Vehicle Guide

2018 Infiniti QX80 Problems, Reliability & Owner's Guide

Common problems with the 2018 Infiniti QX80, reliability ratings, maintenance tips, and owner reviews. Get your complete owner's guide.

Overview

The 2018 Infiniti QX80 is a full-size, body-on-frame luxury SUV built for families and drivers who want strong towing capability, roomy three-row seating, and a premium feel. It sits near the top of the segment for power and comfort, competing with SUVs like the Lexus LX and Cadillac Escalade while sharing its underlying platform with the Nissan Armada. For 2018, the QX80 continues the second-generation model introduced for 2014, following a major 2018 facelift that brought updated styling and a more modern interior look. It’s ideal for buyers who prioritize V8 performance, highway comfort, and a commanding driving position over sporty handling and fuel economy.

Key Features

1) 5.6L V8 POWER: The 2018 QX80 uses a 5.6-liter V8 producing around 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission for confident passing and towing. 2) 3-ROW SEATING AND CARGO: Seating for up to seven or eight (depending on second-row configuration) with generous third-row space for a full-size SUV, plus strong cargo capacity for road trips. 3) TOWING CAPABILITY: Properly equipped models can tow up to approximately 8,500 lbs, making it a solid choice for boats, campers, and trailers. 4) AVAILABLE 4WD AND OFF-ROAD HARDWARE: Rear-wheel drive is standard, with available 4WD and a low-range transfer case for added traction on snow, sand, or steep grades. 5) LUXURY AND TECH UPGRADES: The 2018 refresh added updated exterior lighting and styling, along with available driver-assistance features and comfort-focused upgrades like premium leather, heated seating, and advanced camera aids.

Common Issues & Reliability

Shoppers researching 2018 Infiniti QX80 reliability often find that it’s generally durable mechanically, especially the V8, but it can have expensive, nuisance-type repairs typical of large luxury SUVs. Here are 2018 Infiniti QX80 common issues reported by owners and in complaint patterns: 1) SUSPENSION WEAR AND FRONT-END NOISES: Some owners report clunks, vibrations, or uneven tire wear tied to worn suspension components (such as control arm bushings, ball joints, or shocks). These concerns can show up anywhere from 40,000–80,000 miles depending on road conditions, tire setup, and alignment history. 2) INFOTAINMENT AND ELECTRICAL GLITCHES: Complaints can include Bluetooth/connectivity issues, screen freezing, camera display problems, or intermittent sensor warnings. These may be sporadic and can appear even at lower mileage, often requiring software updates, module diagnosis, or battery/charging-system checks. 3) BRAKE FEEL AND ROTOR WEAR: Given the QX80’s size and weight, some owners experience faster-than-expected brake pad/rotor wear, vibration under braking, or squeal. This is commonly noticed around 30,000–60,000 miles depending on driving style, towing, and city use. 4) FUEL ECONOMY AND RANGE CONCERNS: While not a “failure,” a frequent complaint is high fuel consumption. Buyers sometimes underestimate the real-world cost of ownership, especially for short trips, heavy loads, or stop-and-go commuting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get the Complete Guide

60+ pages of specs, maintenance schedules, and service records for your 2018 Infiniti QX80.

Starting at $9.99 • Instant PDF

Fluids & Filters

Keep your vehicle running smooth

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Compare This Vehicle

See how the 2018 Infiniti QX80 stacks up against competitors.

Ready for Your Complete 2018 Infiniti QX80 Guide?

Get detailed specs, maintenance schedules, fluid capacities, and service records.