Overview
The 2019 Infiniti Q50 is a compact luxury sport sedan that blends strong turbocharged performance with a comfortable, tech-forward cabin. It’s ideal for drivers who want premium styling, available all-wheel drive, and quick acceleration without stepping up to a full-size luxury sedan. The 2019 model sits within the first-generation Q50 lineup (introduced for 2014) and continues the later refresh theme with updated powertrains and driver-assist availability. In the market, it competes with the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class by offering high horsepower for the money and a distinctive Infiniti feel.
Key Features
1) Engine choices with strong power: Most trims use a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (VR30DDTT) in two tunes—300 hp (3.0t Luxe) or 400 hp (Red Sport 400). A 2.0L turbo four-cylinder was also offered in some configurations, but the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 is the headline.
2) 7-speed automatic transmission: The Q50 pairs its engines with a 7-speed automatic designed for smooth daily driving and confident passing power.
3) Rear-wheel drive or available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD): RWD delivers a sportier balance, while AWD improves traction in rain and snow and is popular in colder climates.
4) Available performance hardware on Red Sport 400: Upgraded brakes, sport tuning, and a more aggressive power calibration make the Red Sport a standout for straight-line speed and everyday drivability.
5) Driver-assist and safety tech: Depending on trim and packages, the 2019 Q50 can include features like adaptive cruise control, lane intervention aids, and Infiniti’s safety suite to reduce fatigue on commutes.
Common Issues & Reliability
Shoppers searching “2019 Infiniti Q50 problems,” “2019 Infiniti Q50 reliability,” and “2019 Infiniti Q50 common issues” will find that the Q50 is generally solid when maintained, but there are a few recurring themes worth knowing:
1) Turbocharger and boost-control related complaints (3.0t models): Some owners report loss of power, boost leaks, wastegate/actuator issues, or turbo-related faults that can show up anywhere from roughly 30,000–70,000 miles. Symptoms may include whistling, hesitation, check engine lights, or reduced acceleration. Not every Q50 experiences this, but it’s one of the most discussed concerns on the 3.0t.
2) Cooling system wear and overheating risk: Like many turbocharged engines, the 3.0t is sensitive to cooling health. Owners sometimes report coolant leaks or thermostat/water pump concerns as mileage climbs (often 40,000–90,000+ miles). Catching small coolant losses early matters because overheating can become expensive quickly.
3) Infotainment and electronic glitches: The dual-screen InTouch system can be a pain point, with occasional lagging, freezing, Bluetooth pairing issues, or random reboots. These complaints can appear at almost any mileage and are often addressed with updates, resets, or component replacement in stubborn cases.
4) Suspension and brake wear (especially on sportier trims): Heavier front-end feel and strong acceleration can contribute to faster tire wear, brake pad/rotor wear, and occasional noise from suspension components as mileage rises. It’s not unusual to see brakes or tires needed earlier than expected if the car is driven aggressively.