2021 Infiniti QX50 Complaint Log

Dear NHTSA Representative, I am filing a complaint against Infiniti regarding refusal to perform a recall-related engine replacement on my vehicle. Vehicle Information: • Year: 2021 • VIN: [XXX] I brought my vehicle to Grubbs INFINITI in Grapevine, TX for recall service in August 2026 and again on February 11, 2026. The dealership refused to perform the recall-related engine replacement. The reason provided was that oil change maintenance had not been completed on time by the previous owner before I purchased the vehicle. However, since I have owned the vehicle, all oil change maintenance has been completed on time and properly maintained. The engine has not failed, but it remains subject to the recall and the associated safety risk. I believe denying recall service based on maintenance history from a prior owner is improper and leaves me operating a vehicle that is subject to an unresolved safety recall. I respectfully request that this matter be investigated and that Infiniti be required to comply with its recall obligations and perform the required repair at no cost. Please let me know if additional documentation is needed. I can provide maintenance records and service documentation. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

1. The engine is the system that is malfunctioning. There was a recall on my vehicle. I was told to bring the vehicle in for the metal found in oil. Infiniti denied to replace my engine which was stated during the recall that the engine would be replaced. My vehicle was returned to me without receiving an engine per the recall. 2. My safety is at risk because the engine can fail which can cause me to lose controls of the vehicle and not be able to prevent an accident. That also places others at risk. My engine could also blow up at any given time. 3.The problem has been confirmed by the Infiniti dealership (service department) during both inspections. 4.The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer. Infiniti had denied to expect responsibility per the recall and denied to replace my engine per their recall. 5.There had not been any warnings, messages or symptoms of the problem prior to getting notification of the recall or getting my vehicle inspected per the recall. This is the second complaint that I am filing against Infiniti per the recall that was called on my vehicle. My vehicle has not been serviced correctly and my engine has not been replaced.

My 2021 Infiniti QX50 is subject to Recall 25V437000 for engine bearing defects that can cause engine failure, loss of power, and fire. During the recall inspection, Cerritos Infiniti found metal debris. They first diagnosed this debris as being in the engine oil and recommended immediate engine replacement. Days later, they reversed this diagnosis, claiming the debris was only on the removed oil pan from "technician scraping" and that the engine is safe. Infiniti Corporate reviewed the dealer's evidence, denied the warranty claim for an engine replacement, and refuses to provide me with any technical documentation—photographs, video, or analysis—that would verify which diagnosis is correct. They have refused my request for an independent inspection by a Field Technical Representative at a different dealership. The dealer has now threatened 60/day storage fees to coerce me into accepting the vehicle back without any verifiable proof of engine safety. I am being forced to choose between paying punitive fees or driving an unverified vehicle with known, documented risks of catastrophic failure and fire. I am filing this complaint not to seek an engine replacement, but to request that NHTSA investigate whether Cerritos Infiniti and Infiniti Corporate have violated federal safety recall requirements by: 1. Failing to provide owners with complete and accurate information about the results of recall inspections; 2. Destroying evidence (the original contaminated oil/filter) before an independent review could occur; 3. Coercing owners into accepting potentially unsafe vehicles through punitive storage fees; 4. Failing to perform the required recall remedy—which, if "specific debris" is found, requires engine replacement—and instead substituting an unverified, undocumented "second oil change" as an informal remedy.

I proactively brought my Infiniti QX50 to the dealership for inspection due to the recall. The service department found metal in the engine, which they stated is related to a known recall issue. The service department told me that I need an engine replacement, but Infiniti has denied engine replacement despite this finding. According to the recall, metal inside the engine presents a risk of sudden engine failure, including loss of power while driving, which increases the risk of a crash. The recall exists to prevent this exact outcome, yet the manufacturer is refusing the recommended remedy. I am concerned about vehicle safety and believe this condition should qualify for engine replacement under the recall.

I took my vehicle into Roswell Infiniti to repair/replace the engine bearings as instructed on the recall notice and as it has been making noises and I have experienced rough driving. The workers did not repair or replace the bearings. And when I reported rough driving and problems with the engine, they offered to charge me 175 for a diagnostic fee. The engine is still driving rough and making knocking noises.

