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2011 Infiniti QX56Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 78 owner complaints about the 2011 Infiniti QX56, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-188 the manufacturer reports only 43% of affected cars repaired.

2011 Infiniti QX56
48
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1.1× the QX56 median · #4 of 9 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Lowest repair rate 43%Owner complaints781 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage100kEngine, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 28, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.

Complaints by system

Where the 2011 Infiniti QX56 has problems

78 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine370
Fuel/propulsion system180
Suspension91
Power train40
Electrical system31
Engine and engine cooling30
Fuel system, gasoline20
Visibility20
Air bags21
6 other systems80

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2011 Infiniti QX56 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

43%repaired · 2022 Q1

Driver side: inflator module

Recall 20V-188 · Mar 30, 2020 · 216,678 vehicles · 93,449 repaired

Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Infiniti.

Mileage at failure

When do engine problems start?

100kmiles, median

Based on the odometer reading in 30 engine complaints. 43% were reported before 100,000 miles.

median0k50k100k150k200k+
0under 30k miles13under 100k miles17100k miles or more
Best & worst years

2011 vs. every other QX56 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the QX56 median. How we score

'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What QX56 owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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.
Complaint 11525041 · Jun 2, 2023
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…
Complaint 11456405 · Mar 12, 2022
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…
Complaint 11447848 · Jan 18, 2022 · 140,000 miles

Own a 2011 QX56?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.