2014 INFINITI QX60 powertrain problems

CVT transmission shudders, judders, or hesitates during acceleration from stop or low speeds (typically 5-30 mph), sometimes persisting through 40+ mph. Issue occurs when applying gas after coasting or at low speeds around corners. Many owners report it improves if pedal is released or RPMs are increased. Dealers often cannot replicate during test drives despite owners demonstrating the problem. Software updates applied by dealers have not resolved the issue.

When: Typically low speed acceleration (5-30 mph), first noticed by some owners within weeks of purchase, others after 50k+ miles. One owner reported 110k miles before onset.

Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering or bucking sensation during acceleration from stop; Hesitation when pressing accelerator at low speeds; Vehicle jerks or shakes when turning at low speeds; Problem resolves temporarily if accelerator is released and reapplied; Loud whining noise from transmission

Codes mentioned: P1715 (Input Pulley Speed Signal), P0776 (Pressure solenoid B performance/stuck off), P2857 (CVT)

Repairs/costs cited: CVT transmission replaced; owners report shudder returns within weeks to months after replacement. Multiple owners report transmission replaced 2-4 times with same problem recurring. Repair costs cited as $6,000–$9,000 out of warranty.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software updates offered; TSB 12-072C issued for vibration/noise at low speed turns. Class action settlement reached (278 million mentioned by one owner) but not all VINs covered by recall. Some owners denied warranty coverage after 70k miles.

Vehicle loses power or fails to accelerate when departing from a complete stop or during traffic merges, with engine revving but no vehicle movement. RPMs spike but car does not accelerate. Issue lasts seconds to minutes; car suddenly lurches forward or regains power after several attempts. Occurs sporadically, making dealer replication difficult. Multiple owners report near-accidents during highway merges and heavy traffic.

When: Occurs at various mileages; one owner at 37k miles, another at 85k miles. Some owners report persistent issues for 6+ months despite multiple dealer visits.

Symptoms owners cite: No acceleration when pedal depressed at stop sign or traffic light; Engine revs but vehicle does not move forward; Lurching or jerking when power returns; Vehicle crawls slowly or moves inches per minute before catching power; Repeating cycle of loss and regain of power when accelerating

Codes mentioned: P1715, P0776

Repairs/costs cited: Dealers attempt software updates and transmission reprogramming. Brake switches replaced twice by one dealer without resolution. One owner reports transmission specialist found missing 2015 security update despite previous dealership service. Multiple owners report dealers cannot replicate issue and refuse to perform repairs.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Infiniti offered $1,000 settlement to one owner; case filed with arbitration program. Infiniti corporate stated number of visits was not unreasonable. Data recorder device installed by one dealer to capture incident; Infiniti corporate stated no fix needed based on data. Multiple owners pursuing lemon law claims.

Rear AWD electronic coupler or transfer case fails, causing grinding when turning at low speeds and 'bump' sensation around 40 mph. Transfer case fluid becomes empty or depleted; metal shavings found in fluid. One vehicle had transfer assembly completely empty of fluid, requiring replacement of right front axle shaft. Differential and transmission can be damaged over time. Coupler assembly needs replacement; costs cited around $8,500–$10,000 for coupler and transfer case combined.

When: First diagnosed at 39k–64k miles. One owner reported diagnosis in 2020 and again in 2022. Another owner at 63,814 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise when turning at low speeds; Bump or vibration sensation around 40 mph; Shuddering when turning; No warning lights or check engine lamp prior to failure; Wheezing noise thought initially to be rotors or brakes

Codes mentioned: TSB 12-072C (Electronic coupler)

Repairs/costs cited: Electronic coupler assembly replaced; transfer case fluid refill or complete transfer case replacement required. Costs estimated at $8,500–$10,000. One owner reports dealership did not charge under warranty but advised shuddering when turning was normal. One transmission replacement occurred four times at same dealership with transfer case failure diagnosed on fourth visit.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for rear electronic coupler but does not apply to all VINs of same year/model. One owner's VIN excluded from recall despite same year/make/model. Some owners report extensive research shows issue affects more VINs than originally recalled. Owners requesting recall expansion and extension.

Complete CVT transmission failure requiring replacement. Transmission slips in and out of gear, loses power, will not shift into drive or reverse, or becomes inoperable while driving. Multiple owners report transmission replaced multiple times (2–4 replacements documented) with same or similar symptoms recurring within weeks to months. One owner's transmission replaced under 70k mile warranty, then same problem returned after warranty expired.

When: Varies widely: one owner at 37k miles, another at 64,724 miles, one at 89k miles. Recurring failures occur after replacement within weeks to months.

Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips in and out of gear; Vehicle will not accelerate despite engine running; Grinding or knocking from transmission; Transmission will not shift into drive or reverse; Transmission locked; vehicle became inoperable while driving

Codes mentioned: P2857

Repairs/costs cited: Complete CVT transmission replacement performed; costs exceed $6,000–$11,191. One owner's transmission replaced twice in one year and currently experiencing issues again. Another owner reports transmission replaced four times at same dealership. Warranty period typically 70k miles or 7 years; coverage ends after that.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty coverage for transmission replacement up to 70k miles. Infiniti settlement/class action referenced (278 million). Multiple owners report manufacturer acknowledges 'well known' issue online but refuses to expand recalls. Some offered $1,000 settlements.

