What year Infiniti QX56 should I avoid?

The 2011 QX56 is the year to avoid, with 78 complaints, a complaint index of 100, and engine issues reported in 51% of complaints at a median 100,000 miles.

Which Infiniti QX56 year is best?

The 2010 model year is rated Best, with a complaint index of 0 and only 25 complaints, followed by the 2013 model year rated Good with a complaint index of 33.

Is the 2012 Infiniti QX56 reliable?

The 2012 QX56 is rated Caution based on NHTSA data, with a complaint index of 67 and engine problems reported at a median of 84,278 miles.

Does the Infiniti QX56 have engine problems?

Engine issues are the top problem area across all QX56 years, accounting for 89 of 192 total complaints (46%), most concentrated in the 2011 model year.

Are there recalls on the 2011 Infiniti QX56?

Yes, the 2011 QX56 has two recalls, including an airbag inflator replacement campaign and a wheel GAWR labeling correction.

Infiniti QX56 Best and Worst Years (2010–2013)

The 2011 Infiniti QX56 is the year to avoid, with 78 complaints, a complaint index of 100, and engine problems reported by 51% of complainants at a median 100,000 miles. The 2010 model year is the best pick, followed by 2013.

Avoid 2011 Best 2010

Model years: 4; 2010–2013
NHTSA complaints: 192
Recall campaigns: 6
Crashes reported: 6
Fires reported: 1
Top problem area: Engine

QX56 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Infiniti QX56 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Best	0	25	2	0	2	Airbags	14	—
2011	Avoid	100	78	0	1	2	Engine	16	—
2012	Caution	67	57	1	0	3	Engine	16	—
2013	Good	33	32	3	0	3	Engine	16	—

QX56 years to avoid: what went wrong

2011 Infiniti QX56 Index 100 · 78 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2011 QX56 has the highest complaint index (100) and the most complaints (78) of any year covered. Engine problems dominate, making up 51% of complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 100,000 miles. Fuel system issues follow at 26% share, also around 102,000 miles median. Owners also reported suspension shaking and loss of control over rough pavement, plus at least one fire incident. Two recalls apply to this year, including an airbag inflator campaign and a GAWR labeling issue on 22-inch wheels. Compared to other QX56 years, 2011 ranks worst overall.

2011 engine problems →2011 fuel system problems →

Most common Infiniti QX56 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine89 (46%)
Fuel System29 (15%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires21 (11%)
Electrical System19 (10%)
Other17 (9%)
Airbags13 (7%)
Structure & Body11 (6%)
Transmission & Powertrain11 (6%)
Brakes9 (5%)
Steering8 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Infiniti QX56 should I avoid?: The 2011 QX56 is the year to avoid, with 78 complaints, a complaint index of 100, and engine issues reported in 51% of complaints at a median 100,000 miles.
Which Infiniti QX56 year is best?: The 2010 model year is rated Best, with a complaint index of 0 and only 25 complaints, followed by the 2013 model year rated Good with a complaint index of 33.
Is the 2012 Infiniti QX56 reliable?: The 2012 QX56 is rated Caution based on NHTSA data, with a complaint index of 67 and engine problems reported at a median of 84,278 miles.
Does the Infiniti QX56 have engine problems?: Engine issues are the top problem area across all QX56 years, accounting for 89 of 192 total complaints (46%), most concentrated in the 2011 model year.
Are there recalls on the 2011 Infiniti QX56?: Yes, the 2011 QX56 has two recalls, including an airbag inflator replacement campaign and a wheel GAWR labeling correction.