Vehicle: 2021 Infiniti QX50 VIN: [XXX] Mileage at second failure: 154,282 miles I am reporting a repeat engine failure involving bearing material consistent with a known Infiniti VC-Turbo engine defect. The original engine in my 2021 Infiniti QX50 failed and was replaced with a brand-new long block in May 2024 at approximately 85,700 miles. I paid for this engine replacement out of pocket because the recall had not yet been issued. After the engine replacement, the vehicle was regularly maintained with full synthetic oil at reasonable intervals. There was no sludge present in oil, upon inspection. After receiving notice of Infiniti recall R25B2, I contacted the authorized Infiniti dealer (Ed Hicks Infiniti) to request an inspection and was advised to wait because the recall was temporarily on hold. As a precaution, I had another dealership inspect the oil and oil pan on August 18, 2025, and no debris or abnormalities were found at that time. On [XXX], the vehicle experienced engine failure symptoms and was towed to Ed Hicks Infiniti. The dealer inspected the engine and confirmed bearing material present in the oil pan with no sludge. This is the same failure mode described in the recall. Infiniti denied recall coverage and goodwill assistance solely due to total vehicle mileage, despite the fact that: • The failed engine was a replacement engine installed before the recall • The failure occurred well before a reasonable engine lifespan • The failure mode matches the recall defect • There was no evidence of neglect or sludge I am reporting this to document a repeat engine failure related to a known defect and to request regulatory review, as consumers who paid for engine replacements prior to the recall appear to be excluded despite experiencing the same safety-related failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. There was an unknown message displayed on the instrument panel. The failure had occurred twice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the failure was a known issue; however, there was no repair available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the windshield had previously been replaced, but was installed incorrectly, which could have caused the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000. The VIN was not available.

Around 530pm At the corner of Briarcliff Rd NE Atlanta Ga and N Druid Hills Rd NE Atlanta GA As I was about to accelerate after the Red Light turned green, my car experienced a significant loss of power. Several warning lights came on, the engine light came on and a warning that said System Default came on. I was almost rear ended but was able to put on my hazards and coast to the side of the road, where I turned the car off and back on. It continued to display the warning and system default message as well as loss of power. I was able to coast into the parking garage at work and park. I am a healthcare worker and my shift ends at midnight. I have a 30 minute drive home and I’m afraid my car may do the same thing-lose power- and that can be catastrophic on the interstate. This is not the first time this has happened. I took my car to Infiniti and they said the recall was cancelled for now. I have two small children that I have to transport in my car and it is unsafe. We need a solution asap!

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. Based on that representation, I authorized the repair. That explanation later proved to be incorrect. On January 18, 2026, the entire under shield detached again while driving, once more tearing off the wheel well trim and additional underbody plastic components. This second incident also caused a visible gouge in a new tire. This was the second identical failure, creating a significant and ongoing safety hazard. Subsequent research shows a well-documented pattern affecting 2019–2021 Infiniti QX50 vehicles, where underbody components detach while driving. This strongly suggests a design or materials defect, not isolated maintenance error. On January 19, 2026, while driving to Naples Infiniti to drop the vehicle off following the second failure, additional plastic components detached from the vehicle, nearly causing an accident. Photographs are available documenting the damage and debris. I immediately reported this to Infiniti, and they deny any wrongdoing or vehicle design defects.

The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start and was inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was referred to Roadside Assistance to tow the vehicle to the dealer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000.

I received the recall notice approximately 2 weeks ago, the notice state “parts are anticipated to be available beginning in Q4 2025” so I did not schedule for an inspection. This morning, 09/16/2025, I was unable to accelerate after being stopped at a traffic light. I was able to get to a parking lot to have my car towed to an Infiniti Dealership/service center for $260 at their recommended tow provider. After calling the service department to inform them of my vehicle arrival, I requested they run diagnostics for the recall I had received regarding my engine. I received a call shortly after they received my vehicle informing me the diagnostics test would be $250. I agreed and after several calls with no answers I get informed my engine has failed, it is not due to the recall and my cost will be $12,100 for replacement of my engine. I was later informed they had not investigated the recall at all and I would need to sign forms for this. I feel Infiniti of Orlando is not willing to honor the recall repair and looking to take my money for the $12,100 engine replacement.

The front passenger door latch seems to go off and say that the door is open and the alarm goes off in the car so in the middle of the night, the alarm will start ringing and then when driving in the car, it constantly beeps and says the door is open when it’s closed. Sometimes you can’t open the door.

