ROARING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY AND THE A/C IS NOT COOLING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 INFINITI QX50 engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 INFINITI QX50 have filed 64 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 81,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
64
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 QX50 | 3 |
| 2019 QX50 (this page) | 64 |
| 2020 QX50 | 16 |
| 2021 QX50 | 19 |
| 2022 QX50 | 3 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 64 engine complaints filed for the 2019 INFINITI QX50, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 5 model years of INFINITI QX50 we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 64.
Engine accounts for 48% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 6 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
ROARING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY AND THE A/C IS NOT COOLING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗MIL ON WITH DTC P11A7 STORED IN THE ECM This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 Infiniti QX50's VC-Turbo engine exhibits systemic bearing failure resulting in catastrophic engine damage, typically signaled by knocking, rattling, vibration, and sudden power loss—often without warning lights. Mileage at failure ranges from 26,200 to 158,000+ miles, making age unpredictable as a factor. Metal shavings found in oil pans confirm internal bearing degradation.
Many owners report engine seizure or stalling on highways, creating genuine safety hazards. One owner lost power while changing lanes at 70 mph; another experienced a complete stall on a mountain road. The engine frequently fails without advance symptoms—owners describe a noise followed immediately by loss of power, with no check engine light.
Infiniti issued recall 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and extended engine warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles. However, repair parts remain unavailable months after the recall's announcement, and the recall has been paused or suspended. Dealerships have inconsistently applied the recall: some initially identified affected vehicles then reversed their decision; others denied engine replacement despite metal debris visible in the oil pan, claiming mileage or maintenance reasons despite owners providing service records.
Out-of-warranty repairs cost owners $7,500–$13,000+ for engine replacement. Several owners paid out of pocket, submitted reimbursement claims under the extended warranty, and faced lengthy delays or denials. Some dealerships refuse to diagnose the vehicle without a diagnostic fee and won't proceed without recall parts, leaving vehicles stranded. One technician reported the dealership cannot source parts and advised calling back in two weeks with no resolution.
Same INFINITI QX50 engine reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Bearing Failure & Catastrophic Engine Seizure
The VC-Turbo engine's main bearings fail, causing internal metal debris (shavings) to accumulate in the oil pan and leading to engine seizure, total engine failure, or sudden loss of motive power. Owners report no warning lights before failure in many cases, posing a safety hazard when the vehicle loses power at highway speeds.
When: Mileage ranges from 16,700 to 158,848 miles; failures occur as early as 26,200 miles and as late as 135,000+ miles. Some failures occur within months of purchase (under 5 years old); others occur after 6–7 years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knocking, rattling, or grinding noise from engine compartment; Severe engine vibration or shaking; Loss of engine power or ability to accelerate while driving; Engine stalling, sometimes without warning lights; Metal shavings or debris found in oil pan during inspection; Smoke or burning oil smell from engine compartment; Check engine light illuminated (in some cases); Abnormal humming or whining sound from engine; Engine fails to start after sitting for a period
Codes mentioned: Metal shavings in oil pan, Engine bearing failure, Low compression due to bearing failure
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required in most cases. Owners report paying $7,500–$13,000+ for out-of-warranty repairs; some dealerships deny coverage citing mileage or maintenance claims despite proper service records. One owner paid $7,560 plus tax; another paid the full cost of replacement. Used engine replacements have been performed in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) issued to address internal engine defects. Infiniti extended engine warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles for affected vehicles. However, recall repair parts have not been available for an extended period (recall suspended/on hold). Many owners report dealerships refusing repairs despite recall involvement, denying engine replacement under recall, or claiming metal in oil is not bearing-related material. Some owners approved for partial reimbursement or warranty extension but struggle to obtain full coverage or reimbursement after paying out of pocket.
Transmission or CVT Acceleration/Power Loss Issues
The vehicle fails to accelerate properly despite elevated RPM, or experiences unexpected power loss. Owners report the engine racing but the vehicle not speeding up as expected, sometimes progressing to transmission replacement or ECM reprogramming without resolving the issue. These are often linked to the broader engine defect.
When: Within the first 2–4 years of ownership; mileage unknown in some reports; one documented case at unspecified highway speed, another at 60 mph.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine RPM elevated but vehicle fails to accelerate or speeds up sluggishly; Loss of forward power when depressing accelerator pedal; Vehicle struggles to move forward from a stop; Check engine light illuminated; Acceleration issue recurring after dealer repair attempts
Codes mentioned: Failed pressure solenoid or pressure sensor, ECM software issues
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced in at least one case without resolving the issue; ECM software update performed in another case without lasting fix. Root cause appears to be engine-related (VCR/Variable Compression Ratio assembly) rather than transmission itself. VCR assembly replacement has been recommended by dealerships.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers initially unable to replicate issue; some performed transmission replacement or ECM updates without success. Infiniti acknowledged part availability issues for recall repair. No clear warranty coverage mentioned in these specific cases.
VCR (Variable Compression Ratio) Assembly Failure
The VC-Turbo engine's VCR actuator or assembly malfunctions, causing abnormal engine sounds, loss of power, and acceleration issues. Hot oil leakage and actuator failure have been documented.
