2014 Infiniti Q50 problems
The 2014 Infiniti Q50 was sold with an engine that we have documented: the OM651. The OM651 has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 4 documented faults affect 2014 cars, such as driveshaft (propeller shaft) with insufficient fatigue strength: risk of fracture.
_%E2%80%93_Frontansicht,_17._August_2014,_D%C3%BCsseldorf.jpg){kind=link}
2014 Infiniti Q50 score: low reliability
Calculated using only 10 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine1.16 faults
- Gearbox5.72 faults
- Suspension7.90 faults
- Brakes6.80 faults
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering8.01 fault
- Electrical system7.91 fault
- Headlights and lights7.60 faults
- Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior7.60 faults
- Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults
What changes compared with the 2013 Infiniti Q50
- Score: 5.8 → 3.4
- New engines or gearboxes: OM651
- Starts to be affected by: timing chain stretch and tensioner failure (OM651), delphi piezo injector failure (220/250 CDI) (OM651), eGR and particulate filter clogging, and emissions software updates (OM651) and variable-geometry turbo failure and its pneumatic actuator (OM651) and 2 more
OM651 engine in the 2014 Infiniti Q50
Names: Q50 2.2d
- With caution
OM651 2.2 CDI 120-190 hp (200/220 CDI, 114-119 CDI)
120–190 hp · OM651.911, OM651.924, OM651.930, OM651.940
It is the best-documented variant and, overall, reasonably reliable, but units built before 2011 (220 CDI) may still have piezo injectors, and those built before 2014 do not have the revised chain tensioner. Check whether the manufacturer's campaigns have been carried out, and the condition of the chain, before buying.[2][3][4]
Faults that affect 2014 cars
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentTimingTiming chain stretch and tensioner failureYes: the OM651 timing chain can stretch prematurely, above all on units built up to 2013, and in 2014-2015 Mercedes-Benz recalled around 114,000 vehicles in Germany over a defective sealing ring in the tensioner. A metallic rattle on a cold start is the first sign.Repair (garage): €2,000–€3,500Appears at around 120,000 km
- High severityFrequency: Very frequentInjectionDelphi piezo injector failure (220/250 CDI)Yes: 220 and 250 CDI models built between 2008 and 2011 had Delphi piezo injectors that were prone to failing and seizing in the cylinder head. Mercedes-Benz replaced them under warranty in 2009 and switched the 220 CDI to solenoid injectors from 2010-2011, but the 250 CDI kept them.Repair (garage): €3,600–€5,900
- High severityFrequency: Very frequentEmissions controlEGR and particulate filter clogging, and emissions software updatesThe particulate filter and EGR clog up with short journeys, as on any diesel with these systems. In addition, Germany's KBA required software updates on several models with this engine between 2018 and 2021 because of a function that reduced EGR outside a temperature range.Repair (garage): €800–€2,500
- High severityFrequency: CommonTurboVariable-geometry turbo failure and its pneumatic actuatorThe OM651's variable-geometry turbo tends to fail at the pneumatic actuator (cracks, loss of calibration) before the turbo itself. Symptoms range from a gradual loss of power to permanent limp mode, with whistling or smoke if the problem progresses.Repair (garage): €500–€3,000
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingCoolant leak from the thermostat connector and heat exchangerYes: the thermostat connector or housing on the cylinder head, and the oil-water heat exchanger, are common coolant leak points on the OM651. Mercedes-Benz even had a specific service action for the cylinder head connector.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonInjectionInjector seal leak and carbon build-up around the seat ("black death")The copper washer that seals each injector can start letting combustion gases past and form a crust of carbon around the injector, known as "black death". Caught in time, it is fixed with a new washer; if left, the injector can end up seized in the cylinder head.
Faults outside the engine in the 2014 Infiniti Q50
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalGearbox and clutchDriveshaft (propeller shaft) with insufficient fatigue strength: risk of fractureYes: Infiniti is recalling the driveshafts of Q50s (type V37) built up to 19 May 2022 because the universal joints are not inserted deeply enough into the tubes, and the shaft can crack and break in use. Safety Gate classes it as serious and cites 12,953 vehicles worldwide.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalGearbox and clutchQ50 hybrid transmission housing cracked: sudden loss of the traction motorYes: a 2015 campaign affects the Q50 hybrid because the transmission housing can crack due to a casting problem; according to Safety Gate it could break and the traction motor could stop working suddenly, and the DVSA adds that, in an extreme case, the transmission could detach. Very few units are affected.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalSteeringDirect adaptive steering (DAS) unit software: off-centre steering wheel and larger turning circleYes: Q50s with direct adaptive steering (DAS, a steer-by-wire system) were recalled because a software error could leave the steering wheel off-centre, make the car feel as if it pulls to one side, and increase the turning circle. It is corrected by reprogramming the control unit.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalElectrical systemQ50 hybrid traction motor inverter software: sudden stop in electric modeYes: a 2014 campaign corrects a software error in the traction motor inverter of the Q50 hybrid, which could misdiagnose the communication with the transmission control unit and shut down suddenly. In electric mode, with the petrol engine stopped, the car could lose drive and stop dead.
Buying a 2014 Infiniti Q50?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2014 Infiniti Q50 reliable?
The 2014 Infiniti Q50 was sold with an engine that we have documented: the OM651. The OM651 has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 4 documented faults affect 2014 cars, such as driveshaft (propeller shaft) with insufficient fatigue strength: risk of fracture.
Is the 2014 Infiniti Q50 better than the 2013?
Our score goes from 5.8 in 2013 to 3.4 in 2014. Starts to be affected by: timing chain stretch and tensioner failure (OM651), delphi piezo injector failure (220/250 CDI) (OM651) and eGR and particulate filter clogging, and emissions software updates (OM651). OM651 arrive.
What is the best year for the Infiniti Q50?
According to our score, the best are 2020 and 2019 (7.2/10). The year with the worst score is 2014 (3.4/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2014 Infiniti Q50 have?
The most important ones documented for 2014 cars are: timing chain stretch and tensioner failure (OM651, critical severity), driveshaft (propeller shaft) with insufficient fatigue strength: risk of fracture (gearbox and clutch, critical severity), q50 hybrid transmission housing cracked: sudden loss of the traction motor (gearbox and clutch, critical severity), delphi piezo injector failure (220/250 CDI) (OM651, high severity) and eGR and particulate filter clogging, and emissions software updates (OM651, high severity).
Own a 2014 Infiniti Q50? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Infiniti Q50Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
- Mercedes OM651: Typische Probleme und HaltbarkeitGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
- Mercedes-Rückruf: Wieder Probleme mit dem OM651-DieselmotorAutoservicepraxis · Motoring press · published 12 January 2015 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
- Mercedes OM651 : injecteurs, chaîne, fiabilitéAutoCopilot · Motoring press · published 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French