Infiniti QX56 Problems by Year

We compared every Infiniti QX56 model year from 2004–2013 using 539 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 10 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2011, 2004 and 2012, which drew far more complaints than other QX56 years at the same age. The best years are 2009, 2007 and 2010.

10model years
539complaints
10recalls
2011, 2004worst years
2009, 2007best years

Complaints by model year

200420052006200720082009201020112012201310680792153726785732
Owner complaints per model year, Infiniti QX56. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
201332−35%3EngineAverage
2012571.4×3EngineCaution
2011781.7×2EngineCaution
201026−49%2SteeringGood
20097−88%2SuspensionGood
200853−16%3BrakeAverage
200721−67%1BrakeGood
2006791.3×3BrakeAverage
2005801.2×3BrakeAverage
20041061.6×1BrakeCaution

* Complaints compared with the median QX56 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Infiniti QX56 problems

Latest Infiniti QX56 recalls

Equipment › Other › Labels

NHTSA recall 26V-455 · Jul 15, 2026 · 168,149 vehicles

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Nissan Armada, 2011-2013 Infiniti QX56, and 2014-2027 QX80 vehicles equipped with 22" wheels. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded.

Remedy: Dealers will install new labels, free of charge. Additionally, Nissan will mail replacement labels to owners. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed September 2, 2026.

Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 20V-188 · Mar 30, 2020 · 216,678 vehicles

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2012-2017 NV Cargo and NV Passenger Van, 2013-2015 Titan and Armada and 2011-2012 Infiniti QX56 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the air bag inflator may not function properly or may rupture during deployment.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2020.

Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA recall 14V-683 · Nov 28, 2014 · 133,592 vehicles

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Nissan Juke, 2012-2013 Infiniti M56, QX56, and 2014-2015 Infiniti Q70 (V8 engine vehicles only), and QX80 vehicles. The fuel pressure sensors may not have been sufficiently tightened during production.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will re-torque the fuel pressure sensors free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 14V-668 · Oct 24, 2014 · 1,848 vehicles

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013 Infiniti QX56 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2012, to April 26, 2013, and 2014 Infiniti QX80 vehicles manufactured June 18, 2013, to February 11, 2014.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA recall 10V-517 · Oct 28, 2010 · 747,480 vehicles

Nissan is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 armada, titan, Infiniti qx56 and model year 2005-2006 frontier, pathfinder and xterra vehicles. The intelligent power distribution module (ipdm) assembly contains an engine control module (ECM) relay that has a diode for electrical current noise reduction.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the ECM relay inside the ipdm assembly. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on December 6, 2010. Owners May contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

All 10 Infiniti QX56 recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Infiniti QX56 should you avoid?

2011, 2004 and 2012 — these years have the most complaints relative to other QX56 years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2011.

What is the best year for the Infiniti QX56?

2009 has the fewest complaints compared with other QX56 years at the same age, followed by 2007 and 2010. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Infiniti QX56 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (199), engine & cooling (113) and fuel & propulsion system (78). Brake complaints peak in the 2004 model year.

How many recalls has the Infiniti QX56 had?

10 recalls across 2004–2013. The model year with the most is 2005. See all Infiniti QX56 recalls by year.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.