2017 INFINITI QX50

Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid mixed with coolant (strawberry milkshake in expansion tank), Harsh shifts or slipping between gears, Transmission overheating warning on dash, Coolant loss with no visible leaks

Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler and flush both cooling and transmission systems. If contamination reached transmission internals, full rebuild or replacement required. Oil cooler replacement alone: 3-4 hours. If trans damaged: 12-18 hours for R&R and rebuild.

Estimated cost: $800-1,200 (cooler only), $4,500-7,500 (if transmission rebuild needed)

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Limp mode with P0868 or P17F0 codes (line pressure), Delayed engagement into drive or reverse, Harsh 2-3 or 3-4 upshifts, Slipping under load or on highway merges

Fix: Common issues include valve body wear, clutch pack failure (especially C2/C3), and solenoid faults. Full rebuild or reman unit required. Remove and reinstall: 10-12 hours. Rebuild adds another 14-18 hours if done in-house.

Estimated cost: $3,800-6,500

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunk or thud when shifting from park to drive, Vibration at idle in gear, Excessive driveline movement felt during acceleration

Fix: Replace rear transmission mount. Access requires raising vehicle and supporting transmission. 1.5-2 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Oil seepage at front of engine below timing cover, Oil consumption (1 qt per 2,000-3,000 miles), Timing chain noise on cold start if oil level drops

Fix: Replace timing chain galley gaskets (front cover area). Requires timing cover removal, timing chain inspection, and front main seal. 8-10 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800

Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi

Symptoms: Long crank or hard start when hot, P0087 code (fuel rail pressure too low), Rough idle or misfire at idle only, Loss of power under throttle

Fix: High-pressure fuel pump (cam-driven) or direct injectors fail. Pump replacement: 4-5 hours. Injector set (all six): 5-6 hours. Diagnosis critical — don't shotgun parts.

Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800 (pump), $1,800-2,800 (injectors)

Typical onset: 150,000+ mi or abuse-related

Symptoms: Rod knock or main bearing noise, Heavy blue smoke from exhaust (ring failure), Severe loss of compression across multiple cylinders, Metal in oil or catastrophic oil starvation event

Fix: VQ37 can suffer bearing failures if oil changes are neglected or if severe overheating occurs. Requires short block or full rebuild. Remove/install engine: 18-22 hours. Machine work and rebuild adds significantly to cost.

Estimated cost: $6,500-12,000