2011 INFINITI QX56 problems
The 2011 INFINITI QX56 has 77 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2011 INFINITI QX56 has 77 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 33 complaints, typically surfacing around 108,517 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 QX56 | 52 | 0 |
| 2009 QX56 | 7 | 0 |
| 2010 QX56 | 25 | 0 |
| 2011 QX56 (this page) | 77 | 0 |
| 2012 QX56 | 59 | 0 |
| 2013 QX56 | 32 | 0 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2011 INFINITI QX56? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- engine — 33 owner reports · tends to show around 108,517 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- suspension — 8 owner reports · tends to show around 78,880 mi · ~$900 to fix
- powertrain — 4 owner reports · tends to show around 104,250 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- visibility — 3 owner reports · tends to show around 24,333 mi · ~$350 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: suspension is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 78,880 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2011 INFINITI QX56
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 4 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Infiniti qx56. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over and inspected underneath the vehicle. The contact became aware that the rear lower control arm…
Timing chain started rattling @ 125,000 miles.. However, my VIN shows no recall for my car. Cats went bad, had to be replaced and now need to be replaced again. Yet no recall on my car. The battery constantly goes dead in the car. I bought a new infinity battery in the car…
Engine is making a loud noise on the front right side. Took it to my mechanic and he said is the timing chain and oil jet.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Infiniti qx56. The contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to pearson Infiniti (11701 midlothian turnpike, midlothian, va 23113, 1-(804) 527-0300) where it was diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2011 Infiniti QX56 reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 77 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Infiniti QX56 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2011 Infiniti QX56?
On the NHTSA data, the 2011 INFINITI QX56 does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2011 Infiniti QX56?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 33 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 108,517 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2011 Infiniti QX56 a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 77 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 108,517 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2011 Infiniti QX56?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 33 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 108,517 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 108,517 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Infiniti QX56 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2011 Infiniti QX56?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 77 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.