ENGINE SUPPORT TOOLS SERVICE INFORMATION A new Engine Support Tool, Engine Support Bracket, and CVT Transmission Jack Adapter are now available to allow the CVT to be removed from the APPLIED VEHICLES without having to remove the engine. The procedure in this bulletin is different from the procedure currently in the ESM, which will be updated with this information at a later date. Please refer to the SERVICE PROCEDURE in this bulletin for information on how to use these new tools: ï· Front Wheel Drive (FWD) â pages 4 - 25 ï· All Wheel Drive (AWD) â pages 26 - 52
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 INFINITI QX60 powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2017 INFINITI QX60 have filed 12 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 QX60 | 117 |
| 2015 QX60 | 23 |
| 2016 QX60 | 3 |
| 2017 QX60 (this page) | 12 |
| 2018 QX60 | 12 |
| 2019 QX60 | 10 |
| 2020 QX60 | 5 |
2crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 12 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 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
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
FLUID LEAK CAUSED BY TRANSFER ASSEMBLY RIGHT SIDE DRIVE SHAFT OIL SEAL This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TRANSFER ASSEMBLY SEAL REPLACEMENT FOR AWD FRONT DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CVT/TCM CALIBRATION DATA âWRITEâ PROCEDURE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DRIVE SHAFT BOOT SERVICE INFORMATION SERVICE INFORMATION If a Drive Shaft (Axle Shaft) Boot on an APPLIED VEHICLE is found to be leaking grease, AND There is no abnormal noise or obvious CV Joint risk due to water intrusion and/or complete grease loss, check for REPAIR KIT-DUST BOOT (cv Joint Boot Kit) availability. ï· If there is a REPAIR KIT-DUST BOOT (CV Joint Boot Kit) available for the vehicle being repaired, do NOT replace the axle. Install a new boot kit following the procedure in the ESM. o Refer to the ESM: TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE > FRONT AXLE > REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION > FRONT DRIVE SHAFT BOOT o If the complete axle (drive shaft) is replaced when only a new boot is required, the
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 QX60's powertrain shows a pattern of serious failures across multiple systems. CVT transmission failures dominate the complaints—owners report sudden loss of drive, grinding sounds, slipping, and shuddering. One owner experienced two separate transmission failures within one year, with the second happening after the dealership had already replaced the unit. A transmission settlement for 2015-2018 models exists, but at least one owner found the coverage had expired by August 2025.
Engine problems range from sudden power loss on highway grades (requiring extended cool-downs) to abrupt failure with knock sounds. One owner reported an engine malfunction warning followed by low oil pressure warning and complete failure, with no prior indication of problems. Timing chain failure and starter failure were also documented.
Acceleration hesitation and lag plagued at least one leased vehicle from 5,000 miles onward, with five separate dealership visits and nine calendar days out of service before 22,160 miles. Owners report near-misses due to vehicle refusing to accelerate during highway merges.
Transfer case leakage and failure, electronic stability control faults, and transmission shifting problems during low temperatures round out the reported issues. Multiple owners describe sudden power loss creating dangerous highway situations.
Same INFINITI QX60 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
CVT Transmission Failure
Complete transmission failure rendering vehicle inoperable. Owners report sudden loss of drive capability, grinding noises, and refusal to shift. One owner experienced two separate transmission failures within one year, both exhibiting identical symptoms. Multiple complaints reference settlement or recall coverage for CVT transmission defects in 2015-2018 model years.
When: 56,000 miles and under; first failure around May 2023, second April 2024
Symptoms owners cite: Will not shift gears at 4000 RPMs without lifting off throttle; Transmission slips out of gear while driving; Grinding noise when shifting; Vehicle loses all power and will not accelerate; Loss of drive capability; Shuddering and shifting up and down repeatedly; High-pitched squeal during operation
Repairs/costs cited: First failure: valve body replacement attempted, then full transmission replacement. Second failure: diagnosis in progress. One owner had to pay out of pocket after CVT transmission settlement coverage expired (August 2025). Repair costs not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign (CVT transmission settlement 2015-2018 models); recall coverage available but expired for some owners
Engine Power Loss Under Load
Sudden and complete loss of engine power during highway driving, particularly on uphill grades or under acceleration stress. Vehicle loses ability to accelerate and is forced to pull over; power returns only after extended cool-down period. No warning lights or temperature indicators present prior to failure.
When: Mileage not specified; occurs during highway driving and acceleration situations
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of acceleration ability on uphill grades; Vehicle decelerates uncontrollably on climbs; Power returns on flat terrain or downhill; Requires 10+ minute cool-down before resuming operation; No warning lights or overheating indicators
Repairs/costs cited: Oceanside CA Infiniti dealer unable to diagnose; customer had to attempt troubleshooting while driving in dangerous heat.
Engine Knock and Oil Pressure Warning
Sudden engine malfunction with low oil pressure warning followed by complete engine failure. Owner reports no prior indication of oil loss or mechanical neglect. Engine began knocking upon restart attempt and became inoperable, requiring towing.
When: Mileage not specified; sudden failure during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine malfunction warning light; Low oil pressure warning; Engine knock sound on attempted restart; Complete loss of engine power; Engine became inoperable
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle required towing; specific repairs not documented
Transmission Hesitation and Lag During Acceleration
Persistent transmission hesitation and severe acceleration lag when pressing throttle, particularly during highway merging. Problem recurs repeatedly despite multiple dealership visits. Owner reports five separate service visits over nine calendar days of downtime before 22,160 miles.
When: Starting at 5,000 miles; ongoing through multiple service visits spanning January 2018 to April 2019
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation on acceleration; Lag when hitting gas pedal—nothing happens; Vehicle revs high but does not accelerate; Low power when merging into traffic; Almost caused multiple near-collisions
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple visits documented; specific repairs and parts not detailed in narrative
Timing Chain Failure
Timing chain completely failed while owner had previously complained of noise under warranty coverage. Vehicle was stranded as a result. Additionally, starter completely failed while driving.
When: While under warranty; specific mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Noise complaint prior to failure; Timing chain broke completely; Starter failed while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Stranded on roadside; specific repair cost not documented
Transfer Case Leakage
Transfer case developed leakage with loud noise. Reported to dealership shortly before unrelated brake incident; dealership deferred service until following Monday.
When: Before February 18, 2020
Symptoms owners cite: Leaking fluid; Loud noise from transfer case
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership deferred repair; specific repair details not provided
Transfer Case Failure
Transfer case failure resulting in vehicle unable to operate safely. Owner was forced to pull to roadside and seek external repair assistance.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Transfer case failure; Vehicle inoperable
Repairs/costs cited: Owner had to find independent repair shop; specific costs and parts not documented
Electronic Stability Control and Engine Malfunction
Electronic Stability Control light illuminated while driving on interstate. Upon restart, vehicle refused to shift into Drive and Check Engine light also illuminated. Owner self-diagnosed and replaced mass air flow sensor based on dealer recommendation.
When: Mileage not specified; incident on I-95 North Maryland
Symptoms owners cite: Electronic Stability Control light on; Vehicle would not shift into Drive; Check Engine light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Mass air sensor purchased from dealer and installed by owner
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The contact owns a 2017 Infiniti QX60. The contact stated that the airbag sensor on the passenger’s side of the vehicle failed to determine and classify the weight of the passenger seated in the seat. The contact was concerned that the airbag would not operate as needed in the event of a crash. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2017 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 2017 INFINITI QX60?
It's a meaningful issue. 12 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 12 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 54,007 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2017/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.