IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2014–2016 Infiniti QX50 (EX)

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2014–2016 Infiniti QX50 (EX). None are considered critical, but they're worth knowing about before you buy.

3
Known Issues
0
Serious
2
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

V9X 3.0d V6 DPF Soot Loading and Exhaust Pressure Sensor Faults

ModerateEngine

The 3.0-litre V9X V6 turbodiesel fitted to EX30d and QX50 diesel models is susceptible to diesel particulate filter (DPF) soot accumulation and exhaust gas pressure sensor tube blockage when used primarily for short urban trips. Incomplete active regeneration cycles lead to excessive soot buildup, triggering limp-home mode and illuminating the engine management light. Furthermore, fuel dilution of the engine oil can occur if regeneration is repeatedly aborted. In severe cases, the DPF must be removed for professional off-car thermal cleaning or replacement. Sourcing specialized V9X sensors and emissions hardware has become increasingly expensive since Infiniti's UK market exit.

Est. Repair Cost: £350–£1,400
Warning Signs:

DPF warning light or yellow engine management light illuminated on the instrument binnacle, Vehicle entering limp mode with restricted acceleration and inability to exceed 2,500 RPM, Noticeable drop in fuel economy, averaging well under 25 mpg during normal driving, Engine oil level rising on the dipstick due to diesel fuel dilution from aborted regeneration cycles

What to Inspect:
  • Use an OBD-II diagnostic scanner to read DPF soot loading percentage and exhaust differential pressure values
  • Check the engine oil level and smell the dipstick for strong diesel fuel odour indicating oil dilution
  • Inspect the metal pressure sensor pipes connecting the DPF to the pressure sensor for carbon soot blockage
  • Review the service history for documented oil changes adhering strictly to Low-SAPS 5W-30 specification
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Front Lower Suspension Control Arm Compliance Bush Tearing

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The heavy 1.9-tonne kerbweight of the EX and QX50, combined with UK potholes and speed cushions, places immense mechanical strain on the front suspension lower control arms. In particular, the large fluid-filled rear compliance bushes (often called the banana arm bushes) perish, crack, and leak their damping silicone oil. Once deflated, the front suspension develops significant play, leading to noticeable knocking over road irregularities, wandering under heavy braking, and rapid wear on the inner edges of the front tyres. Replacement requires fitting new lower control arms or pressing in upgraded polyurethane or heavy-duty replacement bushes.

Est. Repair Cost: £300–£650
Warning Signs:

Dull knocking or clunking sounds from the front axle when driving over speed cushions or broken road surfaces, Vague steering response or slight wandering under firm braking at motorway speeds, Uneven wear patterns on the inner shoulders of both front tyres, Slight shimmy felt through the steering wheel when traversing sharp road ruts

What to Inspect:
  • Visually inspect the large rear hydraulic compliance bushes on the front lower wishbones for black fluid stains or tears
  • Pry the lower control arm against the subframe using a pry bar to check for excessive play or rubber separation
  • Run your hand across the front tyre tread to detect feathered or uneven inner-shoulder wear
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Around View Monitor Camera Water Ingress and Feed Failure

MinorElectrics & Electronics

Infiniti's Around View Monitor (AVM) system utilizes four wide-angle miniature cameras mounted in the front grille, under both wing mirrors, and in the rear tailgate. Over time, road spray, salt exposure, and high-pressure jet washing compromise the weather seals around the camera lens housings. Moisture ingress fogs the internal optics, producing cloudy feeds, or causes internal circuit corrosion that results in flickering or totally blank camera displays on the central screen. Sourcing genuine replacement camera units from dealer channels is notoriously costly and can require specialist calibration with alignment targets.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£600
Warning Signs:

Distorted, foggy, or completely black camera image displayed on the central navigation screen, Blue screen or 'Camera System Error' warning message appearing when selecting reverse gear, Flickering video feed from either the front bumper camera or side wing-mirror cameras, Misaligned 360-degree top-down bird's-eye view with missing quadrants

What to Inspect:
  • Engage reverse gear and manually toggle through all camera views to confirm all four feeds display crisp images
  • Inspect the small camera lenses on the front grille badge and underneath both door mirrors for water misting or lens cracks
  • Check for clean image stitching in the bird's-eye view mode without overlapping or blacked-out sectors
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2014–2016 Infiniti QX50 (EX)

  • On 3.0d V9X diesel models, scan for historical DPF soot loading and exhaust backpressure codes, ensuring the car has regular motorway mileage rather than town-only use.
  • Inspect the front lower suspension wishbone rear hydraulic compliance bushes for fluid leaks or rubber tearing, which causes front-end knocking over potholes.
  • Test the Around View Monitor system in all camera modes, ensuring the front grille and door mirror camera lenses are free from water condensation or blank screens.
  • On 3.7-litre V6 petrol models, check the passenger-side firewall heater hose plastic connector for embrittlement, and listen for timing chain noise on cold starts.
  • Verify that the intelligent all-wheel-drive system operates without differential whining at 50 to 70mph, checking for documented transfer case fluid changes.
20132017–2018
Check a 2014–2016 Infiniti QX50 (EX) by Registration