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

19 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 • • 11m ago

Repair Question Any ideas on what this noise is

• Upvotes

Just got winter tires swapped on during oil change now the front is creaking


r/q50 • • 10h ago

Modification Question Start of exterior journey

5 Upvotes

Just starting to add stuff to my Q70's exterior need opinions on if this splitter I installed. Does it compliment my car or is it too flush and have no impact on the visual. It's a Q50 splitter since there's very few Q70 aftermarket parts. I'm still trying to decide if I love it or not. Need opinions and suggestions.


r/q50 • • 20h ago

Repair Question Help anyone know the color of the rims and where I can get touch up matching paint?!?

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5 Upvotes

2020 Infiniti q50 T looking for some rim touchup paint can’t see some to find any color code . It’s like a gun metal grey . Any websites where I can get matching paint !? Thanks in advance


r/q50 • • 1d ago

Car Picture goodbye q50

74 Upvotes

r/q50 • • 14h ago

Repair Question 2017 Lux on Nitto motivo 365 All weather in Cali smart or dumb?

1 Upvotes

So I’m getting the Nitto motivo 365 all weather on my (2017 lux close to 100k sketch history from FB market so will be investing to get most common maintenance done)while living in Cali I know sound pretty dumb off bat I’ve always had summer tire while here I don’t do too many driving except maybe going from so cal to La or San D on some weekends but every winter I have to fly out Minnesota/Wisconsin to visit family for Christmas spending 2-3weeks there with rental cars I end up spending too much money on flight tickets, will be moving back to the Midwest in less than A year thinking since these are high performance tire I will have no problem driving it here I don’t push my car too much recently purchased still mostly stock but if I can invest in it now I should be able to get 2 winter before getting A dedicated summer tire after settling in Back in Minnesota to be able to switch from these to A proper summer performance tire car will be completely tuned to my liking by than any I did some half ass research that convinced me to buy these normally I wanted All season but now that I got them some deeper researching got me thinking I might I’ve made A mistake my goal was to run these 6months A year in the Midwest from mid fall to early early spring and put on summer tire trust me I’ve survived A few winters there in my old Pontiac G8 gt on all season tire but I just want an option of others on how stupid I am or not 🤷🏿‍♂️ heap on mind this is all within A of purchasing the car cash and I’m trying to think long term because both rear tire were balding and I’m trying to keep up to date with what I got next an oil change get an idea of the engine life spam tho it tells me I have 1,100m till next change because I just looked on car fax today last maintenance reported to the car was in 2024 plus minor finder benders but now check engine just stupid washer fluid and headlight sensor that recently appeared lol so for the long god bless if you still reading


r/q50 • • 16h ago

Repair Question Need help figuring out this sound

0 Upvotes

it’s coming directly from the front I hear it better from the lower grill and it started about a week ago and it’s like a buzzing sound


r/q50 • • 20h ago

General Question Vr30 swap on a 2015 awd q50 3.7

2 Upvotes

My valve body went out recently and I plan on just completely vr30 swapping the trans instead of buying a valve body. I just was coming to here so I don’t miss any steps or parts. anyone who had done something like this before some help would be great. Just wondering a list of parts needed to complete this, I plan to take it to a mechanic and have him install it but I know there is more that goes into the swap than just simply the trans. I apologize for my lack of knowledge but someone who knows a little something about this would be greatly appreciated!


r/q50 • • 1d ago

General Question Q50 3.7 IS THIS FUEL INJECTORS OR AM I SCREWED? 2015

5 Upvotes

Was wondering if it sounded normal and healthy for a VQ engine is fairly warm


r/q50 • • 17h ago

Modification Question I want to get Car Play on my EU Diesel Q50 2014

1 Upvotes

Can i just buy the 2018 or up screen and replace it with my old one? I see the non oem ones (aliexpress boards that are mixed with the oem etc) that are for 250eur or more but also i see some used Q50 +2018 screens for 400eur

Samply my questions:

Will it work an +2018 oem car play with my 2014 diesel work?

If it will not work it is possible to know a mod to add car play similar to the 2021 version shown on the screen?

Sorry for my bad english hope my question is simple


r/q50 • • 19h ago

Repair Video Code P2069-00 mean?

