Used Infiniti QX60 1st Gen (2013-2020): Buyer's Guide

The 2014 Infiniti QX60 generated 229 NHTSA complaints. The 2020, same platform, same basic shape, same CVT family, generated 22. That's not noise in the data. That's the difference between a transmission replacement at 80,000 miles and a luxury three-row that runs past 150,000 without drama.

A $277 million class action settlement covering 2015-2018 QX60 owners tells you exactly what the early years were like. Nissan didn't settle that lawsuit because the CVT worked fine. They settled it because tens of thousands of owners watched their transmissions shudder and die well before the warranty expired.

The good news: the later years of this generation are genuinely solid used buys. Spacious, comfortable, and priced well under $30,000 for recent model years. This guide tells you which ones are worth buying and what to check before you hand over the money.

This Generation at a Glance

The first-generation QX60 ran from 2013 to 2020. It launched under the name JX35 for the 2013 model year only, then was renamed QX60 for 2014. The platform is shared with the Nissan Pathfinder (R52 generation), an FWD-based unibody crossover with three-row seating for up to seven.

The 2016 model year brought a mid-cycle refresh: updated exterior styling, improved interior materials, better sound insulation, and a revised suspension tune. The 2017 model year pushed engine output from 265hp to 295hp and discontinued the hybrid variant. No 2021 model was produced. The second generation debuted in 2022 with a completely new platform.

The power increase from 265 to 295hp arrived with the 2017 model year. The 2016 refresh kept the 265hp output but delivered meaningfully better ride quality and interior quality. See relevant year pages: 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020.

Powertrain and Trim Breakdown

3.5L V6 (Standard Engine, 2013-2020)

What owners like. The V6 is smooth and quiet. Highway cruising comfort is the QX60's strongest suit, and the V6 suits that mission well. Owners consistently praise the effortless passing power and low refinement in normal driving. It's not an exciting engine, but it's the right one for a seven-passenger luxury crossover.

The CVT is the biggest issue in this generation. The Jatco JF017E continuously variable transmission is the single most reported failure in the first-gen QX60. The symptom is consistent: a shudder or judder during gentle acceleration between 5 and 20 mph, sometimes accompanied by hesitation or delayed response off the line. This is the CVT belt slipping against the pulleys. Left unaddressed, it leads to complete transmission failure.

In 2013-2015 models, forum threads on infinitiqx60.org run multiple pages deep with owners describing identical failures. The class action lawsuit that settled for $277 million in 2022 specifically covered 2015-2018 Infiniti QX60 owners. That settlement extended the powertrain warranty to 96 months or 96,000 miles from the original purchase date and offered full reimbursement for CVT repairs performed at a Nissan or Infiniti dealer. If you're looking at a 2015-2018 model, ask whether any CVT work was done under that extended warranty. Documented warranty repairs mean the CVT has been replaced and you have a paper trail.

Full CVT replacement runs $4,500 to $7,500. Partial repair (fluid cooler flush, tensioner work) runs $1,500 to $4,000. The CVT fluid itself is critical maintenance: Nissan NS-2 or NS-3 fluid only, changed every 30,000 to 40,000 miles. Wrong fluid or extended intervals accelerate failure. The most important thing you can ask a seller is whether the CVT fluid has ever been changed and with what fluid.

Timing chain. The VQ35 engine's timing chain guide rails and tensioners wear ahead of schedule, particularly when oil changes were stretched beyond 5,000-7,500 miles or the wrong oil was used. A cold-start rattle on startup is the early sign. That rattle often fades once the engine reaches operating temperature. A rattle that does not fade is a different category of problem.

Timing chain replacement at a dealership costs $8,000 to $13,500. One owner documented on InfinitisForum.net paid $13,500 for a 2017 QX60 at 135,000 miles. That figure is not an outlier. The repair is labor-intensive, and the parts cost is compounded by the disassembly required. A timing chain rattle on a used QX60 is a reason to walk away, not negotiate down.

2017 oil pump gear. The 2017 model year saw a specific pattern of oil pump gear failures that can starve the timing chain system of lubrication. If you're evaluating a 2017, prioritize getting the complete oil change history. Multiple forum threads on infinitiqx60.org specifically flag this year for oil system vigilance.

TSBs worth knowing for the V6:

• CVT judder with DTCs P17F0 or P17F1: applies to 2013-2018 models. If a dealer has already addressed this under the extended warranty or extended service bulletin, you'll see it in the service history.
• Low-speed turn vibration and noise: issued for 2013-2019 models. A clunk or vibration when turning at low speed can often be corrected by the TSB repair rather than replaced components.
• Lean codes P0171 and P0174 with malfunction indicator lamp on: 2016-2018 models. Related to the fuel system and typically corrected by software update.
• Air mass sensor code P0101 with drivability complaints: 2017-2020 models.

2016+ V6 models. The 2016 refresh dramatically reduced complaint rates. The 2016 generated 29 NHTSA complaints versus 90 for the 2015. The suspension recalibration improved ride quality noticeably. The 2016 still uses the 265hp output, but the driving experience is meaningfully better than pre-refresh models.

The 2017 brought the 295hp tune but also introduced the oil pump gear concern and saw complaints rise to 67. By 2018, complaints fell to 36 and continued declining through 2020. The 2018-2020 models represent the best combination of power output, refined driving dynamics, and clean complaint history.

2.5L Supercharged Hybrid (2014-2017)

What owners like. The hybrid improves combined fuel economy to 26 mpg versus 22 mpg for the standard V6. The supercharged 2.5L four-cylinder paired with a 15kW electric motor produces 250 horsepower total system output. Low-end torque is strong thanks to the electric motor, and the hybrid's refinement in city traffic is appreciated by owners who do a lot of stop-and-go driving.

The HPCM recall. Certain 2014-2017 QX60 Hybrid vehicles were recalled because the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software could shut down both the hybrid system and the engine simultaneously under certain conditions, causing a complete loss of drive power while moving. If you're evaluating a hybrid QX60, confirm this recall was performed. Ask for documented service records showing the HPCM update. This is not optional.

Hybrid module failures. Beyond the recall, 2017 hybrid models saw complex failures in the hybrid control module that resulted in repair bills that substantially exceeded the fuel savings accumulated over the vehicle's lifetime. The fuel economy advantage is real but narrow. At current fuel prices, 26 mpg versus 22 mpg saves roughly $900 per year assuming 15,000 miles annually. A hybrid module failure or HV battery replacement wipes out years of fuel savings in a single repair visit.

HV battery replacement cost. High-voltage battery replacement on the QX60 Hybrid runs $3,954 to $4,032 at a Nissan or Infiniti dealer. Hybrid batteries typically last 6 to 10 years. A 2014 hybrid QX60 is now 12 years old. Most are past the battery's reliable service life. Factor in a near-term battery replacement when pricing any 2014 or 2015 hybrid model.

The verdict on the hybrid. Skip it. The 4 mpg advantage doesn't justify the HPCM recall complexity, the aging HV battery, the auxiliary 12V battery failures that strand owners, and the higher repair costs when something goes wrong. There is a reason Infiniti discontinued the hybrid after 2017. The 2018-2020 standard V6 is a cleaner, more predictable ownership experience for the same cabin and features.

Trim-Specific Notes

The first-gen QX60 trim structure evolved over the generation. Early years (2013-2016) offered a base model with option packages: Technology Package (navigation, around-view monitor, safety features), Deluxe Touring Package (premium interior, heated/cooled seats, power-folding third row), and Theater Package (rear seat entertainment screens).

By 2020, the naming simplified to two main trim levels:

Pure. The base trim. Includes a moonroof, 8-inch infotainment display, basic forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Six-speaker audio. This is the right choice for buyers who want the platform without paying for features that are more likely to malfunction at high mileage.

