Most common 2011 Infiniti QX56 problems
Share of the 78 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Infiniti QX56 complaints by model year
Best QX56 years: 2009, 2007, 2010. Years to avoid: 2011, 2004, 2012. Compare all years →
2011 Infiniti QX56 recalls (2)
Equipment › Other › Labels
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
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.
What 2011 Infiniti QX56 owners say
Engine & cooling all 39 →
The contact owns a 2011 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would vibrate violently. Additionally, the vehicle had experienced intermittent power loss and had gone into limp mode. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the timing chain replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Need to know if there are recalls on the Q56 Infinite for the Catalytic Converter Failure. This truck had 2 and this is the second one that seems to be faulty and the truck only had 162000 miles The 1st one faulted at [phone] The Infinite 2011 Q56 has been known for faulty Catalytic Converter Failure and nothing was done to recall and fix. The truck had 2 Catalytic Converters, the 1st one went out in 2024 @ 152000 miles, now it looks like my engine light is back on with error code P0420 Converter malfunction. I searched internet and it was noted that 2011 have had enormous reports about this issue. This doesn't make since there is no recall when it is noted that the 2011 Q56 had history of faulty Catalytic Converter Failure. This cost to replace and repair is enormous and this type of part replacement repair should not be happening at 152000-162000 miles. …
Fuel & propulsion system all 20 →
The contact owns a 2011 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and inadvertently stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the high-pressure fuel tank replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
Catalytic Converter, A/F Sensor failed on the interstate when I was driving with kids in the car. Took vehicle to the nearest dealer only to be told that this is a known problem with these vehicles and it was going to cost me $3,100 to repair.
Suspension
A subframe is a key structural component of every car. As such, it stands to reason that it should last as long as the car itself. Doing much research on this model suspension and subframes become rusted as I didn't know this when purchasing making it very unsafe . I experienced being involved in almost 2 accidents. Very dangerous. Subframe split in half and suspension. Something needs to be done as a lot of people are going thru this issue and Infiniti slogan claims "new horizons" by no means new horizon going to heaven by driving their vehicles.
The rear controls arms and cradle mount were riddled with severe fissures, causing car to sway dramatically. The level of component failure posed a severe safety risk to me. My mechanic was shocked by the amount of failure to these major rear suspension components. I have included photos and receipts for repairs.
2011 Infiniti QX56 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.6L 8-cyl | 7-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 5.6L 8-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 4WD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Infiniti QX56 a good car?
Based on 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 QX56 rates use caution: 1.7× as many complaints as a typical year of the QX56 at the same age. It is one of the QX56 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Infiniti QX56?
The engine & cooling — 39 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (20) and suspension (9).
How many recalls does the 2011 Infiniti QX56 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2011 Infiniti QX56, the most recent from July 15, 2026 (labels). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Infiniti QX56?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009, 2007 and 2010. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011, 2004 and 2012. See the full Infiniti QX56 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 Infiniti QX56 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 90,000 miles; 13% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.