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2010 Infiniti Qx56 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2010 Infiniti Qx56 carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering lower arm. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Suspension component faults.” Infiniti manuals split service into Schedule 1 (severe — short trips, city traffic, extreme temperatures) and Schedule 2 (easy highway use). Most US drivers honestly belong on Schedule 1: oil every 5,000 miles. The VQ V6s that power most of the lineup are chain-driven and durable when the oil stays fresh. The two things owners skip at their peril: CVT fluid on QX50/QX60 (extended intervals are how these transmissions die) and oil discipline on the twin-turbo VR30 in Q50/Q60 Red Sport.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

Campaign #10E019000 · May 20, 2010

Issue: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AND MAY 14, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND QX56, AND MODEL YEARS 2005 THROUGH 2010 FRONTIER, XTERRA, AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK ASSEMBLY HAS TWO CYLINDRICAL COLLARS FORMING THE INBOARD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO THE CHASSIS. DUE TO AN IMPROPER WELDING PROCESS SOME COLLARS MAY CONTAIN WELDS THAT DO NOT MEET STRENGTH SPECIFICATIONS.

Risk: IF THE COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE HANDLING WILL DETERIORATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Fix: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED LOWER LINK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

Campaign #10V208000 · May 14, 2010

Issue: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TITAN, ARMADA, QX56, FRONTIER, XTERRA, AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2009 THROUGH MARCH 3, 2010. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK ASSEMBLY HAS TWO CYLINDRICAL COLLARS FORMING THE INBOARD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO THE CHASSIS. DUE TO AN IMPROPER WELDING PROCESS SOME COLLARS MAY CONTAIN WELDS THAT DO NOT MEET STRENGTH SPECIFICATIONS.

Risk: IF THE COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE HANDLING WILL DETERIORATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Fix: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Campaign #10V072000 · Feb 3, 2010

Issue: 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 ASSEMBLY. THE PIVOT PIN COULD SLIDE AND CAUSE THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PARTIALLY DISENGAGE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL BRACKET.

Risk: THE DRIVER WILL EXPERIENCE UNUSUAL AND NOTICEABLE LOOSENESS IN THE PEDAL AND A REDUCTION IN BRAKING FORCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THE PIVOT PIN HAD BEEN FORMED PROPERLY AND WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2010 Infiniti Qx56.

Reported to NHTSA

Suspension component faults

SUSPENSION

2 NHTSA complaints · 2010-01 → 2014-11

“I HAVE BEEN THE OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE SINCE JUNE OF 2014 AND PURCHASED IT WITH 53K MILES. THE UNDERBODY HAS SUBSTANTIAL RUST FOR THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS RUST HAS SEIZED THE ALIGNMENT BOLTS IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND IT CANNOT BE PROPERLY ALIGNED WITHOUT MAJOR REPAIRS(IN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10653767
“A FAULT CODE GETS SET AND DEACTIVATES THE REAR AIR LEVELING SUSPENSION. WHEN THAT HAPPENS, NO AIR TO THE AIR SHOCKS AND IT BOTTOMS OUT. SUPPOSEDLY, ONLY THE DEALER CAN RESET IT. A REAL PROBLEM WHEN TOWING A TRAILER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10299768

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Delayed brake response and stability control warning

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

2 NHTSA complaints · 2010-03 → 2016-11

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS AN 2010 INFINITI QX56. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 30-40 MPH. WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL THERE WAS A DELAY RESPONSE. THE CONTACT REQUIRED AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE DURING BRAKING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10320991
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 INFINITI QX56. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL OFF SLIP ON WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND STAYED ON UNTIL THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOUR TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10925893

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield defrost and HVAC actuator faults

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2016-01

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 INFINITI QX56. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEFROSTER FAILED TO DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD ENTIRELY CAUSING THE CONTACT TO NOT BE ABLE TO VIEW OUT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE WINDOW WAS 60% DEFROSTED AFTER USING THE DEFROSTER AND A SCRAPPER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10822848
“HEATING/A/C ACTUATORS MAKES AN ANNOYING CLICKING NOISE. IT APPEARS TO BE STUCK...AND TRYING TO CLOSE/ OPEN. THIS APPEARS TO BE AN ON GOING PROBLEM WITH NISSAN/INFINITY TRUCKS. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10692911

