RoadVitals

2013 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.
32
Latest Aug 9, 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 Jul 15, 2026
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.
3
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 32 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2013 INFINITI QX56, most frequently naming the engine, brakes and suspension categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 178 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

  • Engine1945.2%
  • Brakes49.5%
  • Suspension49.5%
  • Electrical37.1%
  • Driver assistance37.1%
  • Powertrain (other)37.1%
  • Fuel system24.8%
  • Visibility12.4%

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

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Jul 15, 2026
168,149 units potentially affected
The defect: 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
The risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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 are expected to be mailed August 21, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R26B1 and P6A13/4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Nissan North America, Inc.Manufacturer number R26B1/2, P6A13/4View on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Nov 28, 2014
133,592 units potentially affected
The defect: 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. As a result, the fuel pressure sensor may loosen with vehicle usage and cause a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could cause a vehicle fire.
The 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.
Nissan North America, Inc.View on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Oct 24, 2014
1,848 units potentially affected
The defect: 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. In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag inflator may have been manufactured with an incorrect part.
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's air bag, the incorrect part may block the flow of propellant to the air bag and the air bag's inflator may rupture. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike and potentially seriously injure the vehicle occupants.
The 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.
Nissan North America, Inc.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Engine
Filed Aug 9, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID
11537471
Incident
Aug 2, 2023
Mileage
115,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment while accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the timing chain. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Infiniti Service Campaign: ITB16-015a (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 131,000.

NHTSA ID
11526996
Incident
Dec 15, 2022
Mileage
131,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Apr 26, 2023

Control arm failure

NHTSA ID
11519033
Incident
Apr 5, 2023
Engine
Filed Mar 27, 2023

Started car in the morning and it started misfiring very badly. Flashing check engine light. Immediately pulled over and shut engine off. Had it towed to my shop I use they hooked it up to computer and it was diagnosed as a loose timing chain. Basically timing chain replacement This is rediculous only has 129k miles. They claim timing chain and components are good til 300k with regular maintenance. This suv since new has had synthetic mobile 1 oil changed every 3500 miles. There was a voluntary recall on this issue. Why was it ever taken down Now I’m paying the car payment on a car I cannot drive. Till I spend $5000 to have all that replaced

NHTSA ID
11514114
Incident
Mar 20, 2023
Suspension
Filed Feb 27, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID
11509354
Incident
Jun 1, 2022
Mileage
40,000 mi
Engine
Filed Sep 13, 2022

Our Infiniti QX56 started misfiring and shaking when driving. We took it in to the Infiniti dealership and was informed it is a bad timing chain. Upon research, we realized there was a recall for this issue on 2013 Infiniti QX56 models just like ours. However, our VIN did not show on the recall list. Our car has been meticulously maintained. Our research revealed that timing chains in well maintained cars should last up to 300,000 miles. Our car has 105,000 miles. We feel this repair should be covered by Infiniti. We did not pay for a luxury car to have this type of issue. The car is undrivable due to safety concerns and we would like this addressed immediately.

NHTSA ID
11484222
Incident
Sep 6, 2022
Engine
Filed Mar 1, 2022

The timing chain needs to be replaced on my vehicle with under 80,000 miles. Researching the issue i found that this is a very common problem with this specific engine. This is an $80,000+ car brand new and it did not last 80,000 miles. This is an obvious part malfunction due to the design of the vehicle. Infiniti should do something. It is a costly repair.

NHTSA ID
11454642
Incident
Feb 1, 2022
Suspension
Filed Jan 19, 2022

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. With both control arms going out at same time, I feel this is a dangerous, quality control issue from Infiniti. I spoke with Seth at Infiniti Consumer affairs who stated they wouldn't reimburse the repair at a non-Infiniti repair show and didn't appear to plan to pass on the seriousness of the problem.

NHTSA ID
11448098
Incident
Jan 18, 2022

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).

ITB12-011R

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TELEMATICS SERVICE INFORMATION See ITB19-029 for models built after those listed above for a different Service Procedure. SERVICE INFORMATION The Applied Vehicles are equipped with a wireless communication device called a Telematics Communication Unit (TCU). With an active Infiniti Connection® or Infiniti InTouch Services™, the TCU communicates with the Infiniti Data Center to provide various security and convenience services. This bulletin contains important service procedures that must be performed properly in order to set-up and maintain the telematics system for the Applied Vehicles. Ø A table has been provided on the next page that lists the model and year specific steps required to successfully configure a TCU after it has been replaced. Ø A check OFF sheet has been provided on page 21 to print and check off steps as they are performed. Please staple the completed Check OFF Sheet to the repair order.

ITB19-024D

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

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.

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.

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
2013Viewing323049.2
2012573046.9
2011782044.4
2010253051.6
2009730
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.