DecodedCars2008 Infiniti QX56
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 4X4
- Engines
- 5.6L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 14 combined · 12 city / 18 hwy
- Length
- 207.5 in
- Curb weight
- 5,913 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 14 MPG combined, 26% below the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 6 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Infiniti QX56 is a SUV - offered with a 5.6L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 208 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 124-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,913 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 14 MPG combined (12 city / 18 highway), 26% worse than the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $5,850 a year in fuel.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2008
- Lightest version 251 lb heavier
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 QX56 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4X4 | 207.5 in | 78.7 in | 78.7 in | 123.6 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 5,913 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QX56 2WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -26% | $5,850 | 635 |
| QX56 4WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 17 / 14 | -20% | $5,850 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Infiniti QX56 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Infiniti QX56 (this car) | 14 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Cadillac Escalade | 14 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Audi Q7 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Lincoln Navigator | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Air Bags › Side/Window · Jul 22, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V349000 · 21 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 INTERIOR IMPACT." AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION A-PILLAR FINISHER MIGHT IMPEDE THE CORRECT INFLATION OF THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG NEAR THE UPPER PORTION OF THE B-PILLAR.
- Risk
- INCORRECT INFLATION OF THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH REQUIRING DEPLOYMENT OF THAT AIR BAG.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT FRONT PILLAR FINISHERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 16, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System · Mar 3, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V074000 · 340,000 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALL ON THE HIGHWAY, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL SENDER UNIT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK WITH A NEW IMPROVED SENDER CARD. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages · Mar 2, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V072000 · 179,383 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Not every 2008 Infiniti QX56 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Infiniti QX56 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 13 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 8 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 4 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 126,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Infiniti QX56. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other QX56 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Infiniti. How we calculate this →