2021 Infiniti QX50Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 41 owner complaints about the 2021 Infiniti QX50, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-437 the manufacturer reports only 73% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 6, 2026. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2021 Infiniti QX50 has problems

41 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine181
Forward collision avoidance80
Electrical system81
Engine and engine cooling70
Service brakes40
Power train42
Vehicle speed control10
Wheels10
Exterior lighting10
5 other systems50

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2021 Infiniti QX50 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

73%repaired · 2026 Q3

Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical

Recall 25V-437 · Jun 27, 2025 · 443,899 vehicles · 325,241 repaired

Risk. Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

88%repaired · 2023 Q2

Spindle: arm

Recall 21V-402 · May 27, 2021 · 14,276 vehicles · 12,630 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Infiniti.

Best & worst years

2021 vs. every other QX50 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the QX50 median. How we score

'16'17'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2021 Infiniti QX50 safety ratings

2021 Infiniti QX50 SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

★★★★★Overall rating
2021 Infiniti QX50 frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crash★★★★★
2021 Infiniti QX50 side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrier★★★★★
2021 Infiniti QX50 side pole test, NHTSA
Side pole★★★★★
  • Rollover: 4 stars (14.7% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Standard
  • Lane departure warning: Standard
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2021 Infiniti QX50, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Complete loss of motive power due to engine failurePE23023 · closed Jul 18, 2025
    Led to recall 25V-437
In owners' words

What QX50 owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

My 2021 Infiniti QX50 has suffered a catastrophic internal engine failure. This vehicle is explicitly covered under active federal safety recall NHTSA Campaign 25V437000 (Infiniti Campaign R25A8/A9 / R25B1/B2) for defective, failing main and link bearings. The Infiniti dealership is actively…
Complaint 11761058 · Aug 31, 2026
On June 16, 2026, a 2021 Infiniti QX50 experienced a safety-related malfunction while being driven at approximately 15–20 mph. The vehicle suddenly jerked, lost power response, displayed multiple warning lights, showed a “System Fault – See Owner’s Manual” message, and became unresponsive/difficult…
Complaint 11747250 · Jun 29, 2026
There is an active and unremedied safety recall on my 2021 Infiniti QX50 (NHTSA Recall #25V-437) for a critical engine defect that can result in complete engine failure and risk of fire. The recall was issued on June 26, 2025. I am an active-duty military member stationed in Germany. I shipped my…
Complaint 11745834 · Jun 23, 2026

Own a 2021 QX50?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.