
2021 Infiniti QX50
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2021 Infiniti QX50 has 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 3.0x the segment average of 18. The most common issue is engine problems (39% of all complaints), specifically: i purchased this 2021 qx50 infiniti on [xxx] and have experienced consistent engine knocking. in checking out this problem, i have found that it is apparently a widespread problem with the engine in 2021 qx50 vehicles and can possibly lead to engine lock up and engine failure. the engine thus far h. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.
54
Total Complaints
2
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
3.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
21 complaints- • I purchased this 2021 QX50 Infiniti on [XXX] and have experienced consistent engine knocking. In checking out this problem, I have found that it is apparently a widespread problem with the engine in 2021 QX50 vehicles and can possibly lead to engine lock up and engine failure. The engine thus far h
- • Without any warning or indicator light on the dash, the vehicle lost power when pulling out of our driveway - we live on a main road and were very lucky not to be hit by upcoming traffic. The car went into limp mode and would not accelerate past 20mph. We have been fighting with Infiniti for the las
- • The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who
“I purchased this 2021 QX50 Infiniti on [XXX] and have experienced consistent engine knocking. In checking out this problem, I have found that it is apparently a widespread problem with the engine in 2021 QX50 vehicles and can possibly lead to engine lock up and engine failure. The engine thus far h”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2021 Infiniti QX50
Based on 10 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 71K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.
ENGINE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (2)
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Infiniti QX50
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Infiniti QX50
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Infiniti New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Infiniti. If you're buying a used 2021 QX50, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Infiniti dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 54 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: I purchased this 2021 QX50 Infiniti on [XXX] and have experienced consistent engine knocking. In checking out this problem, I have found that it is apparently a widespread problem with the engine in 2021 QX50 vehicles and can possibly lead to engine lock up and engine failure. The engine thus far h
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: Picked up the car on 5/25, on 6/4 sitting at a red light, forward collision warning and lane assist malfunctions showed up on dashboard. Called Faulkner willow grove where my company leased the car, the set up an appt on 6/17. the next day, 6/18 both malfunctions came back, I called and said I don't
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: Picked up the car on 5/25, on 6/4 sitting at a red light, forward collision warning and lane assist malfunctions showed up on dashboard. Called Faulkner willow grove where my company leased the car, the set up an appt on 6/17. the next day, 6/18 both malfunctions came back, I called and said I don't
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Infiniti dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Infiniti QX50 — Year Comparison
How does 2021 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 54
- Recalls
- 2
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 1
- Injury reports
- 1
- Segment avg
- 18
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2021 Infiniti QX50