We own this vehicle for almost three years, several time the transmission seems sluggish, shutter, and stop in high ways while it almost caused several accidents. I pulled it on side get it towed to dealership and was told the transmission failed and told to call Infiniti consumer services, I did that but was told to bad we can't do anything, it seems that several owners have the same kind of…
2015 INFINITI QX60 powertrain problems
moderate 23 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 23 powertrain complaints filed for the 2015 INFINITI QX60, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
Among the 8 model years of INFINITI QX60 in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Powertrain accounts for 25% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 7 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2015 QX60's CVT transmission has widespread shuddering, jerking, and power-loss issues across model-year ranges, with owners reporting failures as early as 25K miles and as late as 73K miles—often without triggering diagnostic codes. Infiniti issued only a service bulletin (not a recall, unlike 2013–2014 models) and settled a lawsuit without admitting fault, leaving owners paying $6,500–$9,800 out-of-pocket for transmission replacement and facing denial of warranty coverage.
Owners of 2015 QX60s consistently report CVT transmission shuddering, jerking, and violent vibration during acceleration and low-speed driving (typically 15–25 mph), with symptoms worsening over weeks or months. The car often feels like it is slipping or running out of gas, sometimes stops responding to throttle input until the driver lifts off the pedal and reengages the accelerator. Many report loss of power while on the highway with no warning light, forcing tows to dealerships where transmission replacement is recommended at $6,500–$9,800.
The real problem: dealers frequently cannot retrieve a diagnostic code to authorize repair, even though service managers and transmission specialists can feel the symptoms firsthand. Infiniti issued only a service bulletin (not a recall) and directs owners to contact legal representation rather than cover repairs under warranty. Owners note that 2013–2014 models received a recall for the same transmission; the 2015 was excluded despite identical hardware. One owner had the transmission replaced at 40K miles, only to see identical shuddering recur within a few thousand miles. Others report brake, suspension, engine, and transfer-case defects as well, particularly on used purchases.
Same INFINITI QX60 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
CVT Transmission Shuddering and Jerking
The CVT transmission exhibits shuddering, jerking, and violent vibration during acceleration and normal driving, particularly at low speeds (15–25 mph) and on inclines. Owners report the car feels like it's running out of gas or slipping. The symptom sometimes stops when the driver lifts off the throttle. Multiple owners describe the issue persisting or worsening even after dealer reprogramming attempts. The condition affects vehicle drivability and creates loss-of-power events while driving.
When: Reported across vehicle mileage ranges from 25,700 miles to 73,000 miles; no clear pattern by model year within the 2014–2017 range
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering and jerking at low speeds (15–25 mph); Violent vibration on inclines; Loss of acceleration power with no warning light; Transmission feels like it is slipping; Wobble throughout the car at speeds above 25 mph; Car 'jumping' or bucking during acceleration; Vehicle loses power randomly; RPMs rev but car will not engage drive
Codes mentioned: P0776, Premature transmission failure code, Intake air temperature high input circuit
Repairs/costs cited: Full CVT transmission replacement quoted at $6,500–$9,800. One owner had transmission replaced at 40K miles; symptoms recurred within a few thousand miles. Dealer reprogramming attempted but did not resolve issue. Dealers often cannot replicate issue or retrieve fault code to authorize repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Infiniti issued a service bulletin (not a recall) for transmission issues on 2014–2017 models. 2013–2014 models subject to recall; 2015 model not included in recall despite identical transmission. Infiniti settled a lawsuit without admitting fault. Infiniti customer service directs owners to contact legal team and denies warranty coverage on vehicles outside warranty period.
Transmission Failure with No Diagnostic Code
The transmission develops shuddering, slipping, and power loss but does not produce a diagnostic fault code that dealerships can read, preventing warranty repair authorization. Owners report dealers stating there is nothing they can do without a code and asking owners to wait for codes to appear. This leaves vehicles undrivable or unsafe while awaiting a code that may not materialize.
When: Varies by owner report; one documented at 40K miles initially, then recurred; another around 58K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shudder without check engine or warning lights; Loss of acceleration and jerking; Slipping sensation at low RPM; Intermittent power loss during driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to perform repairs without fault codes. One owner rented a vehicle for a planned 4-hour vacation because of low confidence in the vehicle due to unresolved transmission symptoms.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Infiniti directs owners to contact regional representatives or legal team; no warranty action taken on vehicles outside original warranty period or where codes are absent.
Engine and Emissions System Defects (Post-Purchase Discovery)
A used vehicle purchased from CarMax exhibited a check engine warning light and was confirmed by the selling dealer to have a faulty oxygen sensor and emissions issues. Repairs were performed but the same defects reoccurred shortly after, requiring additional repair attempts. The vehicle ultimately was repossessed before full resolution.
When: Shortly after purchase from CarMax; exact mileage unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light; Engine performance concerns affecting drivability
Repairs/costs cited: Oxygen sensor repair performed; parts were ordered and replaced. Defects reoccurred after initial repair, requiring return visits.
Brake System and Suspension Defects (Post-Purchase Discovery)
A used vehicle exhibited brake-related failures and suspension link defects shortly after CarMax purchase. The vehicle was serviced but defects reoccurred, compromising braking reliability and vehicle stability.
When: Shortly after purchase; exact mileage unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Brake system malfunction; Suspension link failure; Reduced braking reliability
Repairs/costs cited: Suspension link repair performed at dealer; issues reoccurred.
Transfer Case Failure
One vehicle developed transfer case failure indicated by worsening noise without warning light. Infiniti dealer diagnosed the need for transfer case replacement at significant cost.
When: At 67,000 miles; wheel bearing replaced 2 weeks prior to diagnosis
Symptoms owners cite: Worsening noise from drivetrain; No warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case replacement quoted at $6,400. Owner unable to afford repair and unable to drive vehicle.
Synthesized from 23 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Transmission has a shudder between 15-20 MPH around 1000-1500 RPM. Mainly happens in STD mode, other modes run at higher RPMs but does still happen on occasion.
Transmission is shuttering when pushing on the gas
First off there is a safety bulletin already released. And I know 2 others who own this vehicle who have the exact same issues. It's time to actually take care of your clients and fox the drive train issue. Where when driving and turning especially at slow speeds there is a violent vibration that comes from the front of the vehicle. Please take care of your customers. The dealership originally…
Transmission failed. The car was shuddering for a while now. The term "shuddering" I learned after describing issue to dealer who told me that looks like a transmission issue. After paying $170 to get it checked, I was told that transmission has premature failure code and must be replaced. I was told that the car is under 60K mileage, but over time period of warranty period by 2 months. They gave…
Transmissions feels like it is 'slipping' when driving slow around 20-25 MPH/1000-1500 rpms. Makes car shudder/shake like it's running out of gas. Took to Infiniti delearship - they could not replicate the issue and get a code. Was told this was just how the CVT transmission feels. Reprogrammed transmission - car still does it. Getting worse. Around 58k miles on car.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2015 INFINITI QX60?
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 2015 INFINITI QX60?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 23 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 52,800 and 74,000 miles, with the median around 65,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 52,800; a quarter make it past 74,000. 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 $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/2015/INFINITI/QX60.
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.