Is the Infiniti QX56 a reliable vehicle?
The reliability of the Infiniti QX56 is mixed: some owners report solid, trouble-free operation, while others encounter transmission, suspension, or electrical issues as the vehicle ages. Proper maintenance and a thorough pre-purchase inspection are essential, and note that the QX56 was discontinued after the 2013 model year and replaced by the QX80 in 2014.
This article examines reliability data, owner feedback, recall history, and maintenance considerations to help prospective buyers judge how dependable a used QX56 might be. It covers how reliability varied across production years, known failure points, and what to check before purchasing.
Background and current status
The Infiniti QX56 was Infiniti’s full-size, three-row SUV produced from 2004 to 2013. It was succeeded by the QX80 in 2014. While it offers strong towing capability and a spacious interior, its age means maintenance costs can be higher and parts availability can become a concern compared with newer models. Reliability rankings from independent sources typically show a mixed picture, with variations by year and maintenance history.
Reliability by model year and common issues
The following overview summarizes broad reliability patterns reported by owners and reviewers. Individual results vary based on maintenance, mileage, and reporting sources.
- Early generation (2004–2006): Some owners report transmission shudder or rough shifts and air-suspension or electrical glitches. Early models can incur higher maintenance costs as components age.
- Mid-generation (2007–2010): Reliability generally improves as updates land, with fewer widespread faults. Some owners report occasional oil leaks, brake wear, and electronics quirks typical of large SUVs from that era.
- Late-generation (2011–2013): The most refined version of the line, with updated interiors and mechanicals. As with any aging vehicle, high mileage can bring-specific wear items such as cooling system components, sensors, or suspension parts.
Concluding: Reliability appears to improve from the early years toward the later years, but the QX56 remains an aging, high-maintenance SUV relative to newer rivals. A well-documented maintenance history often correlates with better long-term reliability.
Pre-purchase checklist and maintenance tips
To help buyers evaluate a used QX56, use this checklist before making a purchase. The items are arranged as a guideline for a thorough inspection and service history review.
- Obtain a full service history, including any transmission work, air-suspension service, and recalls completed at an authorized dealer.
- Inspect the fuel and ignition systems for leaks, misfires, or abnormal noises; verify the cooling system shows no overheating symptoms.
- Check the transmission for smooth shifts and absence of slipping or harsh engagements, especially when shifting between drive and reverse.
- Assess the air-suspension system (if equipped) for leaks or sagging, and confirm ride height remains consistent on a level surface.
- Test all power features (windows, seats, locks, infotainment) and confirm electronics respond reliably, as aging systems can fail on older vehicles.
- Inspect the exhaust, steering, brakes, and tires for wear and safety concerns; look for rust or corrosion on the underbody in higher-mileage units.
- Have a professional pre-purchase inspection performed by a technician familiar with Infiniti/Nissan platforms to identify latent issues.
- Evaluate total ownership costs, including potential major repairs and parts availability, and compare with newer alternatives.
A certified pre-purchase inspection and verification of recalls are highly recommended given the QX56’s age and complexity. This helps prevent surprises after purchase and informs budgeting for future maintenance.
Summary
Ultimately, the Infiniti QX56 can be a capable, spacious, and powerful family SUV when it has a solid maintenance history. Its reliability is not uniform across model years, and older units may require more frequent or costly upkeep. For buyers, prioritizing a well-documented service history, a meticulous pre-purchase inspection, and realistic expectations about ownership costs is essential. Those seeking a more predictable ownership experience might consider a late-generation QX56 or the newer QX80 as alternatives.
