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
Checked against public records, 2026-09-25
NHTSA holds 14 owner complaints for the 2016 Infiniti QX80, and 1 recall campaign.
That is too small a record to read a pattern from, so we are not going to pretend otherwise — with numbers this low one owner moves the percentage by a lot. What has been filed is grouped under the brakes (3), airbags (2), the fuel system (2). Treat those as things to look at, not as the vehicle's known weaknesses. A thin file usually means few of these were sold or few owners filed. It is not evidence the vehicle is trouble-free, and the issues below are our own research rather than a reading of this record.
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.
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. How we decide that.
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.
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).
Rear self-leveling components fail on a heavy vehicle.
Repair cost (estimate): $1,200-$3,000
Source: not yet checked against public records.
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
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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.
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