NHTSA Complaint #11444247 — 2016 INFINITI Q50

On 12/11/21 my vehicle had limited turning (left or right) capability. The vehicle has < than 23K miles, was purchased at Bommarito Infiniti, and has been serviced at the same dealership since I purchased it. I bought the vehicle new and drove it over the last 5 years as a back-up vehicle to a Chevy Cruze (w/greater than 180K miles on it and no faulty parts). I did not purchase the extended warranty because it was supposedly a reliable vehicle, based on my prior history/ownership of a 2006 G50. I made timely payments for 5 years, performed all of the required maintenance, and took my car in for all of the Infiniti “recalls.” After the ability to turn failed, I took the vehicle to Bommarito Infiniti for a diagnostic and routine oil change. The steering diagnostic found 3 leaks on the steering rack and pinion., (no oil was visible on the ground). I did not have any warning lights for low steering fluid or service required indicators, but the dealership stated the power steering fluid was low. I contacted Infiniti Consumer Affairs department for review of the faulty part, considering that I had less than 23k miles on the vehicle. Stewart at Infiniti Consumer Affairs stated that the claim for repair assistance was denied due to the vehicle being out of warranty and the "lack of service history" with Bommarito Infiniti. When I questioned him about defining/explaining what he meant by the lack of history, he could not explain his statement. He placed me on hold, and then returned only to reiterate his previous statement. I then informed him and verified with the dealership that I did not deny any required repair or service that was recommended/required. The dealership also stated that the rack and pinion that was installed on my Q50 had to be a faulty part because this is the 1st time that a 2016 Q50 with less than 36k miles has ever needed this part replaced. This is a safety issue and a crash waiting to happen!