The Infiniti Q50 is a popular luxury sports sedan. Many Raleigh drivers enjoy this car’s sleek styling and responsive performance. While the Q50 can deliver a reliable performance, there are a few issues that owners tend to encounter. Let’s take a look at the most common Infiniti Q50 problems.
A malfunctioning braking system is a big safety hazard. You should no longer drive your vehicle until the issue is professionally repaired. If you own a 2014-2016 Infiniti Q50, be on the lookout for a failed master cylinder. This critical component is engineered to convert your foot pressure into hydraulic pressure through the brake pedal.
One of the key symptoms of a failed master cylinder is a spongy brake pedal. The seals in this component often deteriorate much sooner than expected. As time goes on, the internal leaking will only worsen. Expect your Q50’s stopping distance to be noticeably longer than usual, which increases the likelihood of you being involved in a rear-end collision.
The only solution is to have your mechanic install a new master cylinder. Many people have reported this problem after surpassing the 100,000-mile mark. However, it can also occur at a lower mileage.
Brake pads can last for more than 50,000 miles. This is especially true for Infiniti Q50 owners who don’t engage in a lot of stop-and-go driving. Unfortunately, premature brake wear tends to be a common issue. Some people have reported their brake pads wearing out in less than 5,000 miles.
Be sure to have this issue fixed as soon as possible. Continuing to drive your Q50 with worn pads will only lead to more mechanical problems. The brake rotors are more likely to warp, which indicates metal-on-metal contact. If you notice any shuddering when coming to a stop, this could indicate that damage has already occurred. While minor warping can be fixed by resurfacing the rotor, a heavily damaged rotor will ultimately need to be replaced.
When installing new brake components, never sacrifice quality in order just to save a few bucks. Cheap brake pads are more prone to premature wear.
Unfortunately, certain Infiniti Q50 models came equipped from the factory with subpar tires. According to quite a few owners, their tires often don’t last for 10,000 miles. Even worse, it’s not uncommon for these low-quality tires to split at the rim. The last thing you want to experience is a powerful tire blowout when traveling at highway speeds.
The good news is that there’s a simple solution to this problem. Choose a different brand that is made of higher-quality materials. You won’t need to replace your tires nearly as often.
Regardless of what brand of tires you decide to install, don’t overall the importance of routine maintenance. At least once a month, be sure to check your air pressure. Underinflated tires simply don’t last as long. Infiniti Q50 owners are also urged to get a yearly wheel alignment. This is service is must for drivers who regularly travel over pothole-filled roads.
Some unlucky Q50 owners have encountered engine seizures. However, the problem typically isn’t caused by an Infiniti manufacturing defect. In most instances, owners are to blame. They make the mistake of allowing the oil level to get too low, which may require complete engine replacement. In the long run, the cost to actually repair the damaged engine could be more expensive.
When there’s insufficient oil in an engine, it’s only a matter of time before you experience overheating. Temperatures can become hot enough to melt parts. There are a few tell-tale signs that the engine has seized up. For starters, you’ll likely notice a clunking sound and smoke coming from the engine bay. As you attempt to restart your car, the engine itself will not turn over.
To prevent a seized engine, it’s important to check the oil level at least twice a month. This is especially true if your Q50 has surpassed 100,000 miles. As an engine ages, it’s not uncommon for it to consume motor oil at a faster rate.
Nothing is more frustrating than a vehicle that won’t start. When your Infiniti Q50 fails to start, don’t panic. The likely culprit is a weak or dead 12v battery.
On the other hand, the battery could be in perfectly good condition. Corrosion on the battery contacts can lead to reduced current flow, which ultimately causes your Q50 to not start. You’ll likely spot white or silvery-green deposits on the terminals. After cleaning the corroded battery parts, your car should immediately fire up.
A failed starter motor is another problem that can cause your Q50 not to crank. This part is solely responsible for starting the engine. While starter motors can last for a long time, they gradually begin to wear down over time. Most have a life expectancy of around 150,000 miles. When a starter motor is its on its last leg, you will likely hear screeching or a high-pitched sound.
If your Infiniti Q50 is running hot, you can no longer drive the car until the problem is fixed. Oftentimes, an old rubber hose will allow coolant to leak out. Once the coolant level becomes too low, overheating will occur.
A malfunctioning radiator fan is another common culprit. As you're sitting in traffic, you’ll notice your temperature gauge approaching the danger zone. While radiator fans tend to be quite durable, they can stop working due to a blown fuse or corroded connector.