2012 Infiniti M56 Problems: 5 Known Issues
2012 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 Infiniti M56 has 5 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Timing Chain Guide Wear / Chain Noise ($2,500-$5,000 repair) and Radiator / Cooling Fan Module Failure ($700-$1,800 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $80 to $5,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 5 Known Issues
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.
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.
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.
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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 2012 Infiniti M56 has 5 documented issues. Documented issues include: Timing Chain Guide Wear / Chain Noise, Radiator / Cooling Fan Module Failure, 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 2012 Infiniti M56 has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Timing Chain Guide Wear / Chain Noise and Radiator / Cooling Fan Module Failure. 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, Timing Chain Guide Wear / Chain Noise, typically costs $2,500-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
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 and guide wear; Infiniti's service campaign for these cars replaces the timing chains, chain guides and crank sprocket. As mileage increases, slack in the p… Repairs typically run $2,500-$5,000. Severity: high.
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 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.
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.