Infiniti Q50: best & worst years

No Infiniti Q50 model year rates as one to avoid in CarVitals data. The strongest years are 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Below is every year (2014–2024) ranked best to worst, with the owner-reported problems behind each verdict.

Every Infiniti Q50 year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2024 Recommended 7 The 3.0L VR30 twin-turbo V6 timing-chain / VVT-sprocket wear remains a long-term, high-mileage maintenance consideration on these later cars, even though reported defect volume is very low.; Isolated electronics and infotainment niggles (screen/feature glitches); these model years are among the lowest-complaint Q50s on record. Full report ↗
2023 Recommended 7 The 3.0L VR30 twin-turbo V6 timing-chain / VVT-sprocket wear remains a long-term, high-mileage maintenance consideration on these later cars, even though reported defect volume is very low.; Isolated electronics and infotainment niggles (screen/feature glitches); these model years are among the lowest-complaint Q50s on record. Full report ↗
2022 Recommended 7 The 3.0L VR30 twin-turbo V6 timing-chain / VVT-sprocket wear remains a long-term, high-mileage maintenance consideration on these later cars, even though reported defect volume is very low.; Isolated electronics and infotainment niggles (screen/feature glitches); these model years are among the lowest-complaint Q50s on record. Full report ↗
2021 Recommended 7 The 3.0L VR30 twin-turbo V6 timing-chain / VVT-sprocket wear remains a long-term, high-mileage maintenance consideration on these later cars, even though reported defect volume is very low.; Isolated electronics and infotainment niggles (screen/feature glitches); these model years are among the lowest-complaint Q50s on record. Full report ↗
2020 Recommended 7 The 3.0L VR30 twin-turbo V6 timing-chain / VVT-sprocket wear remains a long-term, high-mileage maintenance consideration on these later cars, even though reported defect volume is very low.; Isolated electronics and infotainment niggles (screen/feature glitches); these model years are among the lowest-complaint Q50s on record. Full report ↗
2019 Recommended 7 On the 3.0L VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6, reports of timing-chain stretch and variable-valve-timing (VVT) sprocket/phaser wear, sometimes signalled by camshaft-correlation fault codes; repair is labor-intensive and costly.; Assorted electrical and engine-management complaints (warning lights, sensor faults) on the early turbo years, though overall complaint volume is low for the class. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 6 On the 3.0L VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6, reports of timing-chain stretch and variable-valve-timing (VVT) sprocket/phaser wear, sometimes signalled by camshaft-correlation fault codes; repair is labor-intensive and costly.; Assorted electrical and engine-management complaints (warning lights, sensor faults) on the early turbo years, though overall complaint volume is low for the class. Full report ↗
2017 Caution 6 On the 3.0L VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6, reports of timing-chain stretch and variable-valve-timing (VVT) sprocket/phaser wear, sometimes signalled by camshaft-correlation fault codes; repair is labor-intensive and costly.; Assorted electrical and engine-management complaints (warning lights, sensor faults) on the early turbo years, though overall complaint volume is low for the class. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 6 On the 3.0L VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6, reports of timing-chain stretch and variable-valve-timing (VVT) sprocket/phaser wear, sometimes signalled by camshaft-correlation fault codes; repair is labor-intensive and costly.; Assorted electrical and engine-management complaints (warning lights, sensor faults) on the early turbo years, though overall complaint volume is low for the class. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 5 Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affecting early build years; inflator can rupture on deployment.; Direct Adaptive Steering (steer-by-wire) can change steering responsiveness and turning radius at start-up; owners report a numb, artificial, disconnected feel. NHTSA recall 16V430000 reprogrammed the steering ECU on 2014-2016 cars.; Front brake rotors warp prematurely (spongy pedal, vibration under braking), often requiring early resurfacing or replacement; the most-cited 2014 complaint. Full report ↗
2014 Caution 5 Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affecting early build years; inflator can rupture on deployment.; Direct Adaptive Steering (steer-by-wire) can change steering responsiveness and turning radius at start-up; owners report a numb, artificial, disconnected feel. NHTSA recall 16V430000 reprogrammed the steering ECU on 2014-2016 cars.; Front brake rotors warp prematurely (spongy pedal, vibration under braking), often requiring early resurfacing or replacement; the most-cited 2014 complaint. Full report ↗

Infiniti Q50 problems by year

2024 Infiniti Q50 Recommended

Final-year Q50: a mature, well-sorted luxury sport sedan with the lowest complaint volume on record and strong used value; budget for premium fuel and long-term VR30 timing-chain upkeep.

  • The 3.0L VR30 twin-turbo V6 timing-chain / VVT-sprocket wear remains a long-term, high-mileage maintenance consideration on these later cars, even though reported defect volume is very low.
  • Isolated electronics and infotainment niggles (screen/feature glitches); these model years are among the lowest-complaint Q50s on record.

2023 Infiniti Q50 Recommended

Mature VR30 twin-turbo Q50 with very few reported problems; quick and well-equipped, with the timing-chain wear concern and premium-fuel cost as the main asterisks.

