2012 Infiniti QX56 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2012 Infiniti QX56 has a complaint index of 63 and ranks 4th worst out of 9 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate at 51% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 95,000 miles, plus three recalls covering wheel labels, airbags, and fuel system sensors.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 63/100
- #4 of 9 QX56 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 57
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16
- 14 city / 20 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2012 Infiniti QX56 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine29 (51%)
- Electrical System9 (16%)
- Fuel System7 (12%)
- Other6 (11%)
- Airbags5 (9%)
- Structure & Body4 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (7%)
- Brakes3 (5%)
- 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
- Engine stalls suddenly at highway speeds without warning, sometimes with no dealer diagnosis found.
- Timing chain wear causes a whining noise at startup and rough running, often reported near 81,000 to 100,000 miles.
- Brake pedal sinks toward the floor at stops and needs pumping to restore normal feel, according to owners.
- Vehicle stalled at highway speed and required multiple restart attempts before continuing to drive.
- Airbag failed to deploy or engage for a smaller-statured passenger in the front seat.
- Fuel pressure sensor recall repair parts were reported unavailable for an extended period after notification.
2012 Infiniti QX56 recalls
3 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.
- NHTSA 14V683000Nov 28, 2014Fuel System133,592 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Nissan Juke, 2012-2013 Infiniti M56, QX56, and 2014-2015 Infiniti Q70 (V8 engine vehicles only), and QX80 vehicles. The fuel pressure sensors may not have been sufficiently tightened during production. As a result, the fuel pressure sensor may loosen with vehicle usage and cause a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could cause a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will re-torque the fuel pressure sensors free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
2012 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.
2012 compared with other QX56 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Infiniti QX56 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives it a complaint index of 63 and a Caution verdict, ranking 4th worst among the 9 model years with data. Engine issues make up 51% of its complaints.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2012 Infiniti QX56?
- Engine problems lead, accounting for 29 of 57 complaints (51%), with a median failure mileage of 95,000 miles. Owners describe stalling and timing chain wear causing startup noise.
- Does the 2012 Infiniti QX56 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls: a wheel label/GAWR recall, a front driver airbag inflator recall, and a fuel pressure sensor re-torque recall. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2012 QX56 compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 63, 2012 is worse than the Good-rated 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2013 model years, but better than the Avoid-rated 2005, 2008, and 2011 model years.