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2013 Infiniti QX80 Problems, Reliability & Owner's Guide

Common problems with the 2013 Infiniti QX80, reliability ratings, maintenance tips, and owner reviews. Get your complete owner's guide.

Overview

The 2013 Infiniti QX80 is a full-size, body-on-frame luxury SUV designed for drivers who want premium comfort with serious towing and people-hauling capability. This model year marks the name change from the Infiniti QX56 to QX80, continuing the same second-generation platform introduced for 2011 with updated branding and luxury positioning. With three-row seating, a powerful V8, and available 4WD, it’s ideal for large families, frequent road-trippers, and owners who tow boats or trailers. In the market, it competes with vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade and Lexus LX, offering a smooth highway ride and strong value for its size.

Key Features

1) 5.6L V8 POWERTRAIN: The 2013 QX80 comes with Infiniti’s 5.6-liter V8 (VK56VD) producing around 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with available 4WD for better traction and light off-road use. 2) THREE-ROW SEATING AND BIG-CARGO UTILITY: Seating for up to 7 or 8 depending on second-row configuration, plus a tall, wide cargo area suited to strollers, sports gear, and luggage. 3) STRONG TOWING CAPABILITY: Properly equipped models can tow roughly 8,500 lbs, making it a solid choice for travel trailers, campers, and boats. 4) LUXURY AND TECH: Available leather seating, heated front seats, power-folding third row, and available rear-seat entertainment/navigation depending on package and trim configuration. 5) COMFORT-FOCUSED RIDE: Many models feature a quiet cabin, stable highway manners, and a suspension tuned more for comfort than aggressive handling.

Common Issues & Reliability

Shoppers researching 2013 Infiniti QX80 reliability often find it’s a durable SUV when maintained, but there are several known concerns that come up in owner complaints and service history. Here are common 2013 Infiniti QX80 problems to be aware of: 1) SUSPENSION AND STEERING WEAR (AROUND 60,000–120,000 MILES): Due to the vehicle’s size and weight, owners report wear in front suspension components such as control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rods. Symptoms include clunking over bumps, loose steering feel, uneven tire wear, and vibration at speed. 2) BRAKE WEAR, WARPING, OR SHUDDER (OFTEN 30,000–70,000 MILES): Some owners report brake pulsation during stops, which can be related to rotor wear/warping and heavy vehicle loads. Frequent city driving, towing, or mountainous routes can accelerate brake wear. 3) HVAC AND ELECTRICAL NIGGLES (VARIES BY USE AND CLIMATE): Common issues include blower motor noise, intermittent A/C performance, window switch problems, power seat quirks, and occasional sensor-related warning lights. These are not universal, but they do appear in “2013 Infiniti QX80 common issues” searches. 4) COOLING SYSTEM AND LEAKS WITH AGE (AROUND 80,000+ MILES): As mileage climbs, some owners see radiator, hose, or thermostat-related leaks and seepage. Catching small coolant loss early helps avoid overheating and larger repair bills.

Frequently Asked Questions

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