Most common 2013 Infiniti QX56 problems
Share of the 32 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 →
2013 Infiniti QX56 recalls (3)
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.
Fuel system, gasoline
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
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.
What 2013 Infiniti QX56 owners say
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2013 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made abnormal rattling sounds. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the failure was occurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing chain guide and the timing chain needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist because the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The contact referenced service bulletin #P6305. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormally loud ticking sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the timing chain had failed, and the failure was related to Infiniti Campaign Number: P6305. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the campaign had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Brakes
4/14/15 vehicle purchased from carmax. Problem: brakes do not work when pushed all the way to the floor first brake failure (4/15/15) two days after purchase, brakes failed at approx. 6 pm under clear weather/good road conditions, while traveling north on vermont ave. In gardena, ca at approx. 10 MPH. The QX56 hit a Dodge stratus stopped at a red light. The stratus driver was injured and subsequently required medical treatment. The QX56 was returned to carmax for repair, but carmax said they could not recreate the brake failure. The vehicle was towed to Infiniti and an engineer was sent out to pull the black (recorder) box. To date, we have not received the report of findings. Infiniti said they checked the brakes and that the vehicle was safe to drive. …
Driving down highway 421 in wilkesboro, nc on a 45 MPH section of the highway, merged over into the turning lane to turn left across two lanes of traffic. Waited for a break in traffic, upon a break in traffic tried to accelerate to cross traffic, as vehicle started to accelerate it stalled in middle of road. Wife and children in car started screaming. Traffic nice enough not to run into us. Had car towed to local automotive repair shop. Found that this is a common problem for the 5.6 litter Nissan/ Infiniti engine. One of the timing gears for the left bank stopped rotating some how. This side of the engine timing system also powers the fuel pump so that you cannot even limp across the road on half the engine. It just stops right where you are. You have no steering no breaking and no propulsion. …
Suspension
The contact owns a 2013 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated that intermittently while parked, and while driving at various speeds, the rear of the vehicle was sagging. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the air shocks and compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that the warranty had expired. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. The contact stated that the air suspension system on the vehicle never properly worked. There was an attempt to make repairs but that did not fix the problem.
While my wife was driving our QX56 during normal conditions at approximately 40MPH, QX56 begun to swerve repeatedly left to right in a dangerous manner and she had to apply brakes rapidly. Looking under the vehicle, the lower control arm was badly cracked and the cause of the swerving. I towed to my local shop (not Infiniti dealership) for repair and they confirmed the right control arm was cracked. They stated the left control arm was also severely rusted / damaged and wasn't too far from cracking either. Fortunately, my wife was only going 40mph and was able to control the swerving. If going 70 or 75MPH on the highway, I'm not sure that would have been possible. Pictures are attached, both of broken right control arm which caused swerving and left control arm that is near cracking. …
2013 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 2013 Infiniti QX56 a good car?
Based on 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 QX56 rates average: 35% fewer complaints than a typical year of the QX56 at the same age. 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 2013 Infiniti QX56?
The engine & cooling — 19 complaints, 59% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the brakes (4) and suspension (4).
How many recalls does the 2013 Infiniti QX56 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2013 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 2013 Infiniti QX56 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 105,000 miles; 25% 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.