2011 Infiniti QX56 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2011 Infiniti QX56 ranks worst of 9 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 78 complaints, most tied to the engine (51%) and fuel system (26%). It carries an Avoid verdict, though only 2 recalls apply, one for airbag inflators and one for wheel labeling.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 9 QX56 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 78
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16
- 14 city / 20 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2011 Infiniti QX56 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Timing chain rattles or fails, in some cases forcing dealers to replace the entire engine.
- Fuel line fittings near the back of the engine can leak fuel steadily enough to pool under the vehicle.
- The vehicle shakes violently or drifts out of lane when crossing rough pavement, potholes, or bridge joints at speed.
- Windshields crack repeatedly near the wiper on the driver's side, sometimes with no prior impact.
- The driver airbag has deployed during very low-speed impacts.
- At highway speeds, hitting road irregularities can cause the rear end to skip sideways with a loss of control.
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 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 QX56 has the highest complaint index (100) among the 9 model years tracked and is rated Avoid, with engine and fuel system problems making up most of the 78 complaints.
- What problems does the 2011 Infiniti QX56 have?
- Owners most often report engine issues (51% of complaints), including timing chain failures, and fuel system issues (26%), including fuel line leaks. Suspension complaints about instability on rough roads make up another 12%.
- Does the 2011 Infiniti QX56 have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 QX56: one for front driver air bag inflators that may not deploy correctly, and one for incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating labels on vehicles with 22-inch wheels.
- How does the 2011 QX56 compare to other years?
- The 2011 model has the worst complaint index (100) and rank (1st worst) of the 9 years with data, while 2009 (index 0) and 2007 (index 13) are rated Good.