PROBLEM GUIDE

2004–2013 Infiniti QX56/QX80 Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated July 2026

50+

brake-related complaints

2004–2013

Model years affected

$3,850 – $7,500+

Typical repair cost, by problem

This generation's dominant and most severe problem is brake failure — over 50 complaints describe grinding, loss of braking power, and ABS malfunctions, and one driver suffered amputation of one-third of his foot after brake failure at 55 mph caused a collision with a guardrail. Owners also report an electrical fire in the center console while towing, causing roughly $12,000 in damage. Several owners also report that their VIN was not covered by a recall even though their problem matched the recalled defect.

Quick Scan: 15 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

Brake failure pattern

Grinding, loss of braking power, ABS malfunctions

Check engine light: On

Service brakes is by far the dominant NHTSA complaint category for this nameplate, with 50+ complaints describing brake failures, grinding noises, loss of braking power, warning lights, and ABS malfunctions. Most severe: one driver suffered amputation of one-third of his foot after brake failure at 55 mph caused a collision with a guardrail.

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Electrical fire while towing

Center console fire at highway speed

Check engine light: On

An electrical fire in the center console occurred at 45 mph while towing, causing approximately $12,000 in damage.

$7,500+

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Engine shutdowns while driving

Unexpected shutdowns tied to power distribution module failures

Check engine light: On

Electrical system complaints include unexpected engine shutdowns while driving and Intelligent Power Distribution Module (IPDM) failures.

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Transmission failure

Sudden stop or complete failure requiring rebuild

Check engine light: On

Transmission failure reported, including a sudden stop in one case and a rebuilt unit in another.

$3,850 – $3,90052,200 – 74,300 mi

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Abnormal Noise From the Timing Chain Area

An abnormal noise develops from the timing chain area

Check engine light: Off

An abnormal noise develops from the timing chain area. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 143 owner reports on file.

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The Rear Power Door May Not Open or Close Properly

The rear power door may not open or close properly

Check engine light: Off

The rear power door may not open or close properly. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 70 owner reports on file.

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The Fuel Gauge May Read Incorrectly

The fuel gauge may read incorrectly

Check engine light: Off

The fuel gauge may read incorrectly. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 54 owner reports on file.

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Exhaust Manifolds Crack and Make a Loud Noise on Acceleration

The exhaust manifolds crack and make a loud noise on acceleration

Check engine light: Off

The exhaust manifolds crack and make a loud noise on acceleration. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 51 owner reports on file.

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A Clunking or Popping Noise May Develop From the Front Suspension

A clunking or popping noise may develop from the front suspension

Check engine light: Off

A clunking or popping noise may develop from the front suspension. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 41 owner reports on file.

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Timing Chain and Exhaust Issues With Poor Customer Service Reported

Timing chain and exhaust issues are reported along with poor customer service

Check engine light: Off

Timing chain and exhaust issues are reported along with poor customer service. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 40 owner reports on file.

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Airbag (SRS) Light May Illuminate With Code B1177 and/or B1182

The airbag (SRS) light may illuminate with code B1177 and/or B1182

Check engine light: Off

The airbag (SRS) light may illuminate with code B1177 and/or B1182. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 35 owner reports on file.

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ABS and/or Brake Warning Light May Illuminate

The ABS and/or brake warning light may illuminate

Check engine light: Off

The ABS and/or brake warning light may illuminate. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 25 owner reports on file.

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Intermittent Brake, VDC, and Slip Light Issues

Intermittent brake, VDC, and slip warning light issues occur

Check engine light: Off

Intermittent brake, VDC, and slip warning light issues occur. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 17 owner reports on file.

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GPS Screen May Intermittently "Lock Up"

The GPS screen may intermittently lock up

Check engine light: Off

The GPS screen may intermittently lock up. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 16 owner reports on file.

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Performance Issues Leading to Bucking and Loss of Power During Long Drives

Performance issues lead to bucking and a loss of power during long drives

Check engine light: Off

Performance issues lead to bucking and a loss of power during long drives. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 14 owner reports on file.

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This generation has confirmed recall coverage for the brake-failure pattern described above, but multiple owners report their VINs excluded despite matching symptoms. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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