2013 INFINITI QX56 problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 32 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2013 INFINITI QX56 has 32 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 14 complaints, typically surfacing around 118,313 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 QX56 | 25 | 0 |
| 2011 QX56 | 77 | 0 |
| 2012 QX56 | 59 | 0 |
| 2013 QX56 (this page) | 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 8.4/10 — 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 2013 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 — 14 owner reports · tends to show around 118,313 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- suspension — 4 owner reports · tends to show around 62,000 mi · ~$900 to fix
- electrical — 3 owner reports · tends to show around 99,000 mi · ~$850 to fix
- powertrain — 3 owner reports · tends to show around 125,500 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 99,000 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: 8.4/10 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 2013 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
On two separate occasions within two days, the brake pedal went completely to the floor. In the first instance, I was already at a complete stop with my foot on the brake pedal when it suddenly collapsed all the way to the floor. In the second instance, as soon as I came to a…
The contact owns a 2013 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made abnormal rattling sounds. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the failure was occurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Infiniti qx56. The contact heard a squeaking noise when she depressed the accelerator pedal. Also, the vehicle shook when stopping and hesitated when attempting to accelerate to highway speeds. An independent mechanic checked the vehicle, after…
Loud whistling/whining sound from the motor at start up. Extreme loss of power when starting up a grade or to get up to speed on the interstate causing fear of rear end collision. It appears to be a common issue with this vehicle that results in a timing chain or catalytic…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2013 Infiniti QX56 reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.4 out of 10 based on 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 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 2013 Infiniti QX56?
On the NHTSA data, the 2013 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 8.4/10 — 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 2013 Infiniti QX56?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 14 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 118,313 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 2013 Infiniti QX56 a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 32 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 118,313 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 2013 Infiniti QX56?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 14 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 118,313 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 118,313 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 2013 Infiniti QX56?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 32 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.