MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2021 Infiniti Qx50

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Infiniti Qx50

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

2Recalls
39Complaints
1Investigations
ABOUT THE INFINITI QX50

The Infiniti QX50 is a compact luxury SUV that competes in one of the most crowded segments in the American market, squaring off against rivals like the Acura RDX, BMW X3, and Lexus NX. Aimed at buyers who want premium refinement and a driver-focused cabin without stepping up to a larger footprint, the QX50 has been a cornerstone of Infiniti's lineup since its full redesign for the 2019 model year.

VERDICT

The 2021 Infiniti Qx50 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 2 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the QX50 as a stylish and well-appointed compact luxury SUV that delivers a comfortable, refined driving experience. Most praise the distinctive cabin design and the variable-compression engine technology as standout features, while some note that the infotainment system and rear passenger space fall short of the segment's best. It is broadly seen as a credible choice in the class.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 14.7%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15549

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record16/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

39 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

2reported crash
0reported fire
4reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsEngine 17Electrical System 8Engine And Engine Cooling 7Forward Collision Avoidance 7Power Train 4Service Brakes 4

Other Qx50 years

Rivals in SUV (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15549), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Infiniti Qx50 2021. Class rank 42 of 118 in SUV 2021. Methodology · Disclosure