Infiniti common problems by model for Carrollton owners
Most Infiniti trouble clusters around a few models, years and parts. Here is what each problem feels like, what causes it and what to do next.
Short answer
The best-documented Infiniti problems are CVT judder on the 2013 JX35 and 2014 to 2016 QX60, an engine bearing recall on 2019 to 2022 QX50 and 2022 QX55 VC-Turbo engines, drive belt bulletins on early twin-turbo Q50 and Q60 models, and steering software recalls on some Q50s. KJLux Auto in Carrollton checks recalls first, then diagnoses.
Key takeaways
- Check your VIN for open recalls first. Recall repairs are free at Infiniti dealers.
- JX35 and QX60 CVT judder has Infiniti service bulletins behind it.
- A new knock or rough running on a 2019 to 2022 QX50 needs prompt attention.
- Infiniti scored below the industry average in J.D. Power's latest dependability study.
- A well-maintained Infiniti with its recalls done can still be a solid car.
Which Infiniti problems come up most, by model?
The list is shorter than internet forums suggest, and each item below is documented through recalls or Infiniti's own service bulletins. Here is the quick version before the details.
| Model | Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 JX35, 2014 to 2016 QX60 | Shudder or bumps at light throttle | CVT control software or valve body | Scan for judder codes, check for updates |
| 2019 to 2022 QX50, 2022 QX55 | Engine noise, rough running, warning lights | Engine bearing defect under recall | Check recall status, book the inspection |
| 2016 Q50, early-build 2017 Q50 and Q60 | Belt noise, or a belt that came off | Accessory belt and idler pulley alignment | Inspect the belt, pulleys and alignment |
| 2014 to 2016 Q50 with Direct Adaptive Steering | Wheel off center at startup, VDC light | Steering software and low battery voltage | Confirm the recall update was done |
| 2012 to 2013 QX56, 2014 to 2015 QX80 | Raw fuel smell under the hood | Fuel pressure sensor not tightened to spec | Check recall status, fix leaks right away |
| 2016 to 2017 QX80 | Harsh downshift, hesitation | Transmission control software | Scan and check for the update |
| 2003 to 2008 FX35 and FX45 | None until a crash | Takata passenger airbag inflators | Confirm the final recall repair |
Why do QX60 and JX35 transmissions judder?
Usually because of how the CVT is controlled or a worn valve body, and Infiniti has bulletins for both. Owners of the 2013 JX35 and 2014 to 2016 QX60 V6 describe a shake, shudder or series of bumps at light throttle, often between about 5 and 35 mph. One bulletin covers a software reprogram. A later one covers judder that sets codes P17F0 or P17F1, with an inspection and valve body replacement. The 2014 QX60 Hybrid has its own judder bulletin.
Not every odd feeling is a fault. Infiniti notes that a low-speed groan or drone, like a manual car lugging in a high gear, is normal CVT behavior meant to save fuel. That is why we scan and road test before talking about parts. Our transmission repair page explains that process. The 2013 JX35 also had brake recalls, including front brake torque members that could crack and an ABS software update, so check its recall history too.
What is the VC-Turbo recall on the QX50 and QX55?
It covers 2019 to 2022 QX50 and 2022 QX55 models with the 2.0-liter Variable Compression Turbo engine, for engine bearings that may have manufacturing defects. Infiniti says the bearings wear progressively, so engines often give warning first: unusual engine noise, rough running, a check engine light or a cluster message. Left alone, a failing bearing can cause engine failure and a loss of power while driving.
The remedy is an inspection of the oil pan for specific metal debris, with an engine replacement if the inspection calls for it, done free at Infiniti dealers. If you own one of these years, check your VIN now and treat any new knock as urgent. We'll confirm the recall status, and if the campaign applies, we'll send you to the dealer rather than sell you a repair. Earlier QX50s, through the 2017 model year, use a V6 and a 7-speed automatic and are not part of this recall.
What goes wrong on the Q50 and Q60?
Two documented items stand out. Early twin-turbo cars, the 2016 Q50 and early-build 2017 Q50 and Q60 with the 3.0-liter V6, have a bulletin for an accessory drive belt that gets noisy or comes off its idler pulley. The repair checks alignment and fixes the belt and anything it damaged on the way off.
