NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 41 owner complaints for the 2021 Infiniti QX50. Most complaints involve engine (18) and forward collision avoidance (8). The EPA rates it 25–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Rogue, 2019-2020 Altima, 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50, and 2022 Infiniti QX55 vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. The engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“My 2021 Infiniti QX50 has suffered a catastrophic internal engine failure. This vehicle is explicitly covered under active federal safety recall NHTSA Campaign 25V437000 (Infiniti Campaign R25A8/A9 / R25B1/B2) for defective, failing main and link bearings. The Infiniti dealership is actively refusing to honor the mandated federal recall remedy. The service department is attempting to illegally bypass the safety recall mandate by blaming the presence of engine sludge and claiming they do not visually see metal shavings. They are demanding that I pay out-of-pocket for a consumer-pay engine replacement. Under federal law, a manufacturer cannot deny a safety recall remedy based on vehicle maintenance history or engine sludge. Furthermore, the massive friction and overheating caused by the defective, failing recalled factory bearings directly causes and accelerates oil breakdown and sludge. The dealership is using the presence of sludge to mask a federal safety defect.”
“My wife was driving her fancy little car at night, and when she reached the halfway point (in the middle of an intersection), the ADAS apparently detected something that wasn't there and the car slammed on its brakes, putting her and other drivers at risk of a collision. She said there were all kinds of lights on the dash that lit up while the car was attempting to stop itself for no reason. I have had terrible experiences with our local dealer, and have not yet contacted them about this, but I plan to today. I plan to have them fix it (if they can), and then sell the car. Very nice car, but Infiniti clearly has a lot to learn about this kind of technology. My 13 year old Acura has the same safety features and its never done anything like that!”
“On June 16, 2026, a 2021 Infiniti QX50 experienced a safety-related malfunction while being driven at approximately 15–20 mph. The vehicle suddenly jerked, lost power response, displayed multiple warning lights, showed a “System Fault – See Owner’s Manual” message, and became unresponsive/difficult to control. The engine remained on, but the vehicle did not respond properly. The vehicle struck a fixed object/rock. A police report was filed/requested, and medical evaluation was sought afterward. The suspected failed or malfunctioning systems are the engine/powertrain response, electrical system, and related control systems. The vehicle should be available for inspection upon request and should be preserved before any diagnostic codes, freeze-frame data, event data, modules, or electronic records are cleared, reset, repaired, overwritten, or destroyed. Before this incident, repeated drivability and safety-related concerns were reported to Infiniti/dealer service departments, including vibration during acceleration, abnormal gas pedal vibration, lack of acceleration, poor power response, jerking/jolting, rough ride, abnormal noises, front-end noise, and…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QX50 Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 26 | $3,000 | 349 |
| QX50 AWD Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 25 | $3,100 | 367 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 6, 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.
Owners filed 41 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (18), forward collision avoidance (8), electrical system (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Infiniti QX50 at 25–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Infiniti QX50 5 out of 5 stars overall.