Problems · NHTSA complaints
2020 Infiniti QX50 problems
Owners filed 33 complaints about the 2020 Infiniti QX50 with NHTSA between Oct 2020 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is engine (18).
Complaints
33
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine18
- Forward collision avoidance7
- Power train4
- Engine and engine cooling4
- Electrical system4
- Service brakes2
- Vehicle speed control1
- Lane departure1
- Back over prevention1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Other / unknown3
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 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
3
2
1
3
12
11
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 11 |
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
18 reports
“We received the federal recall information and took the vehicle to the nearest Infiniti dealer (96 miles away) on 9/2/26. Diagnostics were performed and were told that the car "passed" the inspection. Two days later, the engine demonstrated complete failure. We had to have the vehicle towed to a Nissan dealer in our town (no Infiniti here) on 9/11/26. According to this report, " Based on the testing and findings, this no start condition relates engine mechanical issue, possible low compression from cylinders. Recent service history shows engine bearing inspection has been performed, and and engine ass'y has Infinity extended warranty". Due to the warnings of "catastrophic engine failure" per the federal recall, we believe this is a significant safety issue. We have learned of many pending cases of "inadequate diagnostics" and engine failure afterward. Currently we are trying to work with Infiniti to resolve this issue, and have filed a claim with Consumer Affairs with minimal response thus far. We are towing the vehicle back to the Infiniti dealer 96 miles away today, and are hoping that Infiniti will resolve this safety issue. We feel it is important to file…”
Forward collision avoidance
7 reports
“The contact owns a 2020 Infinity QX50. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the vehicle started making an abnormal sound, and the vehicle stopped unintendedly. The contact was grateful that she was not involved in an accident because there was traffic nearby. The contact was able to continue driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, a cause for the failure was not found. Additionally, the contact stated that the instrument indicated that there was a vehicle nearby erroneously. The contact considered that the failure was caused by a glitch. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.”
Power train
4 reports
“I am a [XXX] woman who purchased my first vehicle on December 6, 2024, with 43,000 miles. I have driven fewer than 20,000 miles since purchase, and the vehicle currently has approximately 62,000 miles. Until January 19, 2026, I experienced no issues. I have properly maintained the vehicle and followed all recommended service guidelines. I completed three oil changes during my ownership, averaging approximately every 8,500 miles. Two oil changes were performed by a licensed mechanic, and the most recent oil change and inspection were completed on November 29, 2025 at Legend Infiniti. I have receipts for all services. On January 19, 2026, while driving approximately 65 mph on a four-lane highway in Long Island, the vehicle suddenly went into limp mode and dropped to about 10 mph without warning. This created an extremely dangerous situation with a serious risk of collision. I first brought the vehicle to my mechanic, who advised me to take it to an authorized Infiniti dealership due to an engine bearing recall associated with my VIN. I brought it to the same Infiniti dealership that had serviced it two months earlier. After diagnosis, the dealership stated there…”
Engine and engine cooling
4 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2020 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, other failures occurred. The contact stated that after the vehicle was dropped off by the local dealer, the front passenger’s side tire deflated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was repaired. The contact stated that the underbody shield of the engine guard had detached, allowing road debris to enter the hood. In addition, the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended, with a rattling sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where the vehicle was lost and misplaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.”
Electrical system
4 reports
“The vehicle's engine light turned on. The engine light remains on, and frequently the Malfunction and System fault See Owners Manual will display. When the malfunction message appears all the traction lights are also turned on. The RPM's in the vehicle are very accelerated, and it's difficult to drive the vehicle. The vehicle will also produce a very heavy smog smell. I took the vehicle into the retailer several times and nothing was done. The manufacturer is also not taking responsibility and stated the issue is unrelated to the engine bearing recall.”
Service brakes
2 reports
“I was going 70 miles an hour on a highway with no cars around me. When the car suddenly breaks and beeped. It was very dangerous. I was in the center lane of a 3 Lane Highway with no one around.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.