2011 Infiniti QX56: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 78 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (45% of complaints); the 2009 and 2010 and 2013 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 2 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Jul 2026
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2011 Infiniti QX56. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V455000 (Equipment); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact was unable to rent the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.”Owner report · Equipment · Jul 2026
“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. Doing much research on this model suspension and subframes become rusted as I didn't know this when purchasing making it very unsafe . I experienced being involved in almost 2 accidents. Very dangerous. Subframe split in half and suspension. Something needs to be done as a lot of people are going thru this issue and Infiniti slogan claims "new horizons" by no means new horizon going to heaven by driving their vehicles.”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2024
“Catalytic Converter, A/F Sensor failed on the interstate when I was driving with kids in the car. Took vehicle to the nearest dealer only to be told that this is a known problem with these vehicles and it was going to cost me $3,100 to repair.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“I'M CURRENTLY DEALING WITH THE TIMING CHAIN NIGHTMARE SO MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD AND ARE HAVING. OF COURSE JUST AS MOST OF THE OTHERS I'M OUT OF WARRANTY AND REALLY FRUSTRATED THAT INFINITI HASN'T STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM PROPERLY AS OPPOSED TO RENAMING THE QX56 TO QX 80 TO SAVE THEMSELVES, LEAVING CONSUMERS SCRAMBLING WITH EXPENSIVE TIME CONSUMING FIXES TO A KNOWN DEFECT ON THEIR PART. WHERE'S THE ACCOUNTABILITY ON THEIR PART, DO A CERTAIN NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE OR BE INJURED BEFORE THE CONSUMERS ARE PROVIDED WITH THE PROPER ASSISTANCE? WHO REALLY LOOKS OUT FOR US? A recall was done in 2016 obviously they need to expand the Vin number”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2022
“The contact owns a 2011 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and inadvertently stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the high-pressure fuel tank replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2021
“The contact owns a 2011 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would vibrate violently. Additionally, the vehicle had experienced intermittent power loss and had gone into limp mode. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the timing chain replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2021
“The rear controls arms and cradle mount were riddled with severe fissures, causing car to sway dramatically. The level of component failure posed a severe safety risk to me. My mechanic was shocked by the amount of failure to these major rear suspension components. I have included photos and receipts for repairs.”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2021
“While driving my 2011infiniti qx56 to work, the service engine light came on and the vehicle start losing power and shaking.after checking it I had codespoo21,poo87 and poo90. The codes are related to vvt solenoid and high pressure fuel pump.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2021
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 infiniti qx56. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond and decelerated without warning. The vehicle was coasted to the shoulder of the roadway and turned off and restarted however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2020
“Was driving my vehicle and first noticed a drop in fuel economy. Later it was losing power and stalling. Gave me p0090 and p0087 codes. Happened in both driving and stationary positions. Turns out my high pressure fuel pump is bad.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2020
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
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."
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. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. 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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2011 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact QX56 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Infiniti QX56 reliable?
NHTSA has 78 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 Infiniti QX56. The most complained-about area is engine (45% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2011 Infiniti QX56 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 90,000 miles or less.
Does the 2011 Infiniti QX56 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.