2016-2024 Infiniti Q50 maintenance schedule

The 2016–2024 Infiniti Q50 is a luxury sedan with a 3.0L V6 (VR30DDTT), a 7-speed automatic, and rear-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. A 2.0L 4-cylinder (the 2.0t) was also offered through 2019. Routine costs at independent shops run about $265–$695 a year.

Intervals on this page are from Infiniti's 2016–2020 owner's manuals and its 2024 online maintenance schedule. Oil capacities for 2021–2024 were not checked.

Normal or Severe: Which Schedule Your Q50 Needs

Infiniti provides two maintenance schedules for the Q50: a standard schedule and a schedule for severe driving conditions. The main difference is the brake fluid: 20,000 miles or 24 months on the standard schedule, and 10,000 miles or 12 months under severe conditions. The severe-condition table in the 2019 and 2020 manuals also covers the brake pads and rotors, exhaust, propeller and drive shafts, and steering and suspension.

The oil interval is the same on both schedules: 10,000 miles or 12 months. On the 3.0t, the oil control system is a feature that calculates the oil change interval from driving conditions. Infiniti notes that severe driving shortens that interval, and the car shows an oil replacement indicator when a change is due.

Complete Maintenance Schedule

The table below lists Infiniti's scheduled items for the 2016–2024 Q50. Shop costs are 2026 national averages for independent shops. DIY cost is parts only where applicable.

Oil capacities differ by engine, drivetrain and model year (see the oil section below). Infiniti lists no scheduled transmission service; a drain and fill is an owner's choice, not a manufacturer interval.

Oil Change: Type, Capacity, Interval, and Cost

Recommended oil types and capacities with the filter, from Infiniti's owner's manuals:

• 3.0t (VR30DDTT): 0W-20. The 2020 manual recommends Genuine NISSAN Motor Oil 0W-20 SN or an equivalent. Capacity: 5-1/8 qt (RWD) / 5-3/4 qt (AWD) in the 2016–2018 manuals, and 5-5/8 qt (RWD) / 6-1/4 qt (AWD) in the 2019–2020 manuals.
• 2.0t (2016–2019): oil meeting MB 229.5 in 0W-30 (2016–2018) or MB 229.71 in 0W-20 (2019). Capacity: 6-5/8 qt (RWD) / 7 qt (AWD).

The correct oil depends on the engine and model year, so match the viscosity and specification in your own manual. The 2.0t uses Mercedes-Benz oil specifications. The recommended interval for the 3.0t is 10,000 miles or 12 months; the severe schedule lists the same figure, and the oil control system handles harsher use by calling for an earlier change.

Oil Change Cost Comparison (2026 estimates)

DIY notes: buy the oil grade your manual lists and the correct filter; AWD models take more oil than RWD models, so parts cost more. Fit a new drain-plug washer if your plug uses one. If the oil replacement indicator comes on before 10,000 miles, follow the indicator.

Brake Service

Brake fluid service: Infiniti schedules brake fluid replacement at 20,000 mi / 24 months on the standard schedule and 10,000 mi / 12 months under severe conditions.

Have the pads and rotors checked at each tire rotation. Pad life depends on driving style; city and spirited driving wear the pads faster.

Signs you need pads or rotors:

• Squealing or grinding noises under braking
• Reduced braking performance or longer stopping distances
• Pulsation during braking
• Brake warning light or sensor activation

Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time. Replacing it on Infiniti's schedule keeps the braking and stability systems working as designed.

Tire Rotation

Infiniti's interval for tire rotation is 5,000 mi / 6 months. Follow the rotation pattern in the owner's manual for your drivetrain and tire type. Tire sizes vary by trim; check the placard on the driver's door jamb before you buy tires.

A full set of replacement tires costs $700–$1,400, depending on size and brand, and independent mounting and balancing runs $15–$40 per tire.

Fluids: Transmission and Coolant

Transmission fluid: the 2019 and 2020 owner's manuals state that periodic maintenance is not required for the automatic transmission fluid. A preventive drain and fill is an owner's choice, not a manufacturer interval; it costs $200–$400 at a shop.

Coolant:

• 3.0t (VR30DDTT): first coolant replacement at 105,000 mi / 84 months, then every 75,000 mi / 60 months.
• 2.0t: replace the coolant every 120,000 mi / 120 months.

A coolant service at an independent shop costs $150–$260 for a full replacement. Use the coolant type specified in the owner's manual.

Engine Air Filter, Cabin Filter, Spark Plugs, Battery

• Cabin air filter: 15,000 mi / 18 months. Shop installed: $40–$80; DIY parts: $20–$40.
• Engine air filter: 3.0t: 30,000 mi / 36 months (two filters); 2.0t: 45,000 mi / 36 months. Shop install: $60–$110; DIY: $30–$60.
• Spark plugs: 3.0t: 105,000 mi (the 2024 schedule adds 126 months); 2.0t: 45,000 mi / 36 months. The V6 plug job costs more: $300–$520 at a shop vs $120–$220 in DIY parts. The 2.0t costs $150–$300 at a shop, $60–$140 parts-only.
• 12V battery: plan on 3–5 years of life; this is a general figure, not an Infiniti interval. Replacement costs $150–$350 installed.

Known Issues and Recalls

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns and 194 owner complaints for 2016–2024 Infiniti Q50 model years (as of November 10, 2026). The recalls and the complaint categories with the highest counts are listed below.

Most recent recalls

The 5 most recent of 9 campaigns. Look up any vehicle by VIN with NHTSA's recall lookup.

• NHTSA Campaign 24V470000 (2024-06-21). Component: Power train: driveline: driveshaft

  • NHTSA summary: "The driveshaft can fatigue and break."
  • Remedy: "Dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 13, 2024."
  • Affected model years: 2016, 2017, 2018

• NHTSA Campaign 21V599000 (2021-08-02). Component: Back over prevention: display function

  • NHTSA summary: "A software error may deactivate the audio/video control unit screen, preventing the rear-view image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, “Rear Visibility.”"
  • Remedy: "Dealers will update the control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 14, 2021."
  • Affected model years: 2021

• NHTSA Campaign 21V402000 (2021-05-27). Component: Suspension: rear: axle: spindle

  • NHTSA summary: "The front steering knuckle or rear axle housing may have insufficient strength due to improper heat-treatment."
  • 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."
  • Affected model years: 2021

• NHTSA Campaign 21V234000 (2021-04-04). Component: Engine and engine cooling: engine: engine control module (ecu/ecm): software

  • NHTSA summary: "After detecting rapid acceleration, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may incorrectly reduce engine power and reduce fuel supply to the engine."
  • Remedy: "INFINITI will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECM software, free of charge. The recall began on May 25, 2021."
  • Affected model years: 2021

• NHTSA Campaign 19V654000 (2019-09-12). Component: Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

  • NHTSA summary: "Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, “Rear Visibility.”"
  • Remedy: "Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated."
  • Affected model years: 2018, 2019

Owner-Reported Complaints

• Engine: 32 complaints (0 crashes, 0 injuries)

  • Summary: Owners report engine stalling, loss of power, or oil/low oil pressure warnings; sample reports describe sudden engine failure or heavy smoke requiring an immediate stop.
  • Maintenance connection: Engine-stall reports overlap with the Fuel Pump Control Module software recall (NHTSA Campaign 17V476000). When engine-stall or low-oil-pressure warnings occur, perform diagnostic scans, check fuel delivery and oil-pressure systems, and address any service engine or low-pressure alerts promptly.

• Air Bags: 24 complaints (2 crashes, 0 injuries)

  • Summary: Owners describe air-bag warning lights, passenger air-bag sensor illumination, or OCS-related warnings; multiple complaints reference Campaign 16V244000 and others reference driver-inflator concerns addressed under Campaign 17V571000.
  • Maintenance connection: Dealers will perform software updates or ECU/inflator replacements under the associated recalls at no charge when the VIN is affected; report persistent warning lights for dealer diagnosis.

