Infiniti Q50 hybrid problems

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The Infiniti Q50 is a compact executive car manufactured by Nissan for its luxury brand, Infiniti. Replacing the G/Q40 sedan, it debuted at the 2013 North American International Auto Show and went on sale in North America in the third quarter 2013 and in Europe in fourth quarter 2013. It is the export model of the Japanese domestic market's V37 Nissan Skyline.

The design of the Q50 continues to follow the designs first shown by the 2009 Infiniti Essence concept and the production 2011 Infiniti M. The Q50 is also the first instance of a hybrid model in Infiniti's entry-level model but was later removed for the 2019 model year.

First generation

Q50 sedan (2013–)

The design was based on Infiniti Essence (crescent-cut C-pillar, deep body section, asymmetrical cabin layout, interior finishes) and Infiniti Etherea (headlights, three-dimensional double-arch grille, interior finishes). The production Q50 design was frozen in June 2011, after being designed by Joel Baek under Shiro Nakamura.

The Q50 sedan was unveiled at the 2013 North American International Auto Show, followed by the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow, 2013 Geneva Motor Show (with Hybrid and 2.2d), 2013 Dubai International Motor Show, Auto Guangzhou Motor Show in China (with 2.0-liter (214PS) turbocharged engine from Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz)), and Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong.

Early US and Canada models include 3.7-liter V6 (333PS), 3.5-liter Hybrid (364 PS), each in a choice of rear-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and in a selection of trim levels, including Sport models.

US models went on sale in August 2013.

Early Canadian models include 3.7-liter V6 (Q50 RWD, Q50 Sport RWD, Q50 Premium AWD, Q50 Premium AWD Navi, Q50 Premium AWD Navi and Deluxe Touring and Tech, Q50 Sport AWD, Q50 Sport AWD Deluxe Touring and Tech) and 3.5-liter Hybrid (Q50 Hybrid Premium RWD, Q50 Hybrid Premium AWD, Q50 Hybrid Sport AWD).

The early European models included 2.2d and hybrid. Infiniti's 2.0 RWD (211 PS) model was added in 2014.

In China the 2014 Q50 3.7L was sold as an imported vehicle until production in China could begin. The 2.0 RWD (211 PS) model and the Q50 Hybrid also joined the line up.

Middle East models was set to go on sale in spring 2014 as 2014 model year vehicles. Early models include 3.7-liter V6 and 3.5-liter Hybrid, both in rear-wheel drive.

Australian models went on sale in February 2014, launching with the 2.2d diesel and 3.5 gasoline hybrid models.

Hong Kong models went on sale as 2014 model year vehicles.

photo of Infiniti Q50 hybrid car production

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Infiniti Q50 hybrid model years

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Common Infiniti Q50 hybrid problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Infiniti Q50 Hybrid, some common problems with this car include issues with the brakes, ABS sensor, AC compressor, and variable brake performance.

  1. Brake Problems:
    Owners have reported issues with the brake pedal feeling spongy, leading to longer braking distances and potential accidents. This problem has been traced back to the master cylinder and plungers inside them. Premature brake pad and rotor wear have also been noted, with some owners experiencing brake issues at low mileage.
  2. ABS Sensor Failure:
    Some owners have faced ABS sensor failures, causing the car to jerk and become undrivable. While this issue was resolved with a sensor replacement, it led to inconvenience and unexpected costs.
  3. AC Compressor Malfunction:
    At around 40,000 miles, some owners have encountered AC compressor failures. Due to the unique nature of the hybrid's AC compressor, repairs required specific parts and expertise. Fortunately, these repairs were covered under warranty.
  4. Variable Brake Performance:
    The variable brake system in the hybrid has been described as feeling unusual at times. Owners have noted that the braking performance can be inconsistent, potentially affecting the driving experience.

These problems highlight some of the challenges that owners of the Infiniti Q50 Hybrid may face, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and awareness of these potential issues to ensure a smooth driving experience.

Infiniti Q50 hybrid

What is the most common problem with INFINITI Q50?

Most Common Infiniti Q50 Problems

  • Steering Wheel Lock Failure. One of the most commonly reported problems with the Infiniti Q50 is a failure of the steering wheel lock mechanism. ...
  • Fuel Pump Failure. ...
  • Transmission Issues. ...
  • Air Conditioning Problems. ...
  • Electrical Problems. ...
  • Braking System Issues. ...
  • Engine Problems.

Is the Infiniti Q50 Hybrid a good car?

This engine is able to accelerate the vehicle from 0 to 60 MPH in just 5.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155 MPH. Because it's an Infiniti, drivers can also trust that the Q50 will provide excellent handling and comfort in all conditions. Even the 2018 model is remarkably strong by today's EV standards.

What is the life expectancy of Infiniti Q50 hybrid?

