RoadVitals

2009 INFINITI QX56

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
7
Latest Apr 20, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest May 20, 2010
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 7 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 INFINITI QX56, most frequently naming the suspension, electrical and fuel system categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 100 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Suspension323.1%
  • Electrical215.4%
  • Fuel system215.4%
  • Driver assistance17.7%
  • Airbags17.7%
  • Body & structure17.7%
  • Exterior lighting17.7%
  • Steering17.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

May 20, 2010
1,873 units potentially affected
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AND MAY 14, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND QX56, AND MODEL YEARS 2005 THROUGH 2010 FRONTIER, XTERRA, AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK ASSEMBLY HAS TWO CYLINDRICAL COLLARS FORMING THE INBOARD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO THE CHASSIS. DUE TO AN IMPROPER WELDING PROCESS SOME COLLARS MAY CONTAIN WELDS THAT DO NOT MEET STRENGTH SPECIFICATIONS.
The risk: IF THE COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE HANDLING WILL DETERIORATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED LOWER LINK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM

Mar 3, 2010
340,000 units potentially affected
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2009 TITAN, ARMADA, AND INFINITI QX56 VEHICLES. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUEL GAUGE MAY INACCURATELY DISPLAY THAT THE VEHICLE STILL HAS SOME FUEL, TYPICALLY ABOUT ONE QUARTER TANK, WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY.
The risk: THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALL ON THE HIGHWAY, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL SENDER UNIT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK WITH A NEW IMPROVED SENDER CARD. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Mar 2, 2010
179,383 units potentially affected
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND INFINITI QX56, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 NISSAN QUEST VEHICLES. THE BRAKE PEDAL PIVOT PIN END WAS NOT SPIN-FORMED TO SPECIFICATION DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY. THE PIVOT PIN COULD SLIDE AND CAUSE THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PARTIALLY DISENGAGE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL BRACKET.
The risk: THE DRIVER WILL EXPERIENCE UNUSUAL AND NOTICEABLE LOOSENESS IN THE PEDAL AND A REDUCTION IN BRAKING FORCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THE PIVOT PIN HAD BEEN FORMED PROPERLY AND WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Fuel system
Filed Apr 20, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the fuel gauge indicated that there was no fuel remaining, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V074000 (Fuel System, Other). The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 156,193.

NHTSA ID
11518148
Incident
Apr 13, 2023
Mileage
156,193 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed Jul 14, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Infiniti QX56. The contact while driving approximately 25 MPH, there was swaying in the rear of the vehicle. The contact also stated that the fuel gauge was not operating properly after the fuel tank was filler. Additionally, there was an unknown failure with the rear suspension. The tire failure warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with rear suspension failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V402000 (Suspension, Steering). The approximately failure mileage was 167,000.

NHTSA ID
11473908
Incident
Nov 14, 2021
Mileage
167,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Nov 17, 2018

I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 435 W. IN KANSAS CITY KANSAS. IT WAS ABOUT 4:15 AM TRAVELING AT 70-72 MPH MY VISIBILITY WAS OK BUT I THOUGHT THAT IF I USE MY HIGHBEAM IT WOULD BE BETTER. AS SOON AS I CLICKED HIGH BEAM ON MY CAR INSTANTLY TURNED OFF. MY HEADLIGHTS MY INTERIOR LIGHTS AND MY RADIO POWERED OFF. AS A PANIC REACTION SINCE I HAD ZERO VISIBILITY AND IT WAS DARK OUTSIDE MY FOOT THE BRAKES. AS I REMEMBER MY SIBAL HAD ALREADY TIGHTENED UP BEFORE HITTING THE BRAKES BUT BEFORE I COULD REALIZE IT MY CAR PART POWERED BACK ON BY ITSELF WITHOUT ME DOING ANYTHING I LOOK AT MY SPEEDOMETER AND I WAS GOING ABOUT 67-69. WHEN MY CAR POWERED ON IT SEEMS AS IF IT REZONED AS IF NOTHING HAD HAPPENED NOW I BELIEVE IF I WAS IN KANSAS CITY KANSAS RUSH-HOUR I WOULD HAVE CAUSED A SEVERE ACCIDENT . EVEN THOUGH IT WAS MAYBE FOR A SECOND OR TWO THAT MY CAR HAD POWERED OFF IT WAS MORE THAT MY CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND I BELIEVE WITH EVERYTHING THAT WAS ELECTRICAL THEY HAVE POWER IT OFF I DON'T BELIEVE THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD HAVE WORKED AS WELL. IF THAT WERE THE CASE I WOULD'VE NEVER HAVE GAVE THE DRIVER BEHIND ME ANY KIND OF WARNING FOR THEM TO BE ABLE TO SLOW DOWN. LUCKILY IT WAS 4 AM IN THE MORNING WITH NO TRAFFIC THAT I DIDN'T CAUSE ANY KIND OF ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN UNKNOWN HOW BADLY IT WOULD'VE COST IF THEY WERE TRAFFIC. I'M NOT SURE WHAT CAUSED THIS BUT I KNOW AS SOON AS I HAD EXITED OFF THE THE INTERSTATE I TURN THE CAR OFF TURN IT BACK ON SEEM JUST FINE WHEN I WENT TO GO TURN ON THE LIGHTS MY CAR AGAIN POWERED OFF. I WAITED ABOUT 15 MINUTES BEFORE I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN AND IT STARTED UP JUST FINE WAITING FOR IT TO WARM UP TURN MY LIGHTS ON AGAIN AND IT DID NOTHING THIS TIME AND I WAS ABLE TO RESUME HOME.

