YearToAvoid

2020 Infiniti QX50 Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 22 of 32 complaints (69%) filed on the 2020 Infiniti QX50, with a median failure mileage of 51,000. Recall 25V437000 covers spun engine bearings that can cause sudden power loss on this variable-compression engine.

Engine complaints
22
69% of 32
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
51,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report a fuel smell inside or around the vehicle, sometimes tied to an acknowledged crankcase issue.
  • Some describe a knocking sound followed by loss of power, later traced by dealers to a spun engine bearing.
  • Others report intermittent shaking at idle and a grinding sensation during acceleration, described as early warning signs of the bearing defect.
  • Several complaints mention sudden loss of power or failure to accelerate while driving, some occurring in traffic.
  • A few owners note stuttering, unusual engine noises, and uneven acceleration after receiving the recall notice.
  • Some report the check engine and malfunction lights coming on along with a heavy smog-like smell and high RPMs.

When 2020 Infiniti QX50 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 8, 2021, latest Sep 2, 2026.

2020 Infiniti QX50 engine complaints: complaints filed per month6Mar 2021Jun 2025Sep 2025Jan 2026Sep 2026
22 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2021 to Sep 2026; peak Nov 2025 (6).

Engine recalls for the 2020 Infiniti QX50

  1. NHTSA 25V437000Jun 27, 2025Engine443,899 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical

    Nissan 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.

    Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. A bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk of an engine fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or Infiniti's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R25A8/A9 and R25B1/B2.

Engine complaints by QX50 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20140 (0%)
  2. 20151 (33%)
  3. 20168 (42%)
  4. 20172 (15%)
  5. 201988 (63%)
  6. 202022 (69%)
  7. 202126 (65%)
  8. 20223 (19%)
  9. 20231 (25%)
  10. 20241 (25%)
  11. 20251 (100%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2020 Infiniti QX50?
Engine issues make up 22 of the 32 total complaints filed for the 2020 QX50, or 69% of all complaints for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Infiniti QX50 engine?
Yes. Recall 25V437000, reported in 2025, covers 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50 vehicles with the 2.0L variable compression turbo engine. Nissan is reprogramming the engine control module software at no cost.
At what mileage do 2020 QX50 engine problems usually occur?
NHTSA data lists a median mileage of 51,000 at the time of failure for engine-related complaints on the 2020 QX50.
Did the 2020 QX50 engine problems cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to the engine complaints filed for the 2020 QX50.
How does the 2020 QX50 compare to other years for engine complaints?
The 2020 QX50 shows 69% of complaints tied to the engine, similar to the 2019 (63%) and 2021 (65%) model years, all higher than most other QX50 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.