Fortunately, the Q50's inherent reliability has supported its life expectancy rather well. With proper maintenance, the Infiniti Q50 can last up to 200,000 miles. If you typically drive around 15,000 miles yearly, you can expect the Q50 to remain reliable for approximately 15 to 20 years.

How long do INFINITI hybrid batteries last?

How long does the battery of a hybrid INFINITI car last? Most hybrid batteries should take drivers about 100,000 miles. With excellent maintenance, some owners are able to push this number to 200,000.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Infiniti Q50 hybrid years

We have researched Infiniti problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Infiniti Q50 hybrid cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Infiniti Q50 hybrid model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Infiniti Q50 hybrid model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Infiniti Q50 hybrid years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Infiniti Q50 hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Infiniti Q50 hybrid , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Steering problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Power train problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Infiniti Q50 hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Q50 hybrid model years

A total of 31 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Q50 hybrid model years

There were a total of 4 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Q50 hybrid model years

There were a total of 20 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Q50 hybrid model years

There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 275 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Infiniti Q50 hybrid . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Infiniti Q50 hybrid vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Infiniti Q50 hybrid 2015
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
  • VIN: JN1BV7AP5FM
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: Upon driving when purchased the Engine Light for the Air Bags illuminated. Upon researching the issue the problem seems to be a common problem for vehicles of this make and problem. 90% of the time requiring the owner to take the vehicle to the dealership.Since it is a trend and ongoing I wanted to report the issue.
Infiniti Q50 hybrid 2015
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-07-16
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-23
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JN1BV7AR4FM
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: I was in a car accident during the summer, I was driving at speed limit when I came out the curve the car started sliding, and I went off the road and roll over at 4 times and ended up in a ditch upside in some water, but NO AIRBAGS went off I have pictures showing so, I try to tell the dealer I bought it from Car Max and even my insurance but no one seem to care but now I found this page. I also had a police on site and no ticket was issued to me since no proof of me driving recklessly I did have a police report but I can’t find it since it was back in the summer
Infiniti Q50 hybrid 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-02
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-12
  • VIN: JN1BV7AP9EM
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: The transmission Valve Assembly Control Module and Vehicle Speed Sensors have both failed. The car will not shift out of 2nd gear and cannot go faster than 40 mph. This is a safety issue. I had my car inspected by a certified mechanic and he diagnosed the problem. He also stated that that he has seen this a lot with Infinitis. I have maintained my car well but this is Not a maintenance issue. There are thousands of infiniti owners online stating that they had the exact same problem. I filed a case with Infiniti #52260861. This is a design flaw with All Infiniti cars and SUV's and it should be a Recall or at a minimum fixed for free by Infiniti. It cost me $3,500 to have my car fixed and this should be paid by Infiniti to me and all other Infiniti owners with this same problem.
Infiniti Q50 hybrid 2015
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-05
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-09
  • VIN: JN1BV7AR9FM
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: P0500 vehicle speed sen/cir P0720 a/t veh speed sen/ circuit-or- output speed sensor P1574 ascd vhcl apps sensor - or lcc vhl spd sen (icc models) My safety was put at risk when the vehicle hesitated and stop changing gears while traffic was behind me. The vehicle was inspected by a local dealership which was Nissan and also Infiniti including a transmission shop named ammco. There were no warning lights that would indicate the vehicle was failing until April the 5th
Infiniti Q50 hybrid 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-13
  • VIN: JN1AV7AP4EM
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: Driving car normally and car randomly put itself in 3rd gear and slammed down hard almost making me cause a crash and injury to me. Went to dealership they told me I need a new transmission due to valve body that they don’t sell by itself. This is the second time a replacement was done and it happened
Infiniti Q50 hybrid 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-12
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-10
  • VIN: JN1BV7AR8EM
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: Valve body failure
Infiniti Q50 hybrid 2015
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-07
  • VIN: JN1BV7AR4FM
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Valve body on my car and friends have gone bad, it’s a known issue within the Infiniti vq37 community
Infiniti Q50 hybrid 2015
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-03-17
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-06
  • VIN: JN1BV7AR8FM
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: Transmission valve body failed and is a common problem for 2014-2016 I was on a busy road and the car threw check engine light and wouldn’t accelerate any more. I risked my safety and others because I was stopped in the middle of the road and lots of commuters passing by and the vehicle was fully registered and inspected by the state prior that happened but it’s a common problem that you’ll never know when it will fail.
Infiniti Q50 hybrid 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-24
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-06
  • VIN: JN1BV7AP4EM
  • Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
  • Summary: While driving and using the air conditioning system coming out of the vents, the drivers side windows fog up and cannot be cleared with a rag or paper towel. This causes the drivers side windows to become heavily congested causing it virtually impossible to see out of the window and look into the drivers side mirror causing a major blind spot. This is especially troubling in the warmer weather. I’ve avoided two accidents because of the the blind spots this creates not being able to see out of the drivers side window and trying to look into the drivers side mirror to see if the left lane is safe to merge into to.
Infiniti Q50 hybrid 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-02
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-06
  • VIN: JN1BV7ARXEM
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: Valve body went out at 90k miles . This is way common and i took care of the car.
Infiniti Q50 hybrid 2015
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-05
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-06
  • VIN: JN1BV7AP0FM
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: The valve body went bad at 164k miles. Im not the only one. On all the forums and fb groups im on, there are hundreds of valv bodys going bad on the q50s for this general area of the year. On my facebook group i have seen 4 people in the past 2 days with theirs going out. Code p0720. Mine is being hauled to the shop right now so i dont have paperwork of replacement at this time for a few days
Infiniti Q50 hybrid 2015
  • Date Of Incident: 2022-08-06
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-06
  • VIN: JN1BV7ARXFM
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: Valve body went out with 89k miles and had to get transmission replaced.
Infiniti Q50 hybrid 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-08-14
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-06
  • VIN: JN1BV7AR5EM
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: Transmission valve body has failed 2 times in less than 4 years of ownership
Infiniti Q50 hybrid 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-20
  • Date Complaint: 2024-06-28
  • VIN: JN1BV7APXEM
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: Received PO270 code which is speed output sensor which requires valve body and TCM to be replaced. Dealership stated that there should be recall but is not. Very common issue and Infiniti would not provide any help.
Infiniti Q50 hybrid 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-05-20
  • Date Complaint: 2024-06-21
  • VIN: JN1BV7AP9EM
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: Transmission will not shift out of 3rd gear. I was driving down the freeway in 7th gear doing 75mph when all of sudden the transmission threw itself into 2nd gear then to 3rd. It felt like I was driving over a very large boulder and my transmission was being ripped out from under the car. Then my check engine light came on. So I had it towed home. I went for a test drive and the car will shift 1st, 2nd then 3rd but won’t go to 4th. It just stays in 3rd, it doesn’t slow down, it continues to rise in rpm and speed but won’t go out of 3rd gear. It also will not go into the manual shift mode either. I have read online about thousands of others with the same exact transmission having the same exact problem. I almost was not able to control my car so it most definitely is a big safety issue. I had autozone run a scan on it and it popped up all of these codes. My dash had zero warning lights at all before the incident happened.

