VehicleVerdict

2021 Infiniti QX50 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 59 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.7 times the median QX50 year — the 2021 model ranks #2 of 11 QX50 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 41% of all reports (24 of 59), far ahead of driver assistance at 9. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

59

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other QX50 years?

QX50 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted188 complaints2014: 5 complaints2015: 3 complaints2016: 29 complaints2017: 16 complaints2019: 188 complaints2020: 45 complaints2021: 59 complaints2022: 18 complaints2023: 7 complaints2024: 10 complaints2025: 3 complaints
QX50 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all QX50 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Infiniti QX50 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2441%
Driver Assistance915%
Electrical System814%
Brakes47%
Transmission47%
Other35%
Fuel System23%
Lighting12%
Body & Structure12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Steering12%
Speed Control12%

Does the 2021 Infiniti QX50 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V437000EngineJune 27, 2025 · 443,899 units

Defect

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 April 8, 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.

21V402000SuspensionMay 27, 2021 · 14,276 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“On June 16, 2026, a 2021 Infiniti QX50 experienced a safety-related malfunction while being driven at approximately 15–20 mph. The vehicle suddenly jerked, lost power response, displayed multiple warning lights, showed a “System Fault – See Owner’s Manual” message, and became…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 16, 2026 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · July 13, 2025

“On June 16, 2026, a 2021 Infiniti QX50 experienced a safety-related malfunction while being driven at approximately 15–20 mph. The vehicle suddenly jerked, lost power response, displayed multiple warning lights, showed a “System Fault – See Owner’s Manual” message, and became…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 16, 2026 · crash

“The contact owned a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, he collided with another vehicle on the rear driver's side of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle was thrust off the roadway, coming to a complete stop after colliding with a pole, and the front passenger…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 23, 2023 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 13, 2025

2021 Infiniti QX50 — common questions

Is the 2021 Infiniti QX50 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 59 complaints put the 2021 model at #2 of 11 QX50 years. It is one of the QX50 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2021 QX50 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (24 complaints), driver assistance (9 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints).

Does the 2021 Infiniti QX50 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Infiniti QX50. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Infiniti QX50 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Infiniti QX50 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the QX50 years to avoid are 2019, 2021, 2020. The cleanest record among QX50 years belongs to 2025.

How safe is the 2021 Infiniti QX50?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Infiniti QX50 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.