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1 Upvotes

Hey guys I’m tuned and I recently got this got I was wondering what you guys think it could be? Would it be a bad sensor from downpipes?


r/q50 • • 1d ago

General Question Rebuilt title for q50 red sports

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1 Upvotes

r/q50 • • 2d ago

General Video Love my 3.0t

37 Upvotes

38 degree cold start. FBO & Tuned by RaceBox. Wait till the end if you want to see the “Are my turbos cooked” smoke from the exhaust 😂


r/q50 • • 1d ago

Car Picture 2016 q50 3.0

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12 Upvotes

What Should i add / what should i take off or do in the future currently sitting at 100k miles


r/q50 • • 1d ago

General Question Long term racebox tuned Q50 ownership

4 Upvotes

How long have you been tuned with racebox and how is the tune on daily basis? Have you run to any issues that i can expect?


r/q50 • • 1d ago

Parts Question Is this supposed to be loose?

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2 Upvotes

r/q50 • • 2d ago

Parts Question Hybrid Sport CarPlay

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5 Upvotes

I have the JoyeAuto module installed but it doesn’t show the CarPlay. All factory settings work & I see the CarPlay on my phone Bluetooth but can’t get it to show on the screen. Am I doing something wrong or do I need to get a different module that pair well with the Hybrids?


r/q50 • • 2d ago

Parts Question New Car

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20 Upvotes

Not the most glamorous photo but this is my 2015 q50S 3.7

I’m not looking to do any performance mods as of now but I do want some cosmetic mods like taillights, headlights, carbon accents, where can I find high quality parts for this platform for a reasonable price. I’m from Canada if that makes any significant impact on imports


r/q50 • • 2d ago

Car Buying Advice I feel like it’s a good deal but also never owned a q50

3 Upvotes

Currently looking at a 1-owner 2020 q50s rwd with carbon fiber package and is a couple hundred miles under 19,000 for $28k OTD.

Is this on par with current market or am I ridiculously overpaying?


r/q50 • • 2d ago

General Question Anyone know what this could be?

6 Upvotes

I need help trying to diagnose this grinding sound I’m hearing on my right side of my car. It sounds like it’s coming from my rear brake, I went and remove the tires and checked both the fronts and rears pads and rotors and did not find any damage. I first started hearing this sound about three days ago, and it sucks because I only have an hour of daylight after work to work on my car so I haven’t found any answers.

When I’m driving the car, I don’t notice the sound until I engage the brakes, but I do notice after releasing the brakes, I still hear the grinding sound for approximately 5 to 10 seconds. I also noticed that, depending on how hard I break, it increases the sound of the grinding/scraping noise kind of like in the video.

If anyone has any idea what this sound could be or advice on what areas I should be looking in, I will greatly appreciate any help.


r/q50 • • 2d ago

Modification Question Modification help

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone my 2016 3.0T (300hp)
Is bone stock and it has 107k miles I’m currently fixing stuff on it but in the future I want to tune it to make 500hp what exactly should I do to prepare it so it can run reliably and Can anyone tell me other websites other than Z1 motorsports to buy good high quality trusted performance parts for my Q


r/q50 • • 3d ago

Car Picture Just finished an 8000km road trip across Canada and the US in the Redsport, drove like a dream even with 170k kms on it and averaged over 30mpg

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59 Upvotes

The lane keep assist on this car is great, there were some stretches on the interstates where it kept me in the lane with no intervention for over half an hour, basically a Tesla 😂


r/q50 • • 2d ago

Repair Question Q50 problems

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2 Upvotes

So basically everything was running smoothly since I started driving but I was literally just like going 15 in some traffic and all of a sudden it almost felt like someone was tapping the break as I let off the petal at first I wasn’t paying attention to my gears or anything just tryna get out but after I pulled over it didn’t feel like it was when I let off the gas, it just wouldn’t shift into first. I turn off the car and back on and a check engine light pops up. I used my code reader and these the codes I got. Just got the car used at 120k miles and learning more about these cars go figure this happens immediately. Any help would be appreciated ask me anything


r/q50 • • 3d ago

General Question Tire size

2 Upvotes

I just switched from a 2014 to a 2018 q50. The 2018 tire size is 225 55 18. I bought new winter tires last year that are 225 55 17. Can they safely fit or will they even fit. Thank you