Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, I began experiencing serious performance issues. While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost power, would not accelerate properly, and warning lights appeared on the dashboard. The vehicle eventually shut off while in operation. The vehicle was inspected by a dealership, which initially stated there were no issues. However, the problem continued and worsened. The vehicle was then inspected by an authorized Infiniti dealership, where technicians identified a consistent knocking noise coming from the engine. The dealership indicated that the noise is consistent with internal engine damage and recommended further inspection and likely engine replacement. The issue developed very shortly after purchase, and there were no prior indications that the vehicle had been damaged or misused. …
While operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions, the engine experienced a significant loss of power and reduced acceleration. The issue is believed to be related to turbocharger failure within the engine system. The loss of power created a safety concern, particularly when attempting to merge into traffic and maintain highway speeds. The vehicle did not respond as expected when acceleration was needed, which could increase the risk of an accident in certain driving situations. The problem has been confirmed by a dealership service department, and the vehicle is currently available for inspection. The diagnosis indicates that the turbochargers require replacement. Prior to the failure, there were limited warning signs. Any warning indicators were either minimal or appeared shortly before the issue became noticeable. The failure occurred at approximately 107,000 miles. …
Car has white smoke coming from the exhaust and the oil level keeps decreasing. Car stalls and takes time to accelerate P0106 code pops up from engine. There's a rattle and whine noise coming from the engine bay. Also the gas was stuck accelerating. Had to switch the car to neutral so it does continue accelerating. After switching to neutral I was able to decrease power to the wheels and had to pull over on the road.
I was driving down the highway and my car started to shut down and started to make a knocking sound inside the engine bay, putting at risk other drivers, so i turned on my hazards and pulled to the shoulder of the road,the car wouldn't turn on so i called a tow truck. Took the car to dealer and stated engine is seized
The contact owns a 2017 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the RPM increased quickly; however, the vehicle lost motive power, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. Upon arriving at the residence, the contact shifted the vehicle into park and released the brake pedal, and the vehicle started rolling forward. The contact engaged the parking brake to secure the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V470000 (Power Train); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 112,000.
The contact owns 2017 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and shut off without warning. The contact was not able to restart the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to storage lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall and did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 118,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated upon attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that upon attempting to drive the vehicle 30 minutes later, the vehicle responded as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed that the valve body had failed. The mechanic determined that the valve body and the entire transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and charged a fee for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,636. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to accelerate and stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel even when the vehicle was driven a short distance. The contact stated that the rear driver's and passenger's side door latches were inoperable and failed to securely lock. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Nissan North America, Inc. (INFINITI) is recalling certain 2011-2013 M56, 2012-2013 M35 Hybrid, 2014-2018 Q50, Q70 Hybrid, 2014-2019 Q70, and 2015-2019 Q70L two-wheel drive vehicles. The driveshaft can fatigue and break.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 13, 2024. Owners may contact INFINITI's customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Frequently asked questions
Which Infiniti Q50 years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2015 (39), 2014 (19), 2019 (6) and 2017 (5) model years. Transmission complaints make up 31% of all complaints for the 2015.
Is there a recall for Infiniti Q50 transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 24V-470 (driveshaft, Jun 21, 2024). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Infiniti Q50 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles; 14% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (2 mentions).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.