2014 Infiniti Q50 Problems
Compared with other Infiniti Q50 years
More complaints than typical for this model
100/100 6.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 6.0× that of a typical Infiniti Q50 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 86 of its 170 complaints were filed by the end of 2016.
- Most reported problem: Steering goes stiff or stops assisting (Direct Adaptive (51 complaints, median 3,300 mi).
- 5 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2016, 2017
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 170filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 7,490miles, 119 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 3.7L 6-cyl RWD · 20 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2014 Infiniti Q50 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2014 Infiniti Q50 most often write about the Direct Adaptive Steering system, which in many reports went stiff or stopped assisting, typically following a cold start or a restart. Many of these complaints were filed at very low mileage, and some owners said a dealer software update did not resolve the symptom. A second cluster covers electrical symptoms such as the infotainment screen failing and key-not-detected messages, with transmission and brake complaints appearing later in the car's life.
- Steering
Steering goes stiff or stops assisting (Direct Adaptive
- 51 complaints (30%)
- median 3,300 mi at 0.3 yrs old (47 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2022
Owners describe the steering wheel becoming very hard to turn, or the front wheels failing to respond to steering input, often right after starting the car. A chassis control system error or power steering warning commonly appears on the dash, and in several cases restarting the engine briefly restored normal steering. Dealers reportedly performed software updates or reprogramming, replaced steering modules or columns, or in some cases told owners the vehicle was not covered by a steering recall. Mostly reported below 15,000 miles, frequently at start-up in cold weather or after the car sat for a short time.
Recall 16V430000Recall 13V588000
What to check: Ask whether the steering software recalls were completed and whether any steering module or column work was done. On a test drive, start the car from cold and check that the wheel turns normally with no chassis control warning.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“After parking my car in a parking lot, I wanted to adjust it to be more even. So I turned the engine on again. But then I suddenly couldn't turn the wheel. The wheel was locked up. With very firm force, I managed to turn the wheel about 15 degrees - but the actual tires themselves did not turn. The car was in r and did reverse, but as I could not steer it did not reverse in the direction I wanted to go. …”
NHTSA complaint #10556064, filed 2013-12, 645 miles“I was backing up into a space and lost complete steering - automatic or manual. The steering wheel was turning freely and the front tires remained in the position they were in just prior to this incident. I stopped the car immediately and turned off the engine. After restarting the car, I continued backing up but felt the torque of the steering wheel alternating between power steering and manual steering. ...updated 12/03/15”
NHTSA complaint #10775968, filed 2015-09, 12,434 miles - Electrical system
Infotainment and display screen stops working
- 8 complaints (5%)
- median 48,000 mi at 5.4 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2021
Owners report the center display screen going black or blank, with navigation, radio and backup camera views disappearing, sometimes intermittently and sometimes permanently. In some complaints the screen failed after the car was washed, and dealers replaced the display control unit; other owners were told there was no fix or that the unit had to be replaced at their cost. Mostly reported between about 30,000 and 65,000 miles, with no clear weather pattern.
What to check: With the car running, check the center screen, navigation, radio and backup camera in reverse. Ask whether the display control unit has ever been replaced or reconfigured.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The computer for navigation and also the sound system and who knows what else just stopped working. I ran it through a car wash and the computer was working before and after I left the car wash and the computer has not worked since..”
NHTSA complaint #11339994, filed 2020-07, 45,000 miles“Navigation and audio system malfunction, it just stop working. I was told all 2014 has this issue and I have to get a new dcu installed. The dcu in the 2014 and 2015 has not been working.”
NHTSA complaint #11341831, filed 2020-07, 65,000 miles - Air bags
Passenger air bag warning stays on / seat not detected
- 6 complaints (4%)
- median 7,490 mi at 1.0 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2025
Owners report the passenger air bag off indicator staying lit even with an adult in the seat, sometimes intermittently and sometimes continuously. Several complaints state the occupant classification recall remedy was already performed but the warning returned, and other owners were told their vehicle was not covered by the later air bag recalls. Reported from a few hundred to about 62,000 miles, with no clear seasonal pattern.
