Infiniti QX60 Years to Avoid: Common Issues & Problematic Models

The Infiniti QX60 is classified as a luxury mid-size crossover SUV that has garnered much attention due to its comfort, spacious interior as well as class elegance. However, like all cars, some model years of the QX60 are linked with specific problems, and prospective buyers should shun them.

Infiniti QX60 Years to Avoid

In this guide, we will examine these Infiniti qx60 years to avoid, identify the common issues, and provide recommendations for the best models to consider.

Knowledge about the Infiniti QX60

The current model of the luxury SUV released in 2013 is known as the Infiniti QX60 but it was called the Infiniti JX35 on it initial release. This is especially attractive for such attributes as style, performance, and focuses on a family-oriented target market. QX60 is designed with great interiors, which can accommodate up to seven passengers; the technology used and the smoothness of the car.

However, it is not the case that each model year of this luxurious and comfortable Infiniti QX60 has not had some issues. Some have been associated with mechanical issues and thus have caused headaches to the owners. At least, it will enable those intending to purchase the building in the specific years to make better decisions.

Infiniti QX60 Years to Avoid: An Overview

Thus, in general, we discuss the positive feedback regarding the Infiniti QX60, but there are some model years that are marked by a series of problems. The years most frequently noted by consumers and automotive experts as problematic are:

• 2014 Infiniti QX60: Known for severe transmission issues.
• 2015 Infiniti QX60: Transmission issues continued, along with other mechanical problems.
• 2017 Infiniti QX60: Faced challenges with safety systems and technology malfunctions.

These models have highlighted many problems, including drive-train faults, problems with technology and safety issues. Before we discuss why each of these years should be avoided it is necessary to consider the specific problems that are associated with each of these years.

What Makes Certain Infiniti QX60 Models to Be Considered As Problematic?

The 2014, 2015, and 2017 Infiniti QX60 models have been marked as problematic due to a variety of reasons:

• Transmission Problems: The majority of the reported issues concern the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that is said to fail or malfunctions.
• Safety Concerns: Problems regarding basic safety components such as airbag and brakes were mentioned and one of them is the car manufacture’s 2017 model.
• Technology Failures: There are complaints about the infotainment system, navigation system, and other technological aspects of the car, which causes dissatisfaction among users.

So, let us analyze these problems year by year to find out what makes these models less suitable.

Infiniti QX60 Years to Avoid: A Detailed Breakdown

1. 2014 Infiniti QX60: More Transmission Woes

It has been established that the 2014 Infiniti QX60 models have been receiving a lot of flak when it comes to their transmission systems. The problems cited by owners concerned only transmission where it jerked, stalled completely, or did not engage at all.

The most common problem lies with the vehicle’s CVT, which often experienced:

• Shuddering and Hesitation: A few reported vibrations while accelerating, particularly from a standstill or during slow-moving situations. This issue is in relation to the CVT’s failure to provide efficient engagement of the power produced by the engine, to the wheels.
• Transmission Failure: Some owners replaced the entire transmission unit, a very expensive procedure that sometimes they had to make soon after their warranties had expired.
• Overheating: The transmission system also remained a problem with the described model year overheating during long drives or when in high temperatures resulting in further mechanical destruction.

These transmission issues meant there were more complaints, and as such, 2014 was not a very safe model to use when buying a used car.

2. 2015 Infiniti QX60: Frequent transmission issues

The 2015 Infiniti QX60 had not deviated from this vice and also had transmission problems just as the previous model. Despite some attempts by Infiniti to resolve the CVT problems, the issues persisted, and new problems also surfaced:

• Inconsistent Acceleration: Some of the drivers complained that the vehicle lagged or struggled to accelerate, which is dangerous when merging at a highway or overtaking.
• Transmission Fluid Leaks: There were some issues of leakage on the transmission fluid system specifically the 2015 model which could cause sizeable harm in case not well managed.
• Software Glitches: A few owners pointed out issues with the software of the car which after software updates or repairs made the car to have an unsmooth shift of gears from one gear to another.

These issues continue to be reported making the 2015 Infiniti QX60 one of the most unreliable models within the line.

