Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Infiniti Q50 - part 1

The twin turbo failure is a known issue with Infiniti. I took my vehicle to the dealership and it was diagnosed with having a passenger side turbo failure. I have 145k miles on my vehicle. It is outside of the warranty period and very expensive to repair. Infiniti knows there is a problem regarding turbo failure in the Infiniti Q50 and the consumer is forced to deal with expensive repairs $7k for one turbo per the dealership. Had I been made aware of there being a problem, I would not have purchased an Infiniti.

See all problems of the 2019 Infiniti Q50 🔎.

Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, I began experiencing serious performance issues. While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost power, would not accelerate properly, and warning lights appeared on the dashboard. The vehicle eventually shut off while in operation. The vehicle was inspected by a dealership, which initially stated there were no issues. However, the problem continued and worsened. The vehicle was then inspected by an authorized Infiniti dealership, where technicians identified a consistent knocking noise coming from the engine. The dealership indicated that the noise is consistent with internal engine damage and recommended further inspection and likely engine replacement. The issue developed very shortly after purchase, and there were no prior indications that the vehicle had been damaged or misused. The sudden loss of power and engine failure created a potential safety hazard, especially while driving in traffic, as the vehicle was unable to accelerate and could have led to a dangerous situation. The vehicle is currently available for inspection, and the issue has been confirmed by a certified dealership. The cause of the failure is currently under further evaluation.

The vehicle experienced a failure while driving, producing heavy smoke and requiring the car to be stopped immediately. The “low oil pressure – stop vehicle” warning light illuminated on 2/19/2026. The vehicle was subsequently taken to an Infiniti dealership for inspection. Upon evaluation, the dealer determined that both turbochargers have failed and are leaking oil. The turbochargers are covered under an existing warranty extension; however, the engine has failed also. The vehicle experienced a catastrophic engine failure at approximately 50,230 miles, after which both the engine and turbochargers were replaced under warranty with the cause listed as undetermined. Both the original and replacement engines have now failed in the same manner, with turbochargers leaking oil and producing visible smoke, indicating a likely recurring defect or unresolved underlying issue. The replacement engine failed after only 40,000 miles, further raising reliability concerns. Infiniti quality actions (p4a05 and p4a06) identify turbocharger oil leakage as a known issue, aligning with the current failure. The dealership has confirmed the turbochargers are leaking oil but will only replace them if a full engine replacement is authorized by me at a cost of $15,556. 49.

See all problems of the 2016 Infiniti Q50 🔎.

See attached document for complaint.

Leak in the turbo causing oil to burn and create smoke from the exhaust.

See all problems of the 2018 Infiniti Q50 🔎.

The serpentine belt on my 2018 Infiniti Q50 sport became contaminated with oil immediately after dealer turbo replacement at the end of August 2025, causing the belt to slip, shred, and be pulled into the engine. This resulted in sudden loss of essential engine functions and poses a significant safety hazard. This failure was caused by improper repair at the dealership. ”.

Filing this complaint regarding a safety-related defect involving the turbocharger system on my 2018 Infiniti Q50. The vehicle has approximately 46,000 miles and is 8 years old. Infiniti/Nissan has acknowledged through its own technical service bulletins (tsbs) that turbocharger failure on 2016–2018 Q50 3. 0t vehicles is a known defect. Nissan’s documentation identifies issues such as turbo oil seal leaks, reduced engine power, smoke, and potential catastrophic engine failure, and provides an extended warranty of up to 10 years or 120,000 miles due to the safety risks associated with sudden power loss. My vehicle experienced turbocharger failure consistent with these known defects, resulting in loss of engine power, which presents a serious safety hazard, particularly during highway driving, merging, or intersections. Sudden loss of propulsion increases crash risk and endangers vehicle occupants and others on the road. In some cases, turbo failure can occur with little or no warning, further increasing risk. The failure was confirmed by Infiniti/Nissan service departments, and the vehicle remains available for inspection. Carmax insurance approved the engine repair, acknowledging mechanical failure; however, they declined to approve turbocharger repair specifically because Infiniti has issued a known TSB and extended warranty covering turbo failure, deferring responsibility to the manufacturer. Despite the vehicle being within the extended warranty limits, Nissan denied coverage, claiming the vehicle has a “branded title. ” this claim is unsupported by VIN reports, the loan originator, and carmax’s own title search prior to leasing all confirm the title is not branded. Nissan has provided no documentation supporting its assertion. Nissan n. A. Reviewed and closed the matter despite the known safety defect and lack of evidence for the title claim. Represents a safety-related defect and improper denial of a manufacturer-recognized safety remedy, warranting NHTSA review.

My car wouldnt start and when it did, it would start shaking and every time I accelerate, the speed wasnt going any faster but only the rpms were.

The contact's son owns a 2018 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated that soon after purchasing the vehicle, there was an abnormal screeching sound coming from the brakes while depressing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's son took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to have the brake pads and rotors replaced. However, less than one month after the replacement of the pads and rotors, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the front passenger’s side brakes. The mechanic was notified of the issue, and the contact was informed that the brake calipers might also need to be replaced. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot(h), with white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, but the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and the contact's son was informed that the head gasket had failed, and an engine replacement was recommended. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls or warranty on the vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and provided the same information as the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

The contact owns a 2019 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, with an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was turned off; however, while attempting to restart the vehicle, the abnormal knocking sound persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine and turbocharger failure. The contact was informed that the engine and the turbochargers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,500.

Within one month of purchase, the airbag warning light illuminated and has remained on continuously. A separate dealership later confirmed the airbag system is defective and may not deploy in an accident. This is a serious safety defect that was not disclosed to me at the time of sale. Additional issues: •on July 14, 2025, I dropped the car off for prolonged starting issues. I was told the vehicle had six faulty fuel pumps/injectors. •I have not had possession of the car since July 14. •on August 30, 2025, I received an email from Nissan of orange park stating the car was “completed and ready. ” when I called the next day, I was told the car was not at Nissan at all, but at Infiniti, with no clear repair status or timeline. Concern: this is a federal safety defect. I request NHTSA’s review and investigation into Infiniti/Nissan’s handling of defective airbag systems in this vehicle and the misleading communication surrounding repairs.

The contact owns a 2015 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the accelerator was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to shift into gear properly, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission valve body had failed, and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 94,150.

See all problems of the 2015 Infiniti Q50 🔎.

Recently, the turbochargers on my vehicle failed prematurely and had to be replaced. Shortly after this repair, and with the vehicle still under 60,000 miles, the engine exploded and failed while driving. This incident posed a severe safety hazard not only to me but to other drivers and pedestrians as I lost propulsion and had to swerve to the shoulder to avoid oncoming traffic. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the sudden failure could have led to a much worse outcome as not only did it fail but hot oil and coolant both poured out of the hole in the engine creating a hazard. I believe this failure is not only unacceptable for a vehicle with such relatively low mileage, but it may indicate a systemic or design flaw, particularly if turbo and engine failure is a recurring issue among other owners of this make and model. I am aware of Infiniti’s current engine recall for select vehicles for premature engine failure and would like to know should this be extended to Q50 model.

See all problems of the 2020 Infiniti Q50 🔎.

Subject: urgent: check engine light after vehicle return I am contacting you regarding my vehicle, I dropped it off the dealer for oil change & they informed me it was recalled so they have to fix it, but they returned it to me with engine light on. They mentioned after fixing the recall the engine light came on…tested it and showed thermostat, but to pay 249 for them to diagnose because it’s a different problem, but that issue wasn’t there when I took my car. I have never had the check engine light on. I want my car back without the check engine light on. They now saying it’ll be $2700 to fix that. I said, no. They mentioned giving me a discount and it’ll be 1800 and they’ll cover labor. I said, all I want is my car back the way it was when I brought it. Then they changed it to $3400 I am very concerned about this and would like to understand why the vehicle was returned to me in this condition. I ask that you please review this issue and arrange for a prompt inspection and resolution — at no additional cost — as this may be related to the recent service or handling by your team. Please respond as soon as possible with next steps. I’d prefer to resolve this directly with your service department, but I will escalate the matter if necessary. Sincerely, [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2017 Infiniti Q50 🔎.

The engine and turbo system failed in my 2017 Infiniti Q50 signature edition (VIN [xxx] ). The vehicle remains at carmax naperville, where it has been since March 2025. Internal repair orders show carmax performed two failed inspections in August 2020 before selling the vehicle as “carmax certified” on September 3, 2020. The vehicle should not have passed certification. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, I noticed it was pulling hard to the right. During my first tire rotation and oil change, the technician informed me that all four tires were severely dry-rotted and unsafe to drive on. Carmax had represented the vehicle as fully inspected and road-ready. These conditions suggest the vehicle had sat for an extended period after a prior four-point accident and should have never been certified for sale. None of this was disclosed to me at purchase. In March 2025, the engine failed. Carmax later reported that a replacement engine was installed, part #10102-6hn3a (single-turbo) instead of the required #10102-5ch2d (twin-turbo vr30ddtt). This engine does not match the original factory specifications for my VIN. Infiniti of naperville confirmed that my vehicle qualifies for a free extended turbo and engine warranty (TSB p4a05/p4a06), but carmax declined to use the required oem one-time-use parts, voiding that coverage. Carmax has refused to provide inspection reports, diagnostic data, emissions test results, or engine serial numbers despite over forty written requests. I have no documentation confirming what work was performed or whether the vehicle is safe or compliant with emissions standards. The car has now been sitting at carmax for over seven months, with rusted brakes and unknown mechanical condition. They are just concerned about me coming to get the car. This raises serious concerns about safety, emissions compliance, and potential consumer fraud involving improper certification and undisclosed prior damage. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

While driving, my vehicle suddenly shut off without warning. After restarting, the vehicle would not accelerate over 40 miles per hour. I had the vehicle inspected by the dealership, and they informed me that the engine oil filter contained metal debris. The dealership explained that the presence of metallic particles in the filter could indicate internal engine wear or damage, and they recommended a full engine replacement at a cost of approximately $20,000. At this time, I have not been shown the filter or the debris, but I was advised that this condition may require further diagnosis and possible engine repair or replacement.

My car has a start and stop problem and the dealer reprogram the ecm but it didn't work got back on the road and almost got hit twice bc my car went into limp mode. And they won't fix up unless I pay even know it's a recall and my drive shaft has a recall but they said that was close out.

The contact owns a 2018 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "low oil pressure - stop", message was displayed, and the contact stopped driving the vehicle. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine was abnormally loud. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the timing chain. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 107,000.

The contact owns a 2019 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine misfired, and the contact also noticed smoke coming from the engine with the check engine and battery warning illuminated. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over to the side of the road. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and shut off the contact noticed coolant leaking from the bottom of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing belt failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 71,500.

Turbos are starting to work and car is starting to consume anti freeze.

Valve body on my car and friends have gone bad, it’s a known issue within the Infiniti vq37 community.

The contact owns a 2016 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated upon attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that upon attempting to drive the vehicle 30 minutes later, the vehicle responded as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed that the valve body had failed. The mechanic determined that the valve body and the entire transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and charged a fee for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,636. The VIN was not available.

I was driving down the highway and my car started to shut down and started to make a knocking sound inside the engine bay, putting at risk other drivers, so I turned on my hazards and pulled to the shoulder of the road,the car wouldn’t turn on so I called a tow truck. Took the car to dealer and stated engine is seized.

Catastrophic engine failure. Metal debris in the oil. Manufacturer defect.

