2014 Infiniti Q50 Reliability: What to Check Before You Buy
There is a moment of excitement when you find a 2014 Infiniti Q50 for sale at a tempting price—the body lines are still sharp, the V6 engine promises that legendary Japanese durability, and you can already imagine yourself gripping that thick steering wheel on a weekend drive. But then the doubt creeps in: is this ten-year-old luxury sports sedan going to be a bargain or a money pit?
The 2014 Infiniti Q50 is a complicated car to evaluate. It was the first model year of a new generation, replacing the beloved G37. It introduced groundbreaking technology like Direct Adaptive Steering and the dual-screen INFINITI InTouch™ Infotainment System. And it arrived with a target on its back, aiming straight for the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class .
Here is the honest truth: the 2014 Q50 has some known issues, but it also has the bones of a reliable car. The key is knowing exactly what to look for before you hand over your money. Whether you are looking at the 3.7-liter V6, the hybrid, or dreaming of a future 3.0t swap, this guide will walk you through the specific problems, recalls, and inspection points that separate a smart buy from a expensive mistake.
TL;DR
The 2014 Infiniti Q50’s reliability is a mixed bag. The VQ37VHR engine (3.7L) is rock-solid, but the car’s electronics—specifically the InTouch infotainment system—were a major weak point, with over 20% of owners reporting issues in early surveys . The Hybrid model had two major recalls for transmission cracks and software glitches . The steering system (both traditional and DAS) needs careful inspection. If you find one with completed recalls, a healthy service history, and a functioning infotainment screen, it can be a reliable and rewarding car.
Key Takeaways
- Infotainment is the Biggest Complaint: The dual-screen system is slow, laggy, and prone to glitches. Test every function thoroughly .
- Hybrid Recalls: The 2014 Q50 Hybrid had two significant recalls: one for a transmission housing crack, and one for inverter software that could cause the electric motor to shut off .
- Fuel Leak Recall: All 2014 models are subject to a recall for the high-pressure fuel pipe connection, which can leak and pose a fire risk .
- Airbag Recall: A separate recall addressed faulty driver-side airbag inflators that could fail to deploy properly .
- Steering Feel: Decide if you want the tech or the feel. The Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) is innovative but can feel numb. The traditional hydraulic system offers more feedback .
The Engine: Two Very Different Stories
The 2014 Infiniti Q50 came in two main flavors in most markets: the 3.7-liter V6 (VQ37VHR) and the 3.5-liter Hybrid. Understanding which one you are looking at is step one.
The VQ37VHR: The Known Quantity
If you are looking at a non-hybrid 2014 Q50, you are looking at the VQ37VHR. This engine is a legend. It powered the G37, the 370Z, and countless other Nissan/Infiniti products. It is naturally aspirated, makes 330 horsepower, and loves to rev.
The Good:
- It is incredibly durable. With regular oil changes, these engines routinely go 200,000+ miles.
- No turbochargers to fail, no complex hybrid systems to worry about.
- It sounds fantastic with an exhaust.
The Bad:
- Oil Gallery Gaskets: This is the big one. Early VQ37 engines (including some 2014s) used paper gaskets for the oil galleries. These can fail, leading to a sudden and catastrophic loss of oil pressure. If you don’t have proof that these were replaced with the updated metal gaskets, budget for this repair or negotiate the price down. It is expensive, but cheaper than a new engine.
- Fuel Economy: It is thirsty. Expect low 20s on the highway if you are lucky, and much less in the city .
The Hybrid: Power and Complexity
The Q50 Hybrid pairs a 3.5-liter VQ35HR engine with an electric motor for a combined 360 horsepower . It is fast—0-60 in around 5 seconds . But it comes with baggage.
The Recalls (Crucial):
The 2014 Q50 Hybrid was subject to two major recalls that you absolutely must verify have been completed :
- Transmission Housing Cracks: A small number of cars were assembled with transmission housings that had cracks from the manufacturing process. Under high-speed driving, these cracks could worsen, potentially causing the transmission to fail and shed debris. The fix was an inspection and, if necessary, a full transmission replacement .
- Inverter Software Glitch: This was a software issue. A communication error between the motor inverter and the transmission control module could cause the electric motor to shut off while driving in EV mode. This increases the risk of a crash. The fix was a software reflash .
