2021 Infiniti Qx50 Safety Report
2021 INFINITI QX50 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Infiniti Qx50
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Infiniti Qx50. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (31) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 1 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2024 | Compare against the 2024 Infiniti Qx50 with 1 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 Infiniti Qx50 before buying across this generation. |
Infiniti Qx50 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Infiniti Qx50 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Infiniti Qx50 | 13 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 30 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2023 Infiniti Qx50 | 4 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Infiniti Qx50 | 120 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2024 Infiniti Qx50 | 1 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2025 Infiniti Qx50 | 1 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2021 Infiniti Qx50 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Infiniti Qx50, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Infiniti onlyEngine And Engine Cooling
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine And Engine Cooling issues Infiniti onlyUnknown Or Other
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Infiniti onlyForward Collision Avoidance
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Forward Collision Avoidance issues Infiniti onlyElectrical System,Exterior Lighting,Vehicle Speed Control
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Exterior Lighting,Vehicle Speed Control issues Infiniti onlyElectrical System,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System issues Infiniti onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Infiniti Qx50
Reliability Score
The 2021 Infiniti Qx50 receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Infiniti Qx50
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Infiniti Qx50
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Infiniti Qx50:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling Defects Engine and engine cooling defects have been reported, potentially leading to engine failure and loss of power. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Bearing Defects Engine bearing defects have caused multiple recalls, leading to engine failure and loss of power. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Phantom Braking Reports of phantom braking have been noted, which can be alarming and potentially dangerous. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Front Passenger Door Latch Issues There have been reports of the front passenger door latch malfunctioning, causing the alarm to go off. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Infiniti Qx50:
Engine issues are the most common problem reported.
Forward collision avoidance systems have shown some reliability concerns.
Electrical system issues have been reported, including exterior lighting and vehicle speed control.
Suspension issues have been reported, particularly with the rear axle and spindle.
Recall Details for the 2021 Infiniti Qx50
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Infiniti Qx50 by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. A bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk of an engine fire.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 2, 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: The steering knuckle or rear axle could deform upon impact, such as from hitting a curb, resulting in a loss of steering control, or possible wheel separation. Both of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Infiniti Qx50
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Infiniti Qx50 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
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.
Dear NHTSA Representative, I am filing a complaint against Infiniti regarding refusal to perform a recall-related engine replacement on my vehicle. Vehicle Information: • Year: 2021 • VIN: [XXX] I brought my vehicle to Grubbs INFINITI in Grapevine, TX for recall service in August 2026 and again on February 11, 2026. The dealership refused to perform the recall-related engine replacement. The ...
1. The engine is the system that is malfunctioning. There was a recall on my vehicle. I was told to bring the vehicle in for the metal found in oil. Infiniti denied to replace my engine which was stated during the recall that the engine would be replaced. My vehicle was returned to me without receiving an engine per the recall. 2. My safety is at risk because the engine can fail which can cause m...
My 2021 Infiniti QX50 is subject to Recall 25V437000 for engine bearing defects that can cause engine failure, loss of power, and fire. During the recall inspection, Cerritos Infiniti found metal debris. They first diagnosed this debris as being in the engine oil and recommended immediate engine replacement. Days later, they reversed this diagnosis, claiming the debris was only on the removed oil ...
On October 29, 2025, my Infiniti QX50 was repaired at Naples Infiniti after the engine under shield detached while driving, ripping off the passenger-side wheel well liner. The technician stated the failure was likely caused by missing bolts from a prior oil change approximately two weeks earlier. Based on that representation, I authorized the repair. That explanation later proved to be incorrect....
I proactively brought my Infiniti QX50 to the dealership for inspection due to the recall. The service department found metal in the engine, which they stated is related to a known recall issue. The service department told me that I need an engine replacement, but Infiniti has denied engine replacement despite this finding. According to the recall, metal inside the engine presents a risk of sudde...
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 kno...
Vehicle: 2021 Infiniti QX50 VIN: [XXX] Mileage at second failure: 154,282 miles I am reporting a repeat engine failure involving bearing material consistent with a known Infiniti VC-Turbo engine defect. The original engine in my 2021 Infiniti QX50 failed and was replaced with a brand-new long block in May 2024 at approximately 85,700 miles. I paid for this engine replacement out of pocket becau...
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 contac...
Around 530pm At the corner of Briarcliff Rd NE Atlanta Ga and N Druid Hills Rd NE Atlanta GA As I was about to accelerate after the Red Light turned green, my car experienced a significant loss of power. Several warning lights came on, the engine light came on and a warning that said System Default came on. I was almost rear ended but was able to put on my hazards and coast to the side of the ro...
