DecodedCars2012 Infiniti QX56
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4 Dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 5.6L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 14 city / 20 hwy
- Length
- 208.3 in
- Curb weight
- 5,851 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 16 MPG combined, 23% below the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 7 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Infiniti QX56 is a SUV - offered with a 5.6L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 208 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,851 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 20 highway), 23% worse than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $5,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 QX56 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 QX56 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Dr SUV AWD | 208.3 in | 79.9 in | 76 in | 121.3 in | 67.7 / 68.5 in | 5,851 lb | 51/49 |
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 (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -23% | $5,150 | 555 |
| QX56 4WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S7) | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -16% | $5,150 | 555 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Infiniti QX56.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Infiniti QX56 (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Cadillac Escalade | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Audi Q7 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Lincoln Navigator | 16 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Lincoln MKT | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Equipment › Other › Labels · Jul 15, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V455000 · 168,149 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Nissan Armada, 2011-2013 Infiniti QX56, and 2014-2027 QX80 vehicles equipped with 22" wheels. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will install new labels, free of charge. Additionally, Nissan will mail replacement labels to owners. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed September 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated Fall 2026. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R26B1 and P6A13/4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Mar 30, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V188000 · 216,678 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2012-2017 NV Cargo and NV Passenger Van, 2013-2015 Titan and Armada and 2011-2012 Infiniti QX56 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the air bag inflator may not function properly or may rupture during deployment.
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or Infiniti customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 28, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V683000 · 133,592 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Nissan Juke, 2012-2013 Infiniti M56, QX56, and 2014-2015 Infiniti Q70 (V8 engine vehicles only), and QX80 vehicles. The fuel pressure sensors may not have been sufficiently tightened during production. As a result, the fuel pressure sensor may loosen with vehicle usage and cause a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could cause a vehicle fire.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will re-torque the fuel pressure sensors free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Not every 2012 Infiniti QX56 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Infiniti QX56 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 24 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 9 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 7 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 90,400 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 2012 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 →