2020 Infiniti QX50 Powertrain & Transmission Problems

I am a [XXX] woman who purchased my first vehicle on December 6, 2024, with 43,000 miles. I have driven fewer than 20,000 miles since purchase, and the vehicle currently has approximately 62,000 miles. Until January 19, 2026, I experienced no issues. I have properly maintained the vehicle and followed all recommended service guidelines. I completed three oil changes during my ownership, averaging approximately every 8,500 miles. Two oil changes were performed by a licensed mechanic, and the most recent oil change and inspection were completed on November 29, 2025 at Legend Infiniti. I have receipts for all services. On January 19, 2026, while driving approximately 65 mph on a four-lane highway in Long Island, the vehicle suddenly went into limp mode and dropped to about 10 mph without warning. This created an extremely dangerous situation with a serious risk of collision. I first brought the vehicle to my mechanic, who advised me to take it to an authorized Infiniti dealership due to an engine bearing recall associated with my VIN. I brought it to the same Infiniti dealership that had serviced it two months earlier. After diagnosis, the dealership stated there was engine sludge and that I needed a new engine. They denied any connection to the recall and attributed the issue to poor maintenance. However, two months prior they completed an oil change and inspection with no documentation of sludge, engine concerns, or maintenance deficiencies. I was not informed of any recall at that time. My warranty claim was denied on the basis that sludge is not covered and that maintenance performed outside Infiniti could not be validated, despite providing receipts from licensed facilities. I am also being told there are record-access issues because the vehicle was originally sold in Canada. Given the sudden loss of power at highway speed and the known recall related to engine components, I believe this presents a significant safety concern and warrants investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Infiniti has acknowledged that certain vehicles equipped with this engine may experience bearing failures caused by a manufacturing defect affecting the main, A-, C-, and L-link bearings. These defects can result in engine damage or complete engine failure, as outlined in Infiniti’s recall notice. In September 2025, I took my vehicle to an authorized Infiniti service center after receiving notice of the recall. At that time, I was informed that no repair remedy was yet available. I continued operating the vehicle as advised, and no warning lights or performance issues were present. However, on October 16, 2025, the Service Engine Light illuminated unexpectedly. I immediately brought the vehicle to the nearest certified repair facility the following day (October 17, 2025). Diagnostic testing determined that the engine had suffered internal bearing failure, consistent with the known recall condition. The vehicle required a complete engine replacement, which I had to proceed with at significant personal expense, covering both parts and labor. At no time prior to this incident did my vehicle display any warning indicators or abnormal performance. The sudden nature of the engine failure created a serious safety concern and considerable financial hardship. I am therefore formally requesting reimbursement or assistance with the full cost of the engine replacement and associated labor. I have attached supporting documentation, including repair invoices, diagnostic reports, and proof of payment, for your review. Given that the failure directly relates to the known defect identified in the recall, I believe reimbursement is both appropriate and warranted.

Day 1 noted car was having issues with irregular RPM's while cruising, and spiking of rpm's during acceleration. while on hwy w/ cruise control activated, "malfunction" warning lit on screen and forward propulsion ceased. had to move car to roadside, turn off engine and turn back on. took to dealership. they inspected vehicle and indicated there were no codes in system and with checks nothing to indicate any issues. they reset computer systems. drove home noting that the issue did not seem to be resolved. Day 2 same issues. Issues with reverse (seemed car strained to reverse). Wife noted that vehicle seemed to lose power on hill and struggled to get over 25 mph even with pedal to floor. Later in day car continued to have similar issues with strange fluctuation of rpm's even while idling, high revving of engine during acceleration that caused jerkiness, and when changed to manual transmission mode, high revving in 2nd gear with no accompanying acceleration. Day 3 similar issues. Arranged to take car to shop. Day 4 on way to shop, same issues. On a moderate hill, car appeared to go into limp-home mode. After stopping and restarting car, CVT Malfunction warning light came on. Note I've had this car 8 months and it has only 16,000 (about 10k since purchase).

The vehicle's engine light turned on. The engine light remains on, and frequently the Malfunction and System fault See Owners Manual will display. When the malfunction message appears all the traction lights are also turned on. The RPM's in the vehicle are very accelerated, and it's difficult to drive the vehicle. The vehicle will also produce a very heavy smog smell. I took the vehicle into the retailer several times and nothing was done. The manufacturer is also not taking responsibility and stated the issue is unrelated to the engine bearing recall.