Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (230 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2019
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Mixed to negative sentiment overall.
7 problems reported (2 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 3 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentElectrical and software glitches
Includes dashboard randomly resetting while driving (causing car to shift to neutral and steering to lock), key fob not detected, remote start failure, infotainment screen blackouts, malfunctioning driver aids (Intelligent Cruise Control/Forward Emergency Braking), and erratic behavior of seat heaters and auto start/stop system.
- Very frequentExpensive maintenance and repair costs
Parts and labor are costly because the vehicle shares many components with Mercedes-Benz; repairs like a power steering pump or engine temperature control module can cost thousands of dollars.
- RecurrentTransmission issues in cold weather
Harsh shifting or "dropping hard" into first gear when the transmission is cold.
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentVarious sensor failures
Wheel speed sensors, ABS sensors, oxygen sensors, and barometric pressure sensors failing, triggering warning lights and causing system malfunctions.
- IsolatedEngine starting issues
Failure to start linked to a faulty oil sensing component; one case reported where the issue could not be resolved without an engine replacement.
- IsolatedUnusual noises and vibrations
Strange engine noises, a "pop" sound associated with the Eco mode, and a rear "wiggle" or vibration during cornering acceleration.
- IsolatedMoonroof mechanism failure
Panoramic moonroof cover becoming disconnected from its drive cables.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific trim or model year as "best." Owner discussions reference various model years (2017-2019) and trims (Sport, AWD) without a clear consensus on a preferred version. The fundamental platform and powertrain are consistent across the model run.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Mercedes-Benz GLA, Volkswagen Alltrack, Mazda CX-30, Mazda CX-5 and Acura RDX.
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Overall sentiment
Mixed to negative sentiment overall. The vehicle is praised by some owners for its attractive design, sporty driving dynamics, good fuel economy from the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and high-quality interior materials, especially when purchased as a used value proposition. However, a very strong and recurrent theme across owner discussions is significant concern over electrical and software glitches, which manifest in numerous, often dangerous, ways. Additional widespread criticism centers on high and unpredictable maintenance and repair costs, attributed to its shared Mercedes-Benz GLA underpinnings. The consensus indicates it can be a satisfying and fun-to-drive compact vehicle when functioning correctly, but ownership is frequently marred by reliability issues and expensive repairs that erode its value proposition.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a more stylish and sporty alternative to mainstream compact crossovers, but fundamentally recognized as a rebadged Mercedes-Benz GLA. Compared directly to the GLA, it is seen as offering similar driving dynamics and interior quality, often at a lower used purchase price, but inheriting the same high maintenance costs and electrical gremlins. Versus practical alternatives like the Volkswagen Alltrack or Mazda CX-5, it is viewed as more engaging to drive but significantly less reliable and more expensive to maintain. It is not generally compared favorably to established luxury competitors like the BMW X1 or Audi Q3 in terms of technology, refinement, or brand prestige, instead competing on price as a used entry-point.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available for specific configuration recommendations. Isolated mentions suggest the AWD version provides good traction in winter conditions. One owner noted that purchasing Mercedes-branded parts (e.g., ABS sensors) is often cheaper than buying the same part from Infiniti.
General recommendations
Only recommended for buyers who prioritize driving enjoyment and design over long-term reliability and cost of ownership. Essential to purchase with a comprehensive warranty due to the high likelihood of electrical and sensor failures. Not recommended as a primary family vehicle due to cramped rear seat space. Prospective buyers should budget for premium fuel and Mercedes-level repair costs. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with Mercedes-Benz components is critical. Strongly consider more reliable alternatives (e.g., Mazda CX-30, Acura RDX) unless a significant discount and warranty are secured.
Remarks
The QX30 is mechanically identical to the first-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (c. 2014-2019), sharing its engine, dual-clutch transmission, and platform. This underpinning is the root cause of both its praised driving dynamics and its heavily criticized reliability and cost profile. Owner feedback suggests electrical and software issues are pervasive and not tied to a specific model year. The brand's declining reputation and the model's discontinuation contribute to steep depreciation, making it an attractive used buy but a potentially costly long-term proposition. Analysis based on approximately 24 substantive owner discussions.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2019Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 1 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2018 | 24 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2017 | 33 | 4 | air bags |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices8 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2019 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 19V654000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2018 · seat belts:front:anchoragecampaign 18V355000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018 Infiniti QX30 vehicles. The bolt securing the right-hand side lower seat belt anchorage may have been incorrectly installed during production. This can result in the lower seat belt anchorage detaching in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with certain requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages", number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies, and number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2018 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 19V654000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2018 · air bags:frontalcampaign 17V691000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling 2017-2018 Infiniti QX30 vehicles. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.
2017 · air bags:side/windowcampaign 17V143000
Nissan North America Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Infiniti QX30 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a driver-side curtain air bag inflator initiator that may fail to ignite during a crash, preventing the air bag from deploying.
2017 · air bags:frontalcampaign 17V691000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling 2017-2018 Infiniti QX30 vehicles. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.
2017 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 16V939000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Infiniti QX30 vehicles manufactured August 11, 2016, to September 27, 2016. The affected vehicles have a passenger air bag inflator initiator that may fail to ignite during a crash, preventing the air bag from deploying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2017 · steeringcampaign 21V419000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Infiniti QX30 vehicles. The steering shaft bore hole for the universal joint bearing may allow excessive movement that, over time, could result in the separation of the bearing and universal joint.
Specifications
2.0t
2.0L 4-cylinder · 211 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2017–2026