2012 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2012 Infiniti M56 has 5 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Timing Chain Guide Wear / Chain Noise ($2,500-$5,000 repair) and Radiator / Cooling Fan Module Failure ($700-$1,800 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $80 to $5,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2011-2013 Infiniti M56, owners of VK56VD-equipped M56 models report startup rattle and persistent front-engine timing noise related to timing chain guide and tensioner wear. As mileage increases, slack in the primary chain system can affect valve timing and trigger correlation faults, especially when oil change intervals have been extended.
Diagnosis starts with confirming cold-start rattle, checking oil condition/pressure, and scanning for cam/crank correlation codes. Repair typically involves replacing the timing chains, guides, and tensioners, and resealing the front cover; on this engine the labor is substantial, so total repair commonly runs from about $2,500 to $5,000 depending on parts replaced and shop rate.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2011-2013 Infiniti M56, m56 owners report overheating or rising coolant temperature caused by radiator leakage and/or electric cooling fan control failure. The issue is typically related to age-related plastic tank cracking, fan motor wear, or failure of the integrated fan control assembly, especially in hot climates or stop-and-go driving.
Diagnosis includes pressure-testing the cooling system, checking for seepage at radiator end tanks, and commanding fan operation with a scan tool. Repairs usually involve replacing the radiator and/or fan assembly, refilling with the correct Nissan/Infiniti blue coolant, and bleeding the system; typical cost ranges from about $700 to $1,800 depending on which components fail.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2011-2013 Infiniti M56, a common wear issue on the Y51 chassis is deterioration of the front lower control arm and tension rod bushings, which leads to looseness under braking and over bumps. The heavy V8 front-end load accelerates bushing cracking and fluid-filled bushing failure, causing alignment instability and uneven tire wear.
Diagnosis involves inspecting the front suspension for torn bushings, checking for wheel movement under pry-bar load, and road-testing for brake shimmy or clunks. Repair usually means replacing the affected control arms or tension rods as complete assemblies, followed by a four-wheel alignment; typical cost is about $500 to $1,400 depending on how many arms are replaced and whether OEM or aftermarket parts are used.
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On the 2011-2013 Infiniti M56, some M56 owners report power steering fluid leaks, groaning, or inconsistent steering assist caused by rack seal leakage or hose seepage. As fluid level drops, the pump can become noisy and steering effort increases, particularly during parking maneuvers.
Diagnosis includes inspecting rack boots and hydraulic lines for fluid, checking reservoir level and condition, and listening for pump cavitation. Repair may involve replacing leaking pressure hoses or the steering rack assembly, then flushing and refilling with the correct fluid; costs typically range from about $300 for hose-related repairs to $1,800 for a rack replacement.
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On the 2011-2013 Infiniti M56, as these vehicles age, the original tire pressure monitoring sensors commonly fail when their internal batteries are depleted. This causes the TPMS warning light to flash and then stay on, even when tire pressures are correct, and is a frequent owner-reported nuisance on 2011-2013 cars.
Diagnosis is performed with a TPMS scan tool to identify the dead or non-communicating sensor(s). Repair involves replacing the failed sensor(s), installing new seals if reusing serviceable hardware, and registering the IDs to the vehicle; typical cost is about $80 to $300 depending on how many sensors are replaced and whether programming is needed.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Infiniti M56, 2012-2013 M35 Hybrid, and 2014 Q70 and Q70 Hybrid vehicles. These models, equipped with 2WD and with a hybrid or VK56 powertrain, have a driveshaft that may break.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Nissan Juke, 2012-2013 Infiniti M56, QX56, and 2014-2015 Infiniti Q70 (V8 engine vehicles only), and QX80 vehicles. The fuel pressure sensors may not have been sufficiently tightened during production. As a result, the fuel pressure sensor may loosen with vehicle usage and cause a fuel leak.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Nissan North America, Inc. (INFINITI) is recalling certain 2011-2013 M56, 2012-2013 M35 Hybrid, 2014-2018 Q50, Q70 Hybrid, 2014-2019 Q70, and 2015-2019 Q70L two-wheel drive vehicles. The driveshaft can fatigue and break.
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2012-2012 Infiniti M56 has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Timing Chain Guide Wear / Chain Noise, Radiator / Cooling Fan Module Failure, Front Lower Control Arm / Tension Rod Bushing Wear. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2012-2012 Infiniti M56 has 5 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Timing Chain Guide Wear / Chain Noise and Radiator / Cooling Fan Module Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Infiniti M56 issues range from $80 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Timing Chain Guide Wear / Chain Noise, typically costs $2,500-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Owners of VK56VD-equipped M56 models report startup rattle and persistent front-engine timing noise related to timing chain guide and tensioner wear. As mileage increases, slack in the primary chain system can affect valve timing and trigger correlation faults, especially when oi… Repairs typically run $2,500-$5,000. Severity: high.
M56 owners report overheating or rising coolant temperature caused by radiator leakage and/or electric cooling fan control failure. The issue is typically related to age-related plastic tank cracking, fan motor wear, or failure of the integrated fan control assembly, especially i… Repairs typically run $700-$1,800. Severity: high.
A common wear issue on the Y51 chassis is deterioration of the front lower control arm and tension rod bushings, which leads to looseness under braking and over bumps. The heavy V8 front-end load accelerates bushing cracking and fluid-filled bushing failure, causing alignment ins… Repairs typically run $500-$1,400. Severity: medium.
Some M56 owners report power steering fluid leaks, groaning, or inconsistent steering assist caused by rack seal leakage or hose seepage. As fluid level drops, the pump can become noisy and steering effort increases, particularly during parking maneuvers. Repairs typically run $300-$1,800. Severity: medium.
As these vehicles age, the original tire pressure monitoring sensors commonly fail when their internal batteries are depleted. This causes the TPMS warning light to flash and then stay on, even when tire pressures are correct, and is a frequent owner-reported nuisance on 2011-201… Repairs typically run $80-$300. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
