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 • • 16h ago

Car Picture New headlights

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21 Upvotes

r/q50 • • 5h ago

Parts Question Difference between these parts?

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0 Upvotes

Looking at these spoilers on Fitment Industries and they have the same pictures and descriptions but different part numbers and vastly different prices. Tried looking up the part numbers and get all the same info as what's on fitment, they both say "unfinished" but with a "protective black coating". Wondered if anyone has bought either and has more insight on what's going on here because I'd love to save $100 if they both end up being the same piece of plastic.

Update: I added each to my cart to see if the shipping would be different and surprisingly it was, by only $20. I didn't even think of it before because I assumed shipping would be uniform across the site. Anyway you still save about $80 overall. $288 vs $209 before tax.


r/q50 • • 1d ago

General Question 2014 Q50S 3.7 - 200K

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60 Upvotes

Hit 200K in my 2014 Q50. Car still runs smooth and still in love with the car. One thing im looking into is draining and filling the transmission fluid. Ive always been told its "lifetime" and there is no need to drain and fill. However, I want to keep this car running until the wheels fall and it can't anymore. Its been a very reliable car, has never left me stranded, and it has taken all of the beatings ive thrown at it.

My question to you guys that have had transmission issues specifically the TCM going bad, what are some symptoms I should look out for?

Thanks in advance.


r/q50 • • 14h ago

Parts Question FUCA install help

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1 Upvotes

Anyone know why the stud on the ball joint doesn’t stay in place when it’s up in the air I align it with the hole and it’s perfect and as soon as I put the car back on the ground it moves upward and gets out of place anyone know how to fix it or do I need to fix the position because I already have and that’s the position the joint goes in was wondering what I need to adjust to fix that


r/q50 • • 18h ago

Car Buying Advice Canadian Q50 Red Sports?

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1 Upvotes

r/q50 • • 18h ago

Car Buying Advice Canadian Q50 Red Sports?

1 Upvotes

Hello all,

I have been looking into purchasing a 2021-2024 Q50 Red Sport and regularly come across vehicles that were originally registered in Canada and often have the designation of I-Line. Do any of you have experience with those cars? Are there any parts availability or maintenance differences from US versions? Not sure if they use salt on the roads in Canada, as far as any corrosion issues. Thanks in advance!


r/q50 • • 1d ago

Car Buying Advice Should I Buy?!?

0 Upvotes

I was looking to buy this 2016 Q50 2.0 T with 132k km/ 82k miles

Any advice in terms of reliability and how long it should last me. How expensive repairs are and if its even worth it

I love the q50 look and dont mind the 2.0t being slower than the 3.0t or 3.7. Im not looking to mod it or anything just a nice looking daily driver to take me to school and work

They are pricing at 11k just to preface


r/q50 • • 1d ago

Repair Question AWD hybrid trans replacement

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone, need to replace the trans on my Q50 Hybrid AWD. Is it possible to drop the trans from underneath the car without pulling the engine and trans out together from the front?

I know it's possible on RWD, but I heard that access is much more difficult on AWD. Has anyone done this before?


r/q50 • • 1d ago

Parts Question FUCA install help

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4 Upvotes

I just finished installing isr performance fucas but on the passenger side it keeps making a clunk sound I noticed the metal part doesn’t move but the gold part does and on the driver side the ball joint is weird but doesn’t make any sound I was planning to get an alignment right after but I’m not sure what I did wrong


r/q50 • • 1d ago

Repair Question P0011

0 Upvotes

I have a 2015 Q50 3.7 premium. Was overdue for an oil change and CEL came on with P0011 permanent code. Went into limp mode 2000 rpm. If I clear code allows 3000 rpm then limp mode

  1. Proceeded to oil and filter change.
  2. Used liquimoly engine flush and proceeded with another oil and filter change.
  3. Code persisted.
  4. Removed VVT solenoids, cleaned and swapped.
  5. Still getting same p0011 code
  6. Cleaned and swapped front camshaft sensors. No change to code.

Not sure if this engine has rear camshaft sensors on back of engine near firewall???

Any suggestions or advice?


r/q50 • • 2d ago

General Question How much can I get?

