Buyer Research

2016 Infiniti QX80 — Should You Buy One?

Typical asking price: $22,000–$33,000. This is one of the more reliable vehicles in its class — here's what to watch for anyway.

Kestrel Take

A body-on-frame eight-seater with a naturally aspirated 5.6L V8 and a conventional seven-speed automatic — no CVT, no turbos, no cylinder deactivation. Thirsty and enormous, but mechanically one of the more straightforward large luxury SUVs.

What we checked

Partly reconciled against public records, 2026-09-11

NHTSA holds 14 owner complaints for the 2016 Infiniti QX80, across 1 recall campaign.

A big number here usually means a lot of these were sold, not that it is a bad vehicle — popular models collect more complaints for the same rate of trouble. So the total on its own says little. What is worth reading is the shape of it. The largest single group is the brakes at 21%. That is notable without being overwhelming — worth checking, not worth panicking about.

One recall campaign covers this model year. Recalls are repaired free, for any owner, with no time limit on most safety campaigns — but only if someone books it in. Ask the seller to show it was done, or have any dealer check the VIN; it takes them a couple of minutes and costs nothing.

Not written up yet: the brakes (3 complaints). That group is in the public record and is not covered by the issues below. Treat it as something to ask about, not as absent.

Looked at and set aside: airbags (2) — 2 airbag complaints on file, almost always a recall matter rather than a repair bill; have a dealer check this VIN for open airbag campaigns and confirm any were performed.

Counts come from the NHTSA complaint and recall database — free, public, and worth checking yourself.

Known Issues for the 2016 Infiniti QX80

Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.

Hydraulic Body Motion Control system leaksMedium

The hydraulic anti-roll system on equipped models leaks and its components are expensive and specific to the vehicle.

Repair cost (estimate): $2,000-$5,000

Source: not yet checked against public records.

Timing chain guide wear (VK56)Medium

Cold-start rattle on higher-mileage engines. The V8 is durable but the guides wear.

Repair cost (estimate): $2,500-$4,500

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the engine (2).

Air suspension and load leveling failuresMedium

Rear self-leveling components fail on a heavy vehicle.

Repair cost (estimate): $1,200-$3,000

Source: not yet checked against public records.

Fuel economyMedium

13-15 mpg. A genuine budget line item.

Repair cost: Not yet priced

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the fuel system (2).

Walk-Away Red Flags

✗Vehicle sitting low at the rear
✗Fluid leaks near the anti-roll system
✗Cold-start rattle
✗Very high mileage with no service history

Good Signs

✓Conventional suspension without hydraulic body motion control
✓Full Infiniti service history
✓Original owner, highway use

Found a specific Infiniti QX80?

This page covers what goes wrong on the 2016 Infiniti QX80 in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.

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Not ready to pay for one? The free read is instant and needs no card — it checks the asking price against the market and names the top issues for this year. It stops short of the verdict, because that needs the photos.

Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.