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Infiniti · Mid-Size SUV · 2022–2025 Custom Search

Infiniti QX60 L51

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants · How we rate

Generations

Engine Overview

The Infiniti QX60 L51 is available with one engine variant at 265 hp.

3.5L V6 DI · Petrol· 295 PS
2022 2025

Updated VQ35DE with direct injection — same power, dramatically increased sludge risk from the DI setup. Oil change intervals must be shortened to 5,000 miles maximum. Owners report complete engine failures from 45,000 miles despite regular service. Dealers frequently deny warranty claims on sludge-related failures.

  • !! Engine sludge — failure from 45,000 to 90,000 miles from 60,000 km

    Direct injection V6 prone to severe oil sludge buildup even with regular oil changes. Engine replacement costs $13,000–18,000. Dealers deny warranty coverage citing maintenance issues. Oil changes every 5,000 miles are mandatory.

    Symptoms: Sudden power loss, low oil pressure warning, white exhaust smoke, thick black sludge visible on oil cap
    13,000–18,000 $
    Ad replacement engine VQ35DD QX60engine VQ35DD 3.5 direct injection long block
  • !! Intake valve carbon buildup from direct injection from 80,000 km

    Direct injection does not wash intake valves — PCV oil mist deposits carbon. Noticeable power reduction from around 80,000 km. Walnut blasting cleaning recommended.

    Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, power loss in upper rev range
    300–800 $
    Ad intake valve cleaning VQ35DDwalnut blast 3.5 DI QX60
  • ! Valve cover gaskets leaking from 130,000 km

    Valve cover gaskets become leaky with mileage on the VQ35DD. Standard inexpensive repair.

    Symptoms: Oily smell, visible oil traces on valve covers, oil on spark plugs
    150–450 $
    Ad valve cover gasket VQ35DDvalve cover gasket QX60 2017 2018

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
●ZF 9-speed — cold-start shift jolt

ZF 9HP50 automatic produces a hard thunk on the cold 1–2 shift under light throttle. TSB ITB22-026 (TCM recalibration) addresses this. TSB ITB25-002 corrects highway lugging. Not a mechanical defect — calibration-only issue.

Symptoms: Hard thunk on 1-2 upshift at cold start under light throttle, mild vibration holding top gear on light grades at highway speed
from 10,000 km
Ad TCM recalibration QX60 2022 TSB ITB22-0269-speed transmission QX60 L51 ZF 9HP50
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
75 complaints · 2022–2025
  1. 01 Other
    22
  2. 02 Electrical
    18 ⚠ 1
  3. 03 Engine
    14
  4. 04 Brakes
    7
  5. 05 Collision Avoidance
    7 ⚠ 1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Other (22 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (18 complaints)
⚠ Engine (14 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 9 weaknesses have been documented for the Infiniti QX60 L51 (2022–2025) — 3 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics, Body, Other.

QX60 (VQ35DD, 2022–2025) — Be Careful: Engine sludge — failure from 45,000 to 90,000 miles, Intake valve carbon buildup from direct injection, Valve cover gaskets leaking. Power: 295 PS.

What to watch out for with the Infiniti QX60? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Infiniti QX60 L51 have? +
The Infiniti QX60 L51 has 3 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Infiniti QX60 L51? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: VQ35DD (3.5L V6 DI). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the VQ35DD (3.5L V6 DI).
Which Infiniti QX60 L51 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Infiniti QX60 L51 — rated: "Not Really". {description} The L51 redesign replaced the problematic Jatco CVT with a ZF 9-speed automatic. More power, better shifts, and a transmission that actually holds up. The DI sludge concern remains — keep oil changes at 5k miles. Early infotainment bugs affect some owners but resolve with software updates.
Is the Infiniti QX60 L51 worth buying used? +
The Infiniti QX60 L51 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Infiniti QX60 L51? +
The Infiniti QX60 L51 is available with engine variants from 265 to 305 hp. Petrol: VQ35DD (3.5L V6 DI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee