This page covers 3 recalls, 76 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Infiniti Qx56.
16 mpg combined
14.7 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
Engine complaints dominate the 2011 Infiniti QX56 owner reports, with timing chain problems appearing across many filings. Owners consistently describe a rattling or knocking noise at startup that lasts several minutes before fading, a pattern widely associated with timing chain wear or tensioner issues on this engine. The fuel and propulsion system draws the second-highest complaint volume, with owners reporting catalytic converter and oxygen sensor failures, sometimes occurring while driving at highway speeds. Suspension rounds out the top three areas of concern, owners describe rear control arms and subframe components developing severe rust and cracking, in some cases to the point of structural failure. Several owners note the deterioration wasn't visible during a standard pre-purchase inspection. The subframe and rear cradle corrosion complaints are particularly consistent, with multiple owners describing components that had cracked or separated entirely.
76
Total Complaints
1
Fire-Related
By System
The 2011 Infiniti QX56 has 3 recalls, the most serious being a defective driver's airbag inflator that can rupture during deployment, sending metal fragments toward the driver and other occupants.
The airbag issue has seen multiple recall filings, as prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the risk of rupture or improper inflation. On the fuel system side, a fuel pressure sensor on the engine's fuel delivery rail may not have been tightened properly during assembly, allowing fuel to leak past the gasket where the sensor meets the rail. Fuel escaping near an ignition source raises the risk of a fire.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver-front airbag inflator may be defective, causing the airbag to deploy with excessive force or rupture. A ruptured inflator can send fragments toward occupants or damage the airbag, preventing proper inflation.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver-front airbag inflator or airbag module. You'll receive mail instructions to schedule this service.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front driver air bag inflator may not work correctly or could rupture when the air bag deploys due to a manufacturing defect.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflators at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pressure sensor on the engine fuel rail may not be tight enough from assembly. If it loosens, fuel can leak past the gasket. A fuel leak near ignition sources could cause a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will check for fuel leaks at the sensor. If none found, they'll tighten the sensor. If leaking, they'll replace the gasket and tighten the sensor.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
