Nissan Infiniti Q50 common problems: what to check before you buy
Credov's researched list of the 6 faults the Nissan Infiniti Q50 is known for (2014–2015), 6 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
Known problems on the Nissan Infiniti Q50
Wheels not straight when centred
Safety risk
2014–2015 · Suspension and steering
What to look for: Check the front wheels point straight when you centre the steering wheel after restarting with the wheels turned.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 3822 (10 June 2016) covers 8,892 Skyline (DAA-HV37), 2,664 (DAA-HNV37) and 120 (DBA-YV37) built 25 Jan 2014 to 18 Dec 2015. The notification states the start-up setting program in the Direct Adaptive Steering system is inappropriate, so if the car is parked with the wheels turned and then started the steering angle is miscalculated, the wheel position and the wheel angle no longer agree, the car does not…
What to look for: Smell for fuel at cold start, and look for wet or dark staining where the fuel hose meets the fuel pump.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 4658 (7 February 2020) covers 5,659 Skyline (DBA-YV37) fitted with the 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine, built 20 Nov 2014 to 10 Aug 2017. The notification states the fuel hose material is inappropriate and degrades early with heat, and that fuel can then seep from the connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and the low-pressure fuel hose when the engine is started cold.
What to look for: At start-up check for a power steering or chassis warning, then confirm the wheel is centred and holds a line.
Why it matters: The first-generation system (2014-2016 builds) is worst; Infiniti revised the control logic from 2016. Repairs range from software and recalibration to steering modules or actuators costing several thousand dollars.
What to look for: Look around the water pump with a torch for coolant staining or a loose bolt, and check the coolant level.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 3887 (16 September 2016) covers 1,330 Skyline (DBA-ZV37) and 150 (DBA-YV37) built 26 May 2014 to 4 March 2015. Nissan's remedy is to replace the water pump heat shield fixing bolt with a part that stops the piston backing out, and to replace the water pump free of charge if the lever has already broken.
What to look for: Drive through every gear and check it does not get stuck in 3rd or flag a limp-mode warning.
Why it matters: About 20 complaints for 2014 and 45 for 2015 Q50s, typically 90,000-185,000 km, with valve body or gearbox replacement at US$2,500-10,000. The 200GT-t uses a Mercedes gearbox instead.
What to look for: Check for white or blue exhaust smoke on start-up and after idling, and feel for a sudden limp mode.
Why it matters: US complaints for 2017-2019 Q50s and Q60s with this engine are mostly at 70,000-230,000 km, some earlier, and Infiniti extended turbo warranty cover on US cars to 10 years / 120,000 miles. A pair of turbos costs about US$6,000-9,000; oil starvation from a failing turbo can take the engine with it.
Got a question about a Nissan Infiniti Q50? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
Also check on every car
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.