The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer for an oil change; however, the dealer informed the contact that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken ba...
The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start and was inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted; howeve...
I received the recall notice approximately 2 weeks ago, the notice state “parts are anticipated to be available beginning in Q4 2025” so I did not schedule for an inspection. This morning, 09/16/2025, I was unable to accelerate after being stopped at a traffic light. I was able to get to a parking lot to have my car towed to an Infiniti Dealership/service center for $260 at their recommended tow p...
Vehicle Issue Summary – 2021 INFINITI QX50 I purchased a 2021 INFINITI QX50 in March 2024. Recently, I received notice of an active safety recall (NHTSA 25V437) related to the VC-Turbo engine bearings. In addition to the recall alert, I’ve also experienced several concerning symptoms: 1) A knocking noise when reversing. 2) The malfunction indicator light turning on and off intermittently. 3) Othe...
The specific component or system which has failed and or is malfunctioning is unknown due to the fact the manufacturer and dealer were unable to properly diagnose and resolve the issue. The vehicle continues to malfunction, as of 8/28/2025. Beginning [XXX], the vehicle's engine began to make a very loud, concerning noise. The vehicle was inspected by the Infiniti of Mobile Dealership, in Mobile...
The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who referenced the Collision Avoidance System; however, did ...
The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle jerked while driving and failed ...
Component or System Failed: Engine failure. The vehicle is available for inspection at Sewell Infinity in Dallas, TX. Safety Risk: The engine failure The loss of acceleration created a serious safety risk. The vehicle was unable to accelerate properly in traffic, which could have caused an accident on the freeway. Fortunately, I was able to get back home and have the vehicle towed. Problem Repr...
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...
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.
Showing 20 of 31 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2021 Infiniti Qx50
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical
Opened 2023-12-13 · Closed 2025-07-18
On December 13, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-023 to investigate allegations of engine failures leading to loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021-2023 Nissan Rogue; MY 2019-2021 Nissan Altima; and MY 2019-2021 Infiniti QX50 vehicles. At that time, ODI had received 6 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) and multiple early warning reports, with consumers reporting engine knocking noises accompanied by a loss of engine power while driving. The investigation identif...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Infiniti Qx50
Has the 2021 INFINITI QX50 been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 INFINITI QX50 has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 INFINITI QX50 have?
The 2021 INFINITI QX50 has 31 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 INFINITI QX50?
The 2021 INFINITI QX50 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 INFINITI QX50?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 INFINITI QX50 involve engine (9 complaints), engine and engine cooling (5 complaints), unknown or other (2 complaints). Other affected components include forward collision avoidance, electrical system,exterior lighting,vehicle speed control, electrical system,engine,fuel/propulsion system.
How many crash reports does the 2021 INFINITI QX50 have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2021 INFINITI QX50 out of 31 total complaints (3.2% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2021 INFINITI QX50 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 INFINITI QX50 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 INFINITI QX50?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 INFINITI QX50.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 INFINITI QX50?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 INFINITI QX50. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2021 INFINITI QX50?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 INFINITI QX50 is generally recommended. It has 31 complaints, 2 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 INFINITI QX50?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 INFINITI QX50 are: 1. ENGINE (9 complaints), 2. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (5 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), 4. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 9 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 INFINITI QX50?
Be cautious of engine and engine cooling defects, as they can lead to engine failure. Ensure regular maintenance and check for recalls. The 2021 INFINITI QX50 has 31 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 INFINITI QX50?
The 2021 INFINITI QX50 receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 31 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine and engine cooling defects and Engine bearing defects.
What are the known issues with the 2021 INFINITI QX50?
Known issues with the 2021 INFINITI QX50 include: Engine and engine cooling defects, Engine bearing defects, Phantom braking, Front passenger door latch issues. These are based on patterns found across 31 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2021 INFINITI QX50?
Engine and engine cooling defects, as well as engine bearing defects, are the most common issues.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 INFINITI QX50?
Yes, there have been recalls for engine bearing defects that can cause engine failure and loss of power.
What should I do if I experience phantom braking in my 2021 INFINITI QX50?
Contact your local dealership to have the issue checked and addressed.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of engine and engine cooling defects, as they can lead to engine failure. Ensure regular maintenance and check for recalls.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Infiniti Qx50
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Infiniti Qx50. The data includes 31 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Infiniti Qx50 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16