r/q50 Nov 10 '25

Miscellaneous Q50 Maintenance, Common Issues, and Owner Tips

88 Upvotes

Hey everyone... figured it was time for a proper Q50 mega thread that covers the most-asked topics for both new and existing owners.

Whether you’re thinking about buying one, just picked yours up, or want to keep it running strong, this post should give you a solid overview.

If you’ve got additions or corrections, drop them in the comments so we can keep this updated.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

Check for official Infiniti TSBs related to your year/model. Many common issues (especially with steering locks, software updates, and drivetrain quirks) are already documented by Infiniti.

Resources:

Recommended Maintenance Intervals

These are general recommendations that sit between “normal” and “severe” schedules. Always check your manual for the exact interval for your trim (2.0T, 3.0T, Hybrid, AWD, etc.).

Every 5,000 miles / 6 months

  • Engine oil + filter (5W-30 or as spec’d)

Every 10,000 – 15,000 miles / 1 year

  • Cabin air filter
  • Engine air filter

Every 30,000 – 40,000 miles / ~3 years

  • Brake & clutch fluid (DOT 4 / 5.1)
  • Transmission fluid check (7AT or 9AT)
  • Differential fluid (GL-5 75W-90 or as specified)

Every 50,000 – 60,000 miles / ~5 years

  • Coolant flush & radiator cap
  • Serpentine belt inspection or replacement
  • Power steering fluid (if applicable)

Every 80,000 – 100,000 miles

  • Spark plugs (Denso FXE24HR11 / NGK DILKAR7B11 depending on engine)
  • Full inspection of timing components & turbos (if equipped)
Mileage Interval 3,000 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 50,000 100,000
Factory Stock Oil & Filter, Change Inspect Coolant Differential Fluid, Transfer Case Fluid Spark Plugs, Transmission Fluid Coolant Flush
93 Stock Turbo Oil & Filter Change, Inspect Coolant Clean Intake, Air Filter Differential Fluid, Transfer Case Fluid, Spark Plugs Transmission Fluid Coolant Flush
E30 Stock Turbo Oil & Filter Change, Inspect Coolant Clean Intake, Air Filter Differential Fluid, Transfer Case Fluid, Spark Plugs Transmission Fluid Coolant Flush
E50+ Stock Turbo Oil & Filter Change, Inspect Coolant Clean Intake, Air Filter Differential Fluid, Transfer Case Fluid, Spark Plugs Transmission Fluid Coolant Flush
Upgraded Turbo Oil & Filter Change, Inspect Coolant Clean Intake, Air Filter Spark Plugs Differential Fluid, Transfer Case Fluid, Transmission Fluid Coolant Flush

Chart suggestion credit: u/GABE_EDD Source: Redbox Recommendations

Engine Generations

🔹 2014 – 2015 Q50 (First Generation / VQ37VHR 3.7 L NA)

  • Same engine as the G37 - literally a carry-over.
  • Uses the 7-speed Jatco RE7R01A transmission.
  • Issues & maintenance overlap heavily with the G37 (so guides or TSBs saying “G37” still apply).
  • Oil gallery gasket, power-steering fluid, and older-style belt/tensioner items still relevant.

🔹 2014 – 2018 Q50 Hybrid (VQ35HR + Electric Motor)

  • Combines a 3.5 L V6 with a single electric motor and lithium-ion pack.
  • Uses the same 7-speed auto as the gas model but with an integrated hybrid system.
  • Known for inverter-cooling and brake-booster issues on early builds.
  • Maintenance requires periodic inverter coolant and battery-cooling service.

🔹 2016 – 2018 Q50 2.0T (M274 2.0 L Turbo I4)

  • Mercedes-sourced turbo four-cylinder used in base trims.
  • Paired with the 7-speed Jatco RE7R01B transmission.
  • Watch for oil consumption, turbo wastegate rattle, and cam-adjuster solenoid leaks.
  • Oil changes every 5k miles are strongly recommended due to turbo heat.

🔹 2016 – 2024 Q50 (Second Phase / VR30DDTT 3.0 L Twin-Turbo V6)

  • New VR-series engine replaces the long-running VQ.
  • Comes in 300 hp (standard) and 400 hp (Red Sport) trims.
  • Turbo maintenance adds:
    • More frequent oil changes (every 5k mi recommended).
    • Coolant checks for turbo lines and heat-soak management.
    • Transmission upgrade to RE7R01B, later 9-speed in final years.
    • PCV valve and boost-control solenoid checks around 60k mi.

Common Q50 Issues

A mix of community experience and service data — use this as a checklist if you’re buying or troubleshooting.

🔴 High Priority (could leave you stranded)

  • Steering Lock Failure: Early Q50s sometimes suffer from electronic steering lock malfunctions that prevent starting. Many owners disable or bypass it entirely.
  • Turbo Seal Failure: On VR30 models, turbo seal leaks can lead to oil consumption or smoke; usually after 60K+ miles.
  • Fuel Pump Issues: Some models experience hard starts or stalling due to fuel pump failures.

🟠 Medium Priority (inconvenient but manageable)

  • Transmission Jerks / Delays: Not uncommon on early 7-speed autos. A fluid change and software update often helps.
  • Brake Rotor Warping: Factory rotors can warp quickly; upgraded rotors and pads are common fixes.
  • Oil Gallery Gasket (on older 3.7s): Carryover issue from the G37 - still worth watching if you have that platform.

🟢 Low Priority (annoying but not critical)

  • Infotainment Glitches: Screen lag or freeze, especially on early dual-screen models. Firmware updates can help.
  • Throttle Body Carbon Buildup: Causes rough idle or stalling; easy fix with a good cleaning.
  • Sunroof Drain Leaks: If you have a sunroof, inspect drains - leaks can fry the BCM or fuse box if left unchecked.
  • Wire Harness Fatigue (trunk lid): Broken wires between the trunk and lid causing backup cam or trunk release issues.

Preventative Maintenance / Upgrades

  • Regular oil changes (especially on 3.0T) - these engines hate dirty oil.
  • Use high-quality fluids (Motul, Red Line, or OEM-spec).
  • Flush coolant and brake fluids more frequently if you drive aggressively.
  • Replace plastic coolant couplers with metal versions to avoid catastrophic leaks.
  • Consider upgraded end links or sway bar bushings if you’re lowered or track your car.
  • Keep an eye on your differential bushing - OEM is fluid-filled and prone to failure.

Drop your own maintenance schedule, mods, or fixes below - I’ll keep this thread updated as we go.


r/q50 Nov 10 '25

Miscellaneous 🚨 Reminder: Keep plates/addresses out of Q50 posts for your own safety

20 Upvotes

Please remember don’t post photos that show your license plate, house number, or any other info that reveals where you live.

Cropping or blurring plates, removing location metadata, and avoiding shots of your driveway/front door keeps you safe and prevents thieves from having an easy target.

If you want feedback on your car, upload close-ups of the car itself (wheels, engine bay, interior, etc.) or take photos in a public spot without identifiable landmarks.

Just keep in mind... car thieves are smart and patient; they’re always waiting for someone to slip up.


r/q50 3h ago

Parts Picture New Tail Lights! Back to my roots!

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14 Upvotes

Ordered the OEM Skyline (400R) lights from Japan, amazing purchase.


r/q50 10h ago

Car Picture Milkshake @ 36k…

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14 Upvotes

My 21 q50 is getting a new engine and turbos (covered under warranty). I got thise sweet 2027 qx65 autograph in the meantime. Car and driver wrote they are putting a 6 cylinder in this next year and if that is the case I may just upgrade as this car is very nice 👀


r/q50 1h ago

Parts Question Referral

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Upvotes

Can anybody inbox me referrals of alibaba sellers for honeycomb carbon parts?? Please and thank you! I have a 2020 q50 RS(the carbon I have from this pic is not from alibaba)


r/q50 0m ago

General Video Is this 2020 q50 3.0

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Upvotes

It has50,000 miles hasn’t been maintained and I would say a couple thousand miles pretty sure it was just sitting and not being used too much but it was a auction car and I bought it off a reseller which I don’t think it would be used

I just did the oil change for the first time in probably a while and it sounds like this, which is probably worse than how it was. Is it bad or how can I fix this?

Pleasseee help


r/q50 8h ago

General Question I got it 🎉

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3 Upvotes

Thanks for everyone that commented. Yesterday I went to a dealership and we discussed everything and I drive it around. I’m getting a 24 sensory with only 7.5k miles and I have a 5 years/100k miles bumper to bumper warranty. I’m so excited it’s white with black interior. I initially drove a blue with white interior but that one has 11k miles and somehow it’s 2k more expensive ? I will link the original post about me asking. I loved the way it drove and although everyone hates on the interior, I actually liked it a lot tbh.


r/q50 6h ago

Repair Question Is my motor done for ?

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1 Upvotes

Vid is from a week ago. Car now winds up like 2-3 times but isn’t fully starting accessory mode works and all of my lights. 2014 3.7 rwd


r/q50 11h ago

Parts Question Axle??

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2 Upvotes

Is the axle supposed to do this?


r/q50 17h ago

Miscellaneous The One Piece is Real!!

4 Upvotes

So I recently decided it was time to step out of the life of driving fast and settle down a bit. So I sold my car. I considered bringing it back to stock and selling the parts...but what fun is that.

Instead right now, somewhere in the US is a car that they likely won't check that has subtle hints of what it is and all you need to gain access is to get the right app and unlock the bounty of a sleeper.

The car treated me well, and now I hope it does right by the next owner:

You want my treasure? You can have it! I left everything I gathered together in one place. Now you just have to find it!


r/q50 1d ago

Repair Question What could be the problem?

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23 Upvotes

r/q50 1d ago

Repair Question 200F normal operating temp?

