JN8AZ2NE0D90401092013 INFINITI QX56
2013 INFINITI QX56 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 32 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
Executive Summary
2013 INFINITI QX56
2013 INFINITI QX56 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 32 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 3 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Airbag system recall; Fuel system recall)
- 1 injury reported across 32 owner complaints
- Common owner-reported issues: check engine light, stalling
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
32 owner complaints filed — top areas: Engine/Powertrain (56%), Suspension/Wheels (13%), Electrical (9%). Common issues: check engine light, stalling. 3 crashes reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- INFINITI
- Model
- QX56
- Year
- 2013
- Trim / Series
- Wagon body style
- Body Style
- Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
- Vehicle Type
- MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
- Drive Type
- 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 5.6L
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- NISSAN MOTOR COMPANY, LTD
- Assembly
- MIYAWAKA, FUKUOKA, JAPAN
- GVWR
- Class 2F: 7,001 - 8,000 lb (3,175 - 3,629 kg)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: MIYAWAKA, FUKUOKA
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Airbag system recall
- ▸Fuel system recall
- ▸1 fuel system recall(s) — potential ignition risk
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
One failed component has created stress on connected systems. Repair costs compound quickly — a $500 fix can become $3,000+ if cascade damage is ignored.
Owners of the 2013 INFINITI QX56 report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 2013 INFINITI QX56 report suspension/wheels issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 2013 INFINITI QX56 report electrical issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
3 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 3 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
1 of 3 recalls has a low industry completion rate — statistically likely unrepaired.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
INFINITI completes recalls at a fair rate (84%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~21 months.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~21 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryNissan 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 have been manufactured with an incorrect part.Read full details...
~15% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
SummaryNissan 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.Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
SummaryNissan 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."Read full details...
~86% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired
High RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
Complaint Intelligence
32 complaints analyzed across 8 system categories
Engine leads owner complaints (59%), most reported when the vehicle was 6–8 yrs old. Also common: Suspension (13%), Service Brakes (13%).
Based on 32 complaints with a reported incident date. Too few owners cited mileage (5) to report a reliable failure-mileage range.
35% of complaints filed in Mar & Feb — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME32 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
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 independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the timing chain had failed, and the failure was related to Infiniti Campaign Number: P6305. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the campaign had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
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 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. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 131,000.
Control arm failure
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 diagnosed as a loose timing chain. Basically timing chain replacement This is rediculous only has 129k miles. They claim timing chain and components are good til 300k with regular maintenance. This suv since new has had synthetic mobile 1 oil changed every 3500 miles. There was a voluntary recall on this issue. Why was it ever taken down Now I’m paying the car payment on a car I cannot drive. Till I spend $5000 to have all that replaced
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 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. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. The contact stated that the air suspension system on the vehicle never properly worked. There was an attempt to make repairs but that did not fix the problem.
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. Our car has been meticulously maintained. Our research revealed that timing chains in well maintained cars should last up to 300,000 miles. Our car has 105,000 miles. We feel this repair should be covered by Infiniti. We did not pay for a luxury car to have this type of issue. The car is undrivable due to safety concerns and we would like this addressed immediately.
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 last 80,000 miles. This is an obvious part malfunction due to the design of the vehicle. Infiniti should do something. It is a costly repair.
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 lower control arm was badly cracked and the cause of the swerving. I towed to my local shop (not Infiniti dealership) for repair and they confirmed the right control arm was cracked. 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. Pictures are attached, both of broken right control arm which caused swerving and left control arm that is near cracking. With both control arms going out at same time, I feel this is a dangerous, quality control issue from Infiniti. I spoke with Seth at Infiniti Consumer affairs who stated they wouldn't reimburse the repair at a non-Infiniti repair show and didn't appear to plan to pass on the seriousness of the problem.
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 occurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing chain guide and the timing chain needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist because the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The contact referenced service bulletin #P6305. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
Took car in for maintenance and was told I needed a new timing chain as its an often replaced part and that is failing on my car , I looked it up and found out that its a voluntary recall at present after numerous complaints and the dealer admitted they are faulty but mine wasn't in the VIN range for reimbursement. I had to pay $3800 dollars to replace and wait 10 days for completion, this is an expensive repair on a car of this caliber , yet Infiniti offers no compensation. This faulty chain which is supposed to last a cars lifetime could cause the engine to FAIL resulting in a hazard to my family.
Timing Chain
SUV WOULD NOT START SO HAD TO GET A JUMP. 1 WEEK LATER SAME THING. HAD BATTERY TESTED BUT WAS NOT BAD AND IT HAD JUST BEEN REPLACED BY DEALER IN 2019. 1 WEEK LATER AGAIN SUV WOULD NOT START. GOT A JUMP AND TOOK TO JBA INFINITI IN ELLICOTT CITY, MD WHO CHARGED THE BATTERY FOR 2 HOURS. 2 WEEKS LATER, SUV IS HESITATING TO START. I REFUSE TO PAY ANOTHER $186 FOR THEM TO DIAGNOSE AND THEN RECHARGE THE BATTERY AGAIN. AFTER SOME RESEARCH IT LOOKS LIKE OTHERS ARE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE. NEXT, CATALYTIC CONVERTERS. SUV IS 8 YEARS OLD AND JBA INFINITI IS TELLING ME I NEED TO REPLACE THEM @ A COST OF $7500. THIS IS RIDICULOUS.....I DON'T HAVE LOSS OF POWER BUT I SO GET THE "ROTTEN EGG" SMELL SOMETIMES. I WOULD THINK THIS PART WOULD BE COVERED UNDER EMISSION WARRANTY FOR AT LEAST 15 YEARS. I HAVE 142000 MILES ON IT.
Timing belt/chain failure - Recalled and repaired by dealership. When picking up my vehicle from the dealer for the above mentioned repair I was notified that I need new Catalytic Converter's as now the Service Engine light was coming on. The Service Engine light was NOT coming on prior. After an hour or two researching the CAT issue online I have found hundreds if not more instances with the same issue for this vehicle. A bad CAT can cause numerous issues with vehicle performance to vehicle fires which could cause accidents putting not only passengers but other motorists at risk. And then there's the damage to the environment. If the timing belt warranted a recall for causing misfires...etc. why wouldn't the manufacturer include parts of the system effected by the part being recalled? Timing Belt causes misfires --> Misfires cause CAT damage/failure, but CAT not included in the recall.
THERE WAS CAR THAT PULLED UP BEHIND ME WHILE I WAS IDLE IN THE DRIVEWAY AND AS I PULLED OUT NO WARNING BEEP..AND NOW THE VEHICLE. WAS NOT CRANKING FOR SEVERAL HOURS AND NOTHING IS WRONG WITH BATTERY AND REMOTE IS FULLY CHARGED & HAVE BEEN STRANDED SEVAL TIMES BECAUSE IF OF IT...THIS HAS TO BE A RECALL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 INFINITI QX56. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE MISFIRED AND STALLED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND FLASHING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO WILLIS INFINITI (2101 NW 100TH ST, DES MOINES, IA 50325, 855-638-2280) AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
DEAD BATTERY. REPLACED ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY, VEHICLE IS DEAD EVERY 2-3 DAYS. MANY OTHERS REPORT THE SAME ISSUE. INFINITI HAS AN "INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE" TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BUT HAVE NO FIX FOR OLDER VEHICLES.
THE BRAKE PEDAL SEEMS SPONGY AND WHILE BRAKING AT SLOWER SPEEDS THE SEAT BELT PULLS BACK VIOLENTLY PINNING THE DRIVER BACK AGAINST THE SEAT. REAR BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND BRAKE SYSTEM FLUID CHECK STILL NO DIFFERENT.
DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY 421 IN WILKESBORO, NC ON A 45 MPH SECTION OF THE HIGHWAY, MERGED OVER INTO THE TURNING LANE TO TURN LEFT ACROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC. WAITED FOR A BREAK IN TRAFFIC, UPON A BREAK IN TRAFFIC TRIED TO ACCELERATE TO CROSS TRAFFIC, AS VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE IT STALLED IN MIDDLE OF ROAD. WIFE AND CHILDREN IN CAR STARTED SCREAMING. TRAFFIC NICE ENOUGH NOT TO RUN INTO US. HAD CAR TOWED TO LOCAL AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOP. FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE 5.6 LITTER NISSAN/ INFINITI ENGINE. ONE OF THE TIMING GEARS FOR THE LEFT BANK STOPPED ROTATING SOME HOW. THIS SIDE OF THE ENGINE TIMING SYSTEM ALSO POWERS THE FUEL PUMP SO THAT YOU CANNOT EVEN LIMP ACROSS THE ROAD ON HALF THE ENGINE. IT JUST STOPS RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE. YOU HAVE NO STEERING NO BREAKING AND NO PROPULSION. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DESIGN AND LACK OF QUALITY OF THE ENGINE.
THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DEAD AND WOULD NOT START WHEN BATTERY WAS JUMPED. BATTERY WAS REPLACED ONCE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ORIGINAL BATTERY WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. ONCE THE VEHICLE STARTED , THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS VISIBLE ON THE DASH. THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A VERY LOUD HUMMING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE SOUND GOT LOUDER AND INTENSIFIED AS THE RPMS INCREASED.
TIMING CHAIN WAS LOOSENED AND WAS RUBBING AGAINST ANOTHER PART MAKE A LOUD NOISE WHILE SITTING AND DRIVING. THANKFULLY I STOPPED IN TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID IT WAS READY TO BREAK AT ANYTIME. THANKFULLY NOTHING HAPPEN TO ME, KIDS, AND HUSBAND ON THE HIGHWAY. FRIGHTENING TO THINK OF LOSING CONTROL OF A VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. THERE WAS A RECALL ON TIME CHAINS FOR THE SAME YEAR, BUT MY VIN # WAS NOT COVERED. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED. I HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES FOR NORMAL UPKEEP. SHOULD THERE HAVE BEEN A RECALL, THE SERVICE DEPT WOULD HAVE CAUGHT IT. THEY AGREED THIS MORNING AS WELL.
I WAS DRIVING ACROSS A BRIDGE IN TOWN GOING ABOUT 40MPH. NOTHING WAS OVER HEAD, DRIVING CONDITIONS WERE GOOD, WEATHER CLEAR AND ALL OF SUDDEN OUT OF NO WHERE I HEARD AN EXPLOSION. EXTREMELY LOUD, MADE MY EARS RING. I IMMEDIATELY THOUGHT SOMETHING BLEW UP OR MY CAR HAD BEEN SHOT. I STARTED HEARING PIECES OF GLASS HIT MY SUNROOF COVER AND PULLED UP TO FIND MY GLASS HAD EXPLODED AND LEFT A HUGE HOLE IN MY SUNROOF. THE GLASS EXPLODED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE INFINITI DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR BRAND NEW. THEY AGREED THAT IT HAD EXPLODED FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND SAID THEY HAD SEEN THIS BEFORE. I WAS ASKED TO PAY $1261 TO REPLACE THE GLASS SINCE MY CAR WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY.
CATALYST PROBLEM P0420 P0420. SEEN SAME VEHICLES BEING RECALLED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 INFINITI QX56. THE CONTACT HEARD A SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN SHE DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. ALSO, THE VEHICLE SHOOK WHEN STOPPING AND HESITATED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CHECKED THE VEHICLE, AFTER MULTIPLE INCIDENT HAPPEN THE NOISE GOT LOUDER AND THE STALLING GOT WORSE THE CONTACT STATED GOT TIMING CHAIN REPAIRED BUT FOUND NO FAILURES. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK IN IF THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED. JOE MACHENS NISSAN (201 NEBRASKA AVE, COLUMBIA, MO 65203, (573) 503-4550) STATED THAT THEY DID NOT PERFORM RECALL REPAIRS AT THEIR FACILITY AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND REFERENCED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 16-015; HOWEVER, IT EXPI*BFRED IN FEBRUARY OF 2018. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. *BF *TP
LOUD WHISTLING/WHINING SOUND FROM THE MOTOR AT START UP. EXTREME LOSS OF POWER WHEN STARTING UP A GRADE OR TO GET UP TO SPEED ON THE INTERSTATE CAUSING FEAR OF REAR END COLLISION. IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE THAT RESULTS IN A TIMING CHAIN OR CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPAIR, COSTING SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS. IT APPEARS INFINITI IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT WON'T ISSUE A RECALL FOR OBVIOUS REASONS. THIS VEHICLE IS NOW VIRTUALLY INOPERABLE AS IT IS NOT SAFE TO BE ON THE ROAD UNTIL IT IS FIXED.
HEAR ABNORMAL NOISES FROM THE ENGINE SOUND LIKE RATTLE OR TICKING
TIMING CHAIN REPLACEMENT NEEDED AFTER 80000 MILES
THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THOUSAND OAKS INFINITI WHERE I REGULARLY HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS A BANK 2 CATALYTIC CONVERTOR FAILURE. BASED ON MY RESEARCH, THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CAR AND IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME THAT THE OTHER CATALYTIC CONVERTOR WILL ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 INFINITI QX56. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS SAGGING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUSPENSION AIR BAG ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE EXPLODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
4/14/15 VEHICLE PURCHASED FROM CARMAX. 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 STRATUS DRIVER WAS INJURED AND SUBSEQUENTLY REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE QX56 WAS RETURNED TO CARMAX FOR REPAIR, BUT CARMAX SAID THEY COULD NOT RECREATE THE BRAKE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO INFINITI AND AN ENGINEER WAS SENT OUT TO PULL THE BLACK (RECORDER) BOX. TO DATE, WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE REPORT OF FINDINGS. INFINITI SAID THEY CHECKED THE BRAKES AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. SECOND AND SUBSEQUENT BRAKE FAILURES (5/16/15) BRAKES FAILED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE TRAVELING WEST ON THE 10 FWY AND SOUTH ON THE 605 FWY FROM WEST COVINA TO CERRITOS, CA. IN TRAFFIC AT APPROX. 40-45 MPH UNDER CLEAR WEATHER/GOOD ROAD CONDITIONS AT 1:15P.M., 1:35 P.M., ETC. 4 ADULTS WERE IN THE CAR. IMPACT WAS AVOIDED WITH THE CAR IN FRONT BY PULLING THE INFINITI ONTO THE FREEWAY SHOULDER AFTER OCCURRENCE, THE QX56 WAS DRIVEN DIRECTLY TO INFINITI CERRITOS (11011 E. SOUTH STREET, CERRITOS, CA 90703). THE BRAKE CONDITION IS BEING ANALYZED. THE CONTACT PERSON IS [XXX] ANOTHER QX56 VEHICLE COMPLAINT FOR THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, MODEL, AND IDENTICAL BRAKE FAILURE PROBLEMS WAS REPORTED ON CARCOMPLAINTS.COM AT CAN BE FOUND AT THE FOLLOWING LINK: WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/INFINITI/QX56/2013/BRAKES/BRAKE_PEDAL_GOES_ALL_THE_WAY_TO_THE_FLOOR.SHTM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS WITHIN TWO DAYS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR. IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, I WAS ALREADY AT A COMPLETE STOP WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN IT SUDDENLY COLLAPSED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. IN THE SECOND INSTANCE, AS SOON AS I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE BRAKE PEDAL COLLAPSED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR, FOR FEAR IT WILL OCCUR AGAIN WHEN I AM NOT COMPLETELY STOPPED, AND I WILL HAVE NO BRAKING ABILITY. THE INFINITI DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE CAR, CLAIMS NOTHING IS WRONG, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING AT THE DEALER FOR OVER A WEEK AWAITING AN INSPECTION BY A REPRESENTATIVE FROM INFINITI CONSUMER AFFAIRS. THE PROBLEM SEEMS VERY SIMILAR TO A PROBLEM EXPERIENCED ON EARLIER MODEL YEARS, WHEN THE BOOSTER CYLINDER MALFUNCTIONED. CLEARLY, THERE IS SOME SORT OF PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE HYDRAULICS...
