Research · Small Station Wagons

2016 Infiniti QX50Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 19 owner complaints for the 2016 Infiniti QX50. Most complaints involve engine (5) and electrical system (4). The EPA rates it 20 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
20mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
19
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$3,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 Infiniti QX50 as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

19 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2016 – Mar 2025
  1. Engine5
  2. Electrical system4
  3. Power train3
  4. Air bags3
  5. Vehicle speed control3
  6. Fuel/propulsion system3
  7. Service brakes1
  8. Seats1
  9. Other / unknown6

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 QX50 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20142
20153
201619
201713
2019145
202033
202141
202217
20234
20245
20251
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
3
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

5 reports3 fires
“My qx50 is currently back in the shop. So far I’ve spent about $12,000 on engine and transmission repairs and the NHTSA doesn’t seem to be doing anything about it. Now it needs a new “ignition coil” for another $1,000. I’m just at a loss for words!! I’m attaching the “Review of services” that was conducted earlier this month, when my Infiniti was in the shop and the diagnostic codes that came up when I had to have the vehicle towed there, less than a week later.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 18, 2025Power train, EngineODI 11648896

Electrical system

4 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2016 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she attempted to engage the horn to prevent a collision; however, the horn was inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clockspring had melted onto the horn relay. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,274.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 25, 2023Electrical system, Air bagsODI 11534396

Power train

3 reports1 fire
“so after my initial report about my engine catching fire on the highway, I received an invoice for $5,000 for a used engine with 80k miles on it; plus another $2800 for the service fee. I already put down about $3900 for the engine repair. The mechanic sent me pictures of the engine with the holes on it that caused the damage (or the holes might have happened during the fire). I’m attaching photos sent to me, from my mechanic, showing the holes/damage on the engine, for your consideration and a photo of the initial repair bill (including receipt of my deposit) for your review … also, I still need to pay another $4300 to pick it up, but he said my check engine light is still on due to a transmission, that may be related to the valve body failing. What are these qx50s still being sold?? On the car forums and YouTube, there are so many issues with the engines and the transmissions (including the 450k that are currently under investigation). And their consumer affairs dept is extremely hostile about the situation, when you call into the infiniti office/headquarters. These defective engines/ transmissions need to be recalled, as soon as possible. They’re extremely…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 13, 2024Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemFire reportedODI 11594280
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Station Wagons
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 Nov 7, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
QX50
Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
172420$3,850448
QX50 AWD
Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.7 L · All-Wheel Drive
172420$3,850452
  • QX50
    Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.7 L
    17 city · 24 hwy · $3,850/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • QX50 AWD
    Auto (S7), 6 cyl, 3.7 L
    17 city · 24 hwy · $3,850/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 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 2016 Infiniti QX50 as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026Vehicle 10206Vehicle 10205
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

2016 QX50 questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Infiniti QX50 have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 7, 2026.

What are the most common 2016 Infiniti QX50 problems?

Owners filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (5), electrical system (4), power train (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Infiniti QX50 get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Infiniti QX50 at 20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026