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Infiniti · Known Issues

2011 Infiniti M56 Problems: 5 Known Issues

2011 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2011 Infiniti M56 has 5 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Radiator / Cooling Fan Module Failure ($700-$1,800 repair) and Timing Chain Guide Wear / Chain Noise ($2,500-$5,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $80 to $5,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • M56 Cooling1
  • M56 Engine1
  • M56 Suspension1
  • M56 Steering1
  • M56 Electrical1
  • Recalls3
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Cooling1
  • Engine1
  • Suspension1
  • Steering1
  • Electrical1
  • Recalls3
  • FAQ

All 5 Known Issues

Filter:
ALL YEARS201320122011

On the 2011-2013 Infiniti M56, m56 owners report overheating or rising coolant temperature caused by radiator leakage and/or electric cooling fan control failure. The issue is typically related to age-related plastic tank cracking, fan motor wear, or failure of the integrated fan control assembly, especially in hot climates or stop-and-go driving.

This issue also affects: Infiniti FX50, Infiniti M35, Nissan Altima

Common Symptoms

  • Engine temperature rising in traffic
  • Coolant smell or visible coolant leak
  • Cooling fans not running properly
  • Overheat warning
  • A/C performance drops at idle

How to Fix

Diagnosis includes pressure-testing the cooling system, checking for seepage at radiator end tanks, and commanding fan operation with a scan tool. Repairs usually involve replacing the radiator and/or fan assembly, refilling with the correct Nissan/Infiniti blue coolant, and bleeding the system; typical cost ranges from about $700 to $1,800 depending on which components fail.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • DENSO 221-9285 radiator
    OEMDENSO 221-9285

    Affiliate-enabled confirmed radiator-leak branch Fitment/availability: DENSO catalogs 221-9285 for the 2011-2013 M56 5.6L. Confirm the listing's vehicle checker, hose and cooler connections before purchase; it does not repair a fan-contr…

    eBay
  • Genuine Infiniti complete radiator fan assembly 21481-1BH0B
    OEM21481-1BH0B

    Confirmed integrated fan/shroud/control-assembly branch Fitment/availability: Select 21481-1BH0B, superseding 21481-1BH0A, for listed 2011-2013 M56 VK56VD. Buy the complete assembly only when testing identifies its motor/control branch; …

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipIf the temperature climbs mainly at idle but drops at speed, inspect fan operation before assuming a thermostat problem.
Typical repair cost:$700 - $1,800

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium Confidence

On the 2011-2013 Infiniti M56, owners of VK56VD-equipped M56 models report startup rattle and persistent front-engine timing noise related to timing chain guide and tensioner wear. As mileage increases, slack in the primary chain system can affect valve timing and trigger correlation faults, especially when oil change intervals have been extended.

This issue also affects: Infiniti FX45, Infiniti G35, Infiniti G37

Common Symptoms

  • Rattle from front of engine on cold start
  • Check engine light
  • Rough idle or reduced power
  • Engine timing-related noise at idle
  • Intermittent cam/crank correlation faults

How to Fix

Diagnosis starts with confirming cold-start rattle, checking oil condition/pressure, and scanning for cam/crank correlation codes. Repair typically involves replacing the timing chains, guides, and tensioners, and resealing the front cover; on this engine the labor is substantial, so total repair commonly runs from about $2,500 to $5,000 depending on parts replaced and shop rate.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • OEM 2011-2019 M56/Q70 5.6L timing-chain service kit
    OEMZ1 assembled OEM VK56VD timing kit

    Confirmed VK56VD chain/guide wear branch after campaign-history and mechanical diagnosis Fitment/availability: Fits 2011-2019 M56/Q70 VK56VD and includes the primary left/right chains, guides and tensioners, with selectable additional co…

    Z1 Motorsports

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipUse high-quality synthetic oil and avoid extended oil intervals; owners report chain noise is more common on engines with inconsistent maintenance.
  • TipIf startup rattle lasts more than a brief second, inspect immediately to avoid chain jump and more severe engine damage.
Typical repair cost:$2,500 - $5,000

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence

On the 2011-2013 Infiniti M56, a common wear issue on the Y51 chassis is deterioration of the front lower control arm and tension rod bushings, which leads to looseness under braking and over bumps. The heavy V8 front-end load accelerates bushing cracking and fluid-filled bushing failure, causing alignment instability and uneven tire wear.