NHTSA ID
11152139
Incident
Nov 17, 2018
Mileage
161,996 mi
BrakesSuspension
Filed Jul 29, 2018

MY 2009 INFINITI QX56 HAS A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH THE REAR SUSPENSION THAT STARTED ABOUT A YEAR AFTER I GOT THE CAR WHEN IT WAS AT ABOUT 100,000 MILES AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE, EVEN THOUGH REPAIR SHOPS AND DEALER KEEP TELLING ME IT'S 'FINE'... WHEN TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS OVER 50MPH, IF I HIT OR DRIVE OVER ANY BUMP OR POTHOLE OR DIP OR UNEVEN PAVEMENT, THE BACKEND OF THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT IS GOING TO FISHTAIL OR SWING OUT OF CONTROL AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE. NOW, AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN I HIT ANY OF THE AFOREMENTIONED TYPICAL ROAD / PAVEMENT ISSUES, THE BACK END SOUNDS LIKE IT IS SLAMMING DOWN ON ITSELF. ALSO, THE BRAKES NOW SOMETIMES FEEL LIKE THE PEDAL IS "LOOSE" AND GOES NEARLY TO THE FLOOR. IF I PUMP THE BRAKE AGAIN, IT GOES BACK TO NORMAL. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN AND BEEN TOLD THE "BRAKES ARE JUST FINE" AND THEY ACT LIKE THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT. THE SAME WITH THE SUSPENSION, EXCEPT FOR NOW THERE IS A "TINGING" SOUND SOMETIMES UPON STARTING OR ACCELERATING. THE REPAIR SHOP TOLD ME THE STRUTS AND SHOCKS ETC 'ARE FINE', BUT THAT THERE MAY BE AN ISSUE WITH THE SUSPENSION THE DEALER ACTED LIKE THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT, BUT AFTER RESEARCH HERE ... I SEE THAT THIS EXACT PROBLEM IS COMMON WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THE 2011, SUCH THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE MODELS MANUFACTURED NOV. 2009 AND 2010. ALL OF THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE FIXED BY MANUFACTURER. THEY KNOW THIS IS AN ISSUE AND EVEN RECALLED SOME VEHICLES. THIS TRULY COULD KILL US SOME DAY... BRAKES DON'T WORK OR THE CAR'S BACK-END SWINGS OUT OF THE LANE AND FISHTAILS OUT OF CONTROL ON THE INTERSTATE. IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME NOW. I RESEARCHED BECAUSE I NEED TO DRIVE MY SON TO COLLEGE AND KNEW IT DIDN'T FEEL SAFE. I FOUND YOU MAY ALREADY BE INVESTIGATING THESE ISSUES AND I WOULD LIKE A RESOLUTION AND TO HAVE MY TESTIMONY INCLUDED. IT'S DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ID
11114417
Incident
Feb 13, 2015
Mileage
100,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Oct 4, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 INFINITI QX56. AFTER GROCERY SHOPPING, THE CONTACT OPENED THE TRUNK WITH THE REMOTE. WHILE PUTTING THE GROCERIES INSIDE THE TRUNK, THE TRUNK AUTOMATICALLY CLOSED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE TRUNK FROM FALLING DOWN WITH HER HANDS. THE DEALER (GLENDALE INFINITI, 812 S BRAND BLVD, GLENDALE, CA 91204) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT IT WAS NOT PART OF THE STANDARD CHECKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ID
11031763
Incident
Oct 3, 2017
Mileage
110,000 mi
AirbagsElectricalSuspension
Filed Apr 8, 2017

