2021 Infiniti QX50

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Infiniti QX50 has 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 80. 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.

1 crash report 1 injury

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems

ENGINE

21 complaints

39%

• 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

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“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

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

9 complaints

17%

• 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
• 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
• While driving on a clear day with no traffic in front of me or debris on the road at approximately 45 mph, a master warning light appeared on my dash with an accompanying warning signal and simultaneously the emergency braking system engaged and brought my vehicle to a sudden stop. As quickly as it

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“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”

— NHTSA complaint filing

ELECTRICAL

7 complaints

13%

• 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
• 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 becaus
• 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

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“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”

— NHTSA complaint filing

BRAKES

4 complaints

• 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
• This vehicle is equipped with a push button to start and stop the vehicle engine. The button is mounted horizontally next to the gear selector switch near the driver. Twice now, while traveling at highway speeds, the vehicle engine has stopped when my dog taps on the switch. I usually secure m
• The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, attempting to stop, the rear brakes would make an abnormal sound. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was repaired for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

— NHTSA complaint filing

OTHER

3 complaints

• there was a problem with safety recall a week after I took the vehicle test! I went to the dealer in Las Vegas many times, but they didn't find the mistake, they told me that the car was in order! There are no warning lights on the dashboard! Everything seems fine, but I don't know why he still w
• 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. B
• The vehicle has experienced ongoing electrical and safety-system related malfunctions shortly after being purchased as an INFINITI Certified Pre-Owned vehicle in April 2025. The issues initially included flickering interior and exterior lights, intermittent door lock malfunctions, and other electric

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“there was a problem with safety recall a week after I took the vehicle test! I went to the dealer in Las Vegas many times, but they didn't find the mistake, they told me that the car was in order! There are no warning lights on the dashboard! Everything seems fine, but I don't know why he still w”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

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
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)