Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
The contact owns a 2012 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated that while driving at 56 MPH, the vehicle slowed down and failed to respond as intended. An oil change was performed; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the high-pressure fuel pump was leaking, causing the timing chain to fail. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the failure progressed, causing the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle failed on the side of the road and was towed to the residence. The contact used an OBD scanner and retrieved DTC: P0021, P0011, and P0300. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure, and Customer Service Program Number: P6305. The VIN was provided, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the campaign and that the campaign had expired. …
The contact owns a 2012 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started shaking violently. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the timing chain to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
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. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 infinti QX56. While driving various speeds, the ABS warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle decelerated and stalled. When the vehicle was restarted, the vehicle was able to operate. The vehicle was taken to priority Infiniti of greenbrier (1812 greenbrier pkwy, chesapeake, va 23320) to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000. The VIN was not provided.
On 9-4-2011 I left tallahassee, florida. As I got to the edge of town I noticed it started to idle slightly high. By the time I got to thomasville, georgia, it would accelerate to about 45 MPH without any acceleration pressure and the brakes were required frequently. Between thomasville and moultrie, georgia, it would accelerate independently but it would drop down if I pressed and released the accelerator. It also seemed to maintain speed a bit better if I used the cruise control. As I turned onto mack dekle road just south of moultrie, the engine tacked out into the (maximum) red area. In a panic, I pressed the brake and slowed down enough to force it to "park". I restarted the vehicle several times and it revved to maximum rpms. I left it in the lane and called my wife who called ctv towing. …
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Infiniti QX56 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2011 (39), 2012 (28), 2013 (19), 2004 (10) and 2006 (7) model years. Engine complaints make up 50% of all complaints for the 2011.
Is there a recall for Infiniti QX56 engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 10V-517 (engine and engine cooling, Oct 28, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Infiniti QX56 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 106,000 miles; 6% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor (4 mentions), followed by the cooling system (2).
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.