BACKING UP IN PARKING LOT SLOWLY (3MPH), UTILIZING ALL MIRRORS, GLANCING OVER BOTH SHOULDERS WHEN I BACKED INTO A VEHICLE'S BUMPER CAUSING DAMAGE TO MY BUMPER WHILE NONE TO THE OTHER CAR. THE INFINITI QX56 IS EQUIPPED WITH CAMERA AIDING CORNER SONAR AND MOD (MOVING OBJECT DETECTION). 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 CORNER SONAR IS ADJUSTABLE TO HIGHER OR LOWER SENSITIVITY AND IS SET TO THE HIGHEST SETTING WHICH SOUNDS A TONE TO INFORM THE DRIVER OF OBSTACLES NEAR THE BUMPER - PER THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE MOD SYSTEM INFORMS THE DRIVER OF MOVING OBJECTS SURROUNDING THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING OUT OF GARAGES, MANEUVERING INTO PARKING LOTS AND IN OTHER SUCH INSTANCES AND IS AUTOMATICALLY TURNED ON WHEN THE SELECTOR LEVER IS IN THE R (REVERSE) POSITION. HOWEVER, THE OWNER'S MANUAL STATES THAT WHILE THE SONAR IS BEEPING, THE MOD SYSTEM DOES NOT CHIME.THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS VEHICLE'S SAFETY FEATURES HAVE NOT PERFORMED IN REVERSE WITH NO SONAR TONES NOR MOD CHIMES SOUNDING AN ALERT. I REPORTED THIS ISSUE DIRECTLY TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, AFTER THE FIRST FAILURE TO ALERT WHICH RESULTED IN MINOR DAMAGE TO THIS VEHICLE'S BUMPER BY CONTACT WITH A STATIONARY SIGN POLE IN A PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED WITH NO MALFUNCTIONS FOUND AND I WAS ADVISED (PER INFINITI'S DISCLAIMER'S) TO NOT JUST USE THESE TOOLS TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS, BUT TO USE THEM IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE REAR-VIEW MIRROR, SIDE-VIEW MIRRORS, AND LOOKING AND CHECKING TO MAKE SURE IT IS SAFE TO MOVE. THESE ADDITIONAL SAFETY FEATURES WERE VERY IMPORTANT TO OUR PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE AS I WANT TO FEEL SAFE IN A VEHICLE AND KNOW THAT THE VEHICLE'S FEATURES/OPTIONS OPERATE AS INTENDED AND IS RELIABLE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 INFINITI QX56. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION POWER. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. MAH UPDATED 06/26/2013 *JS
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Valve and piston damage — timing chain/belt failure causes immediate catastrophic engine damage at any speed
▸ Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 32 total NHTSA complaints filed over 10 years, with the worst year being 2020 (7 complaints).
The amber reliability line averaged 97/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 91/100 in 2014.
Notably, despite 32 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.
Red dots on the amber line flag 3 years (2014, 2015, 2021) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $33,114 (~$552/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2013 INFINITI QX56 — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | JN8AZ2NE0D9040109 |
| Model Year | 2013 |
| Make | INFINITI |
| Model | QX56 |
| Series | Wagon body style |
| Vehicle Type | MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV) |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] |
| Doors | 4 |
| Drive Type | 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Displacement (L) | 5.6 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | NISSAN MOTOR COMPANY, LTD |
| Assembly City | MIYAWAKA |
| Assembly Country | JAPAN |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | JN8 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 0 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | D |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | 9 |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 040109 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 3 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 32 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 11/1/2026, 1:24:06 PM.