Always ask the seller for proof that these recalls were completed. You can also check the VIN on the NHTSA website (safercar.gov) or with an Infiniti dealer using the car’s vehicle identification number.
The Fuel System: A Fire Risk You Need to Know
This applies to all 2014 Infiniti Q50 models, not just the hybrids. In 2020, Nissan issued a recall for a serious issue with the high-pressure fuel pump .
The Problem:
On cold starts, the connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and the low-pressure fuel line could develop a leak. This is not just a smell; it is a fire risk. The recall states that this condition “does not meet the requirements of certain safety regulations and may increase the risk of fire” .
The Fix:
Dealers were instructed to replace the affected fuel piping with an improved part.
Your Checklist:
- Ask the seller: Has the fuel line recall been performed?
- Look for evidence: Is there a service record or a sticker under the hood?
- Smell for gas: When you go to start the car (especially cold), do you smell fuel? If so, walk away unless you are prepared to fix it immediately.
The Electronics: The Infotainment Headache
This is the number one complaint from owners and the reason Consumer Reports slammed the Q50 in their 2014 reliability survey .
The 2014 Q50 features a dual-screen INFINITI InTouch™ system. The top screen handles navigation and camera views, while the bottom screen controls audio, climate, and vehicle settings. It was ambitious for its time, but it was also buggy.
What Consumer Reports Found:
In their 2014 Annual Auto Reliability Survey, over 20% of Q50 owners reported problems with the InTouch system . This was the highest rate of infotainment complaints in the entire survey that year. The issues included:
- Slow response times (lag).
- System freezes and crashes.
- Bluetooth connectivity problems.
- Unresponsive touchscreens.
Business Insider’s Experience:
Interestingly, when Business Insider tested a 2014 Q50 Hybrid, they didn’t experience major electronic gremlins, but they did note that the system was “laggy” and the voice recognition “is incapable of understanding standard American English” . They also called the navigation system “dated.”
Your Checklist:
When you test drive the car, spend at least 10 minutes just playing with the screens.
- Tap every icon. Does it respond quickly?
- Pair your phone via Bluetooth. Does it connect easily?
- Try the navigation. Is it functional?
- Cycle through the drive modes. Do the screens update correctly?
- Look for cracks or “delamination” (separation of the touchscreen layers).
If the system is acting up, know that repairs can be expensive. A replacement screen or control unit can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
The Steering: DAS vs. Traditional
The 2014 Q50 offered two steering systems: a traditional hydraulic-assisted rack, and the revolutionary Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) steer-by-wire system .
Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS)
This was Infiniti’s headline technology. There is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels under normal driving . Sensors read your inputs, computers process them, and motors turn the wheels.
The Pros:
- No road shock or vibration through the wheel.
- Highly customizable steering weight and response.
- Enables advanced driver assists like Active Lane Control.
The Cons:
- Feel: Many driving enthusiasts complain it feels numb and artificial . Business Insider noted that while it “provided adequate feel,” it didn’t communicate every nuance of the road .
- Complexity: It adds a layer of electronic complexity that can fail. While there is a mechanical clutch backup, repairs could be costly.
Traditional Hydraulic Steering
This is the system found on base models or cars without the technology package. It is essentially the same excellent steering rack from the G37.
Your Checklist:
- If it has DAS: On your test drive, find a rough road. Does the car track straight? Does the wheel react to bumps? It should stay calm. Also, check for any warning lights related to the steering system.
- If it has Hydraulic: Listen for whining noises from the power steering pump. Check for leaks around the rack.
Other Critical Checks
The Airbag (Takata Recall)
This is a big one. In 2017, Infiniti recalled certain 2014 Q50 models for a driver-side front airbag issue . The gas generator in the airbag could have welding defects, causing the airbag to under-inflate or not deploy properly in a crash.
Your Checklist:
- Verify this recall has been addressed. Again, use the VIN lookup.
General Wear and Tear
The 2014 Q50 is now over a decade old. Even a low-mileage example will have aged components.
- Bushings: Suspension bushings (especially in the front) can dry out and crack. Listen for clunks over bumps.
- Rust: Check the undercarriage, especially if the car lived in snowy states.
- Run-Flat Tires: Many Q50s came with run-flat tires. They ride harsh and are expensive to replace. Check tire age and tread depth .
