Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Infiniti QX56, and it carries 3 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 15 | 25% |
| Unknown or other | 5 | 8% |
| Air bags | 5 | 8% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 7% |
| Electrical system | 4 | 7% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 7% |
| Suspension | 3 | 5% |
| Service brakes | 3 | 5% |
| Unknown or other | 2 | 3% |
| Engine | 2 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
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 subfra
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
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
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
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 in
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
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
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
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 illum
NHTSA complaint: Engine
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
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
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 dea
NHTSA complaint: Engine
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 go
NHTSA complaint: Engine
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2012 Infiniti QX56. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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.
Fix: 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
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 f
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could cause a vehicle fire.
Fix: 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.
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,
Risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Additio
| Reliability raw | 73 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 73 | good |
| Maintenance | 60 | average |
| Depreciation | 60 | average |
| Performance | 79 | good |
| Efficiency | 29 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine is the most reported area with 15 of them (25%). There are 3 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 73/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 73/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2012 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 65/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.