• Electrical System: 23 complaints (1 crash, 0 injuries)

  • Summary: Reports include infotainment hangs, partial power loss, USB/Bluetooth failures, and battery drain; owners report resolving issues with software updates, module reprogramming, or component replacement.
  • Maintenance connection: Start with a full diagnostic scan, check for available technical service bulletins and software updates, and perform parasitic-draw testing and battery/charging-system checks.

• Power Train: 20 complaints (2 crashes, 0 injuries)

  • Summary: Owners report transmission or drivetrain-related failures such as harsh shifts, failure to engage from a stop, or internal transmission component damage.
  • Maintenance connection: Address transmission warning signs early; powertrain issues may require dealer-level diagnosis. Separate driveshaft fatigue is covered under NHTSA Campaign 24V470000 for applicable model years.

• Steering: 19 complaints (0 crashes, 0 injuries)

  • Summary: Owners report inconsistent steering feel, limited turning capability, or steering warnings; complaints in this group align with Direct Adaptive Steering behavior addressed under Campaign 16V430000.
  • Maintenance connection: Dealers can reprogram DAS software under the related recall; persistent steering anomalies warrant module and hardware inspection.

Annual Maintenance Cost

Below is a sample annual routine cost for a Q50 3.0t at an independent shop, driven 15,000 miles a year on Infiniti's standard schedule. Your cost will vary by engine, drivetrain and local labor rates.

On the 3.0t, add $150–$260 for the first coolant service at 105,000 miles or 84 months, then every 75,000 miles or 60 months. Plan spark plugs at 105,000 miles (3.0t) or 45,000 miles (2.0t). Brake pad and rotor jobs add $250–$900 per axle when they fall due.

How to Stay on Schedule

1. Rotate the tires every 5,000 miles or 6 months, and have the brakes looked at during the same visit.
2. Change the oil and filter every 10,000 miles or 12 months, or sooner when the 3.0t's oil replacement indicator appears.
3. Replace the cabin air filter every 15,000 miles or 18 months and the brake fluid every 20,000 miles or 24 months (every 10,000 miles or 12 months under severe conditions).
4. Log the long items now: the engine air filters at 30,000 miles (3.0t) or 45,000 miles (2.0t), and spark plugs and first coolant at 105,000 miles on the 3.0t.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the Infiniti Q50 need an oil change?

For the 3.0t, Infiniti lists 10,000 miles or 12 months on both its standard and severe schedules. The oil control system can call for a change sooner under severe driving; if the oil replacement indicator appears, change the oil and filter as soon as possible.

What oil does a Q50 take and how much?

The 3.0t (VR30DDTT) takes 0W-20: 5-1/8 qt RWD or 5-3/4 qt AWD per the 2016–2018 manuals, and 5-5/8 qt RWD or 6-1/4 qt AWD per the 2019–2020 manuals. The 2.0t takes MB 229.5 0W-30 (2016–2018) or MB 229.71 0W-20 (2019), 6-5/8 qt RWD or 7 qt AWD.

When should I change the coolant on a Q50?

On the 3.0t, the first coolant change is at 105,000 mi / 84 months, then every 75,000 mi / 60 months after that. On the 2.0t, Infiniti lists a replacement every 120,000 mi / 120 months. Use the coolant type specified in the owner's manual.

Does the Q50 require scheduled transmission fluid changes?

No. The 2019 and 2020 owner's manuals state that periodic maintenance is not required for the automatic transmission fluid. A shop may offer a drain and fill as a preventive measure; if you choose one, expect $200–$400, but it is not an Infiniti interval.

How long do Q50 spark plugs last?

Spark plug intervals differ by engine: 105,000 miles on the 3.0t and 45,000 miles / 36 months on the 2.0t. The V6 job costs more at a shop ($300–$520) than the 4-cylinder job ($150–$300), so budget for it ahead of the 105,000-mile mark.

How often should I replace brake fluid?

Infiniti specifies 20,000 mi / 24 months on the standard schedule and 10,000 mi / 12 months under severe conditions. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, so replacing it on schedule keeps the braking system working as designed.

Track your Q50's maintenance schedule with Pinion — it loads Infiniti's recommended intervals by VIN and sends reminders before each service is due.