3. 2017 Infiniti QX60: Safety and Technological Issues

By 2017, Infiniti had addressed some of the transmission issues, but new problems emerged, particularly related to safety and technology features:

Airbag Malfunctions: The subject of safety concerns, the airbag system was reported to have a defect that caused it not to inflate properly. A couple of respondents said that they are aware of some accidents in which the airbags did not open, a safety mechanism that is very important.

• Brake Problems: The braking system of the 2017 QX60 had complaints about premature wear that decreased the car’s ability to stop and increase safety concerns.
• Technology Failures: The producers of the 2017 model were assaulted by complaints from the clients over their infotainment system. Difficulties reported were some system freezing, unresponsiveness of the navigation, and Bluetooth problems.
• Electrical Issues: Concerning the mechanical issues, electrical faults including sensor failures, warning lights and a range of other recurrent issues also proved to be costly to maintain.

Therefore, the 2017 Infiniti QX60 is regarded as a problematic year, particularly regarding reliability and safety concerns.

Top Recommendations of the Infiniti QX60 Model Years

Of course, there are several years to dodge, but the Infiniti QX60 also has some models that are considered to be quite reliable. The best years for the QX60 include:

• 2018 Infiniti QX60: Some of the common problems have been resolved in this particular model year while another general boosting of the major features of the car through a technology standpoint was done.
• 2019 Infiniti QX60: 2019 also features enhanced safety and interior enhancements to provide a better experience with fewer transmission issues.
• 2020 Infiniti QX60: Thus, the 2020 model can be safely considered one of the most rounded vehicles in the lineup due to even more advanced technologies and increased reliability.

These models have been widely applauded for their easy-to-drive, mechanically sound, and safer body structures than their predecessors, and therefore are more safer to those intending to buy them.

Buying a Used Infiniti QX60: What To Focus On

If you’re considering purchasing a used Infiniti QX60, here are a few tips to ensure you make a sound investment:

• Check the Vehicle History Report: It is always advisable to conduct a thorough check on the vehicle’s past record for accidents or any major repairs carried out in the past.
• Inspect the Transmission: Due to these earlier problems with transmission, be sure to concentrate on the CVT’s function during test drives. Be on the lookout for any collective shivering, slowing down and or any strange noises.
• Evaluate the Technology Features: Some of the technological features include the infotainment system, navigation, blue Bluetooth; make sure every one of them is in correct operation.
• Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection: Before buying a car it is wise to take the vehicle to a mechanic one would trust so that they can tell you about any problems that one wouldn’t see with the naked eye.

Maintenance and Enhancements in Later Variants

Infiniti has made several updates in its newer QX60 models to address the issues faced in earlier versions:

• Improved Transmission Systems: Manufacturers from the 2018 model, Infiniti made changes in the CVT mechanism to minimize the transmission breakdown and efficiency enhancement.
• Enhanced Safety Features: The growth of new technologies and increasing the level of security have always been the company’s priority for Infiniti. The latest designs have even introduced fully autonomous systems, which alert the driver on lane departures, traffic build-up, or vehicles approaching the car from the rear and self-applied the brakes if necessary.
• Technology Upgrades: Infiniti has also made significant efforts to enhance its infotainment systems to ensure that they are easily responsive and are highly utilize as per the customers desire.

Efforts Taken by the Manufacturer to Mitigate Past Defects

In a bid to rebuilt consumers’ confidence, Infiniti released number service bulletins as well as offered Warranty extensions for the involved vehicles. At times, they provided free fixes or replacements for defective parts whenever the car’s transmission proved to be a concern in those versions of the 2014 and 2015 models.

Conclusion: Selection of an Appropriate Infiniti QX60

The Infiniti QX60 is a comfortable and packed with features SUV that is worth consideration, one must remember that some model years are more problem–prone than others. With the 2014, 2015 as well as 2017 models, there have been issues, more so with the CVT and technology part, making the models slightly less reliable.

As for those in search of a second hand QX60, it may be wise to go for models from 2018 and later as those models, among other things have receive significant improvements in terms of reliability and performance. Subsequent to research and physical examination of any sought after buy, consumers of Infiniti QX60 vehicles do not suffer from common pitfalls of taking their automobiles for frequent repairs and car services.

All in all, the car buyer will be able to make a well-informed decision hence making the owning experience of one of Infiniti’s most sought-after SUVs worthwhile.