Hybrid system overheats during slow climbs on hot days or in stop-and-go traffic, causing engine and transmission to stutter, shut down, or lose power to wheels. Vehicle rolls backward when power lost. Hybrid warning light illuminates and persists even after restart. Diagnostic codes confirm hybrid motor inverter controller failure. One owner noted burnt mark on third row seat where hybrid battery is stored, creating fire hazard concern. Vehicle requires multiple restarts and cooldown periods to regain power.

When: Occurs on hot days during hill climbs or prolonged stop-and-go traffic. One incident on extremely hot day in Hill Country of Texas. One owner notes winter loud knocking during extreme cold (below 32°F).

Symptoms owners cite: Hybrid system overheated warning message; Engine and transmission shudder; Loss of power to wheels while driving uphill; Vehicle rolls backward on inclines; Loud knocking from engine compartment in extreme cold; Burnt mark on seat near hybrid battery storage; Vehicle must be shut off and restarted multiple times to regain power

Codes mentioned: Hybrid Motor Inverter Controller Failed, P0A08, C1A1A, C1130

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer inspected but reported battery is fine despite burnt marks on seat. One owner reports recall 21V-774 was marked complete before purchase but defect (sudden loss of power) recurred at highway speeds. Vehicle has not been repaired.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall NHTSA 21V-774000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Hybrid Propulsion System) issued. Infiniti claimed battery is fine. One owner reports Infiniti refusing to assist due to age/mileage despite recall fix being ineffective.

Accelerator pedal intermittently does not work or vehicle hesitates to respond when pedal is pressed. From a complete stop, pressing accelerator produces either no response or vehicle lurches forward then stops. When driving and accelerating, RPMs may decrease instead of increase, or vehicle does not respond to pedal pressure. Problem requires multiple attempts to get vehicle to accelerate. Dealership unable to replicate despite 6-week diagnostic period.

When: Occurs sporadically; one owner reported persistent issue for unspecified duration before 6-week dealer attempt. Issue recurred two weeks after vehicle returned from 6-week service.

Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal pressed but vehicle does not move or accelerates very slowly; Vehicle lurches forward then stops; RPMs decrease when trying to accelerate; Multiple presses of pedal required before vehicle responds; Problem intermittent and unpredictable

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership held vehicle for 6 weeks attempting diagnosis and repair but could not replicate issue; no repairs completed. Vehicle returned to owner; issue recurred within 2 weeks of pickup.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Infiniti corporate offered $1,000 to settle; owner states this is not acceptable. Corporate stated number of times vehicle seen for problem is not unreasonable despite 6-week service period. Owners pursuing arbitration under lemon law.

Vehicle stalls while driving at various speeds, during acceleration, when coming to a complete stop, or after cold start. Engine shuts off by itself without warning. Vehicle may restart but stall again immediately, requiring multiple restart cycles. One vehicle stalled immediately after transmission replacement and again during simple transitions from park to drive.

When: Occurs at various mileages and circumstances. One owner experienced stall shortly after transmission replacement by dealer.

Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning while driving; Vehicle stalls when coming to complete stop; Stalling during acceleration; Stalling after cold start; Multiple restart cycles required to keep vehicle running; Vehicle stalls immediately upon shift into drive or reverse

Codes mentioned: P2857 (CVT)

Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs and ignition coils replaced at multiple shops without resolving stalling. One owner's vehicle underwent recall repair (NHTSA Campaign 21V774000) for hybrid propulsion system; CVT transmission replacement recommended but not performed.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall NHTSA 21V774000 completed at dealership for one vehicle; however, stalling persisted after recall repair.

Engine revs excessively at idle or when brakes are applied. High RPM state occurs without driver input. Issue reported from near-purchase by owners who took very good care of vehicles and performed all scheduled maintenance.

When: Occurring from shortly after purchase; one owner reported issue from almost as soon as taking possession at 37k miles new.

Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs high at idle without driver input; High revving when applying brakes; RPMs spike unexpectedly

Repairs/costs cited: Owner advised not to drive in sport mode with air conditioning running. Problem persists.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response documented; owner reports problems began shortly after purchase and persisted despite multiple dealership visits.

Transmission requires repeated software updates that do not permanently resolve issues. One owner was told by corporate transmission specialist that a 2015 security update was missing from vehicle despite previous dealership service. Software updates and patches applied by dealers have not resolved shuddering, hesitation, or acceleration issues. Transmission Control Module (TCM) software updated but failures persist.

When: Issues ongoing; one owner reports multiple software attempts over 4-year period with 37k miles on vehicle.

Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering despite software updates; Hesitation after software updates applied; Acceleration issues persist after patches; TCM software updated but failures continue

Repairs/costs cited: Multiple software updates and patches applied by dealerships; issues persist. Transmission specialist identified missing 2015 security update at corporate level.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Infiniti corporate sent transmission specialist to review vehicle; discovered missing security update from 2015 but issue continued even after applying update.

Gear shifter fails to engage drive or reverse, or vehicle takes excessive time (10+ seconds) to shift from park into drive or reverse. Vehicle acts as if transmission is low on fluid or has blockage. Vehicle may roll freely in gears other than park, even with engine running, without transmission locking.

When: Occurs sporadically after multiple starts; one owner reported roughly four incidents over vehicle ownership period.

Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifter does not respond to shift commands into drive or reverse; 10+ second delay between shifter movement and gear engagement; Transmission acts as if low on fluid or has blockage; Vehicle rolls freely in any gear other than park; Vehicle rolls without stopping or stalling even with engine running

Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented for this specific failure in narratives; one owner noted battery replacement was blamed by dealer but battery tested fine.

CVT transmission slips out of gear while driving or fails to properly engage gears. Engine RPMs increase but vehicle does not accelerate or accelerates very slowly. Transmission makes loud whining or slipping sound. Vehicle loses power completely mid-drive, requiring restart or pullover.

When: Occurs at various mileages; one owner at 112k miles, another at 81k miles with fourth transmission replacement.

Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips out of gear during acceleration; Engine revs but vehicle will not accelerate or accelerates very slowly; Loud whining from transmission; Vehicle loses power completely without warning; Pedal to floor produces no acceleration

Codes mentioned: P2857 (CVT)

Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced; one owner had transmission replaced four times with transfer case failure diagnosed on fourth visit at 81k miles. Costs cited as $6,000+. Metal shavings found in transfer case fluid on one vehicle.

Vehicle rolls freely in gears other than park or fails to hold vehicle on inclines. Vehicle can roll backward on modest inclines when stopped despite forward power being engaged. Vehicle requires pressing accelerator to 3/4 throttle to engage power on incline. In one case, parked vehicle at gas station reversed, turned, and crashed into wall without anyone inside.

When: Occurs on inclines when vehicle is stopped. One parked vehicle incident occurred unexpectedly.

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward when stopped on incline with power engaged; Vehicle rolls freely in any gear other than park; Excessive throttle (3/4) required to engage power on incline; Parked vehicle unexpectedly reversed and moved without driver input

Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner notes parked vehicle incident may be related to accident avoidance systems.

Check engine light and various warning lights illuminate including unknown warning lights, HEV (Hybrid) warning lights, and hybrid system overheated warnings. Lights may appear with shuddering, stalling, or transmission issues but diagnostic codes are often not retrieved during dealer visits. One owner received notice of recall (Campaign 21V774000) but parts were not available for extended period.

When: Lights illuminate at various points; one owner received recall notice while parts were unavailable.

Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; HEV/Hybrid warning light illuminates; Unknown warning lights appear; Hybrid system overheated warning message; Malfunction alert without specific code information

Codes mentioned: P2857, P0A08, C1A1A, C1130

Repairs/costs cited: Recall NHTSA Campaign Number 21V774000 issued; one owner reports parts unavailable and manufacturer advised to rent vehicle out of pocket while waiting for parts.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall NHTSA 21V774000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Hybrid Propulsion System) issued but parts availability delayed. One owner advised to rent vehicle at own expense.

Alternator fails or installed alternator is non-OEM and insufficient for powering vehicle. Vehicle loses power to electrical systems, preventing gear shifter from functioning. Aftermarket alternator replacement does not resolve issue; multiple warning lights illuminate after replacement.

When: Failures began January 2024; vehicle had multiple tows to mechanics and dealers since failure first started.

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to accelerate when pedal depressed; Gear shifter fails to shift into drive or reverse; Multiple unknown warning lights illuminate; Vehicle loses electrical power

Repairs/costs cited: Non-OEM alternator identified as insufficient; replaced with aftermarket alternator in March 2024 but failure recurred with multiple warning lights.

Passenger side airbag randomly deactivates during operation while an adult is seated in passenger seat. Issue persists despite software update for airbag recall. Infiniti states issue cannot be replicated and seat belts remain the first line of defense.

When: Issue noticed approximately 4 weeks after purchasing vehicle.

Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag deactivates randomly while adult in seat; Airbag deactivation pattern unpredictable

Repairs/costs cited: Software updated per airbag recall; issue continues.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Airbag recall software update completed; Infiniti states issue cannot be replicated and advises seat belts remain primary defense. No additional repair offered.

Vehicle rolls backward when stopped on incline with power engaged, or moves unexpectedly when parked without driver input. In one incident, parked vehicle at gas station reversed, turned, and crashed into wall with no one inside and engine not running.

When: Sporadic; parked vehicle incident occurred unexpectedly at gas station.

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward when stopped on incline with forward power engaged; Parked vehicle moves without driver input or engine running; Vehicle cannot hold position on inclines despite power being engaged

Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented.