2016 INFINITI QX50 problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 19 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2016 INFINITI QX50 has 19 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 4 complaints, typically surfacing around 118,274 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 QX50 | 2 | 0 |
| 2015 QX50 | 3 | 0 |
| 2016 QX50 (this page) | 19 | 0 |
| 2017 QX50 | 13 | 0 |
| 2019 QX50 | 132 | 1 |
Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.6/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2016 Infiniti QX50 SW RWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2016 INFINITI QX50? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- electrical — 4 owner reports · tends to show around 118,274 mi · ~$850 to fix
- cruise control — 3 owner reports · tends to show around 38,450 mi · ~$600 to fix
- engine — 3 owner reports · tends to show around 25,100 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- powertrain — 3 owner reports · tends to show around 110,000 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 118,274 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2016 INFINITI QX50
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 4 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
From a cold start,driving vehicle a short distance approx.( 1 mile ) pulling into a parking space. Step on brake pedal, engine idle increases making you press harder on the brake pedal. This excessive braking to stop is a safety issue. At first I thought I was stepping on the…
This is the 3rd instance of my car rolling backwards down the driveway. Both the first and second instances of uncontrolled rolling happened in 2016. Only the second instance was caught on camera. I shared the video with Infiniti and was instructed to bring the car in for an…
The contact owns a 2016 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she attempted to engage the horn to prevent a collision; however, the horn was inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent…
The Display / Navigation screen does not always light up. Some time it works when you start the car. Other times it tries for a awhile be fore it starts to work. When it lights up everything from what I can tell works normally. When it does not light up. The AC works by its…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2016 Infiniti QX50 reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Infiniti QX50 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2016 Infiniti QX50?
On the NHTSA data, the 2016 INFINITI QX50 does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.6/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Infiniti QX50?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 4 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 118,274 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2016 Infiniti QX50 a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 19 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 118,274 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2016 Infiniti QX50?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 4 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 118,274 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 118,274 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Infiniti QX50 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Infiniti QX50?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 19 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.