2008 Infiniti QX56 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2008 Infiniti QX56 has a complaint index of 75, ranking 3rd worst out of 9 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. Brakes account for 45% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 92,000, backed by 3 recall campaigns.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 75/100
- #3 of 9 QX56 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 53
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 5
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 14
- 12 city / 17.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2008 Infiniti QX56 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes24 (45%)
- Electrical System11 (21%)
- Fuel System9 (17%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (13%)
- Airbags5 (9%)
- Engine5 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (8%)
- Other3 (6%)
- Steering2 (4%)
- Seat Belts1 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brake pedal fails to stop the vehicle at low speeds, sometimes leading to a collision with another vehicle or object.
- Brake pedal vibrates while the ABS, VDC, and brake warning lights illuminate, with the problem recurring multiple times.
- Vehicle rolls away after being shifted into park with the engine running, even though the shifter appears engaged in park.
- Steering wheel airbag fails to deploy during a rollover crash while other airbags deploy.
- Steering wheel shimmies and the vehicle shakes at highway speed when crossing road surface irregularities.
- Fuel gauge shows a quarter tank or more remaining while the engine stalls or dies unexpectedly from running out of fuel.
2008 Infiniti QX56 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V349000Jul 22, 2010Airbags21 vehicles
Air bags:side/window
Nissan is recalling model year 2008 nissan armada and infiniti qx56 vehicles manufactured from february 7, 2007 through february 14, 2007. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 201, "protection in interior impact." an out-of-specification a-pillar finisher might impede the correct inflation of the side curtain air bag near the upper portion of the b-pillar.
Risk: Incorrect inflation of the side curtain air bag may increase the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant in the event of a crash requiring deployment of that air bag.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both right and left front pillar finishers free of charge. The safety recall began on august 16, 2010. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
- NHTSA 10V074000Mar 3, 2010Fuel System340,000 vehicles
Fuel system, other:storage:fuel gauge system
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 10V072000Mar 2, 2010Brakes179,383 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages
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.
Risk: The driver will experience unusual and noticeable looseness in the pedal and a reduction in braking force increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
2008 Infiniti QX56 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 12 MPG
- Highway
- 17.5 MPG
- Combined
- 14 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $5,700
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other QX56 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Infiniti QX56 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 QX56 ranks 3rd worst of 9 model years with a complaint index of 75, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other QX56 years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2008 Infiniti QX56?
- Brakes are the top problem area, making up 45% of complaints (24 of 53), with a median failure mileage of 92,000 and 3 reported crashes.
- Does the 2008 Infiniti QX56 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns covering airbags, fuel system, and brakes, including a brake pedal pivot pin defect and a fuel gauge that can misread remaining fuel.
- What year QX56 should I avoid?
- Among the years with data, 2005 (complaint index 88), 2011 (complaint index 100), and 2008 (complaint index 75) carry Avoid verdicts, while 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2013 are rated Good.
- How many people were injured in 2008 QX56 complaints?
- NHTSA records show 2 injuries and 5 crashes tied to 2008 QX56 complaints, with no reported deaths or fires.