2021 Infiniti QX80 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2021 Infiniti QX80 has a complaint index of 36, ranking 8th among 12 model years, with a Good verdict. NHTSA lists 7 complaints and 3 recalls, with engine and fuel system issues topping the complaint list.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 36/100
- #8 of 12 QX80 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 7
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 15
- 13 city / 19 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2021 Infiniti QX80 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine2 (29%)
- Fuel System2 (29%)
- Electrical System1 (14%)
- Other1 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (14%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (14%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the engine sometimes fails to accelerate even with the pedal fully pressed, then suddenly surges forward.
- Some drivers describe a lurching sensation similar to being rear-ended during normal driving.
- Fuel system complaints describe the vehicle losing power and stalling while driving, tied to a fuel pump failure.
- One owner reported the sunroof shattered unexpectedly while driving at highway speed with no impact, at 62,000 miles.
- Rear turn signals were described as mounted too low on the vehicle, raising visibility concerns for other drivers.
2021 Infiniti QX80 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 21V599000Aug 2, 2021Collision Avoidance & Cameras3,569 vehicles
Back over prevention:display function
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Infinity Q50, Q60, and QX80 vehicles. A software error may deactivate the audio/video control unit screen, preventing the rear-view image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 14, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R21A9.
- NHTSA 21V373000May 20, 2021Fuel System24,140 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump:control/drive module
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Nissan Armada and 2020-2021 INFINITI QX80 vehicles equipped with V8 engines. The impeller can swell and bind within the fuel pump module, causing it to fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R21A2. Owners may contact INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200. INFINITI's number for this recall is R21A3.
2021 Infiniti QX80 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 13 MPG
- Highway
- 19 MPG
- Combined
- 15 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $5,300
- 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.
2021 compared with other QX80 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Infiniti QX80 reliable?
- Among the 12 model years with data, 2021 ranks 8th worst with a complaint index of 36 and a Good verdict, meaning it has fewer reported problems than most other QX80 years.
- What problems does the 2021 Infiniti QX80 have?
- NHTSA lists 7 complaints for 2021, with Engine and Fuel System each making up 29% of reports, followed by Electrical System, Transmission & Powertrain, and Visibility & Wipers at 14% each.
- Does the 2021 Infiniti QX80 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 QX80, covering a fuel pump module that can swell and fail, a software error affecting the rear-view camera display, and a GAWR label issue on 22-inch wheel vehicles.
- How does the 2021 QX80 compare to other years?
- The 2021 QX80 has a complaint index of 36, lower than 2017 (82), 2019 (91), and 2025 (100), all rated Avoid, making 2021 one of the better years for this model.