2021 Infiniti QX50: common problems and reliability
One of the worst QX50 years.
One of the Infiniti QX50 years to avoid. All QX50 years
40 owner complaints, most about engine. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 QX50?The 2021 Infiniti QX50 has 40 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. Owners most often flag vc-turbo engine reliability: catastrophic engine failures and fires due to manufacturing defects in engine bearings, leading to a major recall for 2019-2021 models.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Infiniti QX50 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other QX50 years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the QX50?
Across the 11 QX50 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (2014) to 139 (2019). With 40 complaints, the 2021 QX50 sits above the model's median of 13.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 QX50
suspension:rear:axle:spindle
Campaign 21V402000Nissan 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.
engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
Campaign 25V437000Nissan 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation, with a clear consensus that the 2016-2017 (first-generation) models are highly regarded, while the 2019+ (second-generation) models are widely criticized.
- Very frequentVC-Turbo engine reliability
Catastrophic engine failures and fires due to manufacturing defects in engine bearings, leading to a major recall for 2019-2021 models.
Owner insights cover all generations of the QX50. See the full QX50 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used QX50 listings typically run $32,905–$38,000 across 2021 to 2025 model years.
Other QX50 model years
Compare every QX50 year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the QX50 against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy