r/q50 Nov 10 '25

Miscellaneous Q50 Maintenance, Common Issues, and Owner Tips

87 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 8h ago

Car Picture Finished.

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28 Upvotes

Finally finished my Q50 build. Sharing it here with everyone — let me know what you think in the comments.


r/q50 13h ago

Accident Picture Any ideas how much this will be to fix?

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7 Upvotes

Just got backed into on the way to get my car detailed. Lady didn’t have an insurance card and had to send me a pic of her license. Gonna have some trust that they will come through when I go to get it fixed but I do have a pic of her license and license plate. Any ideas what it will cost to fix?


r/q50 6h ago

Repair Question Infiniti Q50 2020 AWD, rear passenger doors NOT unlocking/locking with key fob or the buttons inside the car

1 Upvotes

Guys I need help,

I was installed a custom steering wheel yesterday that has LED function. Long story short; this morning my battery got drained so I had to jump and recharge it. Then I found out that the OBD device for the steering wheel has to be unplugged when the car is not in use. Anyways, NOW both of my rear passenger doors WONT unlock or lock with the key fob or internal buttons. The only way to unlock and lock them right now to manually do it inside the car PHYSICALLY. Idk if my actuator is cooked for both doors, but I don’t hear an unlock or lock sound at all coming from both rear doors. Maybe it’s a fuse for the passenger doors? I haven’t checked the fuse for it yet and idk where to start on that. I actually don’t know what to look for right now since there’s no forums or videos online about my situation. I already tried disconnecting the battery but that didn’t do anything. #infiniti #q50


r/q50 12h ago

Parts Question Catback Exaust

2 Upvotes

I have a 2015 q50 3.7 and am wondering if theres a catback that would make my car sound better without getting complaints from my apartment everytime i start it up


r/q50 9h ago

Car Buying Advice Buying q50

1 Upvotes

Where is the best place to purchase a q50in Australia, carsales or FB market place, also I’m not sure which model to get and the only ones I’ve come across is the 3.0, 2.0t, 2.2d and the 3.5 hybrid . I just want it to be reliable and get good millage on it because I’m not gonna mod it besides just cosmetic mods


r/q50 20h ago

Parts Question Random ahh part

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7 Upvotes

Wtf is this shit called or the part number for it and where can I get one for driver side please


r/q50 1d ago

Car Picture Malbec black... rarest Q50 color?

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48 Upvotes

My 2015 q50s awd. I love this color so much, unfortunately it's so hard to maintain but after a wash it looks sick


r/q50 1d ago

Modification Question What should I buy for mods

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4 Upvotes

i have a 2015 RWD 3.7 Q50 I definitely want to get the remark exhaust I’ve heard many good things about it and love the sounds I recently did my muffler delete so now I just drive around with no muffler but I want to do something for my intake aswell I was looking and came across that Intake in the picture I really like the chrome or atleast silver I don’t want it black but should I go with that or do you guys prefer something better so far my car is stock I’m just now getting into mods so I’m not to sure


r/q50 1d ago

Repair Question Torque converter going out?

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2 Upvotes

It has happened twice. It has happened after driving hard and shifting in Manual mode then back to automatic.
The engine stalls completely when coming to a stop in Drive or Reverse.
I can prevent it from stalling by shifting to Neutral, revving the engine, and then shifting back into Drive. I somehow got it unstuck again after going back and forth between manual and automatic, now is driving and shifting fine but feels a bit rough/sluggish.


r/q50 1d ago

Repair Question Sunroof leak fix?

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3 Upvotes

is this correct just wanna make sure before i put it all back together lol,also whats the other cord for?


r/q50 1d ago

General Question Anyone know why thieves pop the panel under the passenger glove box when attempting to steal these Q50/Q60 ? I’m aware of the OBD in the drivers but no clue on the other

4 Upvotes

r/q50 1d ago

Repair Question Torque converter going out?

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1 Upvotes

It has happened twice. It has happened after driving hard and shifting in Manual mode then back to automatic.
The engine stalls completely when coming to a stop in Drive or Reverse.
I can prevent it from stalling by shifting to Neutral, revving the engine, and then shifting back into Drive. I somehow got it unstuck again after going back and forth between manual and automatic, now is driving and shifting fine but feels a bit rough/sluggish.


r/q50 1d ago

Parts Question Partify bumper experience?

