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2008 Infiniti QX56

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2008 QX56.

Body SUVTransmission Automatic 5-spd

The 2008 Infiniti QX56 is an SUV equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission and an engine requiring a substantial 6.6 quarts of 5W-30 API SL oil, returning an EPA-estimated 12 city and 18 highway mpg. This model year occupies a transitional middle ground in the QX56's 2004-2013 reliability history, accumulating 52 owner complaints and 4 recalls predominantly focused on the service brakes. While its complaint count reflects a clear improvement over the inaugural 2004 model's peak of 106, it remains far from the 2009 low of just 7, indicating to researchers that persistent braking concerns had yet to be fully resolved by this point in the vehicle's production.

Model year2013 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.6 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-30 API SLOEM · verified

Lug nut torque98 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy12/18/14 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 27F · 710 CCA battery, OE oil filter 152089E01A. Note the factory front wiper blades is now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 27F · 710 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP275-60R20OEM · verified

Wheel / rim8-J inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	152089E01A
Engine air filter	165467S000
Spark plug	22401ZE01B
Front wiper blades	28890ZC31A discontinued · alt 28890ZC30A
Serpentine belt	117207S00A
Thermostat	212001LA1A
Cabin air filter	27277VP00A

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic 5-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	207.5 in
Overall width	78.7 in
Overall height	78.7 in
Wheelbase	123.6 in
Curb weight	5913 lb
Track (front / rear)	66.9 / 66.9 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	52/48

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	12 / 18 / 14 mpg
Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuel	Premium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the QX56 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.8–7.4 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.80 sec — 2004 SUV

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2006	SUV 5.6L V8	7.10 sec	15.60 sec	315 hp	4x4
2004	SUV 5.6L V8	6.80 sec	15.20 sec	315 hp	4x4
2004	SUV 5.6L V8	7.40 sec	15.90 sec	315 hp	4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.6 qt of 5W-30 API SL engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 98 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 28.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	11.2
Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	3.8 Pints
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	6.6 qt
Power Steering Fluid	ATF

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts	62-68 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	6 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	25 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	28.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	7 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	98 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	101 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub	170 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2
Ignition Timing	15, Not adjustable degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance	5 degrees
Ignition Timing Reference RPM	Idle rpm

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	2.27-2.49 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	9.80 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	27F
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	710 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test	20 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	176-183 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (Without Vacuum)	51.0 psi
Engine Oil Pressure	14 psi @ Idle, 43 psi @ 2000 rpm psi
Intake Valve Lash	Hydraulic in
Exhaust Valve Lash	Hydraulic in

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	32 ft-lbs / 24 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	155 ft-lbs / 73 ft-lbs
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0006 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.0016 in / 0.002 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	1.024 in / 0.551 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To	1.024 in / 0.551 in
Rotor Minimum Machining	0.965 in / 0.472 in
Rotor Discard at or Under	0.964 in / 0.471 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

Bolts 1-9

1.4 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

11 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

11 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

69 ft. lbs., step 2: 90

69 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages

1	33.0 ft. lbs.	33 ft. lbs
2	70 degrees	70 degrees
3	Loosen all bolts completely in order.
4	33.0 ft. lbs.	33 ft. lbs
5	60 degrees	60 degrees
6	60 degrees	60 degrees

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

Bolts 1-10

29 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 3,750 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant every 3,750 mi. The big-interval services (every 3,750 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 3,750 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill)
Every 7,500 mi	Battery (inspect electrolyte level) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Steering Gear Box Assembly (inspect)
Every 15,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning System (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Pedal Assembly (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Drive Belt (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect) · Fuel System (inspect)
At 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 105,000 mi	Spark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2008 Infiniti QX56 recorded 52 complaints, a notable increase from 21 in 2007 and a sharp contrast to the 7 complaints in 2009, indicating a mid-generation spike in owner-reported issues. With 4 recalls, the 2008 model ties for the highest recall count in the dataset alongside 2005, 2006, and 2012, suggesting a relatively elevated safety-related concern for this year. The top complaint area is service brakes (12 complaints), followed by air bags (4), and the year includes 5 crash complaints but no fire complaints. Across the 2004–2013 record, complaints follow a U-shaped trend—high in early years, a trough around 2007–2009, then rising again in 2011–2012—placing 2008 on the upward slope of that trough. Technical service bulletins (103) are moderate compared to the later years (167 in 2011, 178 in 2013), implying that while the 2008 model has known service issues, it does not require as many bulletins as newer models. Given the higher complaint and recall counts relative to the adjacent 2007 and 2009 model years, the 2008 QX56 is not a standout choice for a used purchase; a 2007 or 2009 example would likely offer fewer reported problems.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

103

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

5 involved a crash · 0 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’04 ’05 ’06 ’07’08’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 52 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Service Brakes12

Air Bags4

Exterior Lighting3

Suspension3

Service Brakes, Hydraulic3

Fuel System, Gasoline2

Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System2

Unknown Or Other2

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

10E019000Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower ArmReported 20/05/2010

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009… Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED LOWER LINK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

10V072000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Pedals And LinkagesReported 02/03/2010

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND INFINITI QX56, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 NISSAN QUEST VEHICLES. THE BRAKE PEDAL PIVOT PIN END WAS NOT SPIN-FORMED TO SPECIFICATION DURING THE… Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THE PIVOT PIN HAD BEEN