VehicleVerdict

2011 Infiniti QX56 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2011 Infiniti QX56 sits mid-pack among QX56 years: 94 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 72, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 42% of all reports (39 of 94), far ahead of fuel system at 20.

94

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other QX56 years?

QX56 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted147 complaints2004: 147 complaints2005: 101 complaints2006: 100 complaints2007: 28 complaints2008: 73 complaints2009: 14 complaints2010: 32 complaints2011: 94 complaints2012: 72 complaints2013: 43 complaints
QX56 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all QX56 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Infiniti QX56 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3941%
Fuel System2021%
Suspension910%
Other89%
Transmission44%
Electrical System33%
Visibility & Wipers33%
Airbags22%
Speed Control22%
Body & Structure22%
Tires & Wheels11%
Steering11%

Does the 2011 Infiniti QX56 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V188000AirbagsMarch 30, 2020 · 216,678 units

Defect

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 INFINITI QX56. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 23, 2016

“LESS THAN A YEAR AFTER I GOT THE TIMING DEBACLE FIXED, I GET A "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" ON 2011 QX56. ACCORDING TO MY WARRANTY APPROVED MECHANIC BOTH CATS WERE GONE AND WERE NOT COVERED. THIS COMPLAINT IS THE BEGINNING OF MY GOAL OF GETTING ASSURANT OR INFINITI TO OWN THIS PROBLEM SINCE THE COMBINED CA…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 10, 2019

“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. I BOUGHT A NEW INFINITY BATTERY IN THE CAR THE SAME THING HAPPENED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 12, 2020 · fire

“INFINITI HAS NEVER OFFICIALLY ISSUED A RECALL BUT SHOULD HAVE SINCE ALL 2011-2013 INFINITI QX56 HAVE CATALYTIC CONVERTER ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE REPLACED. IT IS COVERED IF YOU REPLACE BEFORE 80K MILES BUT IF YOU DO NOT KNOW ABOUT IT COULD COST YOU $6,000. IT IS AN ISSUE WITH ALL OF THEM THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 1, 2018

“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. APPEARS TO BE A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE MODEL. DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ENGINE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 31, 2012

2011 Infiniti QX56 — common questions

Is the 2011 Infiniti QX56 reliable?

It is close to typical for the QX56: 94 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2011 QX56 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (39 complaints), fuel system (20 complaints), suspension (9 complaints).

Does the 2011 Infiniti QX56 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 Infiniti QX56. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Infiniti QX56 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the QX56 years to avoid are 2004. The cleanest record among QX56 years belongs to 2009.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.