Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Infiniti QX50, and it carries 2 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 12 | 30% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 7 | 18% |
| Unknown or other | 2 | 5% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 | 5% |
| Power train | 1 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 1 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 1 | 3% |
| Structure | 1 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 1 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 1 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
My 2021 Infiniti QX50 has suffered a catastrophic internal engine failure. This vehicle is explicitly covered under active federal safety recall NHTSA Campaign 25V437000 (Infiniti Campaign R25A8/A9 / R25B1/B2) for defect
NHTSA complaint: Engine
On June 16, 2026, a 2021 Infiniti QX50 experienced a safety-related malfunction while being driven at approximately 15–20 mph. The vehicle suddenly jerked, lost power response, displayed multiple warning lights, showed a
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The contact owns a 2021 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from under the hood. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a l
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
There is an active and unremedied safety recall on my 2021 Infiniti QX50 (NHTSA Recall #25V-437) for a critical engine defect that can result in complete engine failure and risk of fire. The recall was issued on June 26,
NHTSA complaint: Engine
Open recall on Engine (NHTSA #25-V437) Engine has been replaced and recall repaired.
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The vehicle has experienced ongoing electrical and safety-system related malfunctions shortly after being purchased as an INFINITI Certified Pre-Owned vehicle in April 2025. The issues initially included flickering inter
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
I purchased my vehicle 4.25. soon after I noticed lights flickering. I was notified shortly after my car was part of the major recall. I brought it in, they said no engine bearings, car is ok, they did not acknowledge th
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The front driver-side door on my 2021 Infiniti QX50 appears to have a faulty latch, hinge, or door ajar sensor issue. The vehicle repeatedly displays a “door open/door ajar” warning even when the door is fully shut and l
NHTSA complaint: Structure
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2021 Infiniti QX50. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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.
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 t
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 custo
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Rogue, 2019-2020 Altima, 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50, and 2022 Infiniti QX55 vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. The engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that
Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. A bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk of an engine fire.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or Infiniti's cus
| Reliability raw | 92 | excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 79 | good |
| Maintenance | 72 | good |
| Depreciation | 54 | average |
| Performance | 62 | average |
| Efficiency | 42 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine is the most reported area with 12 of them (30%). There are 2 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 92/100 (excellent) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 79/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2021 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: worth a look, because a solid ownership case with specific caveats below. Its overall ownership score is 74/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.