AI Damage2012 Infiniti QX56: common problems
Owners of the 2012 Infiniti QX56 filed 57 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 57
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 42% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 16% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel/propulsion system 12% of all complaints
- 4 Air bags 9% of all complaints
- 5 Engine and cooling 7% of all complaints
- 6 Powertrain 7% of all complaints
- 7 Structure 7% of all complaints
- 8 Suspension 7% of all complaints
- Engine: 24 complaints (42% of all).
- Electrical system: 9 complaints (16% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 7 complaints (12% of all).
- Air bags: 5 complaints (9% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Engine and cooling: 4 complaints (7% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 5.6 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- automatic, 7-speed
Drive: RWD, 4WD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 57 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 24 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 6 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
After inspection, it was determined that the subframe had fractured due to severe rust, which was not previously identified. The failure occurred without warning and directly impacted the ability to control the vehicle, creating a significant safety hazard.
The contact stated that the high-pressure fuel pump was leaking, causing the timing chain to fail. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the failure progressed, causing the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or independent mechanic.
Upon initial inspection, the left rear lower control arm failed catastrophically due to rust rendering the vehicle undrivable. Driver and passenger were put at risk as a result of this incident.
The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started shaking violently. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the timing chain to be replaced.
The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the vehicle shook and then lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The dealer informed the contact that the fuel pump needed to be replaced.
Check engine light comes on and I take it to the dealer. It's the Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (catalytic covers - P0430 code) I was warned before I bought this vehicle about the cats going bad.
My air bag light was on. I took my vehicle to the dealership to find out what was the problem. The issue that they reported to me was "past code for air bag passenger side: will need to replace diagnostics module to begin diagnosis."
The paint on my 2012 qx 56 infiniti is peeling really bad. I've spoke with someone at the cooperate level and was told their was a recall on them. The dealership was suppose to repaint the whole vehicle, but I was never contacted. When I spoke to the associate & manger, I was told there wasn't anything they could do.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 5,000 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 14% most complained about).
On average one model year of the QX56 has 54 complaints (10 years in the data). This year has 57, about average.
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Infiniti QX56?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine, electrical system, fuel/propulsion system. Total complaints: 57. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (23%), stalls while driving (14%), fuel system, fuel smell (12%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2012 Infiniti QX56?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2012 Infiniti QX56 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2012 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.