2020 Infiniti Q50 problems

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.
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Common 2020 Infiniti Q50 problems
The Infiniti Q50 is a luxury sports sedan that has been a popular choice among car enthusiasts since its introduction in 2014. However, like any vehicle, drivers have reported some common Infiniti Q50 issues. Here are some of the most commonly reported problems with the Infiniti Q50, particularly the 2020 model:
- Steering Wheel Lock Failure: One of the most commonly reported problems with the Infiniti Q50 is a failure of the steering wheel lock mechanism. This problem typically occurs when the car is parked, and the driver attempts to start the engine. In some cases, the steering wheel lock may become stuck, preventing the car from starting. This can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous problem, as it can leave drivers stranded without warning.
- Fuel Pump Failure: Another one of the most common Infiniti Q50 issues is fuel pump failure. This can cause the engine to stall or not start at all, leaving drivers stranded on the side of the road. In some cases, the fuel pump may need to be replaced entirely, which can be a costly repair.
- Transmission Issues: Infiniti Q50 transmission issues are some of the top reported problems by owners. Some drivers have reported a delay in acceleration or shifting, while others have reported a loud clunking noise when shifting gears. In some cases, the transmission may need to be replaced entirely.
- Air Conditioning Problems: Some Q50 owners have reported problems with the car’s air conditioning system. The most common issue is a lack of cold air, even when the air conditioning is turned on. This can be especially frustrating during hot summer months when drivers rely on their air conditioning to keep them comfortable.
- Electrical Problems: Many owners have reported various electrical problems with the Infiniti Q50. These issues can range from minor problems like a malfunctioning dashboard display to more serious issues like a complete electrical failure. In some cases, these problems can be caused by a faulty alternator or battery, which can be replaced relatively easily.
- Braking System Issues: Another one of the top Infiniti Q50 problems that owners have reported is related to the car’s braking system. This can include problems with the brake pads, rotors, or calipers. In some cases, the brakes may squeak or grind when applied, which can be a sign of worn brake pads or rotors. In more severe cases, the brakes may fail entirely, which can be a significant safety hazard.
- Engine Problems: Finally, some Infiniti Q50 owners have reported various engine problems with their cars. These can include issues with the engine’s sensors, oil leaks, or misfiring cylinders. In some cases, these problems can be relatively minor and easy to fix. However, in more severe cases, they may require significant engine work, which can be costly and time-consuming.
It is important to note that these problems are not necessarily unique to the 2020 Infiniti Q50, and some of them may be more common in other model years. However, these are some of the most commonly reported problems that owners of the 2020 Infiniti Q50 have experienced.
What issues does the Infiniti Q50 have?
One of the most commonly reported problems with the Infiniti Q50 is a failure of the steering wheel lock mechanism. This problem typically occurs when the car is parked, and the driver attempts to start the engine. In some cases, the steering wheel lock may become stuck, preventing the car from starting.
Is 2020 Infiniti Q50 reliable?
How Reliable Is the 2020 Infiniti Q50? The 2020 Infiniti Q50 has a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
Is Infiniti Q50 high maintenance?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a INFINITI Q50 is $648, compared to an average of $739 for luxury midsize cars and $652 for all vehicle models.
What year Q50 is most reliable?
All in all, the most reliable Infiniti Q50 year is the 2021 Infiniti Q50. However, you'll generally be safe purchasing a used Infiniti Q50 from any time after 2015. The more recent you go with these cars, the more reliable they become (even though their asking prices also go up).
2020 Infiniti Q50 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Infiniti Q50 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Infiniti Q50 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2020 Infiniti Q50 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Infiniti Q50.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-11
- VIN: JN1EV7AR8LM
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: FORWARD EMERGENCY BRAKING (FEB) ACTIVATING WHEN NOT NEEDED. JANUARY 11TH 2020 FIRST DAY OF OWNING INFNITI Q50 LUXE 3.0T NO PACKAGES, ONLY FEB (WHICH IS STANDARD ON ALL Q50 NOW) DRIVING HOME FROM KELLY INFINITI OF DENVERS, MA DEALERSHIP. ALLEN RD EXTENTION - SPEED LIMIT 30MPH, SLIGHTLY WINDY ROAD, WET, POSSIBILITY OF BLACK ICE. ALL OF A SUDDEN, WITH NOT A SINGLE CAR AHEAD OF ME AND NO CARS GOING TOWARD ME - CAR STARTS TO BRAKE LIKE COLLUSSION TO SOME IMAGINARY OBJECT IS UNAVOIDABLE. WAS ABLE TO STAY ON THE ROAD. FEW DAYS AFTER THAT - DRIVING FROM NASHUA, NH TO MY HOUSE AT 159 ALLEN RD BY HIGHWAY RT 3 (55 MPH). DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE, SWITCHING INTO THE LEFT LANE TO PASS SLOW MOVING CAR IN MIDDLE LANE. THERE ARE TWO CARS IN THE LEFT LANE AND PLENTY OF SPACE IN BETWEEN THEM. DISTANCE TO THE CAR AHEAD OF ME IN LEFT LANE IS ABOUT 10-12 YEARDS. TO THE CAR BEHIND - 15-20 YEARDS. ALL OF A SUDDNE WHEN I ALREADY MOVED INTO THE LEFT LANE CAR STARTS TO BRAKE LIKE THERE IS NO TOMORROW, CAR BEHIND ME ALMOST REAR ENDED ME. WHAT WAS WORSE - THE PERSON IN THAT CAR THOUGHT I DID THAT ON PURPOSE AND CRAZY PERSON STARTS TO CHASE ME SITTING DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO MY REAR BUMPER. THEN HE/SHE PASSES ME AND HITS THE BRAKES IN FRONT OF ME - I BARELY AVOIDED REAR ENDING THAT CAR AT HIGHWAY SPEED. FRIDAY JANUARY 24TH 2020 DRIVING ON RT 3 (SPEED LIMIT 55MPH) DRIVING IN THE RIGHT LANE, SLOW MOVING TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME, CHANGING LANE TO THE LEFT (MIDDLE LANE), IN THE PROCESS OF PASSING THE TRUCK - ALREADY DRIVING BY THE TRUCK'S SIDE - ALL OF A SUDDNE CAR STARTS TO BRAKE SO HARD THAT CAR STATS TO SWAY AND I SEE IN THE RIGHT REAR VIEW MIRROW THAT TRUNK OF MY CAR IS UNDER THE TRUCK. MIRCIOUSLY I WAS ABLE TO MANAGE TO ESCAPE THIS SITUATION. THIS CAR WITH THIS TECHNOLOGY IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, IT WILL CAUSE MORE ACCIDENTS THAN PREVENT.
Negative 2020 Infiniti Q50 car reviews
Positive 2020 Infiniti Q50 car reviews
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I fell in love with the car right after I test drove it. The twin turbo charge engine is definitely on top of the game. I can already tell that this engine is bullet proof. I would definitely buy this car again. Waiting for the 400Z to come out, apparently it's supposed to have the same engine. Go Q50!
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The RedSport is a fantastic car that offers a unique driving experience. It has the explosive power of an M3, but without the constant adrenaline rush. While it may not be as refined as an Audi S4, it is certainly more comfortable than both. As someone who has owned over 30 BMWs, I can confidently say that the Redsport is a much better value and offers more reasonable repair options. Some people may find the wind noise and lack of subtleties to be an issue, but overall, the Redsport is a complete car that provides a comfortable driving experience 100% of the time. I highly recommend it over the BMW M3, as it offers a more well-rounded driving experience.
