2011 INFINITI QX56 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 INFINITI QX56, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine3944.8%
- Fuel system2023.0%
- Suspension910.3%
- Powertrain (other)44.6%
- Visibility33.4%
- Electrical33.4%
- Other / unspecified22.3%
- Driver assistance22.3%
- Body & structure22.3%
- Airbags22.3%
- Steering11.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 151000 2024 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. This needs to be investigated and recall issued immediately.
Unknown. Timing chain issue. When car is started it makes a noise for about 10 min then goes away
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI QX56. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING TO HIS DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER SOUTHWEST INFINITI (10495 SOUTHWEST FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77074, (832) 742-1614) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, 3 YEARS LATER HE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TO BE REPLACED FOR A SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 67,000.
TIMING BELT AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE CONFIRMED MY INFINITI OF MARIETTA
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
WINDSHIELD CRACKS - I'VE BEEN THROUGH 3 WINDSHIELDS ON THIS VEHICLE - ALWAYS BREAKS IN SAME SPOT: DRIVERS SIDE, UNDER WIPERBLADE, NEAR THE CORNER BY THE VIN PLATE. FIRST TIME THERE WAS NO BULLSEYE, CHIP, OR EXTERNAL DAMAGE, BUT DEALER STILL WOULD NOT COVER IT. SECOND TIME WAS AFTER A MINOR IMPACT WITH FRONT BUMPER. THIRD WAS A ROCK HIT, BUT ALL THREE HAD THE BREAKAGE IN THE SAME SPOT! I NOTICED OTHER COMPLAINTS, SO CLEARLY THIS ISN'T A RANDOM OCCURRENCE.
FRONT WIND SHIELD CRACKS WITH THE SLIGHTED HIT ON MY SECOND ONE IN THREE MONTHS. IF IT CAN NOT WITHSTAND ROAD DEBRIS IMAGINE A CAR ACCIDENT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TIMING CHAIN STARTED RATTLING @ 125,000 MILES.. HOWEVER, MY VIN SHOWS NO RECALL FOR MY CAR. CATS WENT BAD, HAD TO BE REPLACED AND NOW NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. YET NO RECALL ON MY CAR. THE BATTERY CONSTANTLY GOES DEAD IN THE CAR. I BOUGHT A NEW INFINITY BATTERY IN THE CAR THE SAME THING HAPPENED. YOU CAN REPRODUCE THIS PROBLEM BY SITTING IN THE CAR LISTENING TO THE RADIO FOR 30 MINUTES. I WAS SITTING IN THE CAR LISTENING RADIO AND THE CAR BATTERY WENT DEAD AND THE CAR SHUT OFF. THIS IS A HUGE ISSUE, THE QX56 IS A 8 CYLINDER CAR. IT DOES NOT CHARGE VERY EASILY. I HAVE TO CARRY A BATTERY CHARGER IN MY CAR. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO INFINITY AND THEY CLAIM NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. SINCE IT IS A BIG CAR THE BATTERY DRAIN QUICKLY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI QX56. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST BATTERY CONNECTION AND THE BATTERY FAILED. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE BATTERY WAS EITHER REPLACED OR RECHARGED IN SOME CASES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NALLEY INFINITI ATLANTA (678-254-0987, LOCATED AT 2550 THE NALLEY WAY, ATLANTA, GA 30360) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2011 Infiniti QX56. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V455000 (Equipment); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact was unable to rent the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM A REPUTABLE INFINITY DEALERSHIP ON JANUARY 31,2013 WITH 41,669 MILES,AND I ALSO PURCHASED THE EXTENDED ELITE PROTECTION PROGRAM WARRANTY FOR 5 YEARS FOR $4,978.00.ON MAY 5TH, 2015, I BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN FOR A STATE INSPECTION STICKER, WHICH WAS REJECTED BECAUSE MY REAR TIRES WERE WORN OUT BADLY WITH ONLY 15,725 MILES ON THEM.THESE WERE TOP-OF -THE-LINE MICHELIN LTX WITH A WARRANTY OF 70,000 MILES.I BROUGHT THIS SUV INTO THE INFINITY DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED AND THEY STATED THAT THE REAR CAMBERS WERE CORRODED AND REAR TOWS WERE FROZEN, AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE COMPLETE REAR SUSPENSION. NONE OF THIS WAS COVERED ON MY ELITE PROTECTION WARRANTY.THE AMOUNT OF CORROSION UNDERNEATH THIS VEHICLE IS ASTOUNDING, IT LOOKS WORSE THAN A 20 YEAR-OLD VEHICLE.THE PRICE OF THIS WORK WAS $2,000.00, ADDITIONALLY MY NEW REAR TIRES WERE $592.80.NOT WHAT I EXPECTED FROM A HIGH-END LUXURY SUV, I PREVIOUSLY OWNED 2 NISSAN PATHFINDERS WITH NO ISSUES. MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN MAY, 2010, AND I REALIZE THAT THERE WERE 2 SIMILAR RECALLS # 10E019000,(SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010) AND A SECOND RECALL # 10V208000,(SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 20, 2010) WHICH STATES THAT NISSAN WAS RECALLING 2004-2010 QX 56 VEHICLES DUE TO FAULTY FRONT AND/OR REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS IN THE VEHICLE'S SUSPENSION SYSTEMS.(VEHICLES SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AND MAY 14, 2010.) MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN MAY, 2010.I ALSO SAW ON THIS WEBSITE A COMPLAINT FILED ON 11/10/2014, NHTSA ID NUMBER 10653767; CONCERNING THE SUSPENSION OF THEIR 2010 QX 56 VEHICLE. IT IS EXACTLY THE ISSUE I HAD WITH MY QX 56, AND I BELIEVE THAT MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. I HAD CONTACTED INFINITY CORPORATION CONCERNING THIS ISSUE ON JULY 1, 2015, BUT THEY DID NOT THINK THESE WERE EXCRUATING ISSUES AND DECLINED MY COMPLAINT. ( MY CASE # 19302823 WITH INFINITY CORPORATION.)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI QX56. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND AND DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROADWAY AND TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI QX56. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER DECREASED ON ITS OWN TO SPEEDS THAT WERE INCONSISTENT WITH THE ACTUAL SPEED OF THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE AIR SUSPENSIONS OF THIS SUV GOES OUT. THE WHITE PAINT FOR MY 2011 GX56 IS PEELING ALL OVER THE VEHICLE. AND NEEDS TO BE PAINTED ASAP. THIS VEHICLE IS A LUXURY TRUCK THAT'S PEELING BAD.
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM A REPUTABLE INFINITY DEALERSHIP ON JANUARY 31,2013 WITH 41,669 MILES,AND I ALSO PURCHASED THE EXTENDED ELITE PROTECTION PROGRAM WARRANTY FOR 5 YEARS FOR $4,978.00.ON MAY 5TH, 2015, I BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN FOR A STATE INSPECTION STICKER, WHICH WAS REJECTED BECAUSE MY REAR TIRES WERE WORN OUT BADLY WITH ONLY 15,725 MILES ON THEM.THESE WERE TOP-OF -THE-LINE MICHELIN LTX WITH A WARRANTY OF 70,000 MILES.I BROUGHT THIS SUV INTO THE INFINITY DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED AND THEY STATED THAT THE REAR CAMBERS WERE CORRODED AND REAR TOWS WERE FROZEN, AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE COMPLETE REAR SUSPENSION. NONE OF THIS WAS COVERED ON MY ELITE PROTECTION