Recall 16V430 affects 28,182 2014-2016 INFINITI Q50 and Q50 Hybrid vehicles for Direct Adaptive Steering errors. Repair is free at any franchised INFINITI dealer.
INFINITI is recalling 28,182 2014-2016 Q50 and Q50 Hybrid vehicles because the Direct Adaptive Steering system can experience an error at startup. The error can change steering responsiveness and turning radius, which raises crash risk if the vehicle does not steer as the driver expects; INFINITI dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Direct Adaptive Steering system on affected 2014-2016 INFINITI Q50 and Q50 Hybrid vehicles uses electronic controls to translate steering-wheel input into movement at the wheels. In normal operation, the system keeps the steering wheel's center position matched to the front wheels, so the vehicle responds predictably when you turn and returns to a straight-ahead feel after startup.
The problem starts during vehicle startup. If battery voltage is low and the vehicle was parked with the steering turned sharply, the steering ratio calculation can start with the wrong neutral position. That error changes steering responsiveness and turning radius, so the car does not steer the way the driver expects right after startup.
The warning signs are visible before driving away. The steering wheel is noticeably off-center, and the VDC warning lamp turns on. If you see these signs after startup, treat the steering system as faulted and have the vehicle checked under recall 16V430.
Who's affected?
Both Q50 and Q50 Hybrid are included across 2014, 2015, and 2016, with the recall tied to the steering system and power steering system.
| 2014 INFINITI Q50 | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2014 INFINITI Q50 | power steering system |
| 2015 INFINITI Q50 | steering system |
| 2015 INFINITI Q50 | power steering system |
| 2014 INFINITI Q50 Hybrid | steering system |
| 2014 INFINITI Q50 Hybrid | power steering system |
| 2015 INFINITI Q50 Hybrid | steering system |
| 2015 INFINITI Q50 Hybrid | power steering system |
| 2016 INFINITI Q50 Hybrid | steering system |
| 2016 INFINITI Q50 Hybrid | power steering system |
| 2016 INFINITI Q50 | steering system |
| 2016 INFINITI Q50 | power steering system |
| Units affected | 28,182 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the vehicle does not steer the way the driver anticipates, crash risk increases. A noticeably off-center steering wheel and an illuminated VDC warning lamp are the warning signs. Treat either sign as a reason to slow down, avoid unnecessary trips, and schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised INFINITI dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2016 INFINITI Q50 or Q50 Hybrid is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised INFINITI dealer to schedule the free Direct Adaptive Steering ECU software update that corrects the startup steering error.
- Bring the recall notice if INFINITI mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V430 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the software update is complete, especially after startup if steering response or turning radius feels wrong.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an INFINITI technician reprograms the Direct Adaptive Steering ECU software. The software update corrects the steering control issue described in recall 16V430, and parts and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, since the subject vehicles are under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| June 9, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| June 9, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 13, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| August 12, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V430?
Recall 16V430 covers 28,182 2014-2016 INFINITI Q50 and Q50 Hybrid vehicles with Direct Adaptive Steering software that can alter steering response and turning radius at startup. INFINITI dealers will reprogram the steering ECU software for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2016 INFINITI Q50 or Q50 Hybrid is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V430. If it is, contact a franchised INFINITI dealer to schedule the Direct Adaptive Steering ECU software reprogramming. Reference recall number 16V430 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and INFINITI dealers will reprogram the Direct Adaptive Steering ECU software free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is that the vehicle does not steer the way the driver expects after startup. That change in steering response or turning radius increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer software repair.
What if I bought my INFINITI Q50 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Q50 or Q50 Hybrid is included, then call a franchised INFINITI dealer with recall number 16V430.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V430000 |
|---|---|
| INFINITI customer service | 1-800-647-7261 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V430 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V430000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →