Infiniti QX80 Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Infiniti QX80 options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Infiniti QX80 has 78 owner complaints and 19 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2019 drew the most complaints; 2020 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Infiniti
- Model
- QX80
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 78
- Safety recall campaigns
- 19
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Fire-related complaints
- 0
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2019 (20 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2020 (6 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Average
By model year
Infiniti QX80: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
AverageThe INFINITI QX80 has 78 NHTSA complaints and 19 recalls on record. 3 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 78 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 19 federal recall campaigns
- 3 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
19 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 78 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
78 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Summary: Recurring weak/no-start condition due to low battery voltage despite new battery replacement. Charging system (VVCS) fails to adequately maintain battery charge on normal driving patterns. -Purchased certified pre-owned vehicle Dec 2024. -Began experiencing weak battery (weak or no starts) approximately Jul 2025. Jump started and charged for a few months, as issue was intermittent. -Symptoms got worse, brought vehicle to dealer Nov 2025. Battery tested bad and replaced by dealer. -Experienced weak battery again June 2026. Voltage readings: 12.16V resting, drops to ~12V while driving after initial 15V spike. Charged battery with battery charger. -Took vehicle to dealer again 6/29/26. Dealer confirmed smart charging behavior, no parasitic draw, no codes, good battery (had been recently charged), good alternator. Dealer suggested that smart charging system does not align with driving behavior and recommended battery maintainer as workaround. Safety impact: Weak starting creates potential stranding or safety risk (especially in traffic or emergencies).
Back window shattered for no reason. Vehicle parked on property and was fine when we came home last night in another vehicle and parked behind it. Online found out this has been happening where the back window spontaneous combustion for no reason. Checked property surveillance cameras and confirmed no one was on property at all. Highly concerned as third-row seating is so close to back window a child could be seriously injured. Glass was found behind 2 ND row. Manufacturer not helpful as they want me to drive with broken glass to dealership on highway to determine if they might cover it.
Subject: Request for Safety Defect Investigation and Recall – 2018 INFINITI QX80 Infotainment/Navigation Screen To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to formally request an investigation into a serious and recurring problem with the infotainment/navigation screen in my 2018 INFINITI QX80 and to request that INFINITI consider a safety recall or other appropriate remedy. The screen is malfunctioning by going black, freezing, failing to come on, and repeatedly turning on and off while I am driving the vehicle. This is not simply an inconvenience. Having the display repeatedly shut off and restart while the vehicle is in motion raises a significant safety concern. The screen is an integrated part of the vehicle's infotainment and navigation system and may also be connected to the vehicle's rear-view camera system. A malfunctioning display can interfere with the driver's ability to access important vehicle information, navigation, and potentially the backup-camera image. I am concerned that this may be a defective component or system affecting other 2018 INFINITI QX80 vehicles. I respectfully request that INFINITI investigate whether this is a known or recurring defect and review complaints and repair records from other QX80 owners. I am requesting that INFINITI: 1. Investigate the cause of the screen repeatedly turning on and off while driving. 2. Determine whether this is a common defect affecting 2018 QX80 vehicles. 3. Review previous complaints, repairs, and warranty claims involving this system. 4. Determine whether the problem presents a safety risk. 5. Consider issuing a safety recall or providing a safety-related repair or replacement remedy to affected owners. 6. Provide me with a written response regarding INFINITI's findings and any available recall, service campaign, warranty extension, or other remedy. Vehicle: 2018 INFINITI QX80 VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 131,000 Problem: Infotainment/navigation screen goes black, freezes, fails to come on, and repeatedl INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The dashboard bulbs went out from 0-40 mph and 6-8 rpms. It seems to be a common issue on Reddit and I have found complaints on the internet.
Similar to other complaints, the instrument cluster lighting is beginning to go dim or completely out starting at the high end of the RPM gauge and the low end of the speedometer gauge. This is an issue during night time driving.
The primary instrument gauge for the QX80 starts to lose illumination from around the speedometer and tachometer. The vehicle has 55,000 miles and is a 2018 model. This is the SECOND time this has happened, with the instrument gauge being replaced first at approximately 32,000 miles for the same reason. Currently the instrument gauge is continuing to lose lighting - making the speedometer impossible to see at night (SAFETY ISSUE). Infiniti Dealership reports that there is a +/- 2 YEAR waitlist for replacement instrument clusters, and that this is a known problem. The same dealership that replaced it a few years ago. This 2nd instrument cluster started going out in the 20-45 mph segment, then 6500-8000 rpm tach, then 0-20 mph.
Read 14 more owner reports
The plastic trim on the steering wheel that is colored to match the other plastic trim in the car has cracked at the 2:00 clock position. The cracked plastic sometimes lifts when turning the wheel which I feel may cause an accident. I have not had it inspected by the dealer of manufacturer as I'm aware they won't repair it currently. There were no symptoms before it happened, it was just cracked/separated one day. Nissan/Infiniti should be required to repair this potential safety issue.
I was slowing down at a red light and heard a bang and glass shattered. My sunroof exploded. Nothing hit it. The glass is bowed outward.
The contact wife owns a 2018 Infiniti QX80 AWD. The contact stated that the Telematics Control Unit (TCU) of the vehicle operated in 3G however, the AT&T servers were shutting down causing the functionality of the TCU to become inoperable. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that there was no solution to the failure at the moment. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
My vehicle is one oil change past the bumper to bumper warranty or 4000 miles. Air bag light is on. My regular mechanic took to dealer. Dealer said they see this problem all the time. Told us that in an accident the bags would not deploy and repair is more than $5000! We contacted Nissan north America. Extremely rude employee said too bad as vehicle was out of warranty. Said "maybe" could have done something if we had serviced vehicle at dealer instead of private shop but too bad. Explained that mechanic at dealership said this is a common problem and he was surprised it is not a recall. She told me well it isn't so that is that. She refused to give me to her boss. "We don't do that" .
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 INFINITI QX80. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 38-40 MPH, THE DRIVER OF AN ONCOMING VEHICLE FAILED TO YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY AND CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT FENDER OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED; HOWEVER, THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN HIM FROM MOVING FORWARD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,400. *DT*JB
Full system fault on the center stack display. The unit turns off completely and/or resets continuously. The rear parking camera, audio, navigation, etc. is affected when this issue occurs.
I've had 2 incidents where my vehicle has stopped and not restarting. I took it to the dealership, and they stated I needed a starter. I see there are several complaints regarding this issue with the model QX80. Ive also had to get 2 new batteries with 1 year. Please look into the issues. I went to the dealership on 8/18/2026 they said my vehicle didn't start . My vehicle did start and I took it to another repair shop and save over 1300.00 To say my car wouldn't start and it did . I'm glad it did so I didn't have to pay so much for and it was done in less than 1hr
The battery in my vehicle continuously dies, leaving me stranded on multiple occasions. This has been occurring since 2024 consistently. In January I had it towed to the dealership since every time I jump the battery, it charges it which in turn causes it to pass their battery test. Since I had it towed while the battery was dead they told me that the battery test failed so I purchased a new battery directly from Infiniti expecting reliability and quality. I started having issues again with my SUV not starting due to a dead battery in July or August 2025. The issue persists, and I have since learned that the 2019 QX80 model is known to have charging system problems that cause premature battery failure. I have to jump my vehicle about 3-5 times a week. Despite bringing this issue to Infiniti’s attention, I have received no meaningful assistance or resolution. This is not only inconvenient but also a serious safety concern. I rely on my vehicle daily, and repeatedly being stranded due to a known defect is completely unreasonable.
Ongoing failure to start, multiple battery replacements in less than 2 years. Purchased a warranty and of course the vehicle will not replicate its failure to start when it is at the dealership for the warranty claims adjustor to review. Car has had to be towed to the dealership with no resolution even after being there multiple times. Dashlights have gone dim - issues with multiple lights coming on. Dash on order - been waiting months now with no update on when the new dash will arrive. Multiple TSB's have been issued regarding the issues mentioned - TSB ITB19-034b TSB MC-10239504 with no resolution. Infiniti is aware of these issues and has only offered to bypass "jump out" or bypass of the IPDM (Intelligent Power Distribution Module), noting that this action would void my warranty related to that specific issue. This is unacceptable. Infiniti serviced my vehicle in August and September no issues with the battery - but then it failed in October. A new battery had to be purchased in Oct after a visit by AAA.
Fuel gauge erratically and inaccurately showing different levels of fuel- sometimes full, empty or anywhere in between. Potential risk of running out of gas and not knowing. Recalls are listed for other vehicle model years but not this one. No warning messages appear on dashboard. First noticed the problem Feb 2025 and continues to worsen. It has not been seen by a mechanic or dealership yet since first experiencing.
This car has the SAME issue as explained in NHTSA Bulletin ITB17-008c for 2017-2018 year Infiniti QX80's but Infiniti will not diagnose and fix. Instead they are seeking nearly $4k in repair work. The torque converter should last up to 200k miles and my car started having this issue around 65k miles. Ive escalated to Infiniti HQ and they will not listen to my complaint and continually are telling me there is not a recall. This recall needs to be put into place for model year 2019, the issue is NOT fixed!
Something keeps killing my battery. There’s no lights that come on to indicate a problem. I’ve been stranded twice at work and now today, I get ready to leave and the battery is dead again!! I’ve gotten a new battery three times in a year’s time. I’ve searched for a recall because I see where others are having the same problem, but apparently there’s not one. Hopefully, the dealership will have some answers tomorrow.
I was driving down the interstate, no one around me at the time when a loud boom happened and my sunroof had exploded. Nothing hit it. It just bam, exploded shattering the whole thing. And the quote I was given for replacement is crazy expensive. $2500+ and can’t be replaced before we head home, we are on vacation so we have to figure a make shift solution to get home without suffering more damage. We are 16 hours plus stops away from home.
The battery will lose all charge stranding you. Has happened twice and after searching the internet apparently Infiniti has known about this problem.
Showing 20 of 78 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Infiniti QX80
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Infiniti QX80, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Infiniti QX80 has 78 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Infiniti QX80 has 19 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 3 of the Infiniti QX80's 78 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Infiniti QX80 vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Infiniti QX80 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Infiniti QX80 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
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Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Infiniti QX80.
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Infiniti QX80 reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Infiniti QX80 reliable?
Average. The Infiniti QX80 has 78 NHTSA owner complaints and 19 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Infiniti QX80 years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2019 (20 complaints), 2017 (17 complaints), 2018 (9 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Infiniti QX80 problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (22 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (21 complaints); AIR BAGS (10 complaints).
Does the Infiniti QX80 have recalls?
Yes — 19 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Infiniti QX80. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.