TRANSMISSION & ENGINE AUTOMATED DATA COLLECTION AND DIAGNOSTIC REPORTING SERVICE INFORMATION To support proper diagnosis and to promote Fixed-Right-First-Time ? Infiniti may review CONSULT-III plus (CIII plus) data relating to vehicle operation and function to help with vehicle diagnosis and diagnostic validation. IMPORTANT: For transmission/engine repair or replacement, retailers are required to connect C-III plus and perform ?Diagnosis (All Systems)?. Performing C-III plus ?Diagnosis (All Systems)? is also required prior to contacting any Infiniti call center (i.e. TECH-LINE, PCC, or WCC) for diagnostic support or claim preauthorization. NOTE: For additional information regarding Automated
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 INFINITI QX56 powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2008 INFINITI QX56 have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 QX56 | 3 |
| 2006 QX56 | 6 |
| 2008 QX56 (this page) | 3 |
| 2012 QX56 | 3 |
1crash
What stands out
Owners are still filing on this — the most recent NHTSA powertrain complaint for this vehicle was logged 9 days ago.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
SERVICE INFORMATION Replacement 5-speed rear wheel drive Automatic Transmission (A/T) assemblies and replacement control valves (valve bodies) now come with blank Transmission Control Modules (TCMs). Blank TCMs come without software and must be programmed (not reprogrammed) and then configured after they are installed. When ordering a replacement A/T or control valve, use the Infiniti electronic parts information systems to obtain the correct software program part number See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION If a customer describes lack of power or poor acceleration, perform the following checks before attempting any repair: * Check for stored DTCs. * Check if the driver is resting their left foot on the brake pedal while accelerating. Advise the customer not to rest their foot on the brake while accelerating. * Use CONSULT-III plus in Engine Data Monitor to check operation of the brake lamp circuit signal. Monitor the brake switch during the incident; it should be "OFF". Please see this bulletn for further details.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Fuel gauge reads incorrect when it does come on. Dashboard lights stay off until the tank is on E. Unsafe to drive bc you cannot see your speed. When the dashboard randomly flicks on it will show that it is changing the 2WD to 4WD to 2WD WITHOUT anyone actually moving the switch. I know the dashboard leds are not bad, they come on randomly and they are all present.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2008 INFINITI QX56?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2008 INFINITI QX56?
It's a meaningful issue. 3 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/INFINITI/QX56.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.