2021 Infiniti QX50: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 39 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (33% of complaints); the 2022 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 3 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Jun 2025
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2021 INFINITI QX50. The contact stated while operating the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, she stated she heard a loud sound coming from the motor, she pulled over and attempt to restarted the vehicle but it would not turn on. The vehicle was towed where it was diagnosed that the vehicle engine oil had metal shavings in the oil, the vehicle was brought in for regular maintenance and a recall repair. The vehicle engine was replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) however, after the repair, the issue had reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,193.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2026
“I took my vehicle into Roswell Infiniti to repair/replace the engine bearings as instructed on the recall notice and as it has been making noises and I have experienced rough driving. The workers did not repair or replace the bearings. And when I reported rough driving and problems with the engine, they offered to charge me $175 for a diagnostic fee. The engine is still driving rough and making knocking noises.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2026
“The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. There was an unknown message displayed on the instrument panel. The failure had occurred twice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the failure was a known issue; however, there was no repair available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the windshield had previously been replaced, but was installed incorrectly, which could have caused the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Dec 2025
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“The front passenger door latch seems to go off and say that the door is open and the alarm goes off in the car so in the middle of the night, the alarm will start ringing and then when driving in the car, it constantly beeps and says the door is open when it's closed. Sometimes you can't open the door.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2025
“The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, attempting to stop, the rear brakes would make an abnormal sound. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was repaired for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the contact was advised that the rear brake pads, rotors, mount, cabin filter, air filter, transmission flush kit, and the back rear passenger side tire balance required immediate attention for repairs. The vehicle was not repaired under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,059.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2025
“3 separate accounts of automatic braking (phantom braking ) has occurred on the last year and electronic emergency brake would not engage 3 times in one day. Worried about rear end collision due to my car braking on its own. Brought to an infinity dealer who tested it with software (unknown type or version)and found no codes.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Jul 2025
“While driving on the highway and having no visible vehicle in front of me; my car automatically slams on the breaks and the Emergency Braking system light comes up on the dashboard briefly and then disappears. This has occurred multiple times while driving on highway speeds. It is concerning because there has been no evident or visible vehicles in front of my vehicle when my car abruptly slams on the brakes. To me this is a safety concern. I had mentioned this concern to the service advisor at Infiniti, but he said it would cost approximately $200 just to diagnose it. My vehicle is currently at a Infiniti dealership. They found a lot of metal debris inside the oil pan.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2025
“The contact owned a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, he collided with another vehicle on the rear driver's side of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle was thrust off the roadway, coming to a complete stop after colliding with a pole, and the front passenger side wheel disconnected from the axle. The air bags were deployed. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact was later treated for various nondescript injuries. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and declared a total loss by his insurance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2023
“there was a problem with safety recall a week after I took the vehicle test! I went to the dealer in Las Vegas many times, but they didn't find the mistake, they told me that the car was in order! There are no warning lights on the dashboard! Everything seems fine, but I don't know why he still writes it safety recall, don't clear this and why no one can clear this and help me!”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2021
“Tl* the contact owns a 2021 infiniti qx50. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked inside the garage, he detected an abnormal gasoline odor. Suburban infiniti of novi (24355 haggerty rd, novi, mi 48375) was made aware of the failure and diagnosed that the vacuum lines which drained the fumes were designed incorrectly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was informed that the manufacturer was aware of the issue and the engineers were working on a remedy and dealers would be made aware when the remedy was available. The approximate failure mileage was 4,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2021
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckle and rear axle housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2021. Nissan owners may contact customer service at 1-800-867-7669. INFINITI owners may contact customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
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.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or Infiniti's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R25A8/A9 and R25B1/B2.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2021 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact QX50 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Infiniti QX50 reliable?
NHTSA has 39 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2021 Infiniti QX50. The most complained-about area is engine (33% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2021 Infiniti QX50 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 71,000 miles or less.
Does the 2021 Infiniti QX50 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:arm. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.