Reliability Comparison: What Matters Most
To help you weigh the different problem areas, here is how the 2014 Q50’s key systems stack up in terms of risk and importance.
| Component / System | Known Issues | Severity | Check Before Buying |
|---|---|---|---|
| VQ37VHR Engine | Oil gallery gaskets (paper type) | High (can cause engine failure) | Check for proof of replacement; listen for timing chain rattle |
| Hybrid System | Transmission cracks, inverter software | High (safety risk) | Verify both recalls completed via VIN |
| Fuel System | High-pressure fuel line leak | High (fire risk) | Verify recall completed; smell for fuel |
| Infotainment | Slow, laggy, freezes, Bluetooth issues | Medium (annoyance) | Test every screen function extensively |
| Steering (DAS) | Numb feel, electronic complexity | Low (unless warning lights appear) | Test on rough roads; check for errors |
| Airbag | Takata inflator defect | High (safety risk) | Verify recall completed via VIN |
Always obtain the vehicle’s history report (Carfax or AutoCheck) to see if the car has a clean title, consistent maintenance, and any reported accident damage.
FAQ: Your 2014 Infiniti Q50 Buying Questions Answered
Is the 2014 Infiniti Q50 reliable?
It depends on the specific car and engine. The 3.7-liter V6 is very reliable mechanically. However, the car’s overall score is dragged down by problematic electronics, specifically the InTouch infotainment system, which had a high failure rate in early surveys .
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Q50?
The most common complaints are infotainment system glitches (lag, freezing) . For the Hybrid, there were two major recalls for transmission cracks and software issues . All models have a recall for a potential fuel leak .
Should I buy a 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid?
Only if you can verify that all recalls have been completed. The hybrid offers great power (360 hp) but adds complexity. If the recalls are done and the system works, it can be a good buy. If not, you are taking a risk .
How do I check if the recalls have been done?
You have two options:
- Go to the NHTSA website (safercar.gov) and enter the car’s VIN .
- Call an Infiniti dealer with the VIN. They can look up the service history in their national database.
Is the InTouch infotainment system really that bad?
In the 2014 model, yes, it was a weak point. Consumer Reports found that over 20% of owners reported problems . It is slow and can be buggy. However, some owners (like the Business Insider reviewer) didn’t have major issues during their test week . You need to judge the specific car you are looking at.
What is the oil gallery gasket issue?
On early VQ37VHR engines (including many 2014s), a paper gasket inside the engine can fail, leading to a sudden loss of oil pressure and catastrophic engine failure. It should be replaced with an updated metal gasket as preventative maintenance. If the seller has no proof it was done, factor that cost into your offer.
How much should I pay for a 2014 Infiniti Q50?
According to Consumer Reports, the retail price for a 2014 Q50 in 2023 was between $6,600 and $9,975, depending on condition, mileage, and trim . Prices may have shifted slightly since then, but it remains a budget-friendly entry into luxury sports sedans.
Does the 2014 Q50 have Apple CarPlay?
No. The 2014 model does not have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Those features were added in later model years (around 2020) . You are stuck with the factory navigation and infotainment.
The Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
The 2014 Infiniti Q50 can be a fantastic car, but it is not a car you buy sight unseen. It is a car you buy with your eyes wide open and a checklist in your hand.
If you find a well-maintained 3.7-liter model with a healthy service history, completed recalls (especially the fuel line), and an infotainment system that actually works, you are getting a reliable, powerful, and good-looking sports sedan for a fraction of the cost of a German rival. The engine will outlast the car if you take care of it.
If you are looking at a Hybrid, be diligent. Verify those transmission and software recalls. Understand that you are buying a more complex machine.
Avoid any car with a glitchy screen, a history of unresolved recalls, or a seller who is vague about maintenance. Do your homework, and you might just drive away with a bargain.
What’s your favorite hidden feature inside your Infiniti? Share your thoughts in the comments below. (Or tell us: have you owned a 2014 Q50? What was your experience?)
References:
- NHTSA: Safercar.gov – Check for Recalls by VIN
- Consumer Reports: Infiniti Q50 Overview and Reliability
- Automotive News: Nissan recalls Infiniti hybrid sedans
- Business Insider India: 2014 Infiniti Q50 S Hybrid AWD Review
- Cars.com: Recall Alert: 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid and Q70 Hybrid
- 中国汽车质量网: 英菲尼迪Q50/Q50L燃油管召回
- 搜狐: 英菲尼迪在华召回1635辆Q50/Q50L/QX50 (Airbag Recall)
