If you have a 2020 Infiniti QX50, there’s a chance you might not be able to read the placard showing the correct size and loading capacity of your tires. And that’s important information if you get a flat or want to avoid overloading your Infiniti luxury SUV. Federal safety standards also require the placard in all vehicles sold in the United States.

Thanks to the illegible text, the automaker has recalled almost 8,300 2020 Infiniti QX50 models. How did this happen? And what should you do if you own one of the affected vehicles?

A printing issue with the 2020 Infiniti QX50’s placard

During a routine audit, Infiniti employees discovered the tire and loading information labels on thousands of 2020 Infiniti QX50 models were illegible. The labels should appear in easy-to-read black print, the consumer site CarComplaints.com reports. They include information about the SUV’s correct tire size and the loading capacity.

The automaker knew if employees couldn’t read the labels, owners might not be able to read them either. So Infiniti launched a probe into the issue. Investigators discovered that a procedural error at printer was the culprit. 

According to CarComplaints.com, the vendor said dry paint might’ve stuck to the printing mesh when it printed the labels. The defect may have prevented certain characters from properly transferring to the label during the process. The supplier added that failure to clean the printing mesh might’ve caused the issue.

An inspection at Infiniti’s Mexican assembly plant revealed 82 labels of 17,450 had partially missing text. 

The recall

There were now concerns that drivers wouldn’t get the tire and loading information they needed to keep their vehicles from overloading and properly maintain their tires. So the automaker issued a recall. Almost 8,300 2020 Infiniti QX50 SUVs have been recalled so that dealers can inspect the labels and replace any faulty ones free of charge.

Safety concerns aside, federal safety standards require legible placards in all vehicles.

The recall is set to begin on March 16. If you believe you own one of the affected QX50 models and want more information, you can call Infiniti at 800-662-6200 and reference recall number PC788.

The 2020 Infiniti QX50 at a glance

Despite the placard flub, the 2020 Infiniti QX50 is a class act. The luxury compact SUV is upscale and spacious. It also boasts a unique powertrain.

The QX50’s innovative features help it stand out from the competition. Its cabin is posh and highly versatile, with an impressive list of amenities. Every QX50 trim boasts a variable-compression engine that optimizes performance and efficiency, Car and Driver reports. The powertrain is a little noisier than those on other upscale SUVs, but the QX50 makes up for that with its practicality.

Infiniti added two new trim levels and some new standard features to the 2020 QX50 lineup. You’ll find the best features and experience in the top-trim Sensory and Autograph models. 

The QX50 also includes plenty of advanced safety and driver-assist features. They include blind-spot monitoring, rear automated emergency braking, automatic high-beams, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. The infotainment system features the latest software, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration come standard.

As nice as the standard cabin is, you can add optional wood trim, quilted leather seating, and a faux-suede headliner to the top trim, Car and Driver reports. With reclining second-row seats and plenty of room, the 2020 Infiniti QX50 is supremely comfortable. There’s also plenty of cargo space for everything you want to bring with you.