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I leased my car in March 2019 and it has been an absolute pleasure to drive, with only 29K on the odometer. I have taken good care of it, changing the oil 3 times (every 10k as per dealer), changing cabin filters at each 10K service, and changing brake fluid at 20K. The acceleration is fantastic, but I need to be careful because it can quickly exceed the speed limit. The Brembo brakes are definitely appreciated! The seats are comfortable and the sound system is great. The only downsides are the lack of access to Apple Car Play, which is a huge negative, especially since my 2018 Nissan Rogue has access to it, and the pricey tires that needed to be changed at 23,000 miles for $400 each. However, I bought out my lease in May of 2022 and have no regrets.
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So, I've been driving this car since 2018. It's a Red Sport, so the horsepower and pick up are fantastic. I've put 70,000 miles on it and haven't had any brake work, engine, transmission, or mechanical problems of any kind - just regular oil changes. I'm surprised that the reviews aren't more positive, because this car is wonderful. I hope they keep making them!
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This car's acceleration is awesome! I totally agree with you that the stock exhaust was too quiet for a car with sporting intentions, so I bought the aftermarket Inifini straight pipe axle back exhaust. It's loud, but I absolutely love the rumble. I have so much fun driving it and I find myself flooring the accelerator as often as conditions permit!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2020 Infiniti Q50 problems:

Q50 3.0T owners what is a common issue you all run into. : r/q50
Jul 24, 2023 ... 11K subscribers in the q50 community. A great forum that lets you discuss all things that are related to the Infiniti Q50!
Best source for Infiniti common issues/problems? | Infiniti Q50 Forum
Mar 16, 2023 ... Of course this would apply to all makes, but I'm curious if a reliable source exists that lists common problems or issues for vehicles.

2020 Quality Issues : r/q50
Sep 21, 2020 ... The drop in quality over only 2 years is disappointing. The backup camera looks noticeably grainy like they greatly reduced the resolution. It ...
Most Common Infiniti Q50 Problems - GT Automotive
Apr 13, 2023 ... Another one of the most common Infiniti Q50 issues is fuel pump failure. This can cause the engine to stall or not start at all, leaving drivers ...
2020 INFINITI Q50 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2020 INFINITI Q50? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Nathanial Murazik 2024-10-04
The car was very small, but I loved that it had a sporty and flashy look. Unfortunately, I had to trade it in because I'm 6ft tall and weigh 240 pounds, so I was too big for this car. Although I enjoyed its speed and ability to move through traffic quickly, I disliked how low it was to the ground. I only owned the car for a little over two years.
Guiseppe Spinka 2024-06-21
My husband and I have been loyal Infiniti lessees for over a decade, having owned a total of four Infinitis. Unfortunately, our latest 2018 q50 has been quite a challenge. We have had to replace the transmission twice, all four tires, and the lock on the back door is currently not functioning. Despite having no accidents and only driving 20,000 miles in three years, we have had to take the car in for repairs numerous times. This has been especially difficult for us as we were pregnant and working as health workers during the pandemic, when loaner cars were not always available. One time, our back door lock broke with our newborn in the back, leaving us with no way to get in except by climbing through the front. It has been a frustrating experience, as we expected a reliable luxury car. We are disappointed with our experience and have decided not to lease an Infiniti again.
Wilbert Shields 2024-03-21
I empathize with the person who now owns this car. It's unfortunate to hear about the safety concerns with the q50 and the lack of concern from the manufacturer. However, I'm glad to hear that sales have fallen. I had some issues with my own q50, such as drifting to the right and a blown-out tire, but unfortunately, roadside assistance was not helpful. Despite these issues, I still had to purchase new tires and replace the rim. It's frustrating that the manufacturer claims the car is designed to drift to the right, but I can't find any evidence to support this. It's important to note that cars are designed to fight roadcrown, and I've never owned a car that felt so unsafe. I had to pay a significant amount to fix the issue with the lower control arm bushings, which were defective and leaking. Additionally, the fuel rails were also defective and leaking gas. Despite these challenges, I have put 25k miles on the car.