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2012 INFINITI QX56
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 57 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 INFINITI QX56, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and fuel system categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 164 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 2011 | 1 | 1 |
| Apr 2012 | 1 | 2 |
| Nov 2012 | 1 | 3 |
| Jan 2013 | 1 | 4 |
| Aug 2013 | 1 | 5 |
| Mar 2015 | 1 | 6 |
| Sep 2015 | 1 | 7 |
| Nov 2015 | 1 | 8 |
| Dec 2015 | 1 | 9 |
| Jan 2016 | 1 | 10 |
| Feb 2016 | 1 | 11 |
| Apr 2016 | 3 | 14 |
| Nov 2016 | 1 | 15 |
| Feb 2017 | 1 | 16 |
| Oct 2017 | 1 | 17 |
| Mar 2018 | 2 | 19 |
| Jun 2018 | 1 | 20 |
| Aug 2018 | 1 | 21 |
| Sep 2018 | 1 | 22 |
| Oct 2018 | 1 | 23 |
| Dec 2018 | 1 | 24 |
| Jan 2019 | 2 | 26 |
| Feb 2019 | 2 | 28 |
| Mar 2019 | 2 | 30 |
| Apr 2019 | 1 | 31 |
| May 2019 | 1 | 32 |
| Jun 2019 | 1 | 33 |
| Jul 2019 | 1 | 34 |
| Oct 2019 | 1 | 35 |
| Dec 2019 | 1 | 36 |
| Jan 2020 | 1 | 37 |
| Feb 2020 | 3 | 40 |
| May 2020 | 3 | 43 |
| Jun 2020 | 1 | 44 |
| Sep 2020 | 1 | 45 |
| Nov 2020 | 1 | 46 |
| Mar 2021 | 2 | 48 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 49 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 50 |
| Feb 2022 | 1 | 51 |
| Apr 2022 | 1 | 52 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 53 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 54 |
| Apr 2023 | 1 | 55 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | 56 |
| Jun 2026 | 1 | 57 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine2842.4%
- Electrical913.6%
- Fuel system710.6%
- Airbags57.6%
- Body & structure46.1%
- Powertrain (other)46.1%
- Suspension46.1%
- Brakes34.5%
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.govAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
While driving my vehicle with my family, I experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of control. I was able to safely maneuver the vehicle off the roadway without injury. After inspection, it was determined that the subframe had fractured due to severe rust, which was not previously identified. The failure occurred without warning and directly impacted the ability to control the vehicle, creating a significant safety hazard. No warnings or messages indicated a problem existed prior to the failure.
- NHTSA ID
- 11742803
- Incident
- May 8, 2026
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 failure mileage was approximately 175,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11721950
- Incident
- Feb 16, 2026
- Mileage
- 175,000 mi
While driving at highway speed, rear of vehicle suddenly became uncontrolled and caused vehicle to swerve dangerously. If a vehicle would have been in the adjacent lane an accident would have occurred. Upon initial inspection, the left rear lower control arm failed catastrophically due to rust rendering the vehicle undrivable. Driver and passenger were put at risk as a result of this incident. Deeper inspection revealed the right rear control arm was also compromised due to rust as well as the two forward mounting points of the modular rear suspension cradle (framework). No warning lights appeared, however the steering wheel did begin correcting to the right just prior to event, similar to heavy wind situation. Parts have not been inspected by manufacturer. Pictures attached. Parts are available for inspection upon request.
- NHTSA ID
- 11515904
- Incident
- Mar 28, 2023
I have an engine light on as a result of 2 bad catalytic converters that need to be replaced. The vehicle has been inspected the infinite dealer maintenance dept. This poses a safety risk of this vehicle shutting down in the midst of driving
- NHTSA ID
- 11492249
- Incident
- Oct 27, 2022
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11466379
- Incident
- May 10, 2022
- Mileage
- 87,000 mi
I got Code : P0011 (my mechanic said that timing chain has to be replaced) I saw that Infiniti run the campaign as below : Dated July 15, 2016 VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2011 – 2013 QX56 AND M56; TIMING CHAIN CAMPAIGN ID #: P6305 APPLIED VEHICLES: 2011-2013 QX56 (Z62) 2011-2013 M56 (Y51) Check Service Comm to confirm campaign eligibility 2011-2013 QX56 IMPORTANT: The following service procedure for 2011-2013 QX56 is an abbreviated version of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) procedure to replace the timing chains and related components. The Claims Information is based on this abbreviated procedure. I called Infiniti and they said that this campaign was for limited time and we called you but i never heard or aware about this otherwise I would have got it done . I have all the service record serviced everything from Infiniti dealer and the best maintanace Apart from that I get below code also which is makes me to think I did mistake buying Infiniti. P0300 P0011 C1118 C1130 C1A26 C1A14 C1a04 Buying car with full upgrade, waste of 98K .
- NHTSA ID
- 11461649
- Incident
- Apr 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the vehicle shook and then lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The dealer informed the contact that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with timing chain failure. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- NHTSA ID
- 11450269
- Incident
- Nov 1, 2021
I own a 2012 QX56. Check engine light comes on and I take it to the dealer. It's the Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (catalytic covers - P0430 code) I was warned before I bought this vehicle about the cats going bad. Infiniti dealer, that I purchased the truck from said "this vehicle has been serviced at an Infiniti dealer since day one. Every possible service that was needed was completed. The owner took immaculate car of this truck. You won't have any issues." So tell me, if this vehicle was driven exactly how it was supposed to be and yet at 113K miles the cats go bad, why isn't there a recall?? This is a "top of the line SUV" and yet it needs $4500.00+ in engine repairs at just over 113K miles. Infiniti needs to step up and take responsibility for this issue. If dealerships are warning you about this issue, obviously there is a KNOWN issue.
- NHTSA ID
- 11427869
- Incident
- Nov 13, 2020
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
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).
AIR BAGS
DTC B00A0-00 STOREIF YOU CONFIRM DTC B00A0-00 (OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR UNIT) is stored, AND OCS zero point reset cannot be performed, (continued on the next page)D
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.