2012 Infiniti Qx56: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2012 Infiniti Qx56? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 58 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2012 Infiniti Qx56 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2012 Infiniti Qx56 trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2012 Infiniti Qx56 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2012 Infiniti QX56 SUV 4WDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Infiniti Qx56 has 58 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Infiniti
- Model
- Qx56
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 58
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 16
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 14 / 20
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2012 Infiniti Qx56 Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2012 Infiniti Qx56?
The 2012 Infiniti Qx56 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2012 Infiniti Qx56
Inspection Focus
- Request service records for engine repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system.
- Check for fuel system issues during test drive.
Before You Close the Deal
- Request service records for engine repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system.
- Check for fuel system issues during test drive.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 Infiniti Qx56, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2012 INFINITI QX56 has 58 NHTSA complaints, with the majority concentrated in engine problems. A recurring theme appears to be electrical faults and fuel system issues. Buyers may want to inspect these areas before purchase.
- Engine problems account for the largest share of complaints.
- Electrical faults are the second most reported component.
- There is one crash-related complaint among the total.
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Fuel/Propulsion System
All 2012 Infiniti Qx56 Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Infiniti Qx56. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 28 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Infiniti Qx56. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 stated that the high-pressure fuel pump was leaking, causing…
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 inspection, the left rear lower control arm failed catastrophi…
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 the midst of driving
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 illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, wh…
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 #: P6305 APPLIED VEHICLES: 2011-2013 QX56 (Z62) 2011-2013 M…
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 dealer informed the contact that the fuel pump needed to be rep…
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 going bad. Infiniti dealer, that I purchased the truck from sa…
My 2012 Infiniti QX56 has a loud rattling noise coming from the engine. This started around Oct 2020 and comes and go. It has got worse over the last month or so and has started stalling and acting like it doesn't want to go. A few times the car will start shaking while I'm drivi…
HAD NO PRIOR ISSUES, DRIVING DOWN THE HWYAT 65 MILES PER HR.. CAR FAILED. COSTED TO SIDE OF ROAD MADE IT TO REPAIR SHOP AND THE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT, WHICH AFFECTED THE TIMMING CHAIN AND BROKE THE TEETH, WHICH HAS AFFECTED THE MOTOR. THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT THAT HUNDRED OTHER FOL…
MY AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM. THE ISSUE THAT THEY REPORTED TO ME WAS "PAST CODE FOR AIR BAG PASSENGER SIDE: WILL NEED TO REPLACE DIAGNOSTICS MODULE TO BEGIN DIAGNOSIS."
THE PAINT ON MY 2012 QX 56 INFINITI IS PEELING REALLY BAD. I'VE SPOKE WITH SOMEONE AT THE COOPERATE LEVEL AND WAS TOLD THEIR WAS A RECALL ON THEM. THE DEALERSHIP WAS SUPPOSE TO REPAINT THE WHOLE VEHICLE, BUT I WAS NEVER CONTACTED. WHEN I SPOKE TO THE ASSOCIATE & MANGER, I WAS TOL…
THE PAINT IS PEELING OFF THE TOP OF THE ROOF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BY THE ROOF RACKS, IN FRONT BY THE WINDSHIELD THERE IS A SPOT THAT IS LARGER THAN A HALF DOLLAR AND ON THE DRIVER SIDE REAR A SPOT ABOUT 6-8 INCHES IN DIAMETER.
AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 INFINITI QX56. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY FAILED PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER, AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE CODE THEREFORE, THE BATTE…
I TOOK MY 2012 QX56 INFINITI TO INFINITI IN AUSTIN TEXAS AND THEY TOLD ME BOTH OF MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER OR OUT THIS NEED TO BE A RECALL ISSUE WANT ME TO SPEND OVER $4,000 FOR BOTH TO REPLACE. *TR
A WHINE OR HISS WHEN I START THE VEHICLE AND IT GOES AWAY AFTER ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES. IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE A TIMING CHAIN ISSUE BY MY MECHANIC. THERE APPEARS TO BE A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR THE 2012 QX56, BUT NOT FOR MY SPECIFIC VIN. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THE NHTSA ALLOWS …
MY WIFE DROVE TO MY DAUGHTERS SCHOOL SCHOOL FOR A BASKETBALL PRACTICE. SHE LOCKED THE DOORS USING THE KEYFOB LIKE ALWAYS. WHEN SHE GOT BACK TO THE CAR SHE UNLOCK THE DOORS USING THE KEYFOB, BUT THIS TIME THE DRIVERS DOOR DID NOT OPEN. SHE TRIED USING THE DOOR ENTRY BUTTON ON TH…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 INFINITY QX56. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG COVER WAS CRACKING. THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THE ISSUE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE AIR BAG COULD DEPLOY WITHOUT WARNING SINCE IT WAS CRACKED AND POSSIBLY IN…
ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION AFTER DRIVING TO A STORE OR APPT. AND PARK . GO OUT TO A COMPLETELY DEAD VEHICLE. JUMP START TO GET GOING MAY GO FOR A MONTH OR SO AND IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN WITH NO WARNING.
MY 2012 INFINITI QX56 NEEDS A NEW TIMING CHAIN AND INIFINITI SAID THERE WAS A RECALL BUT NOT ON MY PARTICULAR VIN NUMBER. IT SEEMS ODD THAT I HAVE THE YEAR AND MAKE OF THE CAR WITH THE EXACT REPAIRS NEEDED AS THE RECALL BUT THEY AREN'T COVERING IT.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Infiniti Qx56.
2012 Infiniti Qx56 Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Infiniti Qx56. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2012 Infiniti Qx56 Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Infiniti Qx56 reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 58 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2012 Infiniti Qx56 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Infiniti Qx56?▾
#1: Engine Problems (28 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (9 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (7 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Infiniti Qx56?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Infiniti Qx56?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Infiniti Qx56, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 58 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Infiniti Qx56 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Infiniti Qx56. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2012 Infiniti Qx56?▾
The 2012 Infiniti Qx56 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Infiniti Qx56 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2012 Infiniti Qx56 based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.