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16 Upvotes

Clean title
2017 Sport, 45k miles ‘23 red sport engine with 15-20k miles.
Pure Stage 2s
Laser Iridium plugs
Stage 2 ams flex fuel kit
Anti jump belt kit
Catted 3” full downs pipes
Boosted 6 intakes
Stage 2 ams alpha hpfp
3” Cat-back mbrp
4” tips
Have paper work for all work done.
AMS alpha heat exchanger
VIN:JN1EV7ARXHM839545


r/q50 • • 1d ago

Parts Question Can I run these cold air intakes without a tune?

1 Upvotes

Sorry for the stupid question. The description says no tune required but just want to be absolutely certain before I install them. I'm currently waiting to tune until next summer so just trying to get some mods out of the way that don't require it right now.


r/q50 • • 1d ago

General Question Whats your 60-130 on 91/93 tune?

1 Upvotes

Whats your best 60-130 on pump gas?


r/q50 • • 2d ago

Accident Picture Heartbreak ..💔

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17 Upvotes

Got rear ended Friday by some habibi. Not sure if he has good insurance, man tired to offer 2,3 then 400 dollars lol. Luckily I got dash cam🧏🏽‍♂️


r/q50 • • 2d ago

Car Picture Q50 3.0 TCM Tune

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4 Upvotes

Just had my TCM tuned by Sonictuned. For the Q50 3.0 owners that had their ECU tuned, the TCM tune is the perfect pair to get the car driving the way you always hoped for from this platform. Car in sport is more responsive, shifts way smoother and crisper, the car feels quicker. The car in sport doesn’t feel so dull anymore. You can leave the car in manual, and it’ll shift for you. Totally worth it imo


r/q50 • • 2d ago

Parts Question Is powerstop drilled rotors and brake pads good

4 Upvotes

If anyone has, lmk if it's good. I'm tired of my $ 30 Amazon brake pads that give off more dust than a construction site. Plus, drilled rotors look cool.


r/q50 • • 1d ago

General Question Is this an exhaust leak?

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1 Upvotes

r/q50 • • 2d ago

General Question Random Weird Steering?

5 Upvotes

2014 3.7 Premium. 80k. Got it at 78k. Having random weird Steering experiences.

  1. When I first got it, it had a tough steering, it was the DAS, got a new battery, Problem Solved.
  2. Turning left out my carport the steering wheel stayed stuck at left turn angle, but the car was going straight. It's like DAS went out. It resolved itself immediately.
  3. As I'm pulling off yesterday I can feel resistance in the steering, kind of a stutter to the turns. Similar to old cars power steering going out. The steering resolved itself in minutes.

No check engine lights, just random steering problem. I'm taking it to infiniti to do a DAS scan.

Anybody else experience this?


r/q50 • • 2d ago

Parts Question 2017 Q50 3.0

1 Upvotes

Just got a 2017 q50 3.0 and was wondering what I can do to keep the turbos and everything running good it has 32k miles


r/q50 • • 3d ago

Car Picture Update post

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6 Upvotes

So 2 months ago while parking inside my driveway, my car stall when I shift to reverse and or drive. Left it parked until I had time to tow it to the shop. It started up fine. Idle fine, no check engine light. I thought it was the torque converter like everyone else. I was sure to buy a vr30 trans. Well the mechanic said my fluids were black (been almost 20k miles that I changed my trans fluids) and now it’s back to normal.
Under $400 fix. I’m shocked bc I thought it would be worse. Is this just a temporary fix? I been driving it all day and it’s back to normal. Shifts fine, manual shifts or auto, no issues. 114k miles total, 2015.


r/q50 • • 2d ago

Repair Question Rough idle and ticking vr30

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0 Upvotes

I’ve been hearing a ticking while I’m accelerating and on idle, but in the last 2 days it’s sounding more rough. It’s hard to pin point what it is so I’m posting here to see if anyone has had this issue

I do have lower downpipes and when I installed them I had to re use old gaskets with a gasket sealer. I want to think it’s that but not sure

I did crack my oil pan a month ago and I noticed the ticking a few days after fixing it.

Car runs and drives fine


r/q50 • • 4d ago

DIY Mod Picture Dropping the engine in a Q50. (VR30)

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137 Upvotes

Don’t believe the hype. Dropping the engine in a vr30 is simple. It’s just time consuming.


r/q50 • • 3d ago

Car Picture is my junt hard papis

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19 Upvotes