Component or System Failed: Engine failure. The vehicle is available for inspection at Sewell Infinity in Dallas, TX. Safety Risk: The engine failure The loss of acceleration created a serious safety risk. The vehicle was unable to accelerate properly in traffic, which could have caused an accident on the freeway. Fortunately, I was able to get back home and have the vehicle towed. Problem Reproduced/Confirmed: The dealership has confirmed the engine failure after their inspection. Inspection: The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership. Warning Lamps/Messages: There were no prior warning lamps or error messages before or after the engine failure. The failure occurred suddenly without warning. Additional Information: NHTSA shows my VIN [XXX] ) has an active, incomplete recall (Manufacturer Recall Number R25B2, NHTSA Recall Number 25V-437) related to engine failure. However, the dealership denied coverage under warranty citing “lack of maintenance,” even though this is an official recall repair which should be covered regardless of maintenance history. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle jerked while driving and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact called the local dealer and explained the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle could not be inspected if the failure was due to the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

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 diagnosed a failure with the engine bearings, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The VIN was included, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was later informed that the manufacturer would not cover the cost to replace the engine because the failure failed to meet the requirements for engine replacement. The failure mileage was 80,000.

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 and Engine Cooling) however, the contact was advised that the rear brake pads, rotors, mount, cabin filter, air filter, transmission flush kit, and the back rear passenger side tire balance required immediate attention for repairs. The vehicle was not repaired under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,059.

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 version)and found no codes.

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 because there has been no evident or visible vehicles in front of my vehicle when my car abruptly slams on the brakes. To me this is a safety concern. I had mentioned this concern to the service advisor at Infiniti, but he said it would cost approximately $200 just to diagnose it. My vehicle is currently at a Infiniti dealership. They found a lot of metal debris inside the oil pan.

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 last three weeks as no one can find the problem and they finally said a new engine was needed. There is on 35,000 miles on this car and we had to fight to have this replacement covered under warranty. Now that parts are back ordered and we are not receiving any help. We are three weeks without a vehicle and have no loaner vehicle. No one at Infiniti can give a timeframe for the resolution of this issue, what caused this issue and we are now very fearful that this will happen again - even with an engine replacement. This was very scary for our family and we are amazed that there was no indicator light or warning. The car didn't make any noises and was running great and then all of a sudden it would not go. Very alarming to say the least!

The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who referenced the Collision Avoidance System; however, did not diagnose the vehicle for any failure. The dealer confirmed that the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and then restarted to deactivate the check engine warning light. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 28,500.

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 noise when reversing. 2) The malfunction indicator light turning on and off intermittently. 3) Other irregular behaviors that raise concerns about engine performance and overall safety. Given the recall and these symptoms, I’d like to schedule an immediate inspection and any necessary repairs. My job requires me to drive multiple children on a daily basis and is a safety concern for the family I work for. This effects my work situation tremendously and my ability to perform my job responsibilities.

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 has not locked up or failed. I have reported the issue to the dealership, Infiniti of Gwinnett located at 3090 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30096 and am scheduling to have the dealership investigate the problem. Needless to say this is a major concern and if there are ongoing NHTSA investigations and findings I definitely want to be made aware of same. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The specific component or system which has failed and or is malfunctioning is unknown due to the fact the manufacturer and dealer were unable to properly diagnose and resolve the issue. The vehicle continues to malfunction, as of 8/28/2025. Beginning [XXX], the vehicle's engine began to make a very loud, concerning noise. The vehicle was inspected by the Infiniti of Mobile Dealership, in Mobile, Alabama on 12/18/2023. The dealership's service technician diagnosis at the time was the vehicle's radiator fan was stuck wide opened due to a failed idpm and a radiator leak from a crack. The dealership installed a motor and fan assembly and a control unit ipdm. However, the noise persisted after the "repair" and in addition, the heater/ac was not working properly. The vehicle was brought back to the same dealership on 02/22/2024 for further diagnosis. No action was taken by the dealership to repair the issue. The noise and malfunctioning of the A/C/heater persisted and became worse over time and the vehicle was then taken to the Infiniti of Memphis dealership in Memphis TN om 7/2024. The noise was much louder and the A/C stopped working in 98 degree weather as the car overheated. The vehicle's A/C continued to suddenly go out while the vehicle was in motion in high temperatures between 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, causing a health and safety concern. The dealership reviewed the history of the problem and could not properly diagnose the issue. The dealership claimed the vehicle was working exactly as it should be. The vehicle owner insisted it was not working properly and the Infiniti of Memphis Service Manager contacted the Infiniti of Mobile Service Manager and both agreed to replace the fan assembly once again. The replacement failed to repair the problem. Both dealerships stated there was nothing further it could do. The Infiniti USA manufacturer Consumer Affairs Department was contacted by the owner of the vehicle on 8/13/2024 to lodge a complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer for an oil change; however, the dealer informed the contact that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for an oil change, and the dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that there were metal flakes in the oil pan and that the flakes were believed to be caused by inconsistent oil changes. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was notified that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the dealer informed the contact that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The dealer stated that the contact was not eligible for a loaner vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that the dealer could not provide a loaner vehicle and that the art was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 90,321.

