The Infiniti QX60 is one of the brand’s best-selling models and a popular choice among three-row luxury SUVs, but it comes with a well-documented reliability concern that prospective buyers should understand before purchasing. The headline issue centers on the Nissan Jatco continuously variable transmission (CVT), used in first-generation QX60s from 2014 through 2020, which has been linked to shuddering, delayed engagement, overheating, and, in some cases, total transmission failure.

A full CVT replacement can cost over $7,000. Knowing which model years are most at risk—and what future coverage options are available—may be able to save you thousands.

The CVT Transmission: The Headline Problem

Diving right in, one problem with the QX60 stands out and can affect the overall dependability of your vehicle. This issue centers around the Nissan Jatco continuously variable transmission (CVT). Infiniti equipped the QX60 with this unit from 2014 through the end of the first generation in 2020. This problem was significant enough to prompt a class-action settlement covering 2015-2018 model years, finalized in March 2022, and a separate class action covering 2019-2021 model years, filed later that year.

Symptoms typically start with a slight shudder or judder at low speeds while accelerating. It’s an easy issue to overlook, but this can be a costly choice. Over time, the shuddering can escalate to full-on delayed engagement, hesitation when merging, overheating under load, and even total transmission failure. This problem was so prolific that a class action lawsuit settlement even occurred in mid-2022 regarding it.

Most failures occur anywhere between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, but some owners have reported issues happening sooner. A full CVT replacement at a dealership can be between $7,400 and $8,100, depending on your model year, making it one of the most expensive potential repairs your vehicle may require. As part of a class-action settlement, Infiniti extended the QX60’s powertrain warranty on 2015-2018 models from 72 months/70,000 miles to 96 months (8 years) or 96,000 miles, whichever came first—but that extension has expired for most of these vehicles today.

If your vehicle isn’t a part of a recall alert or under warranty, you may be on the hook for this cost.

Other Common Failures by System

Beyond the CVT itself, there are a number of other potential failure points that have arisen across vehicle iterations:

1. A/C compressor failure: One reported issue on the QX60 is air conditioning compressor failure. Owners typically notice warm air from the vents, sometimes accompanied by grinding or squealing sounds. Fixing this issue can cost between $1,160 and $1,260, making it another expensive reality.
2. Premature brake rotor warping: Multiple owners across both new car and old car models have reported warping on the brake rotors well before typical replacement intervals. Symptoms include pulsation through the brake pedal or vibration in the steering wheel while braking. Costs for this repair can be between $380 and $450, making it a cheaper problem, but not necessarily affordable.
3. Power liftgate and sensor malfunctions: Finally, electrical issues affecting the power liftgate, backup sensors, and infotainment system have appeared across the first generation, particularly in 2017 models. Diagnosis costs for this issue alone can be between $120 and $180, with the real repair stretching up into the high hundreds, depending on its scope.

Worst Model Years: 2014-2015

There are certain Infiniti models that stand out as having the most complaints. Unfortunately for 2014 Infiniti QX60 drivers, as well as 2015, they are among the worst models. 2014 specifically is widely considered to be the most problematic year, with the aforementioned CVT shudder and failure reports concentrated heavily during the year.

Infiniti attempted software calibration updates and revised CVT fluid specifications before the 2015 model year was released, but the problems persisted even in the new Infiniti that year. Both years also saw issues with anti-lock brake actuator pumps, where brake fluid was leaking onto circuit boards, potentially creating a fire hazard.

Better Model Years: 2018-2020 and 2022+

Owners of the 2018-2020 and 2022+ QX60s are in luck. The 2018 and 2019 models specifically represented meaningful improvements over the worst years, with the CVT issue being fully addressed through recalibration and fluid specification. Complaint volumes dropped dramatically during these years as a result. While some engine and A/C complaints persisted, they were far fewer.

The 2020 model year also stands out for Infiniti vehicles, as it was the most reliable for the first generation of QX60s. Consumer complaint data was relatively thin, and it benefited from all the powertrain refinements that had accumulated through the entire automotive generation.

Owners of the QX60 from 2022 onwards are in a different category entirely. The Jatco CVT was replaced with a conventional 9-speed automatic transmission, which eliminated the headline problem completely. The second generation also got a full redesign. This earned its AWD variation a perfect 5.0 NHTSA safety rating, with its FWD variant getting a respectable 4.0 too. This improvement has continued in all variations since.

What an Extended Warranty Covers on a QX60

The QX60’s most expensive failure points, the transmission and A/C compressor, are exactly the kind of repairs that an extended car warranty or vehicle service contract (VSC) can cover. Mid-tier and higher plans typically cover the transmission, drivetrain components, A/C system, and electrical systems, which map directly to some of the most reported issues with historical QX60 model years.

A used QX60 in the 60,000 to 100,000-mile range is a clean use case for post-warranty protection. The vehicle is past its factory coverage, but still has plenty of life left. In situations like this, Endurance’s Secure Plus plan, which covers only the most vital components under the hood, can be a great choice. Alternatively, for more comprehensive protection, the Endurance Supreme plan offers protection most similar to that which comes with the manufacturer’s warranty on your car.

Protecting Your Infiniti Long Term

The QX60 is a highly capable family SUV that rewards buyers who do their homework in advance. By avoiding the 2014 and 2015 model years and opting instead for a refined later first-gen or second-gen model, you can reduce the likelihood of issues on the road. Whatever year you land on, if purchasing used, it’s always best to have a full inspection performed yourself in addition to acquiring the vehicle’s documented repairs.

For continued protection, investing in an Endurance auto protection plan is an important consideration. To get coverage information or request a FREE quote, contact an Endurance plan advisor at (800) 253-8203. You can also see your price and plan options right away through our convenient online eStore.