When: Approximately 38,366 miles in one documented case; symptoms began a year before failure in another case.
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormally loud engine sounds, including knocking or ticking; Vehicle fails to accelerate as needed; Whining or cracking sound from engine compartment; Check engine light illuminated; Engine sputtering when accelerator pedal is depressed; Difficulty starting vehicle; loss of battery power requiring jump-starts; Hot oil leaking from VCR assembly
Codes mentioned: VCR actuator failure, Hot oil leakage from VCR assembly, Variable compression actuator failure
Repairs/costs cited: VCR assembly replacement required. One owner reported VCR assembly replacement was pending; another received a partial payment offer from the manufacturer for the repair. Infiniti repair costs not specified in most narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Infiniti dealers identified VCR assembly failure and recommended replacement. One manufacturer offered partial payment toward repair. No full coverage details provided in narratives.
Excessive Engine Cooling Fan Noise
The engine cooling fan runs excessively loud, audible inside the cabin with windows closed, and operates for prolonged periods (40+ minutes) even in mild conditions. Dealer dismisses as 'by design,' not a defect.
When: Approximately 3,500 miles on the vehicle; early in ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Extremely loud fan noise inside cabin with windows up; Fan running for extended periods (40+ minutes or more) after short stops; Fan restarting immediately after engine restart; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed. Dealer stated the condition is 'per design' and not a defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer declined to repair, claiming the issue is by design. No manufacturer involvement reported.
Timing Chain Failure / Engine Timing Issues
Timing chain jumps a tooth, causing catastrophic engine damage and preventing the engine from running. Occurs without prior warning lights or indication of mechanical distress.
When: At 66,000 miles; vehicle had been purchased at 48,000 miles with extended powertrain warranty.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start one morning; No prior warning lights or indication of engine issues
Codes mentioned: Timing chain jumped a tooth
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required. Owner purchased extended powertrain warranty but claim was denied due to alleged failure to change oil every 5,000 miles (owner changed at 8,000–9,000 miles using synthetic oil rated for 15,000–20,000 miles). Repair cost covered by warranty was denied.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty claim denied citing insufficient oil change intervals, despite synthetic oil specifications supporting longer intervals. No manufacturer assistance provided.
Engine Mount Fractures
Engine mounts fracture, causing a grinding sound while driving or accelerating. Dealer attributed the sound to normal turbocharger operation; no repairs performed despite customer concern.
When: At 59,021 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding sound from engine while driving at various speeds; Grinding sound while accelerating from a stop; No warning lights
Codes mentioned: Fractured engine mounts
Repairs/costs cited: Engine mounts were replaced, but the sound persisted. Upon return to dealer, the driver (dealership technician) stated the sound was normal from the turbocharger. No additional repairs performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer involvement reported. Dealer deemed the issue normal operation.
Fuel Odor After Refueling
Strong fuel odor comes from the vehicle after refueling, reported alongside other engine/acceleration issues in the same complaint.
When: Concurrent with acceleration and starting issues; failure mileage approximately 70,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Strong fuel odor after refueling
Repairs/costs cited: Not separately diagnosed or repaired; owner declined to pay diagnostic fee given recall part unavailability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance provided. Owner declined diagnostic service due to recall unavailability.
Synthesized from 64 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
The contact owns a 2019 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be serviced for a different issue, and the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer advised the contact that the recall repair was on hold due to the fact that the remedy was not yet available. The contact…
Infiniti has identified a serious engine problem with the 2019-22 QX-50 which in their own words may cause the car "to crash". recall notice was sent in mid-June 2025 and they still dont have a solution. how is this acceptable? i am afraid to drive the car. where is the compensation??
I was driving on the highway and the engine started to make a humming sound I would say. Within the next 3 to 4 miles I started losing forward power, and the noise started to get louder. I was afraid my car was going to die on the highway so I stayed in the far right lane so I could coast into the shoulder if I had to. Thankfully, there was an exit and I was able to get off and pull off onto a…
The contact owns a 2019 Infiniti QX50. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated there was smoke and fire coming from the engine compartment. In addition, the smell of burning oil and smoke was inside the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with…
The contact owns a 2019 Infiniti QX50. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The…
The engine stopped working. Allowing me to go no faster than 15 miles an hour. The safety issue is you can no longer drive at the speed that you need to drive. especially if you’re on the highway. The problem has been addressed by a dealer. I needed a whole new engine $13,000. The car at 97,000 miles on it. Was well taken care of. No warning signs prior also did not come up on my display…
The contact owns a 2019 Infiniti QX50. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed that parts were not yet available after scheduling an appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed…
Recall was issued in June, 2025. As of today, a remedy has not been available. This is unacceptable as driving the vehicle can result in injury.
The contact owns a 2019 Infiniti QX50. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. Most recently, while stopped at a traffic light or stop sign, the…
The contact owns a 2019 Infiniti QX50. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The…
Had engine trouble with your 2019 INFINITI QX50?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2019 INFINITI QX50?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 64 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 21 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 58,883 and 103,000 miles, with the median around 81,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 58,883; a quarter make it past 103,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/INFINITI/QX50.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.