Research · Midsize Cars

2011 Infiniti M56Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 18 owner complaints for the 2011 Infiniti M56. Most complaints involve power train (8) and engine (4). The EPA rates it 19 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
19mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Jun 2024
Owner complaints
18
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$4,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train: driveshaft

Free remedy

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.

Power trainReported Jun 21, 2024NHTSA 24V470000

Power train: driveshaft

Free remedy

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.

Power trainReported Dec 7, 2020NHTSA 20V755000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

18 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2011 – Sep 2023
  1. Power train8
  2. Engine4
  3. Air bags3
  4. Electrical system3
  5. Steering2
  6. Service brakes1
  7. Suspension1
  8. Electronic stability control (esc)1
  9. Seat belts1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each M56 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201118
20124
20132
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

8 reports
“The contact owns a 2011 Infiniti M56. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V755000 (Power Train) however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that while making a left turn from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle drove 2 MPH and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that as he released the accelerator pedal and depressed it again, he was able to drive the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and advised the contact that they would follow up with the dealer. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000. Parts distribution disconnect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 3, 2021Power trainODI 11442591

Engine

4 reports
“I love this vehicle but it's suddenly started having a rough idle and with a scan tool detects multiple misfires and several codes due to timing, in which case the timing chain has been worn out call the dealership to see if the timing chain recall for the m56 was done to my car they said it was VIN specific now I am stuck with a vehicle that is very dangerous to be driven.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 30, 2021Power train, EngineODI 11438773

Air bags

3 reports
“Front passenger airbag occupancy sensor fails leading to inactivation of front passenger airbag. Dealership says that a repair solution is not available.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 9, 2023Air bagsODI 11543567
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
5.6L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S7)
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
M56
Auto (S7), 8 cyl, 5.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
162519$4,200468
  • M56
    Auto (S7), 8 cyl, 5.6 L
    16 city · 25 hwy · $4,200/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Infiniti M56 4 DR AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
11.3%
Overall
4 / 5
Infiniti M56 4 DR RWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
11.3%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 667Vehicle 354
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2011 M56 questions

How many recalls does the 2011 Infiniti M56 have?

2 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2011 Infiniti M56 problems?

Owners filed 18 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (8), engine (4), air bags (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2011 Infiniti M56 get?

The EPA rates the 2011 Infiniti M56 at 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2011 Infiniti M56?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2011 Infiniti M56 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026