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 32 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 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 | 13 | 41% |
| Suspension | 4 | 13% |
| Power train | 2 | 6% |
| Service brakes | 2 | 6% |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 1 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 1 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 1 | 3% |
| Seat belts | 1 | 3% |
| Steering | 1 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The contact owns a 2013 Infiniti QX56. 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 independen
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The contact owns a 2013 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment while accelerating. The check engine warning light was
NHTSA complaint: Power train
Started car in the morning and it started misfiring very badly. 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 diagnose
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The contact owns a 2013 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated that intermittently while parked, and while driving at various speeds, the rear of the vehicle was sagging. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was ta
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
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 Inf
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The timing chain needs to be replaced on my vehicle with under 80,000 miles. Researching the issue i found that this is a very common problem with this specific engine. This is an $80,000+ car brand new and it did not
NHTSA complaint: Engine
While my wife was driving our QX56 during normal conditions at approximately 40MPH, QX56 begun to swerve repeatedly left to right in a dangerous manner and she had to apply brakes rapidly. Looking under the vehicle, the
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
The contact owns a 2013 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made abnormal rattling sounds. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the failure was occ
NHTSA complaint: Engine
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2013 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 model year 2013 Infiniti QX56 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2012, to April 26, 2013, and 2014 Infiniti QX80 vehicles manufactured June 18, 2013, to February 11, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag inflator may ha
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's air bag, the incorrect part may block the flow of propellant to the air bag and the air bag's inflator may rupture. The rupture could
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7
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 | 80 | excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 76 | 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 32 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine is the most reported area with 13 of them (41%). There are 3 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 80/100 (excellent) 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 76/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2013 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 67/100. 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.