2011 Infiniti QX56
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 106 |
| 2005 | 80 |
| 2006 | 79 |
| 2007 | 21 |
| 2008 | 53 |
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2010 | 25 |
| 2011 | 78 |
| 2012 | 57 |
| 2013 | 32 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
47% of complaints: engine — 37 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
PROBLEMS WITH THE TIMING BELT CHAIN ON NEWER MODEL INFINITI QX56. PROBLEM OF CAR MAKING WHISTLING NOISE APPEARED EARLY AFTER PURCHASE AND INTERMITTENTLY THEREAFTER BUT BECAME PROMINENT IN JULY 2011.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121107
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
23% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 18 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: suspension — 9 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TIMING CHAIN STARTED RATTLING @ 125,000 MILES.. HOWEVER, MY VIN SHOWS NO RECALL FOR MY CAR. CATS WENT BAD, HAD TO BE REPLACED AND NOW NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. YET NO RECALL ON MY CAR. THE BATTERY CONSTANTLY GOES DEAD IN THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201204
Also filed under AIR BAGS and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A subframe is a key structural component of every car. As such, it stands to reason that it should last as long as the car itself.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240805
OUR 2011 INFINITI QX56 CANNOT BE PROPERLY CONTROLLED AT SPEED WHEN ANY ROUGH PAVEMENT, POT HOLE, BRIDGE CONNECTION JOINTS, OR SIMILAR IS RAN OVER. THE VEHICLE SHAKES VIOLENTLY WITH LITTLE IF ANY CONTROL BY THE DRIVER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110513
5% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing catalytic convertor.
Show complaint excerpts
Need to know if there are recalls on the Q56 Infinite for the Catalytic Converter Failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260720
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 20V188000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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 are expected to be mailed August 21, 2026.
Campaign 26V455000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Infiniti QX56 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (37 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 20V188000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V455000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2011 Infiniti QX56 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Infiniti QX56 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Infiniti QX56?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Infiniti QX56 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.