You should avoid the 2018 and 2019 Infiniti QX30 models due to their notorious reliability issues, including rearview camera failures, steering malfunctions, brake noise, and oil leaks. These years rack up average annual repair costs of $638, with starter replacements reaching $1,901 and frequent electrical glitches plaguing owners. The 2017 model offers better reliability with a 4.5 out of 5 rating, though it’s also faced safety recalls for steering grounding defects. Below, we’ll break down the specific problems, recall information, and long-term ownership costs you’ll face.
The Most Problematic Model Years: 2018 and 2019
While the Infiniti QX30 had a brief production run from 2017 to 2019, the 2018 and 2019 model years stand out as particularly problematic. Buyer experiences consistently highlight rearview camera failures, glass roof opening faults, and steering malfunctions across both years. The 2019 model adds brake noise and oil leaks to an already extensive problem list. Electrical system glitches and navigation system malfunctions compound reliability concerns. Maintenance solutions prove costly, with starter replacements running $1,794 to $1,901 and transmission fluid changes costing $412 to $540. Professional reviews reflect these issues, with Consumer Reports lacking sufficient data due to limited samples. These recurring problems and expensive repairs make 2018 and 2019 models particularly risky purchases for prospective buyers. The 2018 model is less dependable than its predecessors, contributing to its poor reputation among owners. Both model years have higher complaint rates involving electronic and mechanical system failures, making them less reliable choices compared to the 2017 QX30. Similar to the QX50’s issues with engine knocking, the QX30 suffers from mechanical defects that undermine owner confidence.
Mechanical and Electrical Failures in Early QX30 Models
The problematic 2018 and 2019 model years reveal a deeper pattern of systemic failures plaguing early QX30 production. You’ll encounter steering failures tied to electrical grounding defects that can cause sudden loss of control. Poor grounding prompted recalls for inadvertent airbag deployment, yet extensive steering system recalls remain absent. Roof malfunctions plague panoramic sunroof mechanisms with rattling, alignment issues, and complete operational failures requiring expensive replacements. You’re facing electrical complexity that confounds dealerships—persistent shorts, failing rearview cameras, and blank display screens indicate widespread wiring harness defects. Engine stalling stems from fuel system, ignition component, and air intake failures, while transmission issues occasionally surface. A clogged air filter restricts airflow and leads to inefficient fuel consumption that compounds existing performance problems. Similar to early Genesis G70s, these reliability problems result in higher maintenance costs and frequent breakdowns that diminish long-term ownership satisfaction. Like the QX80’s 2019 model year, these vehicles suffer from persistent electrical problems including battery drain and system failures that plague ownership. These aren’t isolated incidents but documented reliability concerns requiring owner-initiated diagnostics since manufacturers haven’t issued extensive recalls addressing these systemic problems.
Safety Recalls Affecting 2017 and 2018 Infiniti QX30s
Federal safety recalls targeted 17,507 QX30 vehicles across 2017 and 2018 model years, exposing critical defects that directly threatened occupant protection systems. The 2017 recall (17V691000) addressed insufficient steering component grounding that could trigger unexpected driver airbag deployment, potentially causing crashes or worsening collision outcomes. The 2018 recall (18V355000) identified improperly installed right-side seat belt anchorage bolts that violated Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, risking anchorage detachment during accidents. The recall implications underscored fundamental manufacturing oversights in critical safety systems. Dealers implemented safety enhancements through additional grounding installations for 2017 models and welded retaining plates with new anchorage bolts for 2018 units. Owners receiving recall notices should not ignore them, as manufacturers provide fixes that include both parts and labor at no charge. You can verify your vehicle’s recall status through NHTSA’s VIN lookup tool, with all repairs completed free at authorized dealerships.
Reliability Ratings and Long-Term Ownership Costs
Beyond safety recalls, reliability metrics reveal stark differences across QX30 model years that greatly impact your ownership expenses. RepairPal’s reliability comparisons show the 2017 model earning a 4.5 out of 5 rating, reflecting lower repair frequency and costs than typical luxury compact SUVs. However, 2018-2019 iterations show increased maintenance expenses due to common mechanical and electronic failures.
Your long-term costs depend heavily on model year selection. The 2016-2017 models maintain superior ownership reviews with fewer expensive repairs, while later versions face recurring issues including rearview camera failures, glass roof malfunctions, and steering problems. Without complimentary scheduled maintenance—only basic 4-year/60,000-mile and powertrain 6-year/70,000-mile warranties—problematic years greatly inflate upkeep costs. Early models also retain higher resale values, further reducing total ownership expenses compared to troublesome 2018-2019 variants. Similar to its Infiniti sibling, the QX70’s 2014 model suffered from engine belt failures and significant dependability issues that buyers should consider when evaluating any used Infiniti vehicle. When searching for a used QX30, prices typically fall between $10,000 and $25,000, making older, more reliable models an attractive value proposition.
Common Repairs and Associated Expenses
While early QX30 models demonstrate better reliability scores, repair costs across all model years remain substantial due to the vehicle’s luxury positioning and complex integrated systems. You’ll face significant expenses for steering components, with control arm replacements costing $833–$997 and tie rod replacements running $273–$301. Brake system repairs show high repair frequency, particularly anti-lock brake sensor replacements ranging from $137–$459. Engine-related work proves especially costly—starter replacements reach $1,794–$1,901, while throttle body service runs $1,189–$1,288. Electronic failures in camera systems and power seat switches ($787–$837) further inflate ownership expenses. The 2019 model year exhibits particularly high repair frequency for turbo oil leaks, brake malfunctions, and navigation issues, often requiring warranty intervention to manage escalating repair costs. Similar to issues seen in Ford Edge models, electrical system faults can lead to expensive diagnostic and repair procedures in luxury vehicles. With an average annual repair cost of $638, the QX30 demonstrates above-average ownership costs compared to other luxury compact SUVs in its segment.
What Owners and Experts Say About QX30 Dependability
Despite RepairPal’s impressive 4.5 out of 5 reliability rating for the 2019 QX30—ranking it #2 among 18 luxury compact SUVs—owner experiences tell a starkly different story. You’ll find owner satisfaction is highly polarized, with some praising the vehicle as “very dependable” while others label it the “worst vehicle ever owned.” The repair frequency varies dramatically between individual vehicles, creating unpredictable ownership experiences.
Recurring problems include moonroof failures costing thousands, oil leaks, turbocharger breakdowns, and electrical issues—some totaling over $10,000. Experts caution that the Mercedes-Benz-shared platform’s mechanical complexity contributes to maintenance challenges. While some QX30s run trouble-free, others experience multiple failures at low mileage, suggesting systemic quality control issues. The QX30’s reliability concerns mirror issues found in other Infiniti models, with timing chain problems plaguing various SUVs in the brand’s lineup and resulting in costly repairs. Similar to the QX60’s transmission juddering issues, owners report unpredictable mechanical failures that emerge shortly after warranty coverage ends. Owners frequently complain about the outdated infotainment system, which lacks modern features like Apple CarPlay and suffers from persistent screen glitches. This inconsistency makes the QX30 unsuitable for buyers prioritizing long-term dependability.
