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Infiniti · Known Issues

2012 Infiniti QX80 Problems: 1 Known Issue

2012 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 2012 Infiniti QX80 has 1 documented issue, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is VK56VD Timing Chain Stretch ($2,000-$5,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $2,000 to $5,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • QX80 Engine1
  • Recalls4
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine1
  • Recalls4
  • FAQ

All 1 Known Issue

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ALL YEARS2026202520242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011

On the 2011-2017 Infiniti QX80 5.6L VK56VD V8, the 5.6L VK56VD engine can develop timing chain stretch, particularly when oil changes are neglected. The primary and secondary timing chains elongate over time, causing rough idle, reduced power, and potential engine damage if not addressed.

Common Symptoms

  • Rattling noise at cold start
  • Check engine light with timing codes
  • Rough idle
  • Reduced engine power

How to Fix

Replace the timing chain, tensioners, and guides as a complete kit. This is a labor-intensive repair requiring significant engine disassembly. Strict adherence to 5,000-mile oil change intervals helps prevent premature chain wear.

What you need to fix it

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

  • Genuine Infiniti right/passenger camshaft timing chain
    OEM13028-1LA6A

    Confirmed right-bank chain wear/damage branch Fitment/availability: 13028-1LA6A is the current Japan-made passenger/right timing chain replacing 1LA3A/1LA4A and is cataloged for 2014-2024 QX80 VK56VD. Confirm the 2014-2017 VIN, measured …

    InfinitiPartsDeal
  • Genuine Infiniti left/driver camshaft timing chain
    OEM13028-1CA6A

    Confirmed left-bank chain wear/damage branch Fitment/availability: 13028-1CA6A is the current Japan-made driver/left timing chain replacing 1CA3A/1CA4A and is cataloged for 2014-2024 QX80 VK56VD. Confirm the 2014-2017 VIN, measured fault…

    InfinitiPartsDeal
  • Genuine Infiniti right/passenger timing-chain tensioner
    OEM13070-1LA2B

    The retailer page confusingly calls it a belt tensioner; rely on the OE diagram and confirm VIN/position before ordering.

    InfinitiPartsDeal
  • Genuine Infiniti left/driver timing-chain tensioner
    OEM13070-1CA2C

    Confirm the 2014-2017 VIN and position in the current diagram.

    InfinitiPartsDeal
  • Genuine Infiniti right-bank tension-side chain guide
    OEM13085-1LA3A

    Confirm VIN and right-bank position.

    InfinitiPartsDeal
  • Genuine Infiniti right-bank slack-side chain guide
    OEM13091-1LA3A

    Confirm VIN and right-bank position.

    InfinitiPartsDeal
  • Genuine Infiniti left-bank tension-side chain guide
    OEM13085-1CA2B

    Confirm VIN and left-bank position.

    InfinitiPartsDeal
  • Genuine Infiniti left-bank slack-side chain guide
    OEM13091-1CA2B

    Confirm VIN and left-bank position.

    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.

Typical repair cost:$2,000 - $5,000

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence
NHTSA Recalls4 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013 Infiniti QX56 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2012, to April 26, 2013, and 2014 Infiniti QX80 vehicles manufactured June 18, 2013, to February 11, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag inflator may have been manufactured with an incorrect part.

Campaign #14V66800024/10/2014

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 #14V68300028/11/2014

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014 Infiniti QX80 vehicles manufactured December 2, 2013, through January 27, 2014, and equipped with 20 inch wheels. In the affected vehicles, the Certification label incorrectly lists the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) as 4,497 lb instead of the correct 4,343 lb. As such, the vehicles do not comply with Part 567 "Certification Regulation."

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Other Infiniti Models

Infiniti G3723Infiniti FX3520Infiniti Q5011Infiniti G3511Infiniti QX508Infiniti QX558

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Infiniti QX80 problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 Infiniti QX80 has 1 documented issue. The documented issue is: VK56VD Timing Chain Stretch. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Infiniti QX80 reliable?

The 2012 Infiniti QX80 has 1 known issue compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: VK56VD Timing Chain Stretch. 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 QX80 problems?

Repair costs for known Infiniti QX80 issues range from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, VK56VD Timing Chain Stretch, typically costs $2,000-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2011-2017 Infiniti QX80 VK56VD Timing Chain Stretch?

The 5.6L VK56VD engine can develop timing chain stretch, particularly when oil changes are neglected. The primary and secondary timing chains elongate over time, causing rough idle, reduced power, and potential engine damage if not addressed. Repairs typically run $2,000-$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.

Campaign #14V12900019/03/2014

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

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."

Campaign #26V45500015/07/2026

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