2011 Infiniti QX56 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 9 QX56 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2011 Infiniti QX56 has 78 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 100 out of 100 — the highest of 9 QX56 model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is engine (40 complaints, 51% of the total). Complaints report 1 fire.
- Complaints
- 78
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16
- 14 city / 20 hwy
Top 2011 Infiniti QX56 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine40 (51%)
- Fuel System20 (26%)
- Other9 (12%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (12%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (5%)
- Electrical System3 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (4%)
- Airbags2 (3%)
- Structure & Body2 (3%)
- Steering1 (1%)
2011 Infiniti QX56 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V455000Jul 15, 2026Other168,149 vehicles
Equipment:other:labels
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."
Risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
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 were mailed September 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated Fall 2026. 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.
- NHTSA 20V188000Mar 30, 2020Airbags216,678 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2012-2017 NV Cargo and NV Passenger Van, 2013-2015 Titan and Armada and 2011-2012 Infiniti QX56 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the air bag inflator may not function properly or may rupture during deployment.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or Infiniti customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
2011 Infiniti QX56 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14 MPG
- Highway
- 20 MPG
- Combined
- 16 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $5,000
- 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.
2011 compared with other QX56 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Infiniti QX56 a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 Infiniti QX56 ranks worst among QX56 model years (Complaint Index 100/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 78 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Infiniti QX56?
- The most reported problem areas are engine (40 complaints), fuel system (20 complaints), and suspension, wheels & tires (9 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 90,000 miles.
- Does the 2011 Infiniti QX56 have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2011 Infiniti QX56, most recently reported 2026, covering other and airbags.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Infiniti QX56?
- EPA rates the 2011 Infiniti QX56 at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 20 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,000. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.