Infiniti Q40
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History
2 model years analyzed (2015–2016). All data sourced directly from the NHTSA public complaints and recall database — the same data used by federal regulators.
Checking a specific Infiniti Q40? Run a VIN check for its exact history.
⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
AI Interpretation
Low ConfidenceAverageBased on 8 NHTSA complaints for the 2015–2016 INFINITI Q40, issues are concentrated in the 2015 model year, with no complaints for 2016. The most frequently reported components are air bags and unknown/other, each with 3 complaints. One crash-related complaint was reported, but overall data volume is low, limiting confidence.
- All 8 complaints are for the 2015 model year; 2016 has zero complaints.
- Air bags and unknown/other components each account for 3 complaints.
- One crash-related complaint was reported.
- Air bags: 3 complaints reported.
- Electrical system: 1 complaint reported.
- Electronic stability control (ESC): 1 complaint reported.
The 2015 model year accounts for all 8 complaints, with air bags and unknown/other components being the most cited. However, the small sample size limits the reliability of this finding.
The 2016 model year had zero complaints, which may indicate fewer reported issues, but the low data volume means this could be due to lower sales or reporting rates.
- Inspect the air bag system and check for any open recalls.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially air bags and electrical system.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on air bags and electrical systems.
🔔 NHTSA Safety Recalls
0 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
No NHTSA recalls were found in our database for this model. Always verify open recalls using your specific VIN on NHTSA.gov.
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2015–2016. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 8 NHTSA complaints.
📋 NHTSA Complaint Reports
8 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
A common issue found in the Infiniti Q40/G37 lineage, the sunroof drain became clogged leading to an influx of moisture underneath the flooring and within the panels of the right half of the vehicle. Due to the fault, electrical components such as the BCM and ECM were exposed to moisture, leading to numerous issues.
The contact owns a 2015 Infiniti Q40. The contact stated while parked, a water leak coming from the driver’s side floor was discovered. The contact also noticed that there was an abnormal odor coming from inside the vehicle that became more pronounced with the A/C unit activated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, a diagnostic test was pending. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,328.
THE CAR WHEN PARKED ON A STEEP SLOPE WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE/PARKING BRAKE ON WILL START TO ROLL ON ITS OWN. INFINITI WAS CONTACTED AND BLAMED MY DRIVEWAY AS THE PROBLEM BUT I HAVE 6 CARS AND THE INFINITI IS THE ONLY CAR THAT CANT STAY PARKED AND ROLLS WHEN PARKED. WAS TOLD ID HAVE TO PAY 3 THOUSAND DOLLARS IF I WANTED MY CAR TO GET CHECKED. *TR
SINCE I BOUGHT CAR THE PASSENGER "AIR BAG OFF" LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON WHENEVER MY WIFE, WHO WEIGHS 165 LBS, IS A PASSENGER - SHE DOES NOT HAVE AIRBAG PROTECTION. WE NORMALLY DO NOT HAVE A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT, AND NEVER EVEN KNEW IF THAT WAS AN OPTION UNTIL MY WIFE JUST SAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND POINTED IT OUT TO ME. THIS IS WHILE SHE WAS SITTING WITH THE SEAT BELT WHILE THE CAR WAS MOVING AT ANY SPEED.
WHILE IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY THE VDC (AUTO HYDROPLANE CORRECT FUNCTION) IS SUSPECTED TO HAVE CAUSED INCREASE LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO OBSERVE THAT THE VDC LIGHT WAS FLICKERING ON AND OFF. IT DID INITIALLY COME ON TO AUTO CORRECT BUT THEN ABRUPTLY THE VEHICLE STARTED TO HYDROPLANE, DESPITE THE FUNCTION BEING ON AND CAUSED ME TO HAVE TO DIVERT INTO A GUARDRAIL...
THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT STAYS ON WHILE AN ADULT WEIGHTS MORE THAN 120 POUND SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE LIGHT WON'T GO OFF WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING.
I BOUGHT THIS NEW 2015 INFINITI Q40 AWD FROM INFINITI DEALER ON FEB 28, 2015. AFTER DRIVING THIS NOISY CAR FOR THREE MONTHS(3000MILES), I STARTED HAVING RINGING IN BOTH EARS (TINNITUS). I HAVE TROUBLE TO SLEEP AND START LOSING MY HEARING IN BOTH EARS. I HAVE CONTACTED THE INFINITI DEALER IN JUNE 2015, THE FIRST TIME I NOTICED THE TINNITUS CAUSED BY THE LOW FREQUENCY NOISE( RANGE FROM 100-400HZ ACCORDING TO THE ANALYSIS FROM ADOBE AUDITION CC SOFTWARE). THE NOISE BECAME NOTICEABLE WHEN REACH 35 MPH ON BOTH LOCAL AND HIGHWAY ROAD. THEY REFUSED TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM AND CLAIMED THAT IT'S NORMAL CAR NOISE. I TOOK MY DOCTOR'S SUGGESTION TO WEAR EARPLUGS WHEN DRIVING THIS Q40 SINCE THEN. AFTER ANOTHER 6 MONTHS OF DRIVING (TOTAL MILEAGE IS 11,000MILES NOW), THE TINNITUS AND MY HEARING DIDN'T GET BETTER. I CONTACTED THE CAR MAKER AGAIN IN DEC 2015. AFTER A SECOND ROAD TEST, INFINITI STILL CLAIMS IT'S THE NORMAL NOISE. THEY REFUSED TO GIVE ME FULL REFUND WITH THE COMPENSATION TO THE HEALTH DAMAGE ON ME. WITH NO CONCERN ON THE FACT THAT THIS NOISE ALREADY CAUSED SEVERE AND PERMANENT HEALTH DAMAGE TO THE CUSTOMER, INFINITI REFUSED TO RECALL THE CARS AND INVESTIGATE THE POTENTIAL HARM OF THE LOW FREQUENCY NOISE TO THE CUSTOMERS. 8574 OF INFINITI Q40 WERE SOLD IN U.S. SINCE JAN 2015 ( INFINITI SALES STATS: HTTP://WWW.GOODCARBADCAR.NET/2011/01/INFINITI-G-SALES-FIGURES.HTML). ALL THESE CUSTOMERS MAY SUFFER FROM THE SAME NOISE. SOME OF THEM MAY HAVE FAMILY MEMBERS RIDING WITH THEM, INCLUDING CHILDREN. THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE ALERTED THAT THERE IS POTENTIAL RISK TO DRIVE THIS CAR, FOR BOTH THE CURRENT Q40 OWNERS AND THE POTENTIAL BUYERS.
SINCE I BOUGHT CAR AT 96 MILES AND NOW AT 3000 MILES THE PASSENGER "AIR BAG OFF" LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON WHENEVER MY WIFE, WHO WEIGHS 105 TO 109 LBS, IS A PASSENGER - SHE DOES NOT HAVE AIRBAG PROTECTION. I TOOK CAR TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF TWO INDEPENDENT DEALERSHIPS 4 MONTHS APART..THEY BOTH KEPT IT OVERNIGHT, TESTED IT "THOROUGHLY." THEIR RESPECTIVE SERVICE MANAGERS SAID THAT THE AIR BAG MET ALL SPECIFICATIONS AND THAT THEY "CANNOT ADJUST SINCE IT IS SET AT THE FACTORY" I WAS REFERRED TO INFINITI REGIONAL OFFICE AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVE SAID THE SAME THING, BUT HE ADDED THAT GIVEN HER WEIGHT IF THE AIR BAG DID DEPLOY IT WOULD "BE LIKE A LETHAL WEAPON." I JUST READ ABOUT THE NISSAN "BAG LIGHT RECALL" IN TODAY'S PAPER. I AM VERY UNEASY...UPDATED 10/01/15*BF
Showing 8 of 8 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check a Specific Infiniti Q40
This page shows fleet averages across all 2 model years. Enter a VIN to see the exact accident history, odometer records, title brands, and open recall status for a specific car.
📖 Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Infiniti Q40 has 8 complaints on record across 2 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Infiniti Q40 has 0 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 1 of the Infiniti Q40's 8 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the AI Rating Calculated?
The AI reliability rating (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. The rating provides a plain-English summary for buyers who want a quick verdict without parsing raw numbers. It is one input in your buying decision — always verify with a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Infiniti Q40 vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Infiniti Q40 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Infiniti Q40 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.