me to crash through a metal fence that separated the car wash from the adjacent property. I have an added safety feature on my vehicle to prevent a forward collision with emergency breaking that also didn’t implement. There wasn’t any warnings, indications or symptoms beforehand. I had my Infiniti for 16 months with only 20,766 miles on it at the time of the incident. This malfunction could present a serious public safety issue. I or someone else could have been seriously injured in a different scenario. It was fortunate that I was stopped and no one was in front of the car. Nissan issued a recall on April 3, 2021 for the problem of rapid acceleration. The dealership without my knowledge completed the recall on my vehicle on April 1, 2021 which evidently didn’t fix the problem. Nissan and the dealership have…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 10, 2022Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidanceCrash reportedODI 11460324

Vehicle speed control

2 reports1 crash
“In August 2026, while driving, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration and engine power and would only travel at a very slow speed. The check engine light came on. The driver had to safely stop, turn the engine off, and restart it. After restarting, the vehicle temporarily regained acceleration and normal speed. This problem has occurred more than once and creates a serious safety risk in traffic, especially when merging or crossing intersections. An INFINITI dealer inspected the vehicle and advised that the problem may involve the turbocharger system, with repairs estimated at approximately 4,000. INFINITI Consumer Affairs was contacted about the loss of acceleration but declined financial assistance because of the vehicle's mileage/warranty status. The vehicle was previously an Enterprise rental vehicle and had prior INFINITI service history. The vehicle is available for inspection. I am requesting investigation of this sudden loss-of-power condition.I am aware that NHTSA Recall 21V-234 / INFINITI Campaign R20C5 involved certain 2021 Q50 vehicles and an ECM software condition associated with a warning light, reduced power, and possible engine stall while…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 21, 2026Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11766008
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
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 Nov 12, 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, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
202923$3,250388
Q50 AWD
Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
192722$3,400403
Q50 Red Sport
Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
202622$3,400403
Q50 Red Sport AWD
Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
192622$3,400411
  • Q50
    Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    20 city · 29 hwy · $3,250/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Q50 AWD
    Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    19 city · 27 hwy · $3,400/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Q50 Red Sport
    Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    20 city · 26 hwy · $3,400/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Q50 Red Sport AWD
    Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    19 city · 26 hwy · $3,400/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 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 2021 Infiniti Q50 as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026Vehicle 15553Vehicle 15542
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

2021 Q50 questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Infiniti Q50 have?

3 safety recalls as of Nov 12, 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 2021 Infiniti Q50 problems?

Owners filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (2), forward collision avoidance (2), vehicle speed control (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2021 Infiniti Q50 get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Infiniti Q50 at 22–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026