2018 Infiniti Qx60 Safety Report

2018 INFINITI QX60: Strong Crash Ratings Mask Powertrain, Brake, and Electrical System Concerns with 1 Recall

34Complaints
1Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
2Crash Reports
9Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (7)Engine (4)Service Brakes (4)Power Train,Unknown Or Other,Engine (2)Power Train,Electrical System,Air Bags (1)Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control,Unknown Or Other (1)Steering (1)Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Electrical System,Engine (1)Air Bags (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Infiniti Qx60

The 2018 INFINITI QX60 presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved strong crash test ratings from NHTSA, including a 5-star overall rating, 5-star side impact, and 4-star frontal and rollover ratings, its complaint data reveals several concerning patterns. With 34 total complaints, including 2 crashes and 9 injuries, there are notable issues beyond typical wear and tear. The most frequently reported component is the POWER TRAIN, accounting for 7 complaints, often related to CVT transmission failures, slipping, and differential issues, some occurring at mileages as low as 45,000-79,600 miles. Engine-related complaints, including timing chain failures and white smoke, also appear frequently with 4 reports. A significant safety concern is the single recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V807000) related to the SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP system. This recall addresses a potential brake fluid leak that could lead to an electrical short and fire risk. Several complaints directly reference ABS system malfunctions, brake failures, and vehicles accelerating/braking without driver control, some of which could be linked to this recall or related issues. Airbag deployment failures in crashes have also been reported, despite the vehicle's strong crash test performance. Other recurring problems include electrical system failures affecting airbags, seatbelts, and infotainment, as well as steering issues described as 'locking up' or being 'difficult to steer'. The combination of strong crash test results with a notable number of complaints regarding critical systems like the powertrain, brakes, and airbags suggests that while the vehicle performs well in controlled crash scenarios, there are reliability and component integrity issues that could compromise safety in real-world driving. The 9 reported injuries underscore the potential severity of these malfunctions.

Reliability Score

The 2018 Infiniti Qx60 receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2018 Infiniti Qx60

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Infiniti Qx60:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Cvt Transmission Failure/Slipping
Multiple complaints of transmission slipping, grinding noises, differential issues, and complete CVT malfunction (P0776 error code) leading to power train failure.		 High Common 45000-79600 miles
Brake System Malfunction/Recall
Recall for brake fluid leak causing electrical short and fire risk. Complaints of ABS warning lights, brakes not functioning, and vehicle accelerating/braking without control.		 High Common unknown miles
Engine Timing Chain Failure
Check engine light illuminated, diagnosed as timing chain failure requiring replacement, sometimes occurring just outside warranty.		 High Occasional 73000-93000 miles
Airbag/Seatbelt Warning Lights And Non-Deployment
Airbag and seatbelt lights flashing, dealer suggesting expensive passenger seat assembly replacement. One report of airbags not deploying in a crash.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Steering Lock-Up/Difficulty
Power steering locking up when turning from a complete stop, or vehicle being difficult to steer, reported as a widespread issue online.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Electrical System Failures (Console, Wipers, Engine Start)
Middle console/radio/AC controls failing, windshield wipers stalling during rain, and complete electrical system failure preventing engine start.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Infiniti Qx60:

Power Train 20% of complaints

Frequent reports of CVT transmission issues, slipping, differential problems, and general power train malfunctions.

Engine 11% of complaints

Issues include timing chain failure, white smoke, poor idling, and check engine light illumination.

Service Brakes 11% of complaints

Complaints related to the recall, ABS malfunctions, and unintended acceleration/braking.

Air Bags 5% of complaints

Warning lights, potential non-deployment in crashes, and expensive repair suggestions.

Electrical System 5% of complaints

Failures affecting infotainment, wipers, and overall vehicle operation.

Steering 2% of complaints

Reports of power steering locking up or being difficult to control.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Infiniti Qx60

Is the 2018 INFINITI QX60 safe?

The 2018 INFINITI QX60 received excellent NHTSA crash test ratings, including a 5-star overall rating. However, NHTSA complaint data shows 34 complaints, 2 crashes, and 9 injuries, with recurring issues in the powertrain, brakes, and electrical systems. There is also one recall for a brake fluid leak that could cause a fire. While it performs well in controlled crash tests, real-world reliability and component failures are a concern.

What are common problems with the 2018 INFINITI QX60?

The most reported issues for the 2018 INFINITI QX60 are related to the POWER TRAIN (20.6% of complaints), including CVT transmission failures, slipping, and differential problems. ENGINE issues (11.8%), such as timing chain failures and white smoke, are also common. SERVICE BRAKES (11.8%) have complaints tied to a recall for a fluid leak and reports of ABS malfunctions or unintended braking/acceleration. Electrical system and airbag issues are also noted.

Are there any recalls for the 2018 INFINITI QX60?

Yes, the 2018 INFINITI QX60 has one recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V807000) concerning the SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP system. This recall addresses a potential brake fluid leak on the circuit board that could lead to an electrical short and increase the risk of a fire.

How does the 2018 INFINITI QX60 perform in crash tests?

The 2018 INFINITI QX60 performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.

What mileage do problems typically start for the 2018 INFINITI QX60?

Based on complaints, significant issues like CVT transmission failure and engine timing chain problems have been reported starting around 30,000 to 79,600 miles. Other electrical and steering issues do not have a consistent mileage pattern in the provided data.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the strong crash ratings but recurring complaints about critical powertrain, brake, and electrical components, potential buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially of the transmission and brake system, and ensure all recall work has been completed.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Infiniti Qx60

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Infiniti Qx60. The data includes 34 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 9 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Infiniti Qx60 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.