Latest 5 recalls Infiniti Q50 hybrid

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the Infiniti Q50 hybrid.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Infiniti Q50 hybrid 2015
  • Report Received Date: 2016-06-13
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING
  • Summary: Nissan North America, Inc.'s (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Infiniti Q50 vehicles manufactured December 26, 2012, to December 11, 2015, and Infiniti Q50 Hybrid vehicles manufactured December 10, 2012, to December 17, 2015. The Direct Adaptive Steering system may experience an error at vehicle start up altering the vehicle's steering responsiveness and turning radius.
  • Consequence: If the vehicle does not steer as the driver anticipates, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Direct Adaptive Steering ECU software, free of charge. The recall began on August 12, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
  • Model: Infiniti Q50 hybrid 2014
  • Report Received Date: 2016-06-13
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING
  • Summary: Nissan North America, Inc.'s (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Infiniti Q50 vehicles manufactured December 26, 2012, to December 11, 2015, and Infiniti Q50 Hybrid vehicles manufactured December 10, 2012, to December 17, 2015. The Direct Adaptive Steering system may experience an error at vehicle start up altering the vehicle's steering responsiveness and turning radius.
  • Consequence: If the vehicle does not steer as the driver anticipates, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Direct Adaptive Steering ECU software, free of charge. The recall began on August 12, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
  • Model: Infiniti Q50 hybrid 2015
  • Report Received Date: 2016-04-26
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
  • Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
  • Consequence: If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
  • Remedy: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
  • Model: Infiniti Q50 hybrid 2014
  • Report Received Date: 2016-04-26
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
  • Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
  • Consequence: If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
  • Remedy: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
  • Model: Infiniti Q50 hybrid 2014
  • Report Received Date: 2014-09-22
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
  • Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Infiniti M35 hybrid vehicles manufactured April 7, 2012, to September 9, 2013, 2014 Infiniti Q50 hybrid vehicles manufactured December 10, 2012, to July 15, 2014, and 2014-2015 Infiniti Q70 hybrid vehicles manufactured April 9, 2010, to May 7, 2014. Due to a software error, In the affected vehicles, if the signal is lost from one of the two throttle position sensors (TPS), the engine control module (ECM) will go into a fail-safe mode, partially closing the throttle chamber. Should the lost signal be restored, the throttle chamber may open, regardless of the position signal from the TPS.
  • Consequence: The vehicle may gradually accelerate due to the throttle chamber reopening. This unexpected acceleration may increase the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECM, free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

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