  • The 3.0L VR30 twin-turbo V6 timing-chain / VVT-sprocket wear remains a long-term, high-mileage maintenance consideration on these later cars, even though reported defect volume is very low.
  • Isolated electronics and infotainment niggles (screen/feature glitches); these model years are among the lowest-complaint Q50s on record.

2022 Infiniti Q50 Recommended

One of the cleanest Q50 model years (almost no NHTSA complaints); strong powertrain and value, with VR30 timing-chain upkeep and premium fuel the things to plan for.

  • The 3.0L VR30 twin-turbo V6 timing-chain / VVT-sprocket wear remains a long-term, high-mileage maintenance consideration on these later cars, even though reported defect volume is very low.
  • Isolated electronics and infotainment niggles (screen/feature glitches); these model years are among the lowest-complaint Q50s on record.

2021 Infiniti Q50 Recommended

Refined late-run Q50 with low complaint volume and full smartphone integration; potent twin-turbo V6 offset only by premium-fuel cost and the long-term timing-chain item.

  • The 3.0L VR30 twin-turbo V6 timing-chain / VVT-sprocket wear remains a long-term, high-mileage maintenance consideration on these later cars, even though reported defect volume is very low.
  • Isolated electronics and infotainment niggles (screen/feature glitches); these model years are among the lowest-complaint Q50s on record.

2020 Infiniti Q50 Recommended

Among the most reliable Q50 years and the first with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto; minimal complaints, strong value, premium fuel and VR30 chain wear the caveats.

  • The 3.0L VR30 twin-turbo V6 timing-chain / VVT-sprocket wear remains a long-term, high-mileage maintenance consideration on these later cars, even though reported defect volume is very low.
  • Isolated electronics and infotainment niggles (screen/feature glitches); these model years are among the lowest-complaint Q50s on record.

2019 Infiniti Q50 Recommended

Widely rated the most reliable Q50 (JD Power 82/100, CR 4/5) with low complaint volume; quick twin-turbo V6, with the timing-chain concern and dated infotainment the asterisks.

  • On the 3.0L VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6, reports of timing-chain stretch and variable-valve-timing (VVT) sprocket/phaser wear, sometimes signalled by camshaft-correlation fault codes; repair is labor-intensive and costly.
  • Assorted electrical and engine-management complaints (warning lights, sensor faults) on the early turbo years, though overall complaint volume is low for the class.

2018 Infiniti Q50 Caution

Refreshed VR30 twin-turbo Q50 with good performance and value, but the timing-chain/VVT wear concern and a slow, CarPlay-less infotainment hold it back.

  • On the 3.0L VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6, reports of timing-chain stretch and variable-valve-timing (VVT) sprocket/phaser wear, sometimes signalled by camshaft-correlation fault codes; repair is labor-intensive and costly.
  • Assorted electrical and engine-management complaints (warning lights, sensor faults) on the early turbo years, though overall complaint volume is low for the class.

2017 Infiniti Q50 Caution

Strong VR30 3.0t (incl. 400 hp Red Sport) with comfortable cabin, but the twin-turbo timing-chain concern, numb steering and dated infotainment warrant a careful inspection.

  • On the 3.0L VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6, reports of timing-chain stretch and variable-valve-timing (VVT) sprocket/phaser wear, sometimes signalled by camshaft-correlation fault codes; repair is labor-intensive and costly.
  • Assorted electrical and engine-management complaints (warning lights, sensor faults) on the early turbo years, though overall complaint volume is low for the class.

2016 Infiniti Q50 Caution

Transition year that introduced the VR30 twin-turbo V6; performance and value are strong, but the timing-chain wear concern and an early, sluggish infotainment temper it.

  • On the 3.0L VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6, reports of timing-chain stretch and variable-valve-timing (VVT) sprocket/phaser wear, sometimes signalled by camshaft-correlation fault codes; repair is labor-intensive and costly.
  • Assorted electrical and engine-management complaints (warning lights, sensor faults) on the early turbo years, though overall complaint volume is low for the class.

2015 Infiniti Q50 Caution

Early V6/2.0t Q50: quick and good value, but among the most-complained years with warped brakes, premature tire wear, the Direct Adaptive Steering recall and Takata airbags.

  • Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affecting early build years; inflator can rupture on deployment.
  • Direct Adaptive Steering (steer-by-wire) can change steering responsiveness and turning radius at start-up; owners report a numb, artificial, disconnected feel. NHTSA recall 16V430000 reprogrammed the steering ECU on 2014-2016 cars.
  • Front brake rotors warp prematurely (spongy pedal, vibration under braking), often requiring early resurfacing or replacement; the most-cited 2014 complaint.

2014 Infiniti Q50 Caution

Launch-year Q50 and the most-complained: Direct Adaptive Steering recall, warped brake rotors, premature tire wear and Takata airbags; strong V6 value but inspect carefully.

  • Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affecting early build years; inflator can rupture on deployment.
  • Direct Adaptive Steering (steer-by-wire) can change steering responsiveness and turning radius at start-up; owners report a numb, artificial, disconnected feel. NHTSA recall 16V430000 reprogrammed the steering ECU on 2014-2016 cars.
  • Front brake rotors warp prematurely (spongy pedal, vibration under braking), often requiring early resurfacing or replacement; the most-cited 2014 complaint.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Infiniti models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.