UK Buyer Reliability Guide3 Known Faults Documented

Infiniti QX70 (FX) Common Problems & Reliability

Formerly known as the FX, the Infiniti QX70 is a striking, aggressive-looking luxury SUV that prioritized sporty handling and swooping design over outright practicality. It drove more like a tall sports car than a traditional SUV, offering a firm ride and potent V6 engines, including a raucous 3.7-litre petrol and a muscular 3.0-litre diesel. In the UK, its bold styling and massive 21-inch wheels gave it immense road presence, though its heavy fuel consumption limited its appeal. Reliability is excellent, underpinned by proven Nissan mechanicals. It is best suited for buyers who want an imposing, sporty, and reliable SUV, and are willing to accept high running costs and a relatively small boot.

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Generation Periods
3
Known Issues
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Critical Faults
2
Moderate Issues

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Detailed fault breakdown, symptoms, and estimated repair bills by production year.

Most Common Infiniti QX70 (FX) Faults & Repair Costs

Moderate Risk

V9X Diesel EGR and DPF Clogging

Est. Cost£300–£1,200

The 3.0L diesel engine is prone to carbon buildup in the EGR valve and DPF, especially if used for short urban trips.

Warning Signs:

Limp mode, Engine warning light, Poor fuel economy, Hesitation

What to Check Before Buying:
  • Check for DPF regeneration history
  • Take the car for a long motorway run to ensure no lights appear
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team
Low Risk

Dashboard Bubbling

Est. Cost£800–£1,500 (Replacement)

A known cosmetic defect where the dashboard material delaminates and creates small bubbles. It is purely aesthetic but very expensive to fix properly.

Warning Signs:

Small bumps or bubbles appearing on the dashboard top

What to Check Before Buying:
  • Inspect the dashboard surface closely in direct light
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team
Moderate Risk

Brake Disc Warping

Est. Cost£300–£500

The FX/QX70 is a heavy car, and spirited driving can lead to warped front brake discs, causing vibration under braking.

Warning Signs:

Steering wheel judder when braking, Pulsing brake pedal

What to Check Before Buying:
  • Apply the brakes firmly from 60mph (where safe) and feel for vibrations
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team
Essential Pre-Purchase Step

Buying a used Infiniti QX70 (FX)? Always check for hidden finance and write-off history.

Mechanical problems are only half the battle. Over 1 in 3 UK used cars checked have unpaid finance or accident write-off records that could cause you to lose the car or thousands in value.

Inspection Checklist for Infiniti QX70 (FX) Buyers

Check the massive 21-inch alloy wheels for curbing; replacement tyres of this size are very expensive.
Listen for a whining noise from the rear differential or transfer case, indicating impending bearing failure.
On the 3.0d V6 diesel, verify the service history meticulously; oil dilution and DPF issues can occur if not driven on long runs.
Test the heavily contoured sports seats for full electrical adjustment, as the seat motors can occasionally fail.
Inspect the dashboard for any signs of the material bubbling or cracking under the windscreen in direct sunlight.
Check the brakes for judder; the heavy vehicle is very hard on brake discs, requiring frequent replacements.