2012 Infiniti QX56 Problems And Complaints

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Rating7.8

Ranked #5 in 

Fullsize SUV
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$60,000 - $63,100
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2012 Infiniti QX56 SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

57

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 8, 2024

In the fullsize SUV class, the Infiniti QX56 is a clever proposition. It ensures class-competing space and comfort and coalesces it with luxury, at a price less than what rivals charge. It resonates with opulence and reeks of top-notch craftsmanship. Though it is a low sales-volume product, Infiniti’s affiliation with Nissan allows it to establish its position as a reliable proposition. Compared to its 16,000 sales units, the 2012 QX56 records only 55 complaints and has been called back 3 times by the brand. Neither do the problems have a widespread impact nor are the recalls troubling. A 2012 Infiniti QX56 for sale is available at $60,000 and in its ballpark, it competes with the likes of the Cadillac Escalade, the Lincoln Navigator, and the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. 

2012 Infiniti QX56 User Complaints and Problems

Safety Complaints 

  • Issues with the airbag system: In a handful of cases, owners of the 2012 QX56 have reported the airbag system malfunctioning consistently. Buyers of the fullsize SUV have reported either reported the airbags failing to deploy or the warning light illuminating on the dashboard, which might interfere with the proper functioning of the airbags. Both situations increase the risk of an injury, in case of a crash. 

Electric System Complaints

  • Parasitic battery drain: In the 2012 Infiniti QX56 problems list, buyers of the luxury offering have reported the vehicle’s battery failing inadvertently. This happens due to the loss of power after the SUV has been turned off, called the parasitic battery drain. Currently, the only solution to deal with the issue is the replacement of the battery unit. 

Mechanical Complaints

  • Stalling of the engine: Among the 2012 Infiniti QX56 issues listed on NHTSA, the problems with the engine are the most common recurrence. In several cases, buyers have reported the vehicle shuddering excessively, before losing its motive power, and coming to a halt. This renders the vehicle inoperable and can happen due to multiple reasons. These include a failure of the timing chain, damage to the catalytic converter, or a broken fuel pump. While most of these problems are commonly observed, there is no solution available for the buyers currently.
  • Fuel odor inside the cabin: In a one-off case listed on NHTSA and some others reported on unofficial forums, complainants have recorded a strong gasoline odor inside the cabin. This happens due to a fuel leak, caused by the improper tightening of the fuel pressure sensor. To deal with the issue, Infiniti has introduced two separate recalls, referenced by NHTSA IDs: 14V683000 and 12V069000. 

Structural Complaints

  • Peeling paint: In the current iteration, buyers of the Japanese SUV have reported the paint peeling on the vehicle’s body. This is most commonly noted around the hood and the roof. Not only does it take away from the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle, but the exposed areas also become susceptible to rusting. 

2012 Infiniti QX56 Recalls

S. No

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues Noticed

Additional Remarks

Remedy

1.

30th Mar 2020

20V188000

Ruptured frontal driver airbag inflator

Due to an error in the manufacturing process, the airbag may not function properly or might rupture upon deployment.

Dealers will replace the frontal airbag inflators, free of cost. 

2.

28th Nov 2014

14V683000

Leakage of the fuel pressure sensor

Due to improper tightening, the fuel pressure sensor may loosen and leak. 

Dealers will replace the fuel pressure sensors, free of cost.

3.

24th Feb 2012

12V069000

Leakage of the fuel pressure sensor

Due to improper tightening, the fuel pressure sensor may loosen and leak. 

Dealers will replace the fuel pressure sensors, free of cost.

Should you buy the 2012 Infiniti QX56?

 The 2012 Infiniti QX56 is a dignified option in the fullsize SUV class. Though it falls in a similar ballpark as the likes of some ostentatious contenders, the Japanese offering continues to deliver ample value for its price. With its striking design, clever seating space, and ergonomic setup, there is not much more that buyers would demand in their flagship propositions. Even the reliability is a cogent selling point. Despite having a low sales record, the QX56’s list remains constricted and far from worrisome. The brand’s proactiveness comes in handy for all kinds of situations and ensures that owners are not devoid of a fulfilling ownership experience. So, for us, the 2012 QX56 is a sensible choice. However, if you still want to keep your options open, the 2012 Lincoln Navigator is also a viable alternative. 

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

April 7, 2023, NHTSA ID Number: 11515904

Components: 020000 SUSPENSION

NHTSA ID Number:
11515904

Incident Date:
April 7, 2023

Vehicle Identification Number:
JN8AZ2NE4C9

Consumer Location:
Unknown

Summary
While driving at highway speed, rear of vehicle suddenly became uncontrolled and caused vehicle to swerve...

November 4, 2022, NHTSA ID Number: 11492249

Components: 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NHTSA ID Number:
11492249

Incident Date:
November 4, 2022

Vehicle Identification Number:
JN8AZ2NF4C9

Consumer Location:
FORT WORTH, TX

Summary
I have an engine light on as a result of 2 bad catalytic converters that need to be replaced. The vehicle...

May 27, 2022, NHTSA ID Number: 11466379

Components: 060000 ENGINE (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11466379

Incident Date:
May 27, 2022

Vehicle Identification Number:
JN8AZ2NC3C9

Consumer Location:
FRANKLIN SQUARE, NY

Summary
The contact owns a 2012 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and depressing the acceler...

April 21, 2022, NHTSA ID Number: 11461649

Components: 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NHTSA ID Number:
11461649

Incident Date:
April 21, 2022

Vehicle Identification Number:
JN8AZ2NC4C9

Consumer Location:
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ

Summary
I got Code : P0011 (my mechanic said that timing chain has to be replaced) I saw that Infiniti run the ca...

February 3, 2022, NHTSA ID Number: 11450269

Components: 060000 ENGINE (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11450269

Incident Date:
February 3, 2022

Vehicle Identification Number:
jn8az2nd4c9

Consumer Location:
EAST POINT, GA

Summary
The contact owns a 2012 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the vehicle ...

0/100Worst

Quality & Reliability

Assesses the extent of issues, glitches, and design imperfections encountered by...

78/100Best

Driving Experience

Owners' assessments regarding the vehicle's design, performance, comfort, functi...

82/100Best

Resale

CARHP's projection of depreciation, which estimates the probable decrease in the...

0/100Worst

Dealership Experience

Owners' interactions with dealerships associated with this brand, encompassing b...

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