Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2014 Infiniti Q50
The 2014 Infiniti Q50 has several notable recall issues related to steering, powertrain, and airbag systems, with a high number of steering complaints. Prospective buyers should carefully inspect these areas and confirm recall rectifications. Despite these issues, the Q50 may still offer a stylish and performance-focused drive if maintained well.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2014 Infiniti Q50 has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 170 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #24V470000 Driveshaft Can Break NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V430000 Software May Reduce Steering Ability NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V244000 Passenger Air Bag may not Deploy due to OCS Error NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V138000 Air Bag may not Detect Passenger in Seat NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V588000 Software may Disable Steering in Cold Temperatures NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 79 complaints
- Electrical System 42 complaints
- Power Train 20 complaints
- Air Bags 16 complaints
- Unknown or Other 16 complaints
- Service Brakes 14 complaints
Of the 170 complaints on file, 11 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 170 complaints, owners report 8 injuries and 2 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Adaptive steering error
How to check: Cycle ignition from off to on and observe steering response.
Driveshaft fatigue
How to check: Inspect under vehicle for any visible cracks or wear on driveshaft.
Faulty passenger airbag sensor
How to check: Check airbag warning light status with an adult passenger seated.
OCS software misclassification
How to check: Confirm if OCS recall update is completed.
Electric power assist failure
How to check: Ensure smooth and consistent steering at all temperatures.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Loud clunking or excessive vibrations
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for warning lights on the dash.
Red flag: Persistent steering or airbag lights
- 03
Low-speed turning
What to check: Test steering response and smoothness.
Red flag: Jerky or stiff steering movement
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor smoothness of gear shifts.
Red flag: Harsh shifting or slipping gears
- 05
Emergency braking
What to check: Feel for ABS engagement and stability.
Red flag: Pulling to one side or unsteady stops
- 06
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Listen for steering gear noises.
Red flag: Clunking or grinding from steering
- 07
Uphill drive
What to check: Check power delivery and engine performance.
Red flag: Engine struggle or loss of power
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have all recalls been addressed?
- Are there any known steering issues?
- Has the driveshaft been inspected?
- Are there any airbag system faults?
- Is the OCS software updated?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Full maintenance history
- Title and registration documents
- Proof of recent inspection
- Warranty papers, if any
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2014 Infiniti Q50 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2014 Infiniti Q50? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.