NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Infiniti Qx50 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Infiniti Qx50 scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 39 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Infiniti QX50's defect record weakened significantly compared to the prior model year, resulting in a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, placing it in the Strong band. This marks a notable decrease from the 2020 model's 94/100 Exceptional rating. While the crash-test results published by NHTSA remain competitive, the overall safety profile for this year is solid rather than exceptional.
The 2021 Infiniti QX50 received an overall 5-star crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Infiniti Qx50 ranks 42 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.7% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 39 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 42 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Infiniti Qx50?
The 2021 model year is the point where the QX50's Safety Index slipped noticeably, falling seven points from the 2020 model's 94/100 Exceptional score to 87/100 in the Strong band. The difference is traceable in the index breakdown: crash protection held firm at 61 out of 70 and avoidance technology scored a perfect 10 out of 10, but the defect record component landed at 16 out of 20, pulling the composite score down. That defect-record drag is consistent with the two recall campaigns attached to this model year, one targeting internal engine hard parts across a wide multi-year, multi-model population and a second addressing the rear axle spindle. The engine-related recall is particularly notable because it extends through 2024 production, suggesting a systemic concern that Nissan North America identified over time. On the crash-test side, the 5-star overall and 5-star side ratings are genuine strengths, and the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control supports the perfect avoidance-tech score. The 39 unverified complaints, with engine and electrical issues dominating, align thematically with the recall activity and are worth monitoring even though they carry no verified weight on their own.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Infiniti Qx50 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Infiniti QX50 achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's safety ratings. Its side-crash performance stands out, also earning a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. Frontal protection and rollover resistance each received 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk for the QX50 is 15 percent, with a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15549
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Infiniti Qx50 have any recalls?
The 2021 Infiniti QX50 carries two recall campaigns. The first involves internal engine hard parts, covering 2019-2022 QX50 models among others. The second addresses the rear axle spindle in the suspension system. Neither campaign has been designated a do-not-drive or park-outside order in the available data, but buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN at NHTSA's recall database.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL25V437000
Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. A bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk of an engine fire.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or Infiniti's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R25A8/A9 and R25B1/B2.
Reported 2025-06-27
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Infiniti Qx50?
NHTSA has received 39 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 QX50. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Engine (17 reports), Electrical System (8), Engine And Engine Cooling (7), and Forward Collision Avoidance (7). Two alleged crashes and four alleged injuries appear in the filings. All complaints are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
39 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Infiniti Qx50?
Any shopper considering a used 2021 QX50 should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. Both recall campaigns may or may not have been remedied on a given unit, and confirming completed repairs at no cost to the buyer is the single most important safety step for this specific model year.
- The 2021 QX50's Safety Index of 87/100 Strong represents a seven-point decline from the 2020 model's 94/100 Exceptional score, with the defect record component scoring 16 out of 20 as the primary drag.
- Two recall campaigns are attached to this model year: one covering internal engine hard parts shared across a broad multi-year Nissan and Infiniti population, and one targeting the rear axle spindle in the suspension system.
- NHTSA received 39 unverified complaints for this model year, with Engine (17 reports) and Forward Collision Avoidance (7 reports) among the most frequently cited components, the latter being notable given that the system is otherwise standard equipment.
- The NHTSA side-crash rating of 5 out of 5 stars is the strongest individual score for this model year, while both the frontal and rollover ratings sit at 4 out of 5 stars, with a 15 percent measured rollover risk.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Infiniti Qx50 places
The 2021 Infiniti Qx50 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Infiniti Qx50 safety questions
Was the 2021 Infiniti Qx50 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Infiniti Qx50, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Infiniti Qx50 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Infiniti Qx50 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 14.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Infiniti Qx50 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Infiniti Qx50. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Infiniti Qx50?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 39 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Infiniti Qx50. 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 Qx50 years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15549), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Infiniti Qx50 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 42 of 118 in the SUV 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.