2016 Infiniti Q50: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Infiniti Q50?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Infiniti Q50 than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Anti-roll bar link joints20.5× usual
  Infiniti Q50

  16.4% All 2016 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.3% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Ball joint4.5× usual
  Infiniti Q50

  10% All 2016 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 1.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Brake pads1.7× usual
  Infiniti Q50

  18% All 2016 cars

  10.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 2.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Wheel bearings4.8× usual
  Infiniti Q50

  2.4% All 2016 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Sub-frame4.2× usual
  Infiniti Q50

  2.1% All 2016 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

Common 2016 Infiniti Q50 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Infiniti Q50 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  30% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Suspension
  28% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  27% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  10% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  5% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  3% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 Infiniti Q50

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 20.5× as often on the 2016 Infiniti Q50 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 4.5× as often on the 2016 Infiniti Q50 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2016 Infiniti Q50 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?