EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 INFINITI QX56 engine problems
moderate 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 14 engine complaints filed for the 2013 INFINITI QX56, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 44% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 4 categories tracked.
Among the 5 model years of INFINITI QX56 in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗INFINITI; DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005-2015 INFINITI VEHICLES; ECM REPROGRAMMING SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin is no longer active. Please discard previous versions of ITB15-024.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VK56 CONNECTING ROD CAP BOLT SERVICE INFORMATION SERVICE INFORMATION A change has been made to the connecting rod cap bolt service part. The new service part (B in Figure 1) is visually different, but is a direct replacement for the original equipment part. IMPORTANT: See page 2 for the procedure to inspect the cap bolt service part for excessive stretch. If replacement of a single connecting rod cap bolt is indicated for any given connecting rod, both connecting rod cap bolts of the affected connecting rod must be replaced as a set.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report two interconnected failures on 2013 Infiniti QX56s. The primary issue is premature timing chain failure, occurring between 80,000 and 129,000 miles on meticulously maintained vehicles. Failures present as loud ticking or rattling noises from the engine, misfires, rough shaking, flashing check-engine lights, and in severe cases, stalling at highway speeds. Several owners report the timing chain was loose and rubbing internal components. A recall (Infiniti Campaign P6305) exists for this defect, but many owners report their VINs fall outside the recall coverage, forcing them to pay $3,800 to $5,000 for timing chain replacement out of pocket.
The secondary failure involves catalytic converter damage downstream of the timing chain issue. Owners report service-engine lights illuminating after timing chain repairs, with diagnostics pointing to catalytic converter failure (P0420 codes cited). One owner encountered Bank 2 catalytic converter failure and notes other converters typically fail afterward. Multiple owners mention observing hundreds of identical complaints online, suggesting systemic design or manufacturing issues. Owners dispute why timing chain recall coverage doesn't extend to consequential catalytic converter damage, since misfires from a failed timing chain directly damage the converter.
Same INFINITI QX56 engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Timing chain looseness and failure
Timing chain stretches, loosens, or breaks prematurely, causing the chain to rub against guides and adjacent components. Occurs well before the manufacturer's stated 300,000-mile service life on meticulously maintained vehicles.
When: 80,000–129,000 miles on regularly maintained vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud ticking or rattling noise from engine at startup; Abnormal rattling while sitting and driving; Engine misfires; Rough shaking while driving; Flashing check-engine light; Vehicle stalling while driving at highway speeds (55 mph+); Service engine warning light illumination
Codes mentioned: Multiple misfire codes (owner #1 references), Check engine codes (unspecified in most narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain and guide replacement required; owners cite repair costs of $3,800–$5,000. One owner reported 10-day downtime. Several owners report the chain and components were diagnosed as 'ready to break' or 'loose and rubbing.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Infiniti Campaign P6305 (voluntary recall) exists but does not cover all 2013 QX56 VINs. Campaign reportedly expired for some vehicles. Infiniti advised affected owners their VINs were not included in recall coverage and declined assistance. Dealer informed owners the campaign had expired.
Catalytic converter failure
Catalytic converter fails, typically after timing chain repair. Appears to be a secondary failure caused by engine misfires originating from timing chain defects.
When: Post-timing-chain-repair or independently after 105,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service engine light illumination (P0420 diagnostic code); Reduced engine power; Extreme loss of power on grades or during acceleration; Fear of rear-end collision due to power loss; Abnormal whistling or whining noise at startup
Codes mentioned: P0420
Repairs/costs cited: Bank 2 catalytic converter failure documented; owner notes both converters typically fail sequentially. Repair cost not specified in narratives, but owners indicate catalytic converter replacement is a 'several thousand dollar' repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; no recalls for catalytic converter failure mentioned. Owners dispute why timing chain recall doesn't include catalytic converter replacement, since misfires from failed timing chains cause converter damage.
Loud engine noise (humming, whistling, ticking)
Abnormal noises originating from the engine, including loud humming that intensifies with RPM, whistling or whining at startup, and loud ticking.
When: Variable; can coincide with timing chain failure or occur independently
Symptoms owners cite: Loud ticking sound at startup; Loud humming sound under the hood increasing with RPM; Whistling or whining sound at startup; Rattle or ticking noise; Noise loud enough to be frightening at highway speeds
Repairs/costs cited: In most cases, noise is symptomatic of timing chain failure and resolves after timing chain replacement. One case (narrative #10) included a non-starting condition and battery replacement, but underlying cause unclear.
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
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 independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing chain guide and the timing chain needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was…
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 converter repair, costing several thousand dollars. It appears Infiniti is aware of the problem but won't issue a recall for…
Took car in for maintenance and was told I needed a new timing chain as its an often replaced part and that is failing on my car , I looked it up and found out that its a voluntary recall at present after numerous complaints and the dealer admitted they are faulty but mine wasn't in the VIN range for reimbursement. I had to pay $3800 dollars to replace and wait 10 days for completion, this is an…
The service engine light came on, and I brought the vehicle to thousand oaks Infiniti where I regularly have the vehicle serviced. The diagnosis was a bank 2 catalytic convertor failure. Based on my research, this is a very common problem with the car and it is just a matter of time that the other catalytic convertor will also need to be replaced.
Our Infiniti QX56 started misfiring and shaking when driving. We took it in to the Infiniti dealership and was informed it is a bad timing chain. Upon research, we realized there was a recall for this issue on 2013 Infiniti QX56 models just like ours. However, our VIN did not show on the recall list. Our car has been meticulously maintained. Our research revealed that timing chains in well…
The contact owns a 2013 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormally loud ticking sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the timing chain had failed, and the failure was related to Infiniti Campaign Number: P6305. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was…
Timing belt/chain failure - Recalled and repaired by dealership. When picking up my vehicle from the dealer for the above mentioned repair I was notified that I need new Catalytic Converter's as now the Service Engine light was coming on. The Service Engine light was NOT coming on prior. After an hour or two researching the CAT issue online I have found hundreds if not more instances with the…
Had engine trouble with your 2013 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 engine problem on the 2013 INFINITI QX56?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 14 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 105,000 and 143,000 miles, with the median around 118,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 105,000; a quarter make it past 143,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2013/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.