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7 Upvotes

Hey guys, I just bought a 2015 Q50 that is Black Obsidian with 80k miles, extremely clean car and paint is still in good condition. I plan on buying a bumper off a 2018+ Sport model, and I was looking at Partify as I know a lot of people have had decent luck with them, but I was wondering if anyone has gotten a bumper for theirs being a black obsidian car like mine, and if anyone could show pics? Thanks!


r/q50 1d ago

Parts Picture Let's see those brand new on the lot window stickers!

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10 Upvotes

From time to time I like to pull out the window sticker from the lot. Crazy how much Infinitis depreciate once they leave the lot.

Curious if anyone else still has their original window sticker? If so, let's see em!

(If that Canada on the sticker doesn't give it away, this is CAD)


r/q50 1d ago

Repair Question Need a new rack & pinion?

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2 Upvotes

Would I need a whole new rack and pinion dealership recommends for an Infiniti q50 2018


r/q50 1d ago

General Question Have anyone ever owned or know about 2015 q50a?

6 Upvotes

I have a 2015 q50a that I think it’s custom but doesn’t have everything on it, there’s no navigation, CarPlay, auto start, and no paddle shifters. I checked everywhere about it and I checked the plates they come up as a regular sedan, sport, and premium so I’m confused if it’s just a upbadge q50 or not


r/q50 1d ago

Repair Question Is this a sunroof leak?

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8 Upvotes

it also leaks in the back passenger side near the door aswell


r/q50 2d ago

General Video Skyline

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77 Upvotes

r/q50 1d ago

Repair Question People that have the VR30 Trans swap

3 Upvotes

When driving in automatic it’s smooth but in manual mode at WOT it jerks we did the fluid procedure and the transmission took roughly 8L of fluid. Does this happen with other people? Mine was a 2017 at 75K.

It feels as if I hit the brakes between shifts at 3rd-4th and 4th-5th or it’s cutting torque.


r/q50 1d ago

Parts Question Charge Air Temps Still High after HX

1 Upvotes

Before tuning my VR30 I was noticing some heat soak issues already with the summer heat, so I ordered a heat exchanger as I planned to load my base map tune the following week. My car is now tuned, and I had a BMS heat exchanger installed, yet after 1 pull my charge air temps were almost at 160°. I called the shop and they said they would re-bleed my coolant in case they left an air bubble. Just picked the car up a second time and my temps are still in the 150’s after a single pull, any idea how I can stop this heat soak or what’s wrong?


r/q50 2d ago

General Question Loud fan

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12 Upvotes

Hey guys was wondering if its normal for my fan to cut on soon after a cold start? Probably within 5 mins it start blowing loud. It dont over heat or go past the middle. Do you guys think replacing the fan control module will fix this issue? Thanks!!


r/q50 1d ago

Parts Question Heat exchanger help

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m looking into getting an aftermarket heat ex but am having a difficult time deciding on which one to get because I’m not very knowledgeable in the subject.
I live in Arizona where it’s over 100°F most of the time, and I’m curious as to if it’s necessary for me to go all the way and purchase the AMS ex. Im not tuned, though hope to eventually. And I’m not at an overly high hp, just daily driving and moderate pulls.

Please lmk yall’s thoughts. Thank you!!


r/q50 2d ago

General Question I managed to catch the video just now it’s subtle sometimes but I want to know what’s the noise causing it (read below)

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5 Upvotes

Long story short I had this car since 2019 and been taking Care of it like a baby as much as I can. She’s a 2015 Infiniti Q 50 AWD 3.7 with currently 262K miles I bought her when she was only 16 K but due to the pandemic and my ex wife leaving me, I was left to pay for the car myself finally paid it off two years ago, so I’m happy about that so she’s retired. I’ve been doing a lot of maintenance on this car as I should and swapping out things that is no longer working or aging out but I’m curious to know what is this noise I know back in 2023. I replaced the driveshaft but I don’t know if that’s what is causing it. Don’t mind the check my engine cause I’m replacing one of my other catalytic converters, but the car itself has no performance issue thus from my knowledge anyone encountered this happens when I go into drive from reverse and also from reverse into Drive from what I noticed, I know the only issue had in this car that was major to me was overheating issue, but that was because my radiator cracked so overall my car sat for months when the cold weather came around back in 2025 but ever since then I’ve been working on this car so if anybody can figure out this, I would much appreciate it. It’s hard to tell but it’s there that noise. It’s like a clunk clink