Q50s from 2014 to 2016 with optional Direct Adaptive Steering, Infiniti's steer-by-wire system, were recalled for software. Low battery voltage at startup, combined with wheels left turned, could upset the steering ratio calculation and leave the wheel noticeably off center with the VDC warning light on. A small group of early 2014 cars had a separate cold-weather steering software recall. For shift complaints on the 7-speed automatic, we start with fluid condition, stored codes and a software check before anything gets replaced.
What should QX80 and older G and FX owners watch for?
On the QX56 and QX80, two documented items lead the list. The 2012 to 2013 QX56 and 2014 to 2015 QX80 were recalled because the fuel pressure sensor on the direct-injection V8 may not have been tightened to spec and could loosen with heat and vibration, leaking fuel. A raw fuel smell near the engine is the clue. The 2016 and 2017 QX80 have bulletins for a harsh 7th-to-3rd downshift, hesitation or rpm fluctuation, addressed with transmission control software.
Older VQ-powered cars like the G35, G37 and FX35 depend on regular oil changes. Their timing chains and guides need clean oil at the right level, so a whine or rattle at startup deserves a look. The 2003 to 2008 FX35 and FX45 were part of the Takata airbag recalls, including a 2020 recall that replaced earlier interim passenger inflators. Heat and humidity degrade those inflators, so in Texas it pays to confirm the final repair was done.
How reliable are infinitis, honestly?
Below average in the latest survey data, but the serious problems cluster in specific models and years. In J.D. Power's 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study, which surveys owners of 3-year-old vehicles, Infiniti logged 233 problems per 100 vehicles against an industry average of 204. Consumer Reports did not have enough data to rank Infiniti in its latest brand reliability survey.
Those scores count everything from infotainment glitches to engine trouble, so they do not tell the whole story. The VQ V6 and 7-speed automatic found in many Infinitis have a long track record, while the CVT years of the JX35 and QX60 and the first VC-Turbo QX50s account for the most serious documented trouble. A well-kept Infiniti with its recalls done can be a solid car. A neglected one from a problem year can be expensive. Shopping used? A pre-purchase inspection is the best way to tell which one you are looking at.
What should you do when your Infiniti acts up?
Check for recalls first, then diagnose. Enter your 17-digit VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup, nhtsa.gov/recalls, to see open safety recalls. Recall work is free at Infiniti dealers, and we'll point you there when it applies.
For everything else, our technicians read the engine, transmission and chassis modules with brand-specific scan tools, look for service bulletins that match the symptom and show you the codes before you approve anything. That is the core of our diagnostics work and our Infiniti repair service. Internal engine and transmission repairs are not part of our 36-month / 36,000-mile nationwide limited warranty, so coverage depends on the repair. The service warranty page explains what qualifies, or call or text (469) 289-1291.
Questions about this topic
How do I check if my Infiniti has an open recall?
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. You'll find the VIN on the driver's side of the dashboard where it meets the windshield, and on your registration and insurance card. Open safety recalls are repaired free at Infiniti dealers. We also check recall status during a diagnosis here, so you never pay us for work a recall already covers.
Why does my QX50 make a knocking noise?
On a 2019 to 2022 QX50 or 2022 QX55, a new knock or rough running needs prompt attention because of the engine bearing recall on the VC-Turbo engine. Check your VIN and contact an Infiniti dealer for the inspection. On other years, a knock can come from many sources, and a technician should listen and scan before anyone guesses.
Is a used Infiniti QX60 a good buy?
It can be, with some homework. The 2013 to 2020 JX35 and QX60 use a CVT, with documented judder bulletins on the early years, so test drive it at light throttle and scan for judder codes. The 2022 and newer QX60 switched to a 9-speed automatic. Either way, check the recall history and get an inspection before you buy.
Why is my Q50 steering wheel off center after I start the car?
On a 2014 to 2016 Q50 with Direct Adaptive Steering, that symptom with a VDC warning light matches a known recall tied to low battery voltage at startup. Confirm the software update was done and have the battery tested. On cars without that system, an off-center wheel usually points to an alignment issue or worn suspension parts.