2012 Infiniti QX56: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 57 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (29% of complaints); the 2010 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 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 57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While driving my vehicle with my family, I experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of control. I was able to safely maneuver the vehicle off the roadway without injury. After inspection, it was determined that the subframe had fractured due to severe rust, which was not previously identified. The failure occurred without warning and directly impacted the ability to control the vehicle, creating a significant safety hazard. No warnings or messages indicated a problem existed prior to the failure.”Owner report · Suspension · May 2026
“I have an engine light on as a result of 2 bad catalytic converters that need to be replaced. The vehicle has been inspected the infinite dealer maintenance dept. This poses a safety risk of this vehicle shutting down in the midst of driving”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2022
“The contact owns a 2012 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started shaking violently. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the timing chain to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.”Owner report · Engine · May 2022
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2012 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the vehicle shook and then lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The dealer informed the contact that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with timing chain failure. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2021
“My air bag light was on. I took my vehicle to the dealership to find out what was the problem. The issue that they reported to me was "past code for air bag passenger side: will need to replace diagnostics module to begin diagnosis."”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2021
“Had no prior issues, driving down the hwyat 65 miles per hr.. Car failed. Costed to side of road made it to repair shop and the fuel pump went out, which affected the timming chain and broke the teeth, which has affected the motor. This is a design defect that hundred other folks are having. I could have lost my life with this vehicle”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2021
“The paint is peeling off the top of the roof on the passenger side by the roof racks, in front by the windshield there is a spot that is larger than a half dollar and on the driver side rear a spot about 6-8 inches in diameter.”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2020
“A whine or hiss when I start the vehicle and it goes away after about 10-15 minutes. It was determined to be a timing chain issue by my mechanic. There appears to be a safety recall notice for the 2012 qx56, but not for my specific VIN. I don't understand how the NHTSA allows a manufacturer to only include a portion of the 2012 model and not others. This is a safety recall! Does someone at the NHTSA reconcile the 2012 qx56 vehicles sold versus the vins eligible to be covered under this safety recall notice? Obviously, others are having the same problem! I suggest the NHTSA take safety recall notices more serious and hold manufacturers accountable!!!”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2020
“On more than one occasion after driving to a store or appt. And park . Go out to a completely dead vehicle. Jump start to get going may go for a month or so and it will happen again with no warning.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2020
“My 2012 infiniti qx56 needs a new timing chain and inifiniti said there was a recall but not on my particular VIN number. It seems odd that I have the year and make of the car with the exact repairs needed as the recall but they aren't covering it.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2020
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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.
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 2012 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 2012 Infiniti QX56 reliable?
NHTSA has 57 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 Infiniti QX56. The most complained-about area is engine (29% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2012 Infiniti QX56 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 88,700 miles or less.
Does the 2012 Infiniti QX56 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. 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.