2012 Infiniti Qx56

The VK56VD direct-injection V8 engine is susceptible to timing chain guide cracking and tensioner failure. The plastic chain guides can crack and break apart, allowing timing chain slack and rattle. Loose guide fragments can clog the oil pickup or damage internal components. This issue can lead to catastrophic engine failure if not addressed.

Replace all timing chain guides, tensioners, and chains. The VK56VD engine uses four timing chains with multiple guides and tensioners, making this a significant and expensive repair. Use updated Nissan OEM guide parts which are redesigned with more durable material. Regular oil changes with quality synthetic oil help extend chain and guide life.

The QX56's Hydraulic Body Motion Control system (if equipped) can develop leaks and faults in the interconnected hydraulic dampers. Symptoms include a bouncy or floaty ride, body lean in corners that worsens over time, and fluid leaks from the shock absorber bodies or connecting lines. Warning messages may appear on the dashboard.

Inspect the hydraulic dampers and connecting lines for leaks. Replace failed damper units with OEM components. Some owners convert to conventional shock absorbers, which eliminates the hydraulic interconnection system but changes the ride characteristics. Dealer diagnosis with CONSULT is required to identify specific faults.

The piezoelectric direct fuel injectors on the VK56VD engine can fail or become clogged, causing rough idle, misfires on specific cylinders, check engine lights, and reduced fuel economy. Injector failure is more common at higher mileage and can be exacerbated by low-quality fuel. Failed injectors can also cause catalytic converter damage from unburned fuel.

Diagnose the misfiring cylinder and test the injector flow rate and spray pattern. Replace failed injectors with updated OEM units. Nissan has issued revised injector part numbers for the VK56VD engine. Consider replacing all injectors as a set if one has failed, as the remaining injectors are likely at a similar stage of wear.

Models equipped with rear auto-leveling air suspension can experience compressor failure, causing the rear of the vehicle to sag. The compressor runs constantly trying to maintain ride height, eventually overheating and burning out. Air springs can also develop leaks, causing overnight sag and a low-riding rear end in the morning.

Replace the air suspension compressor. Inspect the air springs (air bags) for leaks using soapy water. If air springs are leaking, replace them as well. Some owners convert to conventional coil springs and shock absorbers using a conversion kit, which eliminates the air suspension system entirely for around $500-800.

The transfer case can develop fluid leaks from the output shaft seals or the case halves, leaving spots under the vehicle and reducing fluid level. Low transfer case fluid causes increased wear and noise in the four-wheel-drive system. The leak is often slow and may go unnoticed until damage has occurred to the transfer case internals.

Replace the leaking seals on the transfer case. If the leak is from the case halves, reseal the transfer case with new gaskets and RTV sealant. Refill with the correct transfer case fluid to the proper level. Regular inspection of transfer case fluid condition and level should be part of routine maintenance.

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.

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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.

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.

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could cause a vehicle fire.

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.