Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti QX80 vs Infiniti Q60
How the Infiniti QX80 and Infiniti Q60 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Infiniti QX80 vs Infiniti Q60: The QX80 has 78 complaints over 10 years (7.8/year) and 19 recalls, while the Q60 has 83 complaints over 8 years (10.4/year) and 6 recalls. The Q60 also reports more crash-related complaints (4 vs. 3) and injuries (5 vs. 2). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti QX80 or Infiniti Q60 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti QX80
The Infiniti QX80 is a full-size luxury SUV with 78 complaints over 10 years, averaging 7.8 per year. Owners frequently report electrical glitches, especially with infotainment and battery drain, plus air bag and forward collision avoidance issues. With 19 recalls, many for labels and backup cameras, it demands vigilance. Overall, it's a complex vehicle where electronic and safety-system faults are common.
Infiniti Q60
The Infiniti Q60 is a sporty coupe with 83 complaints over 8 years, averaging 10.4 per year. Complaints cluster around air bags, engine problems like white smoke and unintended acceleration, and power train/steering faults. Only 6 recalls, but 4 crash-related and 5 injuries reported. It's a higher-strung car with more frequent serious-sounding issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti QX80 | Infiniti Q60 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 78 Better | 83 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 | 6 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 4 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 7.8 Better | 10.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 Better | 5 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Infiniti QX80
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM22
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER21
- 03AIR BAGS10
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE10
- 05ENGINE7
Owners report infotainment/Apple CarPlay failures, USB-C port issues, and dead batteries after short stops. These can leave you stranded or without navigation and phone connectivity.
Complaints include air bag warning lights and a case where airbags were disabled due to electrical network errors. This means the supplemental restraint may not deploy in a crash.
Owners describe unintended braking, especially over certain road surfaces, and front collision sensor failures. This can cause sudden, unexpected braking and reduce trust in driver aids.
While fewer complaints, engine issues appear. Specifics aren't detailed in samples, but any engine fault in a large SUV can be costly.
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Two components have failed: the infotainment/Apple CarPlay system, including the USB-C connectivity port, and the front collision detection/crash sensor system.…”
“MY WIFE IS IN QUARANTINE WITH OUR DAUGHTER IN OREGON. DRIVES THE QX80 EVERY 2 OR 3 DAYS, TO GO TO THE STORE FOR FOOD. QX80 STARTED UP JUST FINE, DROVE IT TO THE STORE AND PARKED IT. 35 MINUTES LATER, CAME OUT OF THE STORE WITH PERISHABLE GROCERIES, THE BATTER…”
Infiniti Q60
- 01AIR BAGS21
- 02ENGINE20
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER12
- 04POWER TRAIN10
- 05STEERING10
Owners report air bag/SRS warning lights and occupancy classification system failures. This may prevent passenger airbag deployment when needed.
Complaints include extreme white smoke from exhaust and unintended acceleration. These are serious safety and reliability concerns that can lead to loss of control or costly repairs.
Reports include stalling, failure to accelerate, and swerving on bumps. These symptoms suggest transmission or drivetrain issues that affect drivability and safety.
Owners describe steering malfunctions, including swerving and difficulty controlling the car. Steering problems are critical for safe driving.
“Component/System: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) / Airbag Occupancy Classification System — Passenger Side What Happened: The airbag/SRS warning light illuminated on my 2018 Infiniti Q60 (VIN [XXX], 102,388 miles). The vehicle was taken to Sewell Infinit…”
“Hello, I purchased my Infiniti Q60 Red Sport brand new in 2028. About a year after that I started to have electrical issues with the car. I've brought it in to the Infiniti dealer in Valencia, CA numerous times during the warranty period (and a few times out…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Infiniti QX80 — 19 recalls
The defect: 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,…
The risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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. Additional letters will be sent once the final…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-…
The defect: 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,…
The risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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. Additional letters will be sent once the final…
The defect: 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,…
The risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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. Additional letters will be sent once the final…
Infiniti Q60 — 6 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Infiniti Q60 vehicles equipped with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.
The risk: In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seat belt assembly production dates, and replace the assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-8…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (INFINITI) is recalling certain 2021 INFINITI Q50 and Q60 vehicles. After detecting rapid acceleration, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may incorrectly reduce engine power and reduce fuel supply to the engine.
The risk: A lack of fuel may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: INFINITI will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECM software, free of charge. The recall began on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200. INFINITI's number for this recall is R20C5.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Infinity Q50, Q60, and QX80 vehicles. A software error may deactivate the audio/video control unit screen, preventing the rear-view image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehi…
The risk: A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 14, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R21A9.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-…
Buyer analysis
Infiniti QX80 or Infiniti Q60: which should you buy?
The QX80 has fewer complaints per year (7.8 vs. 10.4) and fewer crash-related reports (3 vs. 4) and injuries (2 vs. 5). In practice, the Q60 tends to have more frequent and potentially more severe issues, especially with engine and air bags. The QX80 still has notable electrical and driver-assist problems, but its overall complaint rate is lower.
Key differences
- QX80 averages 7.8 complaints/year vs. Q60's 10.4, so the Q60 has more owner-reported issues annually.
- Q60 has more air bag (21 vs. 10) and engine (20 vs. 7) complaints, while QX80 leads in electrical (22 vs. not top) and forward collision avoidance (10 vs. not top).
- QX80 has 19 recalls, many for labels and backup cameras; Q60 has 6 recalls, including engine software and seat belts.
- Q60 reports more crash-related complaints (4 vs. 3) and injuries (5 vs. 2), despite fewer recalls.
- Check infotainment/Apple CarPlay and USB-C functionality; test for battery drain by leaving it parked briefly and restarting.
- Verify forward collision avoidance and air bag systems: look for warning lights and test drive over varied surfaces for unintended braking.
- Inspect for white smoke from exhaust and check engine history; also test for unintended acceleration or stalling during test drive.
- Check air bag/SRS warning lights and passenger occupancy sensor; ensure no steering swerve or power train hesitation.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for QX80's many label/camera recalls and Q60's engine software recall.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, including infotainment, battery, and sensors, on the QX80.
- For the Q60, compression-test the engine and check for turbo/PCV issues that could cause white smoke; also scan for air bag and steering codes.
- Test drive both on varied roads, including bumps, to check for unintended braking (QX80) or steering swerve (Q60).
- Ask for maintenance records and verify that any air bag or forward collision warnings have been addressed by a dealer.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Infiniti QX80 | Infiniti Q60 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | 7 | 3 |
| 2020 | 6 | 2 |
| 2019 | 20 | 4 |
| 2018 | 9 | 25 |
| 2017 | 17 | 34 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Infiniti QX80 or Infiniti Q60 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti QX80 vs Infiniti Q60
- Infiniti QX80 total complaints
- 78
- Infiniti Q60 total complaints
- 83
- Infiniti QX80 total recalls
- 19
- Infiniti Q60 total recalls
- 6
- Infiniti QX80 avg complaints/year
- 7.8
- Infiniti Q60 avg complaints/year
- 10.4
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti QX80
- Infiniti QX80 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Infiniti Q60 top complaint area
- AIR BAGS