Day 1 noted car was having issues with irregular RPM's while cruising, and spiking of rpm's during acceleration. while on hwy w/ cruise control activated, "malfunction" warning lit on screen and forward propulsion ceased. had to move car to roadside, turn off engine and turn back on. took to dealership. they inspected vehicle and indicated there were no codes in system and with checks nothing to i…
2020 infiniti QX50 powertrain problems
moderate 4 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Infiniti has acknowledged that certain vehicles equipped with this engine may experience bearing failures caused by a manufacturing defect affecting the main, A-, C-, and L-link bearings. These defects can result in engine damage or complete engine failure, as outlined in Infiniti’s recall notice. In September 2025, I took my vehicle to an authorized Infiniti service center after receiving notice …
The vehicle's engine light turned on. The engine light remains on, and frequently the Malfunction and System fault See Owners Manual will display. When the malfunction message appears all the traction lights are also turned on. The RPM's in the vehicle are very accelerated, and it's difficult to drive the vehicle. The vehicle will also produce a very heavy smog smell. I took the vehicle into the …
I am a [XXX] woman who purchased my first vehicle on December 6, 2024, with 43,000 miles. I have driven fewer than 20,000 miles since purchase, and the vehicle currently has approximately 62,000 miles. Until January 19, 2026, I experienced no issues. I have properly maintained the vehicle and followed all recommended service guidelines. I completed three oil changes during my ownership, averagin…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2020 infiniti QX50?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 4 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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