WARRANTY.THE AMOUNT OF CORROSION UNDERNEATH THIS VEHICLE IS ASTOUNDING, IT LOOKS WORSE THAN A 20 YEAR-OLD VEHICLE.THE PRICE OF THIS WORK WAS $2,000.00, ADDITIONALLY MY NEW REAR TIRES WERE $592.80.NOT WHAT I EXPECTED FROM A HIGH-END LUXURY SUV, I PREVIOUSLY OWNED 2 NISSAN PATHFINDERS WITH NO ISSUES. MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN MAY, 2010, AND I REALIZE THAT THERE WERE 2 SIMILAR RECALLS # 10E019000,(SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010) AND A SECOND RECALL # 10V208000,(SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 20, 2010) WHICH STATES THAT NISSAN WAS RECALLING 2004-2010 QX 56 VEHICLES DUE TO FAULTY FRONT AND/OR REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS IN THE VEHICLE'S SUSPENSION SYSTEMS.(VEHICLES SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AND MAY 14, 2010.) MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN MAY, 2010.I ALSO SAW ON THIS WEBSITE A COMPLAINT FILED ON 11/10/2014, NHTSA ID NUMBER 10653767; CONCERNING THE SUSPENSION OF THEIR 2010 QX 56 VEHICLE. IT IS EXACTLY THE ISSUE I HAD WITH MY QX 56, AND I BELIEVE THAT MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. I HAD CONTACTED INFINITY CORPORATION CONCERNING THIS ISSUE ON JULY 1, 2015, BUT THEY DID NOT THINK THESE WERE EXCRUATING ISSUES AND DECLINED MY COMPLAINT. ( MY CASE # 19302823 WITH INFINITY CORPORATION.)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TIMING CHAIN STARTED RATTLING @ 125,000 MILES.. HOWEVER, MY VIN SHOWS NO RECALL FOR MY CAR. CATS WENT BAD, HAD TO BE REPLACED AND NOW NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. YET NO RECALL ON MY CAR. THE BATTERY CONSTANTLY GOES DEAD IN THE CAR. I BOUGHT A NEW INFINITY BATTERY IN THE CAR THE SAME THING HAPPENED. YOU CAN REPRODUCE THIS PROBLEM BY SITTING IN THE CAR LISTENING TO THE RADIO FOR 30 MINUTES. I WAS SITTING IN THE CAR LISTENING RADIO AND THE CAR BATTERY WENT DEAD AND THE CAR SHUT OFF. THIS IS A HUGE ISSUE, THE QX56 IS A 8 CYLINDER CAR. IT DOES NOT CHARGE VERY EASILY. I HAVE TO CARRY A BATTERY CHARGER IN MY CAR. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO INFINITY AND THEY CLAIM NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. SINCE IT IS A BIG CAR THE BATTERY DRAIN QUICKLY.
TRAVELING AT 1 MPH, MY 2011 INFINITI QX56 BUMPED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO EITHER VEHICLE, BUT MY DRIVER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. INFINITI IS REFUSING TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE UNLESS MY INSURANCE COMPANY ASKS THEM TO. I FEEL THIS LOW SPEED DEPLOYMENT IS FROM A DEFECT IN THIS WEEK OLD VEHICLE, BUT CANNOT GET HELP. I AM CONCERNED INFINITI IS ATTEMPTING TO IGNORE THE PROBLEM AND BRUSH IT UNDER THE RUG. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN DRIVING 40-70 MPH AND HITTING ANY ROAD IRREGULARITIES (OFFSETS IN PAVEMENT AT BRIDGES, OLD TO NEW PAVEMENT, MAN HOLE COVERS, ROAD PATCHES) THE VEHICLE BACK END SKIPS SIDEWAYS WITH A LOSS OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WILL START TO HEAD INTO THE NEXT LANE AND NEEDS TO BE STEERED IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION TO CORRECT IT. WE DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT. OTHERS IN THE CAR HAVE SAID THEY HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE IT. DEALERSHIP IS TELLING US THIS IS NORMAL. VEHICLE IS UNDER WARRANTY AND WE CAN'T GET RESOLUTION TO THIS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .