2008 Infiniti QX56 Problems
Compared with other Infiniti QX56 years
Typical for this model
50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× that of a typical Infiniti QX56 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 6 of its 53 complaints were filed by the end of 2010.
- Most reported problem: Brakes suddenly lose stopping power or skip (22 complaints, median 89,000 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2010
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 53filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 92,000miles, 40 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 14 mpgcombined, 5.6L 8-cyl RWD · 12 city / 18 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Infiniti QX56 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2008 QX56 most often describe brakes that suddenly lose stopping power, sometimes with a brake warning light or grinding noise. Other common reports involve fuel gauges that read wrong before sudden stalls, steering shimmy and rear sway over bumps, airbag warning lights, and headlamps that fog or fail. Many reports come from cars with high mileage.
- Brakes
Brakes suddenly lose stopping power or skip
- 22 complaints (42%)
- median 89,000 mi at 6.7 yrs old (18 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2025
Owners describe the pedal going to the floor, a brake warning light, or grinding and skipping, with the brakes failing to slow or stop the car. Some report brakes that work again after the car is turned off and back on or the pedal is pumped, and that the problem comes and goes. Some describe collisions after the brakes did not engage, including a low-speed turn and a missed stop at an intersection. A recall describes a brake pedal pivot pin that can partially disengage, and some complaints name the brake booster or a delta stroke sensor as the suspected part. Many listed reports are above 80,000 miles, though some occur at low mileage.
Recall 10V0720002 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask whether the brake pedal pivot pin recall work and any brake booster or ABS repairs are recorded, and check the service history for brake warning lights or stored ABS codes. During a test drive on a safe road, check that the pedal feels firm and the car stops normally at low speed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving down the road when my brakes started to skip. I stop my vehicle and put the vehicle in park and then put it back in drive then I was able to drive again as normal. It happen three more times after that. It's very dangerous for this kind of issue to occur in travel while driving at any rate of speed. I need this issue looked at by the dealer ship at their expense.”
NHTSA complaint #10509036, filed 2013-04, 63,450 miles“I applied brakes with plenty of lead time but the QX56 failed to brake causing me to rear end another SUV; I did minimal damage to the other car but damaged my radiator/front-bumper/hood. I had a similar ABS issue about a week before as described by many for the 2004-2006 nissan/infinity recall but I didn't research that recall until this current accident. My airbags did not go off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10609210, filed 2014-07, 86,000 miles - Fuel system
Fuel gauge reads wrong, leading to sudden fuel-out stalls
- 9 complaints (17%)
- median 65,000 mi at 4.6 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2010–2026
Owners describe a fuel gauge showing fuel when the tank is nearly or fully empty, and some report the car stalling or losing power after running out of fuel. Some describe the problem returning after a recall repair, with parts unavailable for a time, and the manufacturer reportedly said it would not fix the gauge again. Other reports describe dashboard lights staying off or flickering, and a vehicle that would not restart after stalling was towed. A recall describes a fuel gauge that may read inaccurately when the tank is empty. Where mileage is listed, the reports range from roughly 20,000 to 166,500 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the fuel gauge recall repair (10V074000) has been completed, and check the service history for repeat fuel gauge or fuel-out stall complaints. During a test drive, compare the gauge reading with the actual fuel level and watch for dashboard lights that stay off.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Qx56 2008 had left me stranded cv several times I believe recently after adding gas saw my fuel go from 88miles of fuel to 27miles of fuel left I don't trust it wortied I will be stranded and now it has eracticly have no lights in the dash just slippery rd sim bv le and I shut it off only to end up with no power as if battery was dead after disconnecting battery now my fuel is always at empty after driving for 10minutes”
NHTSA complaint #11164706, filed 2019-01, 166,490 miles“Last week I experienced two separate, unrelated safety problems with my 2008 Infiniti QX56. On thursday the truck abruptly lost all power including power steering and brakes and came to rest on a highway. It turns out that I had run out of fuel, despite the fuel gauge reading just under half a tank remaining. I had earlier been notified of a recall regarding this issue, but was on a wait list due to lack of replacement parts. The vehicle was repaired per the recall the next day, friday. …”
NHTSA complaint #10336477, filed 2010-06, 27,000 miles - Suspension
Steering shimmy, rear sway, or bouncing over bumps
- 6 complaints (11%)
- median 100 mi at 5.5 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2008–2016
Owners describe the steering wheel shimmying or shaking over road bumps and imperfections, and the rear end swaying, bouncing, or jumping, especially at highway speed. Some report needing to grip the wheel tightly and feeling as though the car is about to lose control. Some say replacing shocks and having an alignment did not improve the feel. Some complaints mention a rear self-leveling suspension that is not working. Where mileage is listed, the reports range from very low mileage to roughly 101,600 miles, and most involve bumps or highway driving.
