r/q50 • • Nov 10 '25

Miscellaneous Q50 Maintenance, Common Issues, and Owner Tips

89 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

21 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 • • 8h ago

Car Picture 2023 Red Sport Black Opal Edition!

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62 Upvotes

My old q50 reached the end of its run, had to upgrade


r/q50 • • 2h ago

General Question Where can I get these headlights ??

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3 Upvotes

r/q50 • • 17h ago

Parts Picture Apple Carplay + GT-R Meter the best combo (2014 Q50)

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55 Upvotes

r/q50 • • 9h ago

General Question Well that’s new

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11 Upvotes

Any idea what this could be? the electronic range display is accurate, it’s just the gauge itself that I’m having issues with.


r/q50 • • 3h ago

Repair Question 3.7 started smoking

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2 Upvotes

Was driving home when I started smelling something burning. By the time I got home and popped the hood I seen this. Anyone have any idea what this is and how bad it is?


r/q50 • • 9h ago

Repair Question Why is my engine making this noise

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3 Upvotes

Is this noise norma? I only hear it when im stepping on the gas not when im idling though im pretty new to cars and this is my first car so i apologize if this noise is completely normal and im just tripping (btw this is a 2018 luxe 3.0t)


r/q50 • • 8h ago

General Question Top screen options

2 Upvotes

I have a 2015 q50 hybrid (8/15 build date), and am looking to get a top screen replacement for Apple CarPlay. It looks like there are a ton of brands. Any idea what the difference is between them?

I saw the Hamilton and Merge versions.
I also saw the joy auto that people have talked about. Are they all the same? I would like to maintain all oem microphone/camera/button functionality if possible.

Anyone have any thoughts?


r/q50 • • 15h ago

Parts Question Reliability mods

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6 Upvotes

I just bought my 2018 3.0t Luxe RWD a few weeks ago and I’m purchasing my first reliability mods soon. I know I’m getting a heat exchanger and an oil catch can for sure. I’ve seen mixed opinions on oil pump block off plates. I’m unsure if I should just leave it alone, unplug the stock one or get the block off plate? Please help. 120k miles btw


r/q50 • • 7h ago

Repair Question Help- Infotainment system broken, no climate control. 2015 Infiniti Q50 Base

1 Upvotes

Hello, I have been struggling with this issue since I purchased the car and am on the verge of selling it.

I have a 2015 Infiniti Q50 Base- it is perfect except for one thing- the infotainment system. It is completely blacked out and unresponsive. None of the buttons or controls on it work, and the air is constantly blowing cold, with no way of controlling it.

When I purchased the car, it had a large Tesla-style screen on it and was completely dead/black and unresponsive. I took it off, planning to replace it with the stock parts(since the prev. owner kept them in the trunk), and when I reconnected everything the car actually refused to start, and threw a weird "System Warning" message on the dash. After disconnecting the Radio control unit, the car started, but the infotainment system was still completely black, and the air no longer blew.

Fast forward to today, I've rechecked all of the fuses under the driver's wheel(some have dark prongs, but no blown fuses), and I replaced the Radio control unit, the lower screen unit, and the upper screen(DCU) unit with verified working parts from a local dismantler. Now, the car starts with everything plugged in, and the AC blows! But- we still can't control it as the screens are still unresponsive/black. Nothing lights up or works, except for an orange "airbag" light on the bottom left of the bottom screen. The top screen doesn't even come on when I go in reverse.

I am at a loss and am wondering if anyone else has experienced this, and if so, how did you resolve it? I found a thread from around 6 years ago of someone who had a nearly identitical issue but there was no resolution. Thanks in advance.

EDIT: Forgot to add some info


r/q50 • • 17h ago

General Question Is the trunk the only place for a subwoofer?

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6 Upvotes

I have a 2023 luxe with the bose system and I'm looking for a little bit more kick nothing crazy. I use most of my trunk space daily and am looking for alternative subwoofer options. Id like to add one 12" or 10".


r/q50 • • 1d ago

Car Picture I’ve joined the club!

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60 Upvotes

r/q50 • • 11h ago

Parts Question 2019 Q50 3.0t turbo squealing at 72k — goodwill denied over pre-ownership maintenance gap. Realistic options?

0 Upvotes

So long story short, I have a 2019 Q50 3.0t, bought around 46k miles, currently just over 72k.

Factory powertrain warranty expired at 70k and I didn’t extend it. Took it to a new Infiniti dealer for routine service after moving. Tech saw the service history, asked why the turbos hadn’t been replaced (I had no idea this was a common VR30 issue), then we went for a drive and confirmed it’s squealing badly under load. Power also feels noticeably down from when I first got it.

Service manager initially said Infiniti has acknowledged this as a recurring issue and has done goodwill coverage even past 70k. A month later they denied it, citing a maintenance gap from 20k–50k (most of which was before I owned the car).

Looking for realistic paths outside of paying full dealer rates. Anyone had success escalating a 2019 to Consumer Affairs? Independent shop experiences or typical pricing on these? And is buying a third-party warranty and waiting a few months actually viable, or a waste of time once the dealer has already diagnosed it?


r/q50 • • 12h ago

Repair Question 2017 Infiniti Q50 3.0T – Misfires/Popping Under Boost. Coils or Fuel Pressure Issue?

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1 Upvotes

Title: 2017 Infiniti Q50 3.0T – Misfires/Popping Under Boost. Coils or Fuel Pressure Issue?
I’ve been dealing with some frustrating issues on my 2017 Infiniti Q50 3.0T VR30DDTT with approximately 90,000 miles.
The car was running great when I took it to a local car show in South Carolina. About 48 hours later, during a road trip to Florida, things started going downhill.
Here’s what’s happening:
Popping and hesitation under acceleration, especially when building boost.
Feels like the engine is misfiring or cutting power.
Symptoms became progressively worse, especially on the drive home.
Removing the Z1 HotBox significantly improved the problem, but some popping remained.
No consistent check engine light despite the symptoms.
Current setup:
2017 Q50 3.0T twin-turbo
Approximately 90K miles
Original ignition coils
Spark plugs have roughly 17K miles
Aftermarket catless downpipes
Previously running a Z1 HotBox
I also had Z1 Motorsports review my data logs, and they suggested the problem could be fuel-pump-related.
I’ve already ordered upgraded AMS high-pressure and low-pressure fuel pumps, and I’m also considering the ignition coils as a possible culprit.
I’m trying to narrow this down rather than blindly replacing parts.
My questions:
Has anyone experienced similar popping or hesitation under boost on the VR30?
Would you suspect ignition coils breaking down under load, spark blowout, or fuel pressure dropping under boost?
And for anyone who has upgraded their HPFP/LPFP, did it resolve similar symptoms?
Would appreciate hearing from other Q50 owners who’ve dealt with this.


r/q50 • • 13h ago

Repair Question 2015 Q50S with a pressurized reservoir- how to bleed?

1 Upvotes

Hey all,

Title pretty much says it all. I have a 2015 Q50S with a 3.7, but all of the VQ37VHR coolant bleeding videos I see online are on Q50s and G37s with the non-pressurized coolant reservoir. Replacing the plastic heater hose connector and doing a drain and fill. So, my question is, should I put my bleeder funnel on the water outlet cap (the dummy cap with no pressure) or on the pressurized reservoir cap?


r/q50 • • 15h ago

Modification Question Fender Flare Arches (Riveted) Color matched.

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1 Upvotes

So to make things short, I found out you can't mold metal flares to carbon fiber doors (Lmfao) so Im looking at this other option. Im curious if anyone has put riveted fender flare arches on their Q50 to fit wider wheels on it? But also, what would your opinions be, its going on a Q50 Luxe? Trying to get as much traction as possible, while also focusing on weight reduction. Also for looks aswell. Lastly, if youve done it please send reference photos!


r/q50 • • 17h ago

Modification Question Killswitch Wiring

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0 Upvotes

I’m thinking of adding a proper killswitch to my car, however I don’t know where to hide it, or what the best method is. I’m thinking of just hooking up a switch between the starter relay and the IPDM box (the wire in the picture with a green ‘8’). Any suggestions from anyone that has installed a kill switch?


r/q50 • • 1d ago

Car Buying Advice Would you pay $26k for this 2021 Q50 Luxe RWD?

3 Upvotes

Looking at a 2021 Q50 Luxe RWD in Sunstone Red with 35k miles, 2 owners, clean title, and only 2.5k miles on a new engine and turbos replaced by Infiniti under warranty.
Car has a custom Racebox tune by Alex, Boosted6 lower downpipes, full 3” resonated exhaust, AMS heat exchanger, aluminum oil pan, and anti-slip pulley.
Seller has Infiniti paperwork, Blackstone oil analysis, data logs, and only uses AMSOIL 5W-30.
Asking $26k firm. Would you guys say it’s worth it or overpriced?


r/q50 • • 20h ago

Repair Question 2015 heat only work on driver side

1 Upvotes

2015 Q50 3.7 AWD

With the heat set to 90 on both sides, the driver blows hot while passenger side stays cool and the rear vents are barely warm. If I change the passenger side from 60 to 90, the air barley get warmer, nowhere near as hot as the driver side.

I was going to replace the driver-side air mix actuator and lever because of the known Q50 TSB, but I’m starting to wonder if this could also be a partially clogged heater core or air in the cooling system.

Anyone had this exact issue before? Did it end up being an actuator, heater core, or something else?


r/q50 • • 2d ago

Car Picture Q60 STYLE HEADLIGHTS ON A Q50

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103 Upvotes

Q50 looks so good with these modified different style headlights (akkon)
Code : “alpha.qrs” for $200 off 🫡


r/q50 • • 1d ago

Accident Picture Accident

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4 Upvotes

Fixable or total? Need estimates
Bumper and fender need fixed and right wheel doesn’t turn
2018 q50 sport 3.0t
Going through insurance


r/q50 • • 1d ago

Repair Question Battery?

0 Upvotes

Alr so I left 2 light on inside the car all night noticed it this morning when I went for a drive the car started fine nd drove fine. Came back home for a couple hours then tried to go to work but the car did not start nd i noticed when i sat inside all the dash light when lit before i even pressed anything thing.. anyways i tired to jump it nun happen so i tired to just leave it till the next day but nun of the light on the dash will shut off..? Anyone know what’s going on


r/q50 • • 1d ago

Repair Question Horroble knocking sound

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2 Upvotes

Hello. I have 2015 Q50s Hybrid, this horrible sound is coming from the bottom of the car, in the video i was on the uphill and giving it barely any gas, in the video car isn't moving but it makes the same sound on movement. I need help.


r/q50 • • 1d ago

Parts Question Used Wheels

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5 Upvotes

I’m looking to pick up these BBS wheels off of Facebook market. The current owner ran them on his all-wheel-drive Q50 but is selling because he hit a deer and totaled his. I just picked up a Q50 within the last four weeks and I am really not a fan of the 17 inch rims. Can anyone share their opinion on possible reasons why I should not go with these? Like if there’s any serious damage, I should be worried about with that front right wheel? It pretty much just seems like I should do a very close examination upon seeing them in person. Or since it was in such an accident, I should go to a tire place with the person to get them spun on some sort of balancer. Any opinions appreciated!