Problems · NHTSA complaints
2016 Infiniti QX50 problems
Owners filed 19 complaints about the 2016 Infiniti QX50 with NHTSA between Apr 2016 and Mar 2025. The most-cited component is engine (5).
Complaints
19
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine5
- Electrical system4
- Power train3
- Air bags3
- Vehicle speed control3
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Service brakes1
- Seats1
- Other / unknown6
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 Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
1
0
2
2
1
1
2
7
2
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 2 |
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
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.”
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.”
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…”
Air bags
3 reports1 crash
“On December 24, 2024 I was in a car accident where my car did make impact twice after spinning out of control due to black ice. The first impact occurred hitting a car then the final impact occurred when the car was flung into the metal barricade after spinning. The air bags did NOT deploy during this accident and I was very concerned for my safety and my life.”
Vehicle speed control
3 reports1 crash
“I was driving and came to a red light behind other cars. I was completely stopped with brakes applied and vehicle suddenly lurched forward, RPM’s reved up over 3,000 without me accelerating. I was about two blocks from home and was able to make it by slowly driving and jerking all the way. Mechanic codes were 720 output speed sensor. Very alarming situation! I could have easily hit the car in front of me if I would have been any closer, or worst yet a pedestrian! Appears to be critical safety issue and something that may need to be recalled.”
Fuel/propulsion system
3 reports2 fires
“There are 2 check engine codes that came up as an issue for my vehicle, out of the blue: P0720 and P0500. I reached out to my mechanic and he couldn't fix it. So my plan was to take it to the dealership at the end of this month; however, while driving the vehicle back from my sister's house, the bottom of the car caught on fire and I had to pull over to jump out the car with my children. Called 911. The police and fire dept came, but the fire had gone out by that time, so the officer had the vehicle towed off the highway. Looked into the issue online and apparently it's very common. One Infiniti dealership said that he fixes about 30 per month. Why didn't Infiniti issue a recall for this very serious, hazardous situation? Where is their due diligence to fix this problem for their customers? Why are they letting so many vehicles fail? What happened to reasonable due care? Is it not enough that they are aware of this issue and won’t recall it, but what about the physical danger that they are putting us in? And the emotional distress they caused my children, having to jump out of their vehicle on a highway in the middle of the night? Doesn’t Infiniti have a…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.