The 2018 INFINITI Q50 is a refreshed mid-cycle 1st-gen sport sedan. Engines include the carryover VQ37VHR 3.7L V6 (328hp) and the newer VR30DDTT 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (300/400 hp). Mated to a 7-speed automatic. Steer-by-Wire (DAS) is optional. Watch for VR30 oil-cooler leaks, VQ37 timing chain tensioner, and DAS sensor faults.
The new-ish VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6 has a documented oil cooler O-ring failure causing coolant in oil. Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) sensor faults are the other notable issue.
O-ring on the VR30 oil cooler fails, mixing coolant into engine oil. Catastrophic if missed. Multiple TSBs and INFINITI extended warranties on some VINs.
Run free diagnosis →VQ37 timing chain tensioner can develop wear and rattle by 80K-120K mi. Common Nissan VQ family item.
View P0017 Diagnosis →Steer-by-wire DAS system can throw sensor faults and revert to a manual backup. Repair is expensive; many owners learn to live with the system disabled.
Run free diagnosis →INFINITI InTouch dual-screen system has lag, occasional freezes, and Bluetooth pairing trouble. Software updates available.
Run free diagnosis →JATCO 7-speed (RE7R01) can develop harsh shifts or shudder by 80K+ mi. Fluid changes often improve it.
View P0700 Diagnosis →AC compressor clutch failures by 80K-110K mi. Common Nissan-family item.
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Strong styling, great power, attractive depreciation. VR30 oil cooler is the biggest risk - confirm history. Skip DAS if possible. VQ37 trims are simpler, mature, and easier to live with.
Refresh year. Powertrain options are strong (especially VR30 Red Sport 400). Check VIN for VR30 oil cooler updates and TSBs.
Expect $700-1,000/year in routine costs. Lifetime non-routine cost typically $2,500-5,500 to 150K miles. VR30 oil cooler can be a wallet-emptier if missed; routine oil checks prevent it.
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If your 2018 Q50 is throwing a check engine light, these are the codes most often associated with the problems above. Click any code for full diagnosis steps and typical repair costs.
About average. The VQ37 trim is the more proven choice; the VR30 has better performance but the oil-cooler O-ring risk.
An O-ring on the oil cooler mounted to the engine block fails, mixing coolant into engine oil. INFINITI has extended warranties on some VINs.
For a used car purchase, yes, if possible. DAS sensor faults are expensive to repair and the system reverts to a manual backup when it fails.
Yes - mature Nissan VQ family. Watch timing chain tensioner around 80K-120K mi but otherwise durable.
Yes - several. Always check NHTSA by VIN.
200,000 miles is realistic for VQ37 trims with regular service. VR30 longevity depends on whether oil cooler has been addressed.