YearToAvoid

2021 Infiniti Q50 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Best

Complaint Index

22/100

#8 most-complained of 10 Q50 years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2021 Infiniti Q50 has a Complaint Index of 22, the second-lowest among 10 model years, and ranks 8th worst (Best verdict). It has 6 complaints, 3 recalls, and no fires, injuries, or deaths reported.

Complaints
6
Recalls
3
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
22
19.5 city / 26.5 hwy

Top 2021 Infiniti Q50 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine3 (50%)
  2. Airbags1 (17%)
  3. Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (17%)
  4. Structure & Body1 (17%)
  5. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (17%)
  6. Transmission & Powertrain1 (17%)

What owners report

  • Owners report the airbag warning light illuminating without a clear cause, with one case reported around 44,000 miles at the median for this issue.
  • Owners describe the engine failing to accelerate past 10 MPH even with the pedal fully depressed, occurring at highway speeds around 70-80 MPH, alongside a check engine light, at a median 82,000 miles.
  • One owner found nails in the tires after a dealer maintenance visit and later replacement, tied to the suspension and tire problem area at 44,000 miles.
2021 Infiniti Q50 complaints: complaints filed per month3Apr 2022Jan 2024Aug 2024Feb 2026Sep 2026
8 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2022 to Sep 2026; peak Sep 2026 (3).

2021 Infiniti Q50 recalls

3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 21V599000Aug 2, 2021Collision Avoidance & Cameras3,569 vehicles

    Back over prevention:display function

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Infinity Q50, Q60, and QX80 vehicles. A software error may deactivate the audio/video control unit screen, preventing the rear-view image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk: A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 14, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R21A9.

  2. NHTSA 21V402000May 27, 2021Suspension, Wheels & Tires14,276 vehicles

    Suspension:rear:axle:spindle

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  3. NHTSA 21V234000Apr 4, 2021Engine12,943 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ECM):software

    Nissan North America, Inc. (INFINITI) is recalling certain 2021 INFINITI Q50 and Q60 vehicles. After detecting rapid acceleration, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may incorrectly reduce engine power and reduce fuel supply to the engine.

    Risk: A lack of fuel may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: INFINITI will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECM software, free of charge. The recall began on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200. INFINITI's number for this recall is R20C5.

2021 Infiniti Q50 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
19.5 MPG
Highway
26.5 MPG
Combined
22 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,650
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2021 compared with other Q50 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2019Caution5630122.5
2020No verdict113022
2021Best226322
2022No verdict01022
2023Good338022

All Infiniti Q50 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Infiniti Q50 reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 Q50 ranks 8th worst out of 10 model years with a Complaint Index of 22, earning a Best verdict relative to other Q50 years.
What problems does the 2021 Infiniti Q50 have?
The top problem area is the engine, accounting for 50% of complaints, with issues reported at a median of 82,000 miles. Other areas include airbags, suspension, and collision avoidance systems, each with 1 complaint.
Does the 2021 Infiniti Q50 have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 Q50: one for a rear-view camera software error, one for a front steering knuckle or rear axle housing strength issue, and one for an Engine Control Module software error that can reduce power after rapid acceleration.
What year Infiniti Q50 should I avoid?
Among Q50 years, 2014 and 2015 have the highest Complaint Index scores, 100 and 89 respectively, and both carry an Avoid verdict. The 2021 model year is comparatively strong with an index of 22.
How does the 2021 Q50 compare to other years?
The 2021 Q50 has a Complaint Index of 22 and 6 complaints, lower than years like 2014 (169 complaints, index 100) and 2017 (62 complaints, index 78), placing 2021 among the better Q50 model years.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.