While driving my vehicle with my family, I experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of control. I was able to safely maneuver the vehicle off the roadway without injury. 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. No warnings or messages indicated a problem existed prior to the failure.
The worst 2012 Infiniti QX56 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine28
- Electrical9
- Fuel system7
- Airbags5
- Body4
- Suspension4
- Transmission4
- Brakes3
- Acceleration1
- Seat belts1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Infiniti QX56
Check engine light 12Stalling 8Fuel pump 5
Trouble codes owners of the 2012 Infiniti QX56 mention
P0011 2P0300 2
Recalls 3
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Nissan Armada, 2011-2013 Infiniti QX56, and 2014-2027 QX80 vehicles equipped with 22" wheels. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install new labels, free of charge. Additionally, Nissan will mail replacement labels to owners. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed September 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated Fall 2026. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1‑800‑867‑7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R26B1 and P6A13/4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on July 16, 2026.
Recall number 26V455000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2012-2017 NV Cargo and NV Passenger Van, 2013-2015 Titan and Armada and 2011-2012 Infiniti QX56 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the air bag inflator may not function properly or may rupture during deployment.
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1‑800‑867‑7669 or Infiniti customer service at 1‑800‑662‑6200.
Recall number 20V188000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline
- What is wrong
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Nissan Juke, 2012-2013 Infiniti M56, QX56, and 2014-2015 Infiniti Q70 (V8 engine vehicles only), and QX80 vehicles. The fuel pressure sensors may not have been sufficiently tightened during production. As a result, the fuel pressure sensor may loosen with vehicle usage and cause a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could cause a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will re-torque the fuel pressure sensors free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1‑800‑647‑7261.
Recall number 14V683000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Infiniti QX56 165
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Wiring harness repair information
- Certification label and VIN plate replacement service information
- DTC B00A0-00 STOREIF YOU CONFIRM DTC B00A0-00 (OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR UNIT) is stored, AND OCS zero...
- CAN communication codes – diagnostic tips and guidelines
- CAN communication – network diagnostic flow chart
- Intelligent key not detected / engine will not start
- Removing foreign material from the window glass
- Window glass warranty information
- Windshield cracking
- Headlamp, fog lamp, or rear combination lamp fogging
2012 Infiniti QX56 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.6L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 20 | 16 |
| 5.6L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 14 | 20 | 16 |
What 2012 Infiniti QX56 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2012 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated that while driving at 56 MPH, the vehicle slowed down and failed to respond as intended. An oil change was performed; however, the failure persisted. 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. The vehicle failed on the side of the road and was towed to the residence. The contact used an OBD scanner and retrieved DTC: P0021, P0011, and P0300. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure, and Customer Service Program Number: P6305. The VIN was provided, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the campaign and that the campaign had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.
While driving at highway speed, rear of vehicle suddenly became uncontrolled and caused vehicle to swerve dangerously. If a vehicle would have been in the adjacent lane an accident would have occurred. 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. Deeper inspection revealed the right rear control arm was also compromised due to rust as well as the two forward mounting points of the modular rear suspension cradle (framework). No warning lights appeared, however the steering wheel did begin correcting to the right just prior to event, similar to heavy wind situation. Parts have not been inspected by manufacturer. Pictures attached. Parts are available for inspection upon request.
I have an engine light on as a result of 2 bad catalytic converters that need to be replaced. The vehicle has been inspected the infinite dealer maintenance dept. This poses a safety risk of this vehicle shutting down in the midst of driving
The contact owns a 2012 Infiniti QX56. 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 vehicle was not repaired and continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
I got Code : P0011 (my mechanic said that timing chain has to be replaced) I saw that Infiniti run the campaign as below : Dated July 15, 2016 VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2011 – 2013 QX56 AND M56; TIMING CHAIN CAMPAIGN ID #: P6305 APPLIED VEHICLES: 2011-2013 QX56 (Z62) 2011-2013 M56 (Y51) Check Service Comm to confirm campaign eligibility 2011-2013 QX56 IMPORTANT: The following service procedure for 2011-2013 QX56 is an abbreviated version of the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) procedure to replace the timing chains and related components. The Claims Information is based on this abbreviated procedure. I called Infiniti and they said that this campaign was for limited time and we called you but i never heard or aware about this otherwise I would have got it done . I have all the service record serviced everything from Infiniti dealer and the best maintanace Apart from that I get below code also which is makes me to think I did mistake buying Infiniti. P0300 P0011 C1118 C1130 C1A26 C1A14 C1a04 Buying car with full upgrade, waste of 98K .
The contact owns a 2012 Infiniti QX56. 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. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with timing chain failure. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
I own a 2012 QX56. 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. Infiniti dealer, that I purchased the truck from said "this vehicle has been serviced at an Infiniti dealer since day one. Every possible service that was needed was completed. The owner took immaculate car of this truck. You won't have any issues." So tell me, if this vehicle was driven exactly how it was supposed to be and yet at 113K miles the cats go bad, why isn't there a recall?? This is a "top of the line SUV" and yet it needs $4500.00+ in engine repairs at just over 113K miles. Infiniti needs to step up and take responsibility for this issue. If dealerships are warning you about this issue, obviously there is a KNOWN issue.
My 2012 Infiniti QX56 has a loud rattling noise coming from the engine. This started around Oct 2020 and comes and go. It has got worse over the last month or so and has started stalling and acting like it doesn't want to go. A few times the car will start shaking while I'm driving. It has been checked out and codes for converter and timing chain are there. Engine light is on. I drive this car with my 2 children and am afraid of the safety issue. I know there is numerous others having these same 2 issues with my year and make of car. Spoke with Infiniti Corp. and they will not do anything about it because my VIN is not under the recall. However, the vehicles with this issue that have been repaired under the recall have the same engine and same issues that I'm having. I think all vehicles in 2012 regardless of VIN should be under the recall as I'm seeing so many with these issues.
Had no prior issues, driving down the hwyat 65 miles per hr.. Car failed. Costed to side of road made it to repair shop and the fuel pump went out, which affected the timming chain and broke the teeth, which has affected the motor. This is a design defect that hundred other folks are having. I could have lost my life with this vehicle
Compare the 2012 Infiniti QX56
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Questions about the 2012 Infiniti QX56
Is the 2012 Infiniti QX56 reliable?
Owners have filed 57 complaints about the 2012 Infiniti QX56, close to a typical QX56 model year.
What is the 2012 Infiniti QX56 year score?
The 2012 Infiniti QX56 scores 74 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Infiniti QX56: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Infiniti QX56?
Engine and cooling, with 28 complaints, typically around 96,450 miles. Next is electrical (9).
How many recalls does the 2012 Infiniti QX56 have?
3 recalls, covering equipment, air bags and fuel system, gasoline.
What year does the Infiniti QX56 have bad engine?
The Infiniti QX56 model years with the most engine complaints are 2011 (39 complaints), 2012 (28 complaints) and 2013 (19 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Infiniti QX56 get?
Official estimates for the 2012 Infiniti QX56 range from 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (5.6L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 14 city and 20 highway.
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