Luxe. Adds a 13-speaker Bose audio system, dual rear-seat entertainment screens, lane departure warning, and parking sensors front and rear. The ProAssist Package (available on Luxe) adds semi-autonomous highway driving assist features.

What to pay for. The around-view 360-degree camera system is worth seeking out. It's genuinely useful on a three-row SUV, and the early versions were reliable. Avoid models with the ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous features on high-mileage units. The steering and braking inputs from the system can mask underlying steering or brake component wear during a test drive.

The power-folding third row is standard on Luxe and available on base models via packages. It's a convenience feature that works well when maintained. Check that all three rows fold and return normally before purchase.

Which Model Years to Target Within This Gen

The 2013 (JX35) was a first-year launch vehicle with all the reliability risks that implies. CVT issues were prevalent from the start. The nameplate change to QX60 in 2014 didn't fix the transmission.

The 2014 and 2015 models are the ones to avoid. The 2014's 229 complaints include 82 powertrain complaints - the worst ratio in the generation. These are the years the class action was built around. A 2014 with documented CVT replacement under warranty is a different conversation, but you need that paperwork in hand.

The 2016 is a genuine buy for budget-constrained shoppers. Complaint rates fell to 29. The suspension update meaningfully improved ride quality. The 265hp output is still adequate. A 2016 with a clean CVT fluid history and documented maintenance is the right call if you need to spend under $12,000.

The 2017 is where caution returns, not from CVT issues, but from the oil pump gear pattern and the engine sludge reports that emerged with that model year. If you're evaluating a 2017, get the oil change history and look at the quality of the oil currently in the engine. A 2017 with solid maintenance records is fine. One with gaps in the service history is a risk.

The 2018 and 2019 are the strongest value propositions. By 2018, the powertrain was well-sorted. The hybrid was gone. Complaints were low. The 295hp V6 is the best version of the first-gen engine. A 2019 or 2020 with 60,000-80,000 miles sits at median mileage (the 2019's median used listing is 87,578 miles) and represents a decade or more of remaining useful life with proper maintenance.

The 2020 is the cleanest first-gen QX60 you can buy. Fewest complaints, most refined version of the platform. Inventory is available in the $18,000-$28,000 range as of mid-2026.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

For All First-Gen QX60s

• Cold start CVT shudder test. Start the car cold. Let it idle for 60 seconds, then drive immediately. Accelerate from a stop to about 20 mph with light throttle. Any shudder, judder, or hesitation in that speed range is the CVT slipping. This is the most important test in your evaluation. Do not talk yourself out of this finding.
• Cold start timing chain rattle. With the engine cold, listen on startup for a metallic tick or rattle from the front of the engine. A rattle that clears within 30-60 seconds of idle is an early warning. A rattle that does not clear at operating temperature is a dealbreaker. Budget $8,000 to $13,500 if you proceed anyway.
• CVT fluid condition check. If you can access the CVT fluid or have a mechanic check it, the fluid should be bright red and clear. Brown, dark, or burnt-smelling fluid is a sign of neglected maintenance or a transmission already in distress. Nissan NS-2 or NS-3 is the only acceptable fluid type.
• VIN recall check. Run the VIN through the recall lookup tool and through Infiniti's official recall tool at infinitiusa.com. The OCS airbag recall (passenger occupant classification system) affected 2013-2017 models. The ABS actuator recall (campaign R1808) affected 2017 models. Any open recall on a vehicle you're buying is a negotiating point and a safety concern.
• CVT warranty documentation (2015-2018 only). Ask if any CVT work was performed under the class action extended warranty. The settlement covered repairs through 96 months or 96,000 miles from original purchase. Documented dealer repair means a replaced transmission with a clear timeline.
• Oil change records. Extended intervals or gaps in service history increase the risk of both timing chain wear and oil sludge formation. Consistent 5,000-7,500 mile intervals using 0W-20 synthetic are what you want to see.
• Third-row and second-row slide function. The sliding second row is one of the QX60's strongest features. Test it under load. Check that the third row folds flat completely and returns to the upright position without binding.

For Hybrid Models (2014-2017)

• Confirm HPCM recall completion. Ask for the service record showing the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module software update was performed.
• HV battery health check. If the seller can't demonstrate the hybrid system engaging (electric-only driving at low speed, charge level indicator), assume the HV battery is degraded. Budget $4,000-$4,500 for replacement.
• Auxiliary 12V battery. QX60 hybrids have an auxiliary 12V battery that powers systems when the main hybrid system is off. These batteries fail more often than in conventional vehicles. A car that's been sitting will sometimes not start because of this 12V battery. Ask if it's been replaced recently.

Running Costs

Annual fuel cost for the standard V6: approximately $2,650 at current premium gasoline prices (EPA annual cost estimate, 15,000 miles). The V6 requires premium fuel.

The CVT fluid change is the single most important maintenance item on this platform. Dealers often suggest extended intervals. Go by mileage, not the dealer schedule. Every 30,000 to 40,000 miles with Nissan NS-2 or NS-3 fluid is the forum consensus from high-mileage owners on infinitiqx60.org who've kept their transmissions healthy past 150,000 miles.

RepairPal puts the average annual repair cost for the QX60 at $639. That figure assumes proper maintenance. A neglected CVT or deferred timing chain repair will cost orders of magnitude more in a single visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the first-gen Infiniti QX60 3.5L V6 reliable? The 2018-2020 models are genuinely reliable. With consistent CVT fluid changes and regular oil service, these engines and transmissions reach 150,000 miles without major incidents. The 2013-2015 models were part of a $277 million class action over CVT failures and should be approached very carefully. Year selection matters more than anything else on this platform.

What year Infiniti QX60 should I avoid? The 2014 generated 229 NHTSA complaints, 82 of them powertrain-related. It's the worst year in the generation by a large margin. The 2013 (sold as JX35) and 2015 are nearly as problematic. If your budget requires an early model, the 2016 post-refresh is the safest option under $12,000.

How many miles does a first-gen QX60 last? Forum owners on infinitiqx60.org regularly report 150,000 to 200,000 miles on properly maintained 2016-2020 models. The CVT and timing chain are the two limiting factors, and both are maintenance-sensitive. A car with documented CVT fluid changes and consistent oil service has a meaningfully longer expected life than one with gaps in the service history.

Is the Infiniti QX60 Hybrid worth buying used? No. The fuel economy advantage is 4 mpg over the standard V6. The HV battery replacement costs $4,000 and is age-sensitive for 2014-2015 models. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module recall introduced a safety concern unique to these models. The 2018-2020 standard V6 gives you the same interior, the same safety features, and a simpler drivetrain.

Does the CVT warranty extension still apply? The $277 million class action settlement extended the powertrain warranty to 96 months or 96,000 miles on 2015-2018 Infiniti QX60 models. Settlement terms ran through 2022 for new claims. If you're buying a 2015-2018 model and the CVT hasn't been replaced, check the settlement documentation for your specific VIN. Some buyers are still within the extended coverage window.

Bottom Line

Buy the 2019 or 2020 with the 3.5L V6. The 2020 had the lowest complaint count in the generation and sits in a price range that gives you real value. The 2019 is nearly as good and costs less. Skip the hybrid entirely. Check the CVT fluid before any purchase, and run every VIN through a recall check. A QX60 with clean service records and confirmed recall completion is one of the most comfortable and practical used three-row SUVs under $30,000. One without that paper trail is a $277 million lawsuit waiting to happen in your driveway.

CarScout members can track price drops on specific years and trims of the QX60 at usecarscout.com.

Data sourced from NHTSA complaints database, EPA fuel economy data, and real owner experiences from infinitiqx60.org, InfiniftiProblems.com, RepairPal community, CarComplaints, and the BBB National Programs CVT settlement documentation. See the full Infiniti QX60 market data for current pricing and inventory.