2015 INFINITI QX50

The 2015 INFINITI QX50 is a compact luxury crossover SUV known for its sporty handling and comfortable ride. It comes with a single engine option: a 3.7-liter V6 engine that produces 325 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the QX50’s responsive engine and agile handling. Some common complaints revolve around the limited rear passenger space and cargo capacity compared to competitors.

Engine

3.7L VQ37VHR V6

• Timing Chain Rattle/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: A rattling noise, particularly on cold starts, is an early indicator of potential timing chain issues. In more severe cases, the engine may experience performance issues, misfires, or fail to start.
  • Solution: Replacing the timing chain, tensioners, guides, and potentially the sprockets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report excessive oil consumption requiring frequent oil level checks and top-offs between scheduled oil changes. The engine may produce blue smoke from the exhaust in severe cases.
  • Solution: Addressing potential causes such as worn valve stem seals, piston rings, or PCV valve issues. A compression test can help diagnose the cause. The repair can range from replacing the PCV valve to a complete engine rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $5,000+ depending on the cause and severity.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic (RE7R01A)

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing harsh or jerky shifting between gears, particularly during acceleration or deceleration. There may be hesitation or a delay when shifting between drive and reverse.
  • Solution: Start with a transmission fluid flush and filter replacement. If the problem persists, valve body replacement or a transmission rebuild may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $4,000+ depending on the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported premature wear and failure of the struts and shock absorbers, leading to a bouncy or unstable ride, especially over bumps. Leaking fluid may be visible on the struts/shocks.
  • Solution: Replacing the worn struts and shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+ for a full set replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Navigation/Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported issues with the navigation and infotainment systems, including freezing, lagging, and unresponsive touchscreens. The system may reboot spontaneously.
  • Solution: Software updates are often the first step. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, the head unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,500+ for head unit replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Headlight Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The automatic headlights may fail to activate properly in low-light conditions or may stay on even during the daytime.
  • Solution: Replacing the ambient light sensor or headlight control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported sunroofs getting stuck, failing to close properly, or making excessive noise during operation.
  • Solution: Lubricating the sunroof tracks and mechanisms, replacing the sunroof motor, or adjusting the sunroof alignment.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2015 INFINITI QX50 can be a reliable vehicle, but owners should be aware of some common issues, particularly those related to the engine timing chain and transmission. Suspension and electrical issues are also fairly common. While some fixes are relatively inexpensive, others, such as timing chain replacement or extensive transmission repairs, can be costly. Potential buyers should carefully inspect used QX50s for these issues and obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic.