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Infiniti Common Problems & Known Faults

We track 10 known issues across 2 Infiniti models, with an average MOT failure rate of 14.8%. Covering engine problems, electrical faults, suspension wear and more: what goes wrong, what it costs, and what to check before buying a used Infiniti.

Check any Infiniti before you buy

Enter a registration number to check its full dealer service history. See every dealer visit, dates, mileage, and work done so you know whether the maintenance that prevents these problems was actually carried out.

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£6.99 service history · £7.49 premium car check · Full refund if no records found

How reliable are Infiniti cars?

Our database covers 2 Infiniti models and 10 documented faults across the range. Among these, 6 are rated as major issues that typically require significant repairs.

According to DVSA MOT test data, Infiniti models fail at an average rate of 14.8%, sitting below the 22.7% average across all manufacturers in our database. Reliability varies considerably between models. The Q30 is the strongest performer at just 12.6%, while the Q50 has the highest failure rate at 17%.

If you are considering a used Infiniti, researching the specific model and generation you are looking at makes a real difference. The most common failure areas across the range are suspension and brakes, though each model has its own particular weak points. This page gives you a complete breakdown by severity, the models affected, and what repairs typically cost at UK garages.

Infiniti reliability summary

Average MOT failure rate
14.8%
Across 2 models with MOT data
Most reliable model
Q30
12.6% MOT failure rate
View problems →
Least reliable model
Q50
17% MOT failure rate
View problems →
Total MOT tests analysed
15,791
Across 2 Infiniti models

Where Infiniti problems occur

Understanding which systems are most prone to failure helps you focus during a test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Here is how Infiniti's 10 known issues break down by area.

Suspension problems dominate, accounting for 3 of the 10 faults we track (30%). Issues in this area include Suspension joint dust cover failure (H15) and Suspension component excessive wear (V37). The most affected models are the Q50 (2), the Q30 (1).

Brakes is the next most common area, with 3 documented faults (30%). Common faults here include Premature brake disc wear (H15) and Premature brake pad wear (V37). The most affected models are the Q50 (2), the Q30 (1).

We also track 3 engine faults across the range (30%). Problems to watch for include Engine management light - emissions system (H15) and Turbocharger actuator failure (H15). The most affected models are the Q30 (2), the Q50 (1).

Transmission rounds out the top problem areas with 1 known issues (10%). Notable issues include Dual-clutch transmission jerky operation (H15). The most affected models are the Q30 (1).

Known Infiniti faults by severity

Every fault in our database is rated by severity based on its potential safety impact and typical repair cost. Below is a sample of issues at each level, with links to the affected model pages where you can read the full details.

Major

+ 1 more major issues across Infiniti models

Minor

Top issues across the Infiniti range

The most common and severe problems found across all Infiniti models, ranked by severity and how many models are affected.

Major
Premature brake disc wear (H15)
Brakes 1 model affected
The Q30 suffers from accelerated brake disc wear compared to the fleet average, with MOT data showing failure rates 3.8 times higher than typical. This affects all engine variants but is most prono...
Independent garage
£200–£350
Main dealer
£400–£650
Affects: Q30
Major
Turbocharger actuator failure (H15)
Engine 1 model affected
The electronic turbocharger wastegate actuators on Q30 turbocharged engines (both petrol and diesel) can fail, causing loss of boost control. This is a common issue across the Mercedes-Renault engi...
Independent garage
£300–£600
Main dealer
£600–£1,200
Affects: Q30
Major
Suspension component excessive wear (V37)
Suspension 1 model affected
The failure pattern suggests premature wear of bushes, ball joints, or suspension arms rather than normal age-related deterioration. This high failure rate is specific to the diesel variant and rep...
Independent garage
£300–£800
Main dealer
£600–£1,500
Affects: Q50
Major
Fluid leaks from engine or transmission (V37)
Engine 1 model affected
MOT testers record this as leaks severe enough to pose environmental or safety risks, indicating significant seepage rather than minor weeping. The pattern suggests issues with engine or transmissi...
Independent garage
£200–£600
Main dealer
£400–£1,000
Affects: Q50
Major
Premature brake pad wear (V37)
Brakes 1 model affected
This suggests either aggressive pad compound, binding calipers, or design issues causing accelerated pad consumption. The failure pattern affects all mileage ranges, indicating a systematic rather ...
Independent garage
£120–£200
Main dealer
£200–£350
Affects: Q50
Major
Wheel bearing excessive play (V37)
Suspension 1 model affected
The 2.1-litre diesel Q50 shows wheel bearing play failures at 3.0 times the national fleet average, concentrated in the 60,000-100,000 mile range. Excessive bearing play indicates worn internal com...
Independent garage
£180–£300
Main dealer
£350–£550
Affects: Q50
Minor
Suspension joint dust cover failure (H15)
Suspension 1 model affected
The rubber dust covers protecting suspension ball joints and bushes deteriorate prematurely on the Q30, particularly on diesel variants which typically see higher mileage use. MOT data shows this m...
Independent garage
£40–£80
Main dealer
£100–£180
Affects: Q30
Minor
Engine management light - emissions system (H15)
Engine 1 model affected
Diesel Q30 models show elevated rates of MOT failure for illuminated engine management lights, occurring at Given the Mercedes-Renault platform sharing, this is likely related to EGR valve carbon b...
Independent garage
£80–£400
Main dealer
£150–£800
Affects: Q30
Minor
Dual-clutch transmission jerky operation (H15)
Transmission 1 model affected
Q30 models with the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7G-DCT) can develop jerky or hesitant operation, particularly during low-speed maneuvers or stop-start traffic. This is a known characteristic ...
Main dealer
£300–£800
Affects: Q30
Minor
Brake disc excessive wear (V37)
Brakes 1 model affected
The 2.1-litre diesel Q50 shows brake disc wear at 2.1 times the national fleet average, concentrated around 60,000-80,000 miles. This correlates with the premature brake pad wear issue documented o...
Independent garage
£200–£350
Main dealer
£400–£600
Affects: Q50

Check any Infiniti before you buy

Enter a registration number to check its full dealer service history. See every dealer visit, dates, mileage, and work done so you know whether the maintenance that prevents these problems was actually carried out.

★GB

£6.99 service history · £7.49 premium car check · Full refund if no records found

Problems by Infiniti model

We track faults across 2 Infiniti models. Each model page includes every known issue, generation-specific details, UK repair costs, and MOT failure data. Select a model below to see its full breakdown.

Infiniti Q30
5 known issues · 9,640 MOTs
1 generation
12.6% MOT failure rate
Infiniti Q50
5 known issues · 6,151 MOTs
1 generation
17% MOT failure rate

What to check before buying a used Infiniti

Every used Infiniti deserves a thorough inspection, but knowing the common weak points for your target model gives you a serious advantage. Since suspension faults are the most common across the range, pay particular attention to this area during any viewing or test drive.

A complete dealer service history is one of the strongest indicators of how well a Infiniti has been looked after. Many of the faults on this page are preventable or can be caught early through regular servicing. If the seller cannot produce service records, treat that as a significant red flag.

Check the MOT history carefully too. With a 14.8% average failure rate across the Infiniti range, some advisories and minor failures are normal over the life of any car. What matters is the pattern: recurring failures in the same area suggest an underlying problem, while a history of clean passes is encouraging.

Infiniti repair costs: what to expect

Across all documented faults, the average Infiniti repair costs between £180 and £409 at an independent garage. At the top end, the most expensive single repair can reach £800 or more. Main dealer rates are typically 30% to 50% higher across the board.

The single most expensive Infiniti repair in our database is Suspension component excessive wear (V37), which can cost £600–£1,500 at a main dealer.

These figures are based on reported UK repair costs and serve as a guide. Actual prices will vary depending on your location, the garage, and the parts required. Getting quotes from two or three specialists before committing to any major work is always worthwhile.

Buying a used Infiniti? Check it first

Get the full picture before you commit. Our car check covers outstanding finance, write-off status, stolen records, plate changes and mileage discrepancies. Or check the service history to see whether the maintenance that prevents these problems was actually done.

★GB

£7.49 car check · £6.99 service history · Free basic report included

Infiniti reliability FAQs

Are Infiniti cars reliable?

Across 2 models with MOT data, Infiniti has an average MOT failure rate of 14.8%. The most reliable model is the Q30 at 12.6% failure rate, while the Q50 has the highest at 17%. We track 10 known issues across 2 Infiniti models.

What are the most common Infiniti problems?

The most common Infiniti problems include Premature brake disc wear (H15), Turbocharger actuator failure (H15), and Suspension component excessive wear (V37). Across all Infiniti models we track 10 known issues, with 0 rated as dangerous.

Which Infiniti model is most reliable?

Based on MOT failure data, the Infiniti Q30 is the most reliable model with a 12.6% failure rate from 9,640 tests. The least reliable is the Q50 at 17%. However, individual car condition and service history matter more than model averages.

How much do Infiniti repairs cost?

Infiniti repair costs at independent garages average £180-£409 per issue. The most expensive repairs can reach £800 or more. Main dealer rates are typically 30-50% higher. Costs vary significantly by model and issue, so check the specific model page for detailed pricing.

Should I get a vehicle check before buying a Infiniti?

Yes. Infiniti models have 10 known issues between them, including 0 dangerous and 6 major problems. A service history check (£6.99) shows whether scheduled maintenance was done, and a premium car check (£7.49) covers finance, stolen, write-off status. Both are essential before buying any used Infiniti.

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