YearToAvoid

2009 Infiniti QX56 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Good The 2009 Infiniti QX56 has 7 complaints, a complaint index of 0, and 2 recalls. It ranks 9th (best) of 9 years but is capped to Good rather than Best because complaint records for 2005-2009 are less complete.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
0/100
#9 of 9 QX56 years
Verdict
Good
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
7
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
2
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
0
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Top issue
Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Best nearby year
2010
rated Good
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
14
12 city / 17.5 hwy
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Top 2009 Infiniti QX56 problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (43%)
  2. Brakes2 (29%)
  3. Electrical System2 (29%)
  4. Fuel System2 (29%)
  5. Airbags1 (14%)
  6. Steering1 (14%)
  7. Structure & Body1 (14%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Fuel gauge shows a quarter tank remaining even when the tank is nearly empty, sometimes leading to running out of gas or stalling on the freeway.
  • Driver airbag reportedly stops working due to a failed coil spring in the steering column, disabling other connected airbags.
  • Power trunk closes on its own without warning while items are being loaded, in one case nearly striking the owner's hands.
  • Rear end sways at low speed while driving, paired with an inaccurate fuel gauge reading and a tire warning light coming on.
  • Fuel gauge reads full or partial while driving at highway speed, then the vehicle loses power and stalls after actually running out of fuel.
2009 Infiniti QX56 complaints: complaints filed per month1Mar 2015Apr 2017Oct 2017Jul 2018Nov 2018Jul 2022Apr 2023
7 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2015 to Apr 2023; peak Mar 2015 (1).

2009 Infiniti QX56 recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

2009 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.

2009 compared with other QX56 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100200520062007200820092010201120122013
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2007Good1321114
2008Avoid7553314
2009Good07214
2010Good3825214
2011Avoid10078216

All Infiniti QX56 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Infiniti QX56 reliable?
Among QX56 years, 2009 ranks 9th out of 9 with only 7 complaints and a complaint index of 0, the lowest of any year in the data. Its verdict is Good rather than Best because NHTSA complaint records for 2005-2009 model years are considered less complete.
What problems does the 2009 Infiniti QX56 have?
Owners reported issues in Suspension, Wheels & Tires (3 complaints, 43% share), Brakes (2 complaints, 29%), Electrical System (2 complaints, 29%), and Fuel System (2 complaints, 29%). Median mileage at failure for suspension issues was 133,500 miles.
Does the 2009 Infiniti QX56 have any recalls?
Yes, two recalls: one for a fuel gauge that inaccurately displays remaining fuel (campaign 10V074000), and one for a brake pedal pivot pin that was not formed to specification (campaign 10V072000).
How does the 2009 QX56 compare to other years like 2008 or 2011?
The 2009 model (complaint index 0, Good) fares far better than 2008 (index 75, Avoid) and 2011 (index 100, Avoid), both of which had far more complaints and are rated Avoid.
What is the fuel economy of the 2009 Infiniti QX56?
EPA rates it at 14 mpg combined (12 city / 17.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,700.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.