In October of 2023 I was driving onto the high way and my car just started to slow down I could not accelerate that gas while I was on the highway which is very dangerous when you are on the highway. My car turn off completely the engine light started to blink. All the lights were blinking. The only thing that was on was my radio. I could not move the car I was having. Trouble putting the car into park. Everything was stuck. Good thing I was not in the middle of the highway and not on a really busy highway but it was late at night. Drivers on the high way and myself are out at risk I could not even put my hazards on. A car could have crash into me and serious injury’s could have happen. I was stuck and was having trouble putting the car in park. Could not go into neutral. For a car to come to a sudden stop not be able to put the car in park that can be a risk factor due to if the car turn back on going into neutral on its own. The car was fixed with new engine at an auto body in July or August 2024 now the engine light is on again the car will not even turn on. All the oil leaked out. Infiniti did my last oil change and said it was due at 117k which that is my current reading. When the oil all leaked out the car had a steering issue it crashed into a guardrail. That is the second time the car slow down had some type of issue is a big risk factor in August 2024 when the oil came out the car that can cause a fire and lost of steering the car crashed into rail with us in it. I did not have any warning signs about this going to happen. The car has not been driven since.

Independent service center ran diagnostics and code that pops up is the p0090. Fuel pump . No inspection by dealership when requested. We called dealership and they wanted to charge for inspecting vehicle. When driving vehicle stalls,in the middle of traffic. Check engine light turned on . No exaleracion when I press gas pedal. Very dangerous it stalled in the middle of traffic with children in vehicles. . The car goes to limp mode and didn't want to move . The muffler smokes and when checked the engine oil smells like gas.

Engine manufactured with porous block causing coolant to mix with oil resulting in bearing failure. Vehicle has less than 60k miles and I have seen numerous reports on Infiniti Q50/q60 forums with people having the exact same issue. Some vehicles have had multiple engine replacements. Vehicle out of warranty due to age. Have not been able to drive vehicle for over a year and was told I should report issue to the government since Infiniti has not stepped up and done a voluntary recall.

Internal engine mechanical issues, Infiniti of bridgewater diagnosis. The engine cut off midway while driving on the highway. Vehicle received an engine replacement 1-2 years ago from Infiniti of edison (ray catena) who were shut down after the replacement. There was absolutely no warnings or problems before hand.

Engine overheating and system not keeping engine cool, locks don’t work.

See all problems of the 2014 Infiniti Q50 🔎.

The engine in this car needs to be replaced. The main bearing is failing, head gasket blew, and coolant has leaked into the engine. About August 30, 2023 I had a sudden coolant loss followed by temperature spike. If the engine had seized while driving, it could have caused a loss of power and locked up the drive train. After sitting while I tried to determine the coolant loss and temp spike, I made arrangements with a local Infiniti dealer about Jan 9 with a drop off date of Jan 22 or 23. The dealer has confirmed the bearing, oil, coolant issue. There were no warning lights or check engine lights before the issue occurred.

I bought my Q50 in 2020. In 2023 one of my turbo chargers began experiencing failure. This defect caused the car to drive in limp mode where it would not accelerate and caused a hazard to myself and other drivers on the road. The failure did not display any lights on my dash and I only came to know the component failed after the physical symptoms it presented and having it diagnosed by infinit. Infiniti has now issued an extended warranty for up to 120k miles on the part for owners with the defective turbos. The warranty letter also states that if owners previously replaced the part out of pocket they could seek reimbursement with proof of the repair and proof of ownership. I submitted my documents to Infiniti and they have since closed my case without reimbursement because they claim one of their associates made a mistake in beginning the claims process with me. I have attempted to continue to pursue reimbursement and Infiniti won’t return my calls. I know for certain my car and the turbo repairs qualify for this reimbursement. I believe Infiniti is attempting to work around officially recalling the cars impacted by the bad component and the warranty is being provided in its place however I also believe they are giving me such a hard time with this in hopes that I’ll just roll over and give up on the reimbursement.

When I was driving in highway, all of a sudden gas paddle stop working no matter how hard I press it is not taking gas paddle and not picking up speed. I was panicking, lucky nobody behind me. Nothing bad happen, but this is very dangerous in my opinion.

Turbos blow prematurely, and the motor can end up with porus block at any mileage.

The contact owns a 2014 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, the rpm's were inadvertently increasing briefly before returning to normal. The check warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined a failure with the output speed sensor and transmission valve body requiring replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.

The engine check light came. I also received a letter from infinti for recall. The power of the vehicle declined.