2015 Infiniti Qx80 Safety Report

The 2015 INFINITI QX80 presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to a critical recall concerning a potential fuel leak and several reported issues with its airbag system and powertrain. While NHTSA has not provided official crash test ratings for this specific model year, the existing data highlights areas of concern. The most significant safety risk identified is the fuel system, with a recall (NHTSA ID: 15V048000) addressing insufficiently tightened fuel pressure sensors that could lead to a fuel leak and, consequently, a vehicle fire. Several complaints directly reference this issue, with owners reporting strong gasoline smells and visible leaks, indicating that the recall's underlying problem manifested in real-world scenarios. Beyond the fuel system, airbag malfunctions are a notable pattern, accounting for 3 out of 17 total complaints. Owners reported the airbag warning light illuminating, flashing continuously, and even spontaneous deployment of side curtain airbags, suggesting potential defects in the airbag module or algorithm. These issues, if not addressed, could compromise occupant protection in a crash. Powertrain and engine-related complaints also appear, including instances of the vehicle losing power, abnormal engine revving, transmission failure to shift, and even uncontrolled acceleration, which pose immediate safety hazards during operation. One complaint specifically mentions the vehicle trying to move forward on its own while stopped with brakes pressed. Brake system issues, though fewer in number (1 complaint), are severe, with one owner reporting the vehicle failing to stop and rear-ending another car. The overall complaint count of 17 is relatively low, but the nature of the complaints, particularly those related to fuel leaks, airbag failures, and sudden braking/acceleration, points to significant safety concerns. The single recall directly addresses a fire risk, which is a high-severity safety defect. The absence of NHTSA crash test ratings means that the vehicle's structural integrity and occupant protection performance in a collision are not publicly assessed by this agency.

Our recommendation: Given the critical fuel leak recall and recurring airbag and powertrain complaints, thoroughly verify that all recalls have been completed and have a pre-purchase inspection specifically check for fuel system integrity, airbag system functionality, and powertrain health.