This issue also affects: Infiniti M35

Common Symptoms

  • Clunk over bumps
  • Steering wander
  • Brake shimmy
  • Uneven front tire wear
  • Loose or unstable front-end feel

How to Fix

Diagnosis involves inspecting the front suspension for torn bushings, checking for wheel movement under pry-bar load, and road-testing for brake shimmy or clunks. Repair usually means replacing the affected control arms or tension rods as complete assemblies, followed by a four-wheel alignment; typical cost is about $500 to $1,400 depending on how many arms are replaced and whether OEM or aftermarket parts are used.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Infiniti RWD passenger-side lower control arm
    OEM54500-1MA0B

    RWD passenger-side failed-arm branch Fitment/availability: 54500-1MA0B fits listed 2011-2013 M56 2WD applications. Confirm RWD, passenger side and VIN; not AWD or driver side.

    InfinitiPartsDeal
  • Genuine Infiniti RWD driver-side lower control arm
    OEM54501-1MA0B

    RWD driver-side failed-arm branch Fitment/availability: 54501-1MA0B fits listed 2011-2013 M56 2WD applications. Confirm RWD, driver side and VIN; not AWD or passenger side.

    InfinitiPartsDeal
  • Genuine Infiniti AWD passenger-side lower control arm
    OEM54500-1MD1A

    Confirm AWD, side, production date and VIN; not RWD.

    InfinitiPartsDeal
  • Genuine Infiniti AWD driver-side lower control arm
    OEM54501-1MD1A

    Confirm AWD, side, production date and VIN; not RWD.

    InfinitiPartsDeal

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipHave alignment checked immediately after arm replacement; owners report rapid tire wear if toe is left out of spec.
Typical repair cost:$500 - $1,400

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence

On the 2011-2013 Infiniti M56, some M56 owners report power steering fluid leaks, groaning, or inconsistent steering assist caused by rack seal leakage or hose seepage. As fluid level drops, the pump can become noisy and steering effort increases, particularly during parking maneuvers.

Common Symptoms

  • Power steering fluid leak
  • Groaning noise when turning
  • Heavy steering at low speed
  • Fluid level repeatedly drops
  • Wet steering rack boots or lines

How to Fix

Diagnosis includes inspecting rack boots and hydraulic lines for fluid, checking reservoir level and condition, and listening for pump cavitation. Repair may involve replacing leaking pressure hoses or the steering rack assembly, then flushing and refilling with the correct fluid; costs typically range from about $300 for hose-related repairs to $1,800 for a rack replacement.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Infiniti RWD/4WAS power-steering pressure hose
    OEM49720-1MC1A

    Confirmed pressure-hose leak on RWD standard or RWD 4WAS Fitment/availability: 49720-1MC1A is cataloged for 2011-2013 M56 VK56VD 2WD standard and 2WD HICAS/4WAS. Confirm VIN and leak location; not AWD and not a rack/pump repair.

    InfinitiPartsDeal
  • Genuine Infiniti AWD power-steering pressure hose
    OEM49720-1MC2A

    Confirmed pressure-hose leak on M56x/AWD Fitment/availability: 49720-1MC2A is the 4WD VK56VD pressure-hose branch. Confirm AWD, VIN and leak location; not RWD and not a rack/pump repair.

    InfinitiPartsDeal
  • Genuine Infiniti standard-RWD short steering rack
    OEM49271-1MA2A

    Internally leaking standard-RWD rack branch Fitment/availability: Select 49271-1MA2A only for 2WD standard VK56VD after VIN confirmation.

  • Genuine Infiniti AWD short steering rack
    OEM49271-1MD2A

    Internally leaking M56x/AWD rack branch Fitment/availability: Select 49271-1MD2A only for 4WD VK56VD after VIN confirmation. Fitment/availability: $586.33 catalog price; confirm current order status in the VIN-filtered ca

  • Genuine Infiniti 4WAS power-steering gear assembly
    OEM49200-1MT2B / 49200-1MT2A

    Confirm VIN, actual 4WAS equipment and production date; this non-returnable complete gear is not for standard RWD or AWD.

    InfinitiPartsDeal

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipDo not keep topping off fluid without finding the leak; owners report pumps often become noisy after running low even once.
  • TipIf the rack boots contain fluid, the internal rack seals are usually failing and hose replacement alone will not solve it.
Typical repair cost:$300 - $1,800

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence

On the 2011-2013 Infiniti M56, as these vehicles age, the original tire pressure monitoring sensors commonly fail when their internal batteries are depleted. This causes the TPMS warning light to flash and then stay on, even when tire pressures are correct, and is a frequent owner-reported nuisance on 2011-2013 cars.

