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2011 Infiniti QX56

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2011 Infiniti QX56 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 55.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

62 reports with mileage · 16 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports1 fire reports0 injury reports

Engine complaints

37 reports
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169,000 miles · Mar 10, 2020
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI QX56. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON AN INCLINE APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER WITH AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER INFINITI OF GWINNETT, (3090 SATELLITE BLVD, DULUTH, GA 30096), TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI QX56. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON AN INCLINE APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER WITH AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER INFINITI OF GWINNETT, (3090 SATELLITE BLVD, DULUTH, GA 30096), TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED IN 2016, BY HAYES CHRYSLER/DODGE OF LAWRENCEVILLE LOCATED AT (719 DULUTH HWY, LAWRENCEVILLE, GA 30046), FOR A SIMILAR FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.

NHTSA ODI #11317204

78,000 miles · Jan 6, 2020
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI QX56. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED UPON START-UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO SEPARATE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES: P0420- P0430 CATALYST SYSTEM INEFFICIENCY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI QX56. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED UPON START-UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO SEPARATE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES: P0420- P0430 CATALYST SYSTEM INEFFICIENCY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, CASE NUMBER: 35634299. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

NHTSA ODI #11297314

200,500 miles · Oct 29, 2019
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI QX56. WHILE DRIVING 60 TO 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE ENGINE AREA. ALSO, THE SERVICE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO DECELERATE DUE TO THE NOISE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT NO FAILURE C…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI QX56. WHILE DRIVING 60 TO 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE ENGINE AREA. ALSO, THE SERVICE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO DECELERATE DUE TO THE NOISE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT NO FAILURE CODE WAS FOUND INITIALLY. THE MECHANIC RESET THE CODES, TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, PERFORMED A SECOND DIAGNOSTIC TEST, AND LOCATED FAILURE CODES FOR THE TIMING CHAIN, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER RECALL FOR THE ENGINE TIMING CHAIN AND CATALYTIC FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,500.

NHTSA ODI #11276857

102,074 miles · Aug 5, 2019
Engine

THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BANK 1 NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH TURN 2011-2013 INFINITY QX 56 AND INFINITY SHOULD HAVE ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE FAULTY CONVERTERS.

NHTSA ODI #11241886

213,000 miles · Apr 25, 2019
EnginePower Train

TIMING BELT AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE CONFIRMED MY INFINITI OF MARIETTA

NHTSA ODI #11203798

Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2018
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI QX56. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PEARSON INFINITI (11701 MIDLOTHIAN TURNPIKE, MIDLOTHIAN, VA 23113, 1-(804) 527-0300) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEALER WOULD C…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI QX56. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PEARSON INFINITI (11701 MIDLOTHIAN TURNPIKE, MIDLOTHIAN, VA 23113, 1-(804) 527-0300) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEALER WOULD CHECK TSB NUMBER: 16-015 AND VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: P6305 TO DETERMINE THE GUIDELINES TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER WAITING TO BE SERVICED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11152776

120,000 miles · Nov 15, 2018
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI QX56. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, AN UNUSUAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE ENGINE AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NALLEY INFINITI MARIETTA (404-994-4328, LOCATED AT 2020 COBB PKWY SE, MARIETTA, GA 30060) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING BELT NEEDED TO B…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI QX56. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, AN UNUSUAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE ENGINE AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NALLEY INFINITI MARIETTA (404-994-4328, LOCATED AT 2020 COBB PKWY SE, MARIETTA, GA 30060) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #11151748

90,000 miles · Nov 5, 2018
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI QX56. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A RATTLING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE RATTLING NOISE BECAME MORE PREVALENT AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THAT THE TIMING BELT WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI QX56. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A RATTLING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE RATTLING NOISE BECAME MORE PREVALENT AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THAT THE TIMING BELT WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA ODI #11149471

126,557 miles · Oct 26, 2018
EngineFuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI QX56. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING FUELED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILU…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI QX56. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING FUELED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,557.

NHTSA ODI #11142892

106,000 miles · Oct 15, 2018
Engine

"TAKATA RECALL" ONLY OWNER OF 2011 QX56, ALWAYS ON TIME WITH PROPER MAINTANCE. AFTER A RECALL ON THE TIMING CHAIN 2 DAYS AFTER PICKING UP VEHICLE THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, I CALLED THE DEALER THEY ADVISED IT WAS NORMAL TO GIVE IT A FEW DAYS. AFTER 3 DAYS LIGHT SES LIGHT CAME OFF, THEN ABOUT 8 MONTHS LATER THE SERVICE EN…

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"TAKATA RECALL" ONLY OWNER OF 2011 QX56, ALWAYS ON TIME WITH PROPER MAINTANCE. AFTER A RECALL ON THE TIMING CHAIN 2 DAYS AFTER PICKING UP VEHICLE THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, I CALLED THE DEALER THEY ADVISED IT WAS NORMAL TO GIVE IT A FEW DAYS. AFTER 3 DAYS LIGHT SES LIGHT CAME OFF, THEN ABOUT 8 MONTHS LATER THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WAS BACK, GOT IT CHECKED AND IT'S THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.

NHTSA ODI #11140523

Official recalls

2

26V455000 · Equipment:other:labels

Jul 15, 2026

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

20V188000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Mar 30, 2020

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.