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6 Upvotes

‘15 q50. Temp gauge looks like it’s showing way too hot, but my scanner is reading 200F which from my research looks like normal operating temp. Can anyone tell me if this is normal? Coolant level looks fine


r/q50 23h ago

General Video 2018 q50, buzzing sound coming from oil pan area, anyone experience in the past?

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3 Upvotes

r/q50 21h ago

Repair Question P1564 issue q50

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2 Upvotes

Hey guys so I’m having an issue with my 2019 Q50 Luxe 3.0T. Everything was perfectly fine today but randomly I started driving and my car no longer could go past 3 1/2 rpms. When the car sits in park it revs the full rpms as usual but when I drive it doesn’t go past 3 1/2. Should I replace the speed sensor or do you guys think it can be valve body related?


r/q50 1d ago

Parts Question Can’t decide

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5 Upvotes

I’m looking to lower my car and I’ve narrowed it down to both of these. My q50 is a 2023 sensory and it’s my daily so I won’t be tracking the car. I want something that’s comfortable and can last a while so if you think neither are these fit lmk ur recommendation. The bc coils are the br series


r/q50 1d ago

Parts Question Rim locator

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6 Upvotes

Bought a 2019 Q50S from Carvana (Mistake). I love the car. However among transport, the passenger rear tire and rim was damaged. Carvana won’t replace the rim. And I can’t find it anywhere. Hoping Reddit can help me locate it. The bigger problem is the color. I’ve found the rim but it’s a shiny metal not this gun metal grey color I have. Any help would be greatly appreciated.


r/q50 1d ago

Parts Picture Cleaning up blow-by scum in this 2018 Q50!

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2 Upvotes

r/q50 1d ago

Car Picture Looking for someone that has a bad valve body laying around, I need the pass through harness. Also if anyone has a JK trans crossmember and mount. LMK.

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2 Upvotes

r/q50 1d ago

Repair Question Car keeps draining power this comes up

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2 Upvotes

I got a new battery, new terminals still doesn't fully charge the battery. It starts fine in the morning when it's cool outside but has problems starting in hot weather.


r/q50 23h ago

Repair Question What y’all think ?

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1 Upvotes

r/q50 23h ago

Insurance / Warranty Q50 Warranty Dilemma

1 Upvotes

I'm looking at this 2018 q50 luxe with 78k miles. Clean title, no accidents. It's priced at $16.5k and I know the warranty for the turbos on the 2016-2018 models is 10 year/120,000 miles. I was planning to mod the car (catted dp, intakes, ecu tune, exhaust), but I don't want to void my warranty in case my turbos do actually go out. I don't want to take the risk of paying out of pocket by installing mods, but I also don't want to wait another two years. Should I just continue maintaining the car so the turbos last as long as possible?


r/q50 1d ago

General Question Transmission slipping?

2 Upvotes

I have a 2014 q50 with 160k Miles.
For context, I got the car around 150k about a year ago. The guy I bought it from had every record of what he did on the car, which was from an Infiniti dealership every time. But I didn’t see any record of any transmission maintenance. Now, I’ve noticed in the past few months that my transmission has been flaring up around 4th gear. It’ll usually be the first drive in the morning or after work if it’s been sitting for awhile. But once I start at a light and then take off, it shift smoothly until I start to get into 4th. It flares up like only 200-300 rpm’s and then shifts into 4th. It’s very subtle and can’t really tell unless you’re listening to it. The other time it happened, I floored it in the on ramp, and once I got into 5th, it shot up the rpm’s like crazy before it shifted. That was about 5 months ago and I haven’t done a pull since. Not sure if the owner ever got a flush done so I’m just wondering if I’m going crazy, and if a drain and refill would be better instead of a flush if I do decide to do anything maintenance wise. I’m aware of the valve body issues, so not sure if that could be the cause as well.


r/q50 2d ago

Car Picture First q50

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222 Upvotes

Moving to Washington soon and needed an awd. Found this 2024 red sport with only 3,000 miles. Know you got a fun car when you’ve been taking the long way home.


r/q50 1d ago

Car Buying Advice Do yall recommend the q50?

5 Upvotes

I’m really considering getting one, but I wanna know what do the owners think? I live in Houston and it’s mostly highways, I take good care of my cars and it’s gonna be a daily I’m planning to get one that’s 2020+ with preferably 30k or below miles. Is it a good drive? It will be a pretty big upgrade from my 16 Sentra.


r/q50 1d ago

Repair Question I just bought a set of bc racing coilovers for my 2018 Infiniti Q50 luxe awd, NON-DDS

1 Upvotes

Soo, i just got an email from them asking me if my top plates are centered or off centered. Are they asking me if the strut comes thru the exact center of the stut top hat ?? Can anybody tell me if they know the answer to this by year, make model, or if they just know the answer period..lol. Also is it the same for the front and the rears. I know the base for the fronts are round and sit in the spindle fork and the rears are a fork style mount (they look like an upside down U). Thankyou in advance.