Recall 14V138000Recall 16V2440003 related service bulletins
What to check: Sit in the passenger seat with the ignition on and confirm the air bag status indicator reads correctly. Ask whether the occupant classification recall and any related reset were completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The car has 62,000 miles and the srs light is flashing on the dashboard (I believe it is a occupant sensor) the light flashes as soon as the car turns and does not shut off”
NHTSA complaint #11300477, filed 2020-01, 60,000 miles“The contact owns a 2014 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated that the passenger side frontal air bag failed to detect when a passenger occupied the seat. The contact stated that the repair for NHTSA campaign number: 14v138000 (air bags, electrical system) was performed; however, the failure was not corrected. The frontal passenger air bag continued to fail to recognize the front passenger. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer several times; however, the dealer advised that the air bag was functioning properly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10715132, filed 2015-05, 250 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shudder, jerking or delayed engagement
- 19 complaints (11%)
- median 60,950 mi at 5.6 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- filed 2014–2025
Complaints describe the transmission revving unexpectedly, jerking or slamming between gears, and in one case the car locking its tires and lurching forward. Owners report diagnosis pointing to the valve body or output speed sensor, and one owner was told valve bodies were on national backorder, leaving the car at the dealer for an extended period. Reported mostly between about 66,000 and 150,000 miles.
What to check: Drive the car through several gear changes at light and moderate throttle and note any shudder or delay. Ask whether transmission fluid was ever serviced and whether any valve body work was done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On september 5th, I was driving my 2014 Infiniti Q50 and once it reached 2nd or 3rd gear, the transmission revved up and the car locked the tires up and threw us forward like it was slammed into a low gear. I had to tow the car home 400 miles and dropped it off at the Infiniti dealer on september 7th 2020. As of october 24th 2020, I still don't have my car back. I was informed by the parts manager at the dealership that there were over 700 valve body's on backorder. …”
NHTSA complaint #11366197, filed 2020-10, 97,000 miles“The contact owns a 2014 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the RPM inadvertently increased briefly before returning to normal. The check warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined a failure with the output speed sensor and transmission valve body. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11530744, filed 2023-07, 90,000 miles
Buying note. Have a pre-purchase inspection pay particular attention to the steering system on a cold start, and confirm which steering, air bag and driveline recalls were completed for the specific VIN. Checking the infotainment screen and transmission behavior on a longer test drive is worthwhile, since several common complaints appear well after the warranty period.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 170 consumer complaints for the 2014 Infiniti Q50. 119 of the complaints include a mileage, and 76% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 7,490 miles. Of all complaints, 11 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 8 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 247 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 5 Infiniti Q50 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 100 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Steering79 46%
- Electrical system42 25%
- Air bags16 9.4%
- Other or unknown16 9.4%
- Brakes14 8.2%
- Engine12 7.1%
- Vehicle speed control11 6.5%
- Tires8 4.7%
- Wheels6 3.5%
Also reported: Electronic stability control (5), Suspension (4), Fuel system (3), Lane departure (3), Seats (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Forward collision avoidance (2), Body and structure (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Seat belts (1).
Example complaints
Steering: “Takata recall I have lost control of the steering in my car on multiple occasions. I have taken the car to the Infiniti dealership twice, and twice they have replaced the three computers in the car that control the steering. Though I have been able to save the car from an accident so far I fear I will not always be as lucky.”
NHTSA complaint #11180306, filed 2019-02, 90,000 milesElectrical system: “I had 2 right side headlights blown out the LED and Infiniti says this never happens but it happen to me 2 times on the same exact side and the lights inside my car flecker and burn out”
NHTSA complaint #11340226, filed 2020-07, 60,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “This is an awd car purchased used 2 weeks prior to this incident. The car has only 11, 000 miles on it when this occurred. I was driving in bumper to bumper traffic in heavy snow conditions on an overpass bridge that merges onto a busy freeway. The vehicle's front wheels pulled the car to left 2-3 times at a speed of less than 5mph out of my lane but I was able to correct. …”
NHTSA complaint #10948676, filed 2017-01, 11,000 milesAir bags: “Our 2014 Infiniti Q50 was involved in 2-car accident. Other vehicle/driver impacted driver side of 2014 Infiniti Q50 at high speed and caused considerable damage. Current damage estimate to Q50 is near $25,000. My wife, who was driving, sustained head injuries as a result of air bags that did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #10574912, filed 2014-03, 3,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
76% of the 119 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 1,640 and 41,300 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2014 Infiniti Q50. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q50 · sedan AWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.7% risk |
| Q50 · sedan RWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.7% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2014 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2015: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2014 Infiniti Q50 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q50 RWD | 3.7L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,550 |
| Q50 AWD | 3.7L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,750 |
| Q50a RWD | 3.7L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,550 |
| Q50a AWD | 3.7L 6-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,750 |
| Q50S Hybrid RWD | 3.5L 6-cyl · hybrid | 7-speed automatic | 28 | 33 | 30 | $2,750 |
| Q50S Hybrid AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl · hybrid | 7-speed automatic | 27 | 30 | 28 | $2,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 24V470000Jun 21, 2024Power train › Driveline › DriveshaftCovers: Infiniti Q50 2014–2018, Q70 2014–2019, Q70 Hybrid 2014–2018 +3 more
Nissan North America, Inc. (INFINITI) is recalling certain 2011-2013 M56, 2012-2013 M35 Hybrid, 2014-2018 Q50, Q70 Hybrid, 2014-2019 Q70, and 2015-2019 Q70L two-wheel drive vehicles. The driveshaft can fatigue and break.
