AI Damage2013 Infiniti QX56: common problems
Owners of the 2013 Infiniti QX56 filed 32 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and service brakes. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 32
- involving a crash
- 3
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 59% of all complaints
- 2 Service brakes 13% of all complaints
- 3 Suspension 13% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 9% of all complaints
- 5 Powertrain 9% of all complaints
- 6 Fuel/propulsion system 6% of all complaints
- 7 Vehicle speed control 6% of all complaints
- 8 Backover prevention 3% of all complaints
- Engine: 19 complaints (59% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Service brakes: 4 complaints (13% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Suspension: 4 complaints (13% of all).
- Electrical system: 3 complaints (9% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Powertrain: 3 complaints (9% 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 32 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 | 19 | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Backover prevention | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 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.
Problem: brakes do not work when pushed all the way to the floor first brake failure (4/15/15) two days after purchase, brakes failed at approx. 6pm under clear weather/good road conditions, while traveling north on vermont ave. In gardena, ca at approx. 10 mph. The qx56 hit a dodge stratus stopped at a red light.
The sonar system utilizes cameras on the vehicle which are displayed on the dashboard display screen as well as audible tones which increase in intermittent frequency up to continuously, the closer the object becomes.
The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormally loud ticking sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the timing chain had failed, and the failure was related to Infiniti Campaign Number: P6305.
The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the timing chain. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Infiniti Service Campaign: ITB16-015a (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired.
Flashing check engine light. Immediately pulled over and shut engine off. Had it towed to my shop I use they hooked it up to computer and it was diagnosed as a loose timing chain. Basically timing chain replacement This is rediculous only has 129k miles.
No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the air shocks and compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that the warranty had expired.
Our Infiniti QX56 started misfiring and shaking when driving. We took it in to the Infiniti dealership and was informed it is a bad timing chain. Upon research, we realized there was a recall for this issue on 2013 Infiniti QX56 models just like ours. However, our VIN did not show on the recall list.
They stated the left control arm was also severely rusted / damaged and wasn't too far from cracking either. Fortunately, my wife was only going 40mph and was able to control the swerving. If going 70 or 75MPH on the highway, I'm not sure that would have been possible.
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 6,635 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 18% most complained about).
On average one model year of the QX56 has 54 complaints (10 years in the data). This year has 32, below average.
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Infiniti QX56?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine, service brakes, suspension. Total complaints: 32. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (22%), knocking, grinding or other noise (13%), stalls while driving (9%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2013 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 2013 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 2013 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.