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light illumination

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2014-11 → 2023-12

“The passenger airbag restraint system has failed. Specifically, the passenger seat airbag sensor has failed, meaning there is no current airbag functionality for the passenger in my 2010 Infiniti QX56. There was a voluntary safety recall for (R1606) for Infiniti QX56's with”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11562306
“MY AIRBAG LIGHT AND SEATBELT LIGHTS AREON AND THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT PRIOR TO THIS COMING ON. DEALER STATED I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO GET IT REPAIRED BECAUSE THERE IS NO RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11241740
“THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD CONTROL PANEL. UPON INSPECTION AT AN INFINITY DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD THE CABLE FOR THE AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE COST WOULD BE ABOUT $600. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS APPROXIMATELY 54,000 MILES AND I DO NOT THINK THERE SHOULD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10654176

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering control loss over rough roads and potholes

STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2011-02 → 2015-04

“I OWN 2010 QX56. ON NOVEMBER 16TH I WAS COMING OUT OF PARKING GARAGE AT CHICAGO O'HARE AIRPORT. AFTER I PASS THE PAY BOOTH, WITH IN 15 FEET AT THE SPEED OF 4 TO 5 MILES PER HOUR, I LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL BECAUSE OF SOME MALFUNCTION OF THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10437726
“COMPLAINT: I AM WRITING TO NOTIFY NHTSA OF THE EXTREMELY LACK OF STABILITY CONTROL WITH MY VEHICLE. THE LACK OF STABILITY CONTROL OCCURS WHEN DRIVING OVER SMALL UNEVEN SURFACES AND CAUSES THE STEERING TO BE VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10562630
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 INFINITY QX56. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING OVER A POT HOLE AT ANY SPEED, THE STEERING WOULD BECOME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THE FAILURE WHERE THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSIS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10380075

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical system stalling with dash warning lights

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2011-10 → 2014-02

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 INFINITI QX56. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE ICC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10563945
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 INFINITI QX56. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED OAS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT CALLED ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND INSPECTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10432915

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear overhead console detachment while driving

STRUCTURE

2 NHTSA complaints · 2016-07 → 2016-07

“I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN WATER ST, UPPER MARLBORO, MD ON MY WAY TO WORK AND THE REAR OVERHEAD CONSOLE (CONSOLE ASSY-ROOF) JUST FELL ON MY SHOULDER AND BACK SEATS. I'VE ATTACHED IMAGES SHOWING THE UNIT BREAKING APART FROM THE SCREWS AND AFTER RESEARCH I SEE THAT THIS HAS BEEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10888052
“THE REAR OVERHEAD CONSOLE FELL WHILE DRIVING. APPARENTLY IT WAS DUE TO THE HEAT ON THE ROOF THAT MELTED THE 6 CLIPS INSIDE THAT HOLDS IT TO THE CEILING, I'M CONFIDENT THIS HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND NEEDS BE CORRECTED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10885973

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1 (most US driving); 7,500 on the easy-use Schedule 2. VQ engines tolerate a lot but reward fresh oil with quiet chains and clean variable-timing operation. VR30 twin-turbo: treat 5,000 as the ceiling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate with every oil change. Staggered-fitment sport models (G37S, Q60) can't rotate front-to-rear — budget rear tires accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

CVT Fluid (QX50 / QX60)

Every 60,000 mi

CVT-equipped models: replace fluid around 60,000 miles — sooner with towing or hot-climate city driving. Use only Nissan NS-spec CVT fluid. This is the single most skipped, most expensive-to-skip item on modern Infiniti SUVs.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Akebono-caliper sport packages wear pads unevenly if the slide hardware isn't serviced — have it cleaned and lubricated with pad changes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace around 30,000 miles. Twin-intake VQ and VR engines use two filters — replace both, not just the easy one.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace roughly every 30,000 miles or 2 years — Infiniti pairs it with major services. Sport models driven hard should err toward the 2-year mark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (7/9-speed)

Every 60,000 mi

Conventional automatics (G35/G37/Q50 RWD 7-speed, QX80 9-speed): fluid service around 60,000 miles under severe use keeps shifts clean. Matic-S/Matic-D spec fluid only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium plugs rated to 105,000 miles. On transverse VQ models (older QX60, JX35) the rear bank hides under the intake plenum — pay the labor once, at the full interval.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace about every 15,000 miles; behind the glovebox on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 75,000 mi

First replacement at 75,000 miles / 5 years (Nissan blue long-life), then about every 4 years after. Genuine or NS-spec coolant only — mixing types gels.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking, glazing, or tensioner noise. VQ accessory belts announce their age with a cold-start chirp.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Intelligent-Key and always-on telematics draw at rest — weak batteries show up first as slow push-button starts.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

18 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

2

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2010 Infiniti Qx56 reflects INFINITI's published service intervals and the Schedule 1 / Schedule 2 Maintenance system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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