What to check: Ask whether shock, alignment, or rear suspension repairs are recorded, and whether the rear self-leveling system has been checked. During a test drive over a few road bumps at highway speed, check for shimmy, sway, or bounce.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The 2008 infinity QX56 has suspension and steering flaws that are very dangerous and may lead to a crash. Car drives and handles fine but over any road imperfection the steering wheel shimmies and shakes and feels like you are about to lose control. Steering wheel must be held by two hands and even then feels like rear end is jumping and about to separate from front end. I replaced shocks and various other suspension items and had an alignment but there's something wrong with the way this car handles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10515783, filed 2013-06, 101,625 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Infiniti QX56. While driving 40 MPH and above, the vehicle shakes and the steering wheel shimmies when it crosses over abnormalities in the road. The vehicle has been taken to a dealer approximately five times, but with no resolution. The VIN was unknown. The current mileage was 14,000 and failure mileage was 80.”
NHTSA complaint #10244607, filed 2008-10, 80 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light on, or driver airbag not deploying
- 5 complaints (9%)
- median 132,000 mi at 7.8 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2023
Owners describe the airbag warning light illuminating, flashing, or blinking, sometimes with no crash and no prior airbag deployment. Repair findings described in complaints include a shorted driver-side airbag module and a failed spiral cable, and a software reset that did not clear the warning. In a rollover, a complaint describes the driver's steering wheel airbag not deploying while other airbags did. Some say the dealer described the fault as electronic rather than owner error, and that repair quotes were high. Where mileage is listed, the reports range from about 110,000 to 155,000 miles, and most involve warning lights rather than a crash.
What to check: Ask whether any airbag warning light or airbag module repair is recorded, and what the diagnosis was. A scan for stored airbag codes at start-up can show whether the system is reporting a fault.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Airbag light suddenly began flashing. I took truck to dealer and they said driver side airbag module shorted internally. Price to fix is $1,600.00. This truck has never been in an accident or at any time had its airbags deployed. All service to truck has been with Infiniti dealerships. Service representative said electronic issue and not owner error. This could happen at any time with this truck. I called customer service and they said problem is covered if truck less than 4 years old or 60,000 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10701522, filed 2015-03, 110,000 miles“I was involved in an auto rollover accident on January2, 2023 when a driver t-boned me in my 2008 Infiniti Qx56 striking the middle of the passenger side of my Qx56 after running a stop sign and failing to yield to my right of way causing my Qx56 to roll over 3 times. My driver's steering wheel airbag did NOT deploy. To my knowledge all the other airbags did deploy. I suffered neck, right shoulder, and lower back injuries from the rollover but remained in the driver's seat as the seatbelt system worked well. My Qx56 was a total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #11507391, filed 2023-02 - Exterior lighting
Headlamps fail or fog from moisture inside
Mentioned in 4 of 52 sampled complaints
Owners describe condensation or moisture forming inside headlamp assemblies, with igniters or bulbs failing repeatedly. A complaint describes a passenger headlight failing at moderate speed, with the driver-side light failing later. Owners say replacement parts are costly, and some say similar problems are common across these vehicles. According to complaints, the dealer described the moisture as a problem with the vehicle, and the manufacturer did not provide help. Mileage is often not given, and some reports come soon after a used purchase, with moisture noticed within weeks.
What to check: Ask whether the headlamp assemblies have been repaired or replaced, and look inside each headlamp for condensation before purchase. Check that both headlamps light normally on a night drive or after a wet-weather drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I bought my vehicle used, a few weeks after purchase I noticed condensation inside the headlight assembly on the passenger side. I've received no help in solving this problem from the dealer or Infiniti the company themselves now both driver and passenger have condensation in them in.the situation is so bad that it blows the lamps so that night driving is hazardous let alone dangerous . I cannot have my children in the car due to this. …”
NHTSA complaint #10704524, filed 2015-04“Headlamp assembly is cracked and condensation builds up, shorting out the igniter. Apparently my mechanic says that nissan and Infiniti know of the problem 8 models for 6 years (or 6 models for 8 years) and have not issued a recall. But the price for the headlamp assemblies and ignitors are outrageous. The problem is so prevalent, there is a youtube video showing how to dry out the headlamp assembly and caulk it to reuse! This many problems and no recall seems very dangerous. It cost me $1000 to replace an ignitor. …”
NHTSA complaint #11166756, filed 2019-01
Buying note. Prospective buyers may want to confirm the brake and fuel gauge recall work and look for repeated brake or fuel warning lights in the service history. A pre-purchase inspection that includes a brake test, a check of the fuel gauge against the actual level, and a look inside the headlamps can help clarify the vehicle's condition.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 52 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 53 consumer complaints for the 2008 Infiniti QX56. 40 of the complaints include a mileage, and 28% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 92,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 103 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 4 Infiniti QX56 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 50 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes23 43%
- Fuel system9 17%
- Electrical system8 15%
- Suspension7 13%
- Air bags5 9.4%
- Exterior lighting4 7.5%
- Engine3 5.7%
- Other or unknown3 5.7%
Also reported: Steering (2), Engine cooling (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Tires (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “The brakes on my vehicle has a strange reaction when I brake at times and is hesitant to stop. It doesn't happen often but it's scary. Usually after I stop the vehicle, cut it off & crank it again the problem goes away only to do it again on a later date. After going online I find that many others have experienced the same problem with Infiniti QX56 & nissan armada's. I'm sure whether or not it's a ABS sensor malfunction or what but thankfully it haven't happened while being in heavy traffic because I fear I'll rear end another motorist.”
NHTSA complaint #11244836, filed 2019-08, 167,000 milesFuel system: “While driving to the gas station my 2008 infinity QX56 simply died. I had to pull to the right to get out of traffic on a busy street. I called the dealership ( for roadside assistance) and was told I was probably out of gas. I have never in 26 years of driving run out of gas and the gas meter showed 1/8+ full. I was then informed that there was a recall on an internal gage in the tank. The dealer has known about the recall for weeks, but, I was told, customers were not informed because they weren't sure how they were going to fix the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10321749, filed 2010-03, 20,000 milesElectrical system: “During normal operation of the vehicle and while in motion, the ABS brake light indicator on the dash control panel illuminates when applying the brakes, which cause the brakes to shake and make scraping sound. At that point the brakes fail to stop the vehicle in a safe distance, increasing the chance of a collision. Abs brake light clears and normal brake functions return when the ignition is turned off, then back on.”
NHTSA complaint #10790004, filed 2015-11, 131,000 milesSuspension: “The contact owns a 2008 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds when encountered a ditch in the road, the rear of the vehicle swayed and the steering wheel vigorously shook. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where there was no diagnosis or repair completed. The manufacturer was made aware and stated they would send an investigator to inspect the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 100.”
NHTSA complaint #10915542, filed 2016-10, 100 milesMileage when problems were reported
28% of the 40 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 48,670 and 130,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Infiniti QX56. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QX56 · sedan RWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 4 | — | — | 3 · 21.9% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2008 Infiniti QX56 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QX56 2WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 12 | 18 | 14 | $5,850 |
| QX56 4WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 12 | 17 | 14 | $5,850 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 10V349000Jul 22, 2010Air bags › Side/windowCovers: Infiniti QX56 2008, Nissan Armada 2008
Nissan is recalling model year 2008 nissan armada and infiniti qx56 vehicles manufactured from february 7, 2007 through february 14, 2007. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 201, "protection in…
- 10V074000Mar 3, 2010Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge systemCovers: Infiniti QX56 2005–2009, Nissan Armada 2005–2009, Titan 2005–2009
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 titan, armada, and infiniti qx56 vehicles. The instrument panel fuel gauge may inaccurately display that the vehicle still has some fuel, typically about one quarter tank, when the fuel tank is empty.
- 10V072000Mar 2, 2010Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkagesCovers: Infiniti QX56 2008–2010, Nissan Titan 2008–2010, Armada 2008–2010 +1 more
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 titan, armada, and infiniti qx56, and model year 2008-2009 nissan quest vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin end was not spin-formed to specification during the manufacturing process of the brake pedal…
Recall details for the 2008 Infiniti QX56 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 103 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031720Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11002539May 20, 2024Electrical system. INTELLIGENT KEY NOT DETECTED / ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11002537May 20, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001653May 20, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001182Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001179Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001177Apr 29, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10233611Mar 8, 2023Brakes. ABS/VDC CAN DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232646Feb 27, 2023Body and structure, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232644Feb 27, 2023Body and structure, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Infiniti QX56
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 32 | 102,500 | 3 | — | 16 | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 57 | 84,278 | 3 | — | 16 | 51 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 78 | 90,000 | 2 | — | 16 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 26 | 60,122 | 2 | — | 14 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 7 | 133,096 | 2 | — | 14 | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 53 | 92,000 | 3 | — | 14 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2007 | 21 | 94,500 | 1 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 2006 | 80 | 93,321 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 80 | 92,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 106 | 86,381 | 1 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Infiniti QX56 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Infiniti QX56?
Owners of the 2008 QX56 most often describe brakes that suddenly lose stopping power, sometimes with a brake warning light or grinding noise. The issues reported most often: Brakes suddenly lose stopping power or skip; Fuel gauge reads wrong, leading to sudden fuel-out stalls; Steering shimmy, rear sway, or bouncing over bumps.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Infiniti QX56 have?
NHTSA recorded 53 consumer complaints for the 2008 Infiniti QX56 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Infiniti QX56 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 23 complaints (43% of the total), followed by fuel system with 9.
Has the 2008 Infiniti QX56 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Infiniti QX56 get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Infiniti QX56 (QX56 2WD, 5.6L 8-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 12 city and 18 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,850 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Infiniti QX56 reported?
Among the 40 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 92,000 miles and the middle half falls between 48,670 and 130,000 miles; 28% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.