THE AIRBAG DOES NOT WORK ON THE STEERING COLUMN THE DEALER SAYS IT'S DUE TO A COLD SPRING ON THE BACKSIDE OF THE AIRBAG THAT ALLOWS ELECTRICITY TO GO THROUGH IT TO MAKE IT WORK AND ONCE OVER $1000 TO REPLACE THE COIL- SPRING IN ORDER TO MAKE THE AIRBAG WORK WHICH IS CONNECTED TO ALL THE OTHER SAFETY AIRBAGS IN THE VEHICLE IF THE DRIVERS AIRBAG DOES NOT WORK NEITHER DOES ANY OF THE OTHER AIRBAGS IN THE VEHICLE . GAS GAUGE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY IT RUNS OUT OF GAS WHEN THE GAUGE SHOWS IT HAS MORE THAN A QUARTER OF A TANK OF GAS DOES NOT REGISTER FOR ONE F GAS GAUGE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY IT RUNS OUT OF GAS WHEN THE GAUGE SHOWS IT HAS MORE THAN A QUARTER OF A TANK OF GAS DOES NOT REGISTER FULL WHEN FULL OF GAS! THE SUSPENSION IN COOL SPRINGS ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE DO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY VEHICLES WAYS FROM SIDE TO SIDE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AS WELL AS CLAMBERS WHAT IT GOES TO A POTHOLE IN THE ROAD THIS STARTED AT LESS THAN 100 THOUSAND MILES IN A VEHICLE NOW HAS 129,000 MILES ! VEHICLE MAKES LOUD NOISES UPON ACCELERATING THE MECHANIC SAID IT'S FROM A CRACKED MANIFOLD WHICH IS COMMON IN THE QX56 AND WANTS $1800 TO REPLACE THE MANIFOLD THIS IS OUT RAGES. THE THROTTLE SAYS THING POSITION ON THE Q X56 IS VERY TOUCHING AND BARELY LAYING YOUR FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL JOBS FOR ESPECIALLY FROM STOP LIGHTS AND STOP SIGNS UPON INITIAL ACCELERATION THIS IS VERY UNSAFE THE DEALER REFUSES TO FIX IT UNDER WARRANTY.

NHTSA ID
10971275
Incident
Oct 20, 2016
Fuel system
Filed Mar 3, 2015

MY CAR RAN OUT OF GAS ON THE FREEWAY. THE FUEL GAUGE STILL READ 1/4. I HAVE NOTICED THIS SEVERAL TIMES, THAT I KNOW I AM NEAR EMPTY BASED ON MILEAGE BUT MY GAS GAUGE STILL READS 1/4. I FOUND A RECALL ON-LINE THAT STATES THAT THIS CAR IS AFFECTED BUT WHEN I CONTACT NISSAN NA AND MY DEALER, BOTH SAY, BASED ON MY VIN, THERE IS NO RECALL. THIS IS WHAT I FOUND ONLINE: RECALL ID # 68281 - FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM RECALL DATE: MAR 03, 2010 MODEL AFFECTED: 2009 INFINITI QX56 SUMMARY: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2009 TITAN, ARMADA, AND INFINITI QX56 VEHICLES. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUEL GAUGE MAY INACCURATELY DISPLAY THAT THE VEHICLE STILL HAS SOME FUEL, TYPICALLY ABOUT ONE QUARTER TANK, WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY. CONSEQUENCES: THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALL ON THE HIGHWAY, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH. REMEDY: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL SENDER UNIT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK WITH A NEW IMPROVED SENDER CARD. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261. POTENTIAL UNITS AFFECTED: 340000 NOTES: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. READ MORE: HTTP://WWW.MOTORTREND.COM/CARS/2009/INFINITI/QX56/RECALLS/#IXZZ3TLP7MAC9 HTTP://WWW.MOTORTREND.COM/CARS/2009/INFINITI/QX56/RECALLS/ *TR

NHTSA ID
10691803
Incident
Jan 7, 2015
Mileage
90,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

ITB09-063C

STRUCTURE:BODY

CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Infiniti by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).

ITB13-052E

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

INTELLIGENT KEY NOT DETECTED / ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

ITB10-029C

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

ITB13-006D

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

ITB17-009H

VISIBILITY/WIPER

WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

ITB13-007I

VISIBILITY/WIPER

REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

INFINITI QX56 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2013323049.2
2012573046.9
2011782044.4
2010253051.6
2009Viewing730
2008524049.4
2007212037.7
2006794044.2
2005804044.5
20041062044.8
2002000
2001000

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.