- 16V430000Jun 13, 2016Steering › Automated/adaptive steeringCovers: Infiniti Q50 2014–2016, Q50 Hybrid 2014–2016
Nissan North America, Inc.'s (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Infiniti Q50 vehicles manufactured December 26, 2012, to December 11, 2015, and Infiniti Q50 Hybrid vehicles manufactured December 10, 2012, to December 17, 2015. The Direct…
- 16V244000Apr 26, 2016Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classificationCovers: Infiniti Q50 2014–2017, Nissan Altima 2013–2016, Sentra 2013–2016 +14 more
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and…
- 14V138000Mar 25, 2014Electrical system › SoftwareCovers: Infiniti Q50 2014, Nissan Altima 2013–2014, Sentra 2013–2014 +5 more
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, and Sentra, model year 2013 NV200 (aka Taxi) and Infiniti JX35 and model year 2014 Infiniti Q50 and QX60 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the occupant…
- 13V588000Nov 20, 2013Steering › Automated/adaptive steeringCovers: Infiniti Q50 2014
Nissan North America, Inc.'s (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014 Infiniti Q50 vehicles equipped with Direct Adaptive Steering. The affected vehicles received a power steering software version that, should the engine compartment reach freezing…
Recall details for the 2014 Infiniti Q50 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 247 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031720Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031701Mar 30, 2026Electrical system. TELEMATICS SERVICE INFORMATION See ITB19-029 for models built after those listed above for a different Service Procedure. SERVICE INFORMATION The Applied Vehicles are equipped with a wireless…
- 11009064Sep 19, 2024Air bags. DTC B00A0-00 STOREIF YOU CONFIRM DTC B00A0-00 (OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR UNIT) is stored, AND OCS zero point reset cannot be performed, (continued on the next page)D
- 11002539May 20, 2024Electrical system. INTELLIGENT KEY NOT DETECTED / ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11002537May 20, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001653May 20, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001182Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001179Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001177Apr 29, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10249891Jan 22, 2024Equipment, Electrical system. TELEMATICS SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Infiniti Q50
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8 | — | 0 | — | 23 | — | Too new |
| 2021 | 6 | 44,000 | 3 | — | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 30 | 3,000 | 1 | — | 23 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2018 | 44 | 24,400 | 3 | — | 23 | 48 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 63 | 29,000 | 4 | — | 23 | 52 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 39 | 33,500 | 4 | — | 23 | 38 · Typical | Rising |
| 2015 | 126 | 26,614 | 3 | 5 | 23 | 92 · More | Rising |
| 2014 | 170 | 7,490 | 5 | 5 | 23 | 100 · More | Stable |
All Infiniti Q50 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Infiniti Q50?
Owners of the 2014 Infiniti Q50 most often write about the Direct Adaptive Steering system, which in many reports went stiff or stopped assisting, typically following a cold start or a restart. The issues reported most often: Steering goes stiff or stops assisting (Direct Adaptive; Infotainment and display screen stops working; Passenger air bag warning stays on / seat not detected.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014 Infiniti Q50 have?
NHTSA recorded 170 consumer complaints for the 2014 Infiniti Q50 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2014 Infiniti Q50 is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 79 complaints (46% of the total), followed by electrical system with 42.
Has the 2014 Infiniti Q50 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2014 Infiniti Q50 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2014 Infiniti Q50 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2014 Infiniti Q50 get?
The EPA rates the 2014 Infiniti Q50 (Q50, 3.7L 6-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 20 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2014 Infiniti Q50 reported?
Among the 119 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 7,490 miles and the middle half falls between 1,640 and 41,300 miles; 76% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.