Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti Q50 vs Infiniti Q60
How the Infiniti Q50 and Infiniti Q60 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Infiniti Q50 vs Infiniti Q60: The Q50 has 142 complaints over 10 years (14.2/yr) and 11 recalls, while the Q60 has 80 complaints over 8 years (10.0/yr) and 6 recalls. Both suffer from engine and airbag issues, but the Q60 adds a steering defect. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti Q50 or Infiniti Q60 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti Q50
The Infiniti Q50 is a compact executive sedan that, based on owner complaints, tends to have persistent engine and electrical issues. With 142 complaints over 10 years (14.2/yr), the most common problems involve the engine (turbocharger failures, stalling), electrical system (backup camera and airbag sensor malfunctions), and airbag system (warning lights and non-deployment concerns). Owners also report unwanted forward emergency braking activation, which can be startling in traffic.
Infiniti Q60
The Infiniti Q60 is a sporty coupe sharing many components with the Q50, but with fewer total complaints (80 over 8 years, 10.0/yr). Its top issues are engine problems (including a shared Mercedes-derived crankcase ventilation valve fault and unintended acceleration), airbag system failures (occupant sensor malfunctions disabling the passenger airbag), and steering defects (loss of control with the drive-by-wire system). The lower complaint rate suggests slightly better reliability, but the steering issue is a serious safety concern.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti Q50 | Infiniti Q60 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 142 | 80 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 | 6 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 | 4 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 14.2 | 10.0 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 5 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Infiniti Q50
- 01ENGINE44
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER22
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM19
- 04AIR BAGS18
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM17
Owners report turbocharger system failures and increased RPMs with loss of power/stalling, often linked to a known TSB. This can cause sudden loss of acceleration, a serious safety hazard in traffic.
Backup camera failures and airbag occupant sensor malfunctions are common. The camera may not display, and the sensor can disable the passenger airbag, leaving occupants unprotected.
The airbag warning light illuminates and the system may not deploy in a crash. Dealers have confirmed defective systems, posing a critical safety risk.
Forward emergency braking activates unexpectedly, causing sudden stops without reason. This can lead to rear-end collisions or panic maneuvers.
“Filing this complaint regarding a safety-related defect involving the turbocharger system on my 2018 INFINITI Q50. The vehicle has approximately 46,000 miles and is 8 years old. INFINITI/Nissan has acknowledged through its own Technical Service Bulletins (TSB…”
“2/1/2023 we took our 2018 Q50 to the Infiniti dealership and service center. The engine was having issues, increased RPMs while simultaneously experiencing loss of power/stalling. This was experienced by both my wife and I. Infiniti's determination was the Ma…”
Infiniti Q60
- 01ENGINE19
- 02AIR BAGS19
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER12
- 04STEERING10
- 05POWER TRAIN8
Recurring P052E fault (crankcase ventilation valve) and unintended acceleration incidents are reported. The valve issue can cause rough running, while unintended acceleration is a major safety concern.
The passenger occupant classification sensor malfunctions, causing the SRS system to fault and disable the passenger airbag. This leaves the front passenger unprotected in a crash.
Loss of steering control, especially with the Direct Adaptive Steering system, has been reported at low mileage. The car may swerve or fail to respond, leading to potential loss of control.
Loud bangs from the suspension or drivetrain and stalling with swerving are reported. These symptoms suggest underlying structural or powertrain issues that could cause accidents.
“Subject: Safety Complaint: 2017 Infiniti Q60 - Recurring P052E Fault (Engine Shared with Mercedes) Vehicle Information: Make: Infiniti Model: Q60 Year: 2017 Engine: (Insert Engine Size, 2.0L) Incident Details: Code: P052E (Crankcase Ventilation Valve Performa…”
“The contact owned a 2020 Infiniti Q60. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH during a rainstorm and attempting to change lanes, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated, prompting the contact to attempt to slow the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle hyd…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Infiniti Q50 — 11 recalls
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The fix: 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 o…
The defect: 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.
The risk: A lack of fuel may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
The defect: 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 Vehi…
The risk: A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-…
Infiniti Q60 — 6 recalls
The defect: 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.
The risk: A lack of fuel may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
The defect: 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 Vehi…
The risk: A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Infiniti Q60 vehicles equipped with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.
The risk: In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seat belt assembly production dates, and replace the assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-8…
Buyer analysis
Infiniti Q50 or Infiniti Q60: which should you buy?
The Infiniti Q60 has fewer complaints per year (10.0 vs 14.2) and fewer recalls (6 vs 11), suggesting slightly better reliability. However, both models share serious engine and airbag issues, so the difference is marginal in practice.
Key differences
- Q50 has more engine complaints (44 vs 19), including turbo failures and stalling; Q60 has fewer but includes unintended acceleration.
- Q60 has a unique steering defect (loss of control with drive-by-wire) not reported on Q50.
- Q50 has more electrical system complaints (19 vs 0), especially backup camera and sensor issues.
- Q60 has more airbag complaints proportionally (19 vs 18) but similar severity.
- Check for turbocharger issues: listen for whining, check for loss of power or stalling, and verify TSB repairs.
- Inspect the backup camera function and airbag warning light; ensure no occupant sensor faults are present.
- Test the steering at low speeds for any hesitation or loss of control, especially if equipped with Direct Adaptive Steering.
- Check for the P052E engine code and verify the crankcase ventilation valve has been replaced if needed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full service history and check for recall completion (especially engine ECU, backup camera, and airbag recalls).
- Test drive both vehicles, paying attention to engine response, steering feel, and any warning lights.
- Have a mechanic inspect the turbocharger system (Q50) and steering system (Q60) for known issues.
- Verify the airbag system is fully functional with no warning lights illuminated.
- Check NHTSA website for any open recalls using the VIN.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Infiniti Q50 | Infiniti Q60 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | 4 | 3 |
| 2020 | 3 | 2 |
| 2019 | 28 | 4 |
| 2018 | 41 | 22 |
| 2017 | 61 | 34 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Infiniti Q50 or Infiniti Q60 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti Q50 vs Infiniti Q60
- Infiniti Q50 total complaints
- 142
- Infiniti Q60 total complaints
- 80
- Infiniti Q50 total recalls
- 11
- Infiniti Q60 total recalls
- 6
- Infiniti Q50 avg complaints/year
- 14.2
- Infiniti Q60 avg complaints/year
- 10.0
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti Q60
- Infiniti Q50 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Infiniti Q60 top complaint area
- ENGINE