NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Infiniti Q50 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Infiniti Q50 scores 97 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 3 recalls, and 4 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Infiniti Q50 achieved an exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 97/100. This strong safety profile is evidenced by the relatively low number of owner complaints, with just four reported. However, three recall campaigns kept its score from reaching a perfect mark.
The 2021 Infiniti Q50 received a NHTSA Safety Index of 97 out of 100 based on NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Infiniti Q50 ranks 6 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 97 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.7% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 4 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 6 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Infiniti Q50?
The 2021 Infiniti Q50 received a Safety Index score of 97 out of 100, placing it within the Exceptional band. This rating reflects a two-point decrease from the 2020 model year's 99 out of 100, primarily due to its defect record. Crash protection for the 2021 Q50 remains robust, achieving a full 70 out of 70, bolstered by a 5-star rollover result. NHTSA further acknowledges the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, contributing to a perfect 10 out of 10 in avoidance technology. The 2021 model's defect record component scored 16.5 out of 20, influenced by three distinct recall campaigns issued within a four-month period. These recalls addressed separate systems: backup camera software, rear suspension spindles, and engine control module behavior during rapid acceleration. While none of these campaigns carried a "do not drive" advisory, they highlight specific engineering corrections for this production year. Owner complaints remain low, totaling four, one of which describes an alleged crash.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Infiniti Q50 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Infiniti Q50 achieved a 5 out of 5 star rating for rollover protection from NHTSA, with a 10 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test. However, NHTSA did not assign ratings for overall, frontal, or side crash protection for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15553
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Infiniti Q50 have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns were issued for the 2021 Infiniti Q50. The first addresses a software error that may deactivate the backup camera display, a back-over prevention concern. The second covers rear suspension spindle integrity, shared with several other Nissan and Infiniti models. The third targets engine control module software that may cut power after detecting rapid acceleration. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data for this year.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION21V599000
Risk: A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 14, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R21A9.
Reported 2021-08-02
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:SPINDLE21V402000
Risk: The steering knuckle or rear axle could deform upon impact, such as from hitting a curb, resulting in a loss of steering control, or possible wheel separation. Both of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckle and rear axle housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2021. Nissan owners may contact customer service at 1-800-867-7669. INFINITI owners may contact customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Reported 2021-05-27
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE21V234000
Risk: A lack of fuel may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: INFINITI will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECM software, free of charge. The recall began on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200. INFINITI's number for this recall is R20C5.
Reported 2021-04-04
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Infiniti Q50?
Four owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Q50, including one alleged crash. The components cited in these unverified allegations span Wheels, Air Bags, Structure, Vehicle Speed Control, and Forward Collision Avoidance, each with a single reported incident. These are consumer allegations, not established defects.
4 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Infiniti Q50?
Three separate recalls affect the 2021 Q50, addressing critical components: the backup camera software, the rear suspension spindle, and the engine control module. Any prospective buyer of this model year should verify, via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool, that all three recall remedies have been completed.
- The 2021 Q50's Safety Index of 97 out of 100 represents a two-point year-over-year decline from the 2020 model's 99, driven by a defect record score of 16.5 out of 20 tied directly to this year's three recall campaigns.
- All three 2021 recall campaigns were issued between April and August of the same calendar year, covering a backup camera software fault, a rear suspension spindle defect, and an engine control module software issue that can cut power after rapid acceleration.
- NHTSA did not conduct overall, frontal, or side crash tests for the 2021 Q50; the only rated dimension is rollover, which earned the maximum 5 out of 5 stars with a 10 percent rollover risk.
- Four unverified owner complaints are on record with NHTSA for this model year, with alleged concerns spread across five distinct components including Air Bags and Forward Collision Avoidance, and one reported crash among the filings.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Infiniti Q50 places
The 2021 Infiniti Q50 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Infiniti Q50 safety questions
Was the 2021 Infiniti Q50 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Infiniti Q50, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 97 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Infiniti Q50 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Infiniti Q50 earned 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Infiniti Q50 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Infiniti Q50. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Infiniti Q50?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 4 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Infiniti Q50. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Q50 years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Subaru Legacy | 97/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15553), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Infiniti Q50 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 6 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.