Common Symptoms

  • TPMS light flashing then staying on
  • No tire pressure data from one or more wheels
  • Warning returns after tire inflation
  • Intermittent TPMS faults in cold weather

How to Fix

Diagnosis is performed with a TPMS scan tool to identify the dead or non-communicating sensor(s). Repair involves replacing the failed sensor(s), installing new seals if reusing serviceable hardware, and registering the IDs to the vehicle; typical cost is about $80 to $300 depending on how many sensors are replaced and whether programming is needed.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Infiniti TPMS sensor 40700-1LA0E
    OEM40700-1LA0E

    Single failed OE sensor branch Fitment/availability: Current 40700-1LA0E supersedes 1LA0A/B/C/D and fits listed 2011-2013 M56 applications. Sold individually despite a required vehicle quantity of four; order only the diagnosed quantity …

    InfinitiPartsDeal
  • Four DENSO 550-0305 TPMS sensors
    OEMDENSO 550-0305 four-pack / Sixity 2056053890

    Conditional four-sensor branch when all original batteries are same-age or tires are already off Fitment/availability: Exact 2011-2013 M56 four-pack, 315 MHz clamp-in, 35 in-lb/4 N·m.

    Sixity Auto
  • DENSO 999-0601 TPMS clamp-in service kit
    OEMDENSO 999-0601

    Seal/hardware renewal branch for each compatible clamp-in sensor that is disturbed Fitment/availability: DENSO lists 999-0601 for 2011-2013 M56 and 550-0305. It is a service kit, not a pressure sensor, and is used per disturbed sensor; c…

    FinditParts

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipHave the shop verify sensor IDs and relearn procedure after installation; many repeat warnings are caused by programming issues rather than bad new sensors.
  • TipIf one original sensor has failed and the others are the same age, budget for the rest soon.
Typical repair cost:$80 - $300

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence
NHTSA Recalls3 recalls

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Infiniti M56, 2012-2013 M35 Hybrid, and 2014 Q70 and Q70 Hybrid vehicles. These models, equipped with 2WD and with a hybrid or VK56 powertrain, have a driveshaft that may break.

Campaign #20V75500007/12/2020

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Nissan North America, Inc. (INFINITI) is recalling certain 2011-2013 M56, 2012-2013 M35 Hybrid, 2014-2018 Q50, Q70 Hybrid, 2014-2019 Q70, and 2015-2019 Q70L two-wheel drive vehicles. The driveshaft can fatigue and break.

Campaign #24V47000021/06/2024

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

Campaign #14V683000
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Infiniti M56 problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2011 Infiniti M56 has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Radiator / Cooling Fan Module Failure, Timing Chain Guide Wear / Chain Noise, Front Lower Control Arm / Tension Rod Bushing Wear. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Infiniti M56 reliable?

The 2011 Infiniti M56 has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Radiator / Cooling Fan Module Failure and Timing Chain Guide Wear / Chain Noise. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Infiniti M56 problems?

Repair costs for known Infiniti M56 issues range from $80 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Radiator / Cooling Fan Module Failure, typically costs $700-$1,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2011-2013 Infiniti M56 Radiator / Cooling Fan Module Failure?

M56 owners report overheating or rising coolant temperature caused by radiator leakage and/or electric cooling fan control failure. The issue is typically related to age-related plastic tank cracking, fan motor wear, or failure of the integrated fan control assembly, especially i… Repairs typically run $700-$1,800. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2013 Infiniti M56 Timing Chain Guide Wear / Chain Noise?

Owners of VK56VD-equipped M56 models report startup rattle and persistent front-engine timing noise related to timing chain guide and tensioner wear. As mileage increases, slack in the primary chain system can affect valve timing and trigger correlation faults, especially when oi… Repairs typically run $2,500-$5,000. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

28/11/2014

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2011-2013 Infiniti M56 Front Lower Control Arm / Tension Rod Bushing Wear?

A common wear issue on the Y51 chassis is deterioration of the front lower control arm and tension rod bushings, which leads to looseness under braking and over bumps. The heavy V8 front-end load accelerates bushing cracking and fluid-filled bushing failure, causing alignment ins… Repairs typically run $500-$1,400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2013 Infiniti M56 Steering Rack / Power Steering Leak and Noise?

Some M56 owners report power steering fluid leaks, groaning, or inconsistent steering assist caused by rack seal leakage or hose seepage. As fluid level drops, the pump can become noisy and steering effort increases, particularly during parking maneuvers. Repairs typically run $300-$1,800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2013 Infiniti M56 TPMS Sensor Battery Failure?

As these vehicles age, the original tire pressure monitoring sensors commonly fail when their internal batteries are depleted. This causes the TPMS warning light to flash and then stay on, even when tire pressures are correct, and is a frequent owner-reported nuisance on 2011-201… Repairs typically run $80-$300. Severity: low.