Avoid: 2004 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2009
7 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 7 model years, the Infiniti QX56 has 371 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 22 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and hydraulic. 2004 drew the most complaints (106), 2009 the fewest (7).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Infiniti QX56 vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $8,649–$10,900.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2004 (106 complaints). Lowest: 2009 (7).
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide.
Very expensive repair ($1,700-$6,000 for parts), often occurs shortly after warranty expiration, can cause misfires and running rich.
Causes loud whistling/whining noise, loss of power, can lead to catastrophic engine damage with metal in oil; repair costs extremely high ($4,000-$13,500).
Real-world mileage reported as low as 11-12 MPG.
Batteries reported to die every 24 months; parasitic drain suspected; issues with starting, voltage fluctuations, and various electronic component failures (HVAC, dashboard lights, navigation).
Includes torque converter shudder at highway speeds, slipping, and isolated reports of TCM (Transmission Control Module) failures that are expensive and difficult to repair.
Owner insights cover all generations of the QX56. Individual model years are broken down above.
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