2020 Infiniti Qx50 Safety Report

2020 INFINITI QX50: Excellent Crash Safety Ratings Undermined by Major Engine Recall and Driver-Assist System Complaints

30Complaints
2Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
45/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Engine (11)Engine And Engine Cooling (4)Forward Collision Avoidance (2)Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance (2)Power Train,Engine (1)Power Train,Unknown Or Other,Engine (1)Unknown Or Other (1)Power Train,Electrical System,Engine (1)Vehicle Speed Control,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Forward Collision Avoidance,Lane Departure (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Infiniti Qx50

The 2020 INFINITI QX50 presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with a 5-star overall NHTSA rating, including 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover, there are significant concerns regarding engine reliability and potential issues with driver-assist systems. The vehicle has accumulated 30 NHTSA complaints, with a notable concentration on the 'ENGINE' and 'ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING' components, accounting for 11 and 4 complaints respectively. This aligns with a major recall (NHTSA Campaign: 25V437000) concerning engine bearing failure, which can lead to engine failure and discharge of hot oil, increasing crash risk. Several complaints detail owners experiencing engine issues like loss of power, abnormal noises, and even complete stalling, often before or after being notified of this recall, and some report difficulties with dealer remedies or parts availability. Beyond the engine, there are recurring complaints related to 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' systems, with 2 complaints specifically mentioning aggressive or unintended braking. Other issues include 'VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL' and 'LANE DEPARTURE' warnings, suggesting potential glitches in the advanced driver-assistance features. One recall addresses illegible tire and loading information, which could lead to incorrect tire installation or overloading, increasing crash risk. Despite the strong crash test scores, the high number of engine-related complaints and the severity of the engine recall indicate a significant reliability concern that could compromise safety on the road. The overall safety picture is therefore bifurcated: excellent passive safety in a crash, but compromised active safety and reliability due to the widespread engine defect and potential issues with driver-assist technologies. The 30 complaints, while not extremely high, are concentrated on critical components, particularly the engine, which is a severe safety concern. The lack of reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths in the complaint data is positive, but the potential for engine failure as described in the recall is a serious risk.

Reliability Score

The 2020 Infiniti Qx50 receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2020 Infiniti Qx50

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Infiniti Qx50:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Bearing Failure
A manufacturing defect in engine bearings can lead to engine damage, complete engine failure, loss of motive power, and discharge of hot oil, increasing crash risk. This is covered by NHTSA Recall 25V437000.
High Common 43000-62000+ miles
Unintended Braking/Forward Collision Avoidance Malfunction
The forward collision warning system can activate aggressively and apply brakes unexpectedly, even when no obstacle is present, leading to sudden deceleration at high speeds.
High Occasional unknown miles
Loss Of Motive Power/Stalling
Vehicle may suddenly lose power or stall while driving, particularly at highway speeds, often associated with the engine recall issue.
High Occasional unknown miles
Illegible Tire And Loading Information Placard
The text on the tire and loading information placard may be illegible, which can lead to incorrect tire installation or vehicle overloading, increasing crash risk. Covered by a recall.
Medium Rare new miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2020 Infiniti Qx50:

Engine 36% of complaints

The most frequent complaints relate to the engine, including loss of power, abnormal noises, stalling, and issues directly linked to the engine bearing recall (NHTSA 25V437000).

Forward Collision Avoidance 10% of complaints

Complaints describe the forward collision avoidance system activating unexpectedly, causing the vehicle to brake aggressively without a clear hazard.

Engine And Engine Cooling 13% of complaints

Issues related to the engine's cooling system or general engine performance, often intertwined with the major engine recall.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Infiniti Qx50

Is the 2020 INFINITI QX50 safe?

The 2020 INFINITI QX50 received excellent 5-star overall safety ratings from NHTSA, including 5 stars for frontal and side impacts. However, its safety is significantly impacted by a major engine recall (NHTSA 25V437000) concerning bearing failure, which can lead to sudden engine failure and loss of power. There are also complaints about unintended braking from the forward collision avoidance system. While crash protection is strong, the reliability of critical components like the engine and some driver-assist features raises safety concerns.

What are common problems with the 2020 INFINITI QX50?

The most reported issues for the 2020 INFINITI QX50 revolve around the engine, accounting for 11 complaints under 'ENGINE' and 4 under 'ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING'. These often relate to the known engine bearing recall, leading to loss of power, stalling, and abnormal engine noises. Another common problem involves the 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' system, with complaints of unintended and aggressive braking.

Are there any recalls for the 2020 INFINITI QX50?

Yes, there are two recalls for the 2020 INFINITI QX50. The most significant is NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000, addressing a manufacturing defect in engine bearings that can cause engine failure. The second recall addresses illegible text on the Tire and Loading Information placard, which could lead to incorrect tire installation or overloading.

How does the 2020 INFINITI QX50 perform in crash tests?

The 2020 INFINITI QX50 performs very well in crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. It received 5 stars for both frontal crash and side crash tests, and 4 stars for the rollover resistance test.

What should I do if my 2020 INFINITI QX50 is affected by the engine recall?

If your 2020 INFINITI QX50 is affected by NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), you should contact your INFINITI dealer immediately. Several complaints indicate difficulties with parts availability or dealer response, so it's crucial to follow up persistently. Do not ignore any symptoms like unusual engine noises, loss of power, or stuttering, as these could indicate the recall-related defect.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the excellent crash test ratings but significant engine recall and complaints about driver-assist systems, potential buyers should prioritize verifying that all recalls, especially the engine recall (25V437000), have been properly addressed and remedied by a certified INFINITI dealer before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Infiniti Qx50

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Infiniti Qx50. The data includes 30 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2020 Infiniti Qx50 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.