Which Years Of Used Infiniti QX60s Are Most Reliable?
We've rounded up four of the most reliable Infiniti QX60 years. See which ones (and which QX60 years to avoid) so you can make a smart preowned decision.
Infiniti’s journey in the luxury car market has been a tale of highs and lows. Once a brand that turned heads and challenged automotive giants, Infiniti’s recent years have seen it settle into a comfortable, if unremarkable, position. The Infiniti QX60, their midsize crossover SUV, embodies this shift. Despite its somewhat average standing, it’s become Infiniti’s bestseller, competing with heavyweights like the Acura MDX and Volvo XC90.
For used car shoppers, knowing which model years offer the best reliability can be crucial. While Infiniti has had its ups and downs as a brand, the QX60’s popularity has remained consistent. But popularity doesn’t always equate to dependability. Some years of the QX60 have proven more reliable than others, offering better long-term value and fewer headaches for owners.
Today’s post will talk about the most reliable Infiniti QX60 year models. Which years can you depend on in terms of long-term reliability? Let’s take a look.
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Which Is The Most Reliable Infiniti QX60 Year?
For this section, we’ll evaluate several model years of the QX60 and highlight their reliability strengths and woes.
Avoid: 2014 Infiniti QX60
The 2014 Infiniti QX60 stands out as a model year to avoid, primarily due to its problematic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). As the only Infiniti in North America using Nissan’s CVT, the QX60 inherits a notorious weakness. Owners report numerous transmission-related issues, with symptoms ranging from shuddering and jerking to complete failure, often occurring around 100,000-150,000 miles.
Many 2014 QX60 owners describe harrowing experiences, such as sudden loss of acceleration on freeways or violent jerking in traffic. These problems compromise safety and lead to expensive repairs, with transmission replacements costing upwards of $7,000. Frustratingly, these issues often surface just after the extended warranty period ends at 94,000 miles.
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Avoid: 2015 Infiniti QX60
The 2015 Infiniti QX60 continues to be plagued by transmission issues, making it another model year to approach with caution. Despite being aware of problems in earlier models, Infiniti did not extend the warranty for the 2015 QX60, leaving many owners facing expensive repairs just after warranty expiration.
Owners report various transmission problems, including juddering, grinding, whining, and complete failure. These issues often arise around 75,000-90,000 miles, just beyond the typical warranty period. The symptoms can be severe, with some drivers experiencing sudden loss of power on highways or in intersections, creating dangerous situations.
Repair costs are substantial, with transmission replacements often exceeding $5,000. Many owners express frustration at Infiniti’s lack of support, especially given the issues known in previous model years.
Buy: 2016 Infiniti QX60
The 2016 Infiniti QX60 is a better option for used car buyers, showing improvements over its predecessors. Critics praise its smooth ride, spacious interior, and improved fuel economy. Consumer Reports gave it a favorable rating, saying it offers better reliability than earlier models.
In addition, the 2016 model year saw Infiniti address many of the transmission issues that affected earlier versions. While some drivetrain problems persist, they appear less frequent and severe. For instance, some owners report control arm issues around 60,000 miles, with repair costs around $1,500. There are also isolated reports of AWD coupler problems.
As far as older models go, the 2016 variant is easily the most reliable Infiniti QX60 year.
THE INFINITI QX60 YEARS TO AVOID
If you want an Infiniti QX60, it’s critical to know the Infiniti QX60 years to avoid.
Avoid: 2017 Infiniti QX60
Meanwhile, the 2017 Infiniti QX60 has proven to be a significant letdown in terms of reliability, with numerous owners reporting major issues. Engine and transmission problems seem to be the most prevalent and concerning. Many drivers have experienced engine sludge buildup, leading to costly repairs or even complete engine failures, often around the 30,000-mile mark. This is particularly frustrating for a vehicle marketed as a luxury SUV.
Transmission woes are equally troubling, with owners reporting strange noises, “droning” sounds, and performance issues with the CVT. Some have faced repair bills upwards of $8,000 for transmission-related problems. What’s more alarming is that these issues often arise just after the warranty period ends, leaving owners to foot hefty repair bills.
Buy: 2018 Infiniti QX60
The 2018 Infiniti QX60 shows improvement over earlier models, but it’s not without its flaws. Some owners had reported engine sludge issues, a problem that had plagued QX60s since 2017 when a new direct-injection engine was introduced.
For instance, one owner encountered engine sludge at 55,000 miles, resulting in white smoke and an internal rattle. The Infiniti dealer suggested a costly $13,000 engine replacement. Another owner faced similar issues, with the dealer quoting around $20,000 for a new engine. Unfortunately, these problems often occur just after warranty expiration, leaving owners with hefty repair bills.
Despite these issues, complaints are less frequent compared to earlier models. The 2018 QX60 still offers a comfortable ride, numerous safety features, and a spacious interior - definitely a good candidate for the most reliable Infiniti QX60 year.
Buy: 2019 Infiniti QX60
The 2019 Infiniti QX60 is a reliable choice in the luxury SUV market. While some owners have reported oil sludge issues, there’s no evidence suggesting it’s a widespread problem. This model year builds on the strengths of its predecessors, offering a refined driving experience and a host of high-end features.
Under the hood, the QX60’s V6 engine delivers smooth, ample power for daily driving and highway cruising. The CVT has been fine-tuned and has avoided many issues associated with the transmission type. The 2019 QX60 shines inside with its plush, quiet cabin and user-friendly tech. Three rows of seating accommodate families comfortably, while cargo space remains generous. Safety features are plentiful, adding peace of mind for drivers.
While isolated reports of engine sludge exist, proper maintenance seems to keep most 2019 QX60s running smoothly.
Buy: 2020 Infiniti QX60
Lastly, the 2020 Infiniti QX60 can be a dependable choice for those seeking a luxury SUV. While it may not lead its segment, it offers a comfortable ride and a quiet cabin. Known issues are mostly minor, and reliability has improved over earlier models.
Its strengths lie in passenger comfort and available technology. The V6 engine provides adequate power for daily driving, and standard blind-spot monitoring enhances safety across all trims.
However, the QX60 faces stiff competition. Its handling is less sporty than some rivals, and desirable features are often restricted to higher trims. This can make it pricey when fully equipped.
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