Infiniti QX56: Years to Avoid and Best Years to Buy
Infiniti QX56: 3 model years scored from 91 NHTSA owner complaints and 8 recall campaigns. Worst year 2012, best year 2013.
Year-by-year data table
Best year in our data: 2013 (score 86). Worst: 2012 (score 77, BUY).
| Year | Score | Verdict | Running cost / yr | NHTSA complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 86 | BUY | $7,006 | 32 | 3 |
| 2012 | 77 | BUY | $7,180 | 59 | 3 |
| 2011 | 89 | BUY | $7,240 | 0 | 2 |
Running cost is fuel or energy plus the maintenance band midpoint for that car at its age today, re-priced to your country. Purchase price, insurance and depreciation are not included.
Photographs and every generation of the QX56, through the years →
What goes wrong on the Infiniti QX56
Across every QX56 model year in our index, owners report these component groups most often. The cost beside each one is the representative repair for that group at a US independent shop, re-priced to your country.
- Engine43 complaints across all QX56 years · typical job: Cooling-system or timing-drive repair$1,040–$2,220
- Electrical System12 complaints across all QX56 years · typical job: Alternator, battery-drain or body-module diagnosis and replacement$540–$1,310
- Suspension8 complaints across all QX56 years · typical job: Struts, springs and control-arm bushings, one axle$780–$1,580
- Unknown Or Other7 complaints across all QX56 years · typical job: Diagnosis and mixed repair$360–$940
- Fuel/Propulsion System7 complaints across all QX56 years · typical job: Fuel pump or injector replacement$680–$1,620
- Air Bags5 complaints across all QX56 years · typical job: Airbag module, clockspring or sensor replacement$600–$1,700
Flat-rate labour hours x local shop rate plus a parts band. An estimate of what this class of failure costs, not a quote. Formula.
FAQ
What is the best year for the Infiniti QX56?
On our data the 2013 Infiniti QX56 scores 86/100 — the highest of the 3 model years we hold, with 32 NHTSA complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record.
Which Infiniti QX56 years should I avoid?
The 2012 is the weakest year we score, at 77/100 (BUY), on 59 complaints and 3 recalls. Check the year-by-year table above before committing to any particular car.
What is the most common Infiniti QX56 problem?
43 of the complaints filed against the QX56 across all its model years sit in the Engine group — more than any other component.
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Sources: NHTSA, EPA · Methodology · Updated 2026-10-04