07/24/2023 Purchased car, drove approximately ten miles Tire Pressure sensor light appeared on dash screen and individual Tire Pressure reading not available. Notified dealership, appointment scheduled for the next day at GoodYear service center 07/25/2023 Good Year reset sensors. Drove approximate 10 miles, Tire Pressure light reappeared. Returned to Good Year, sensor replaced with new sensor. Once again after driving 10 miles, Tire Pressure sensor light reappeared. Notified Good Year and CarMax. Good Year offered for me to return to service and they would order sensor from local Infiniti dealership and try install new sensor, once sensor available. 07/28/2023 Car taken to local Infiniti dealership, dealership reset sensor setting. Same outcome after driving ten miles, Tire Pressure sensor light appeared. Notified dealership. Return appointment provided. 08/11/2023 return to Infiniti dealership. Unable to be seen do to staff storage. return appointment provided. Tire Pressure sensor light still appearing in dash and no individual tire pressure readings registering 08/14/2023 Returned to dealership, sensor changed recalculated. Drove car ten miles, Tire Pressure sensor light appeared and still no individual tire pressure readings registering. Called dealership, spoke with service advisor, discussed bringing car back and leaving it for further inspection. I declined offer. Spoke with CarMax, discussed issue and informed them that I will return car 08/18/2023 Car returned to CarMax. Provided manger with written info from Infiniti dealership.

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 side wheel disconnected from the axle. The air bags were deployed. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact was later treated for various nondescript injuries. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and declared a total loss by his insurance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

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 started, the warning and braking ceased and left me stunned and terrified. Had I been in traffic or on a highway, I am quite certain that I would have been rear-ended. Luckily, that was not my fate yesterday but this defect is serious and dangerous. I have contacted the dealer and dealer service department. The service department informed me that they could inspect the vehicle in 4 weeks. The dealer said that there are multiple computers in the vehicle and that computers can be glichy. This vehicle has had multiple computer issues since I first leased the car starting approximately 5 months into my lease. I have received a malfunction warning on numerous occasions and have had it in for service where they told me that they inspected the vehicle and all systems seemed to be working fine even though I showed them multiple pictures of the warning. The dealer told me that I should disregard the warning and that customers complain about it often but that it just indicates that there is snow, ice or debris covering the sensors. This is not consistent with my experience.

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 my dog while traveling with him, but there are occasions when his seat belt needs to be released, usually due to him getting tangled up. If you own a dog than you know that he will tend to want to climb on top of you as soon as he is released from his leash, so putting the button in that position represents a pretty significant safety issue for me. I have called and reported this to Infiniti, and the agent told me I needed to fashion some sort of cover for the button, and ask my dealer if there is a software solution.

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 writes it safety recall, don't clear this and why no one can clear this and help me!

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 have time out of my day to drive back and forth for you to not fix my car, he told me to go somewhere else and found Holman Infiniti, they scheduled me on 6/25, they found I needed a new camera but the part was on a national backorder no eta. on 7/6 my car auto breaked with nothing in the way on a clear sunny day, called Holman they told me this happens all the time just accelerate, the engineers know its a problem, there's not current fix and you can't turn it off and he told me to call customer assurance to open a claim which I did, on 7/7 customer assurance called me back assigned me a case manager, on 7/8 Holman told me my camera part was in stock, scheduled an appt on 7/15, on 7/18 the forward collision sensor blinked the entire drive home.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 INFINITI QX50. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED INSIDE THE GARAGE, HE DETECTED AN ABNORMAL GASOLINE ODOR. SUBURBAN INFINITI OF NOVI (24355 HAGGERTY RD, NOVI, MI 48375) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE VACUUM LINES WHICH DRAINED THE FUMES WERE DESIGNED INCORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND THE ENGINEERS WERE WORKING ON A REMEDY AND DEALERS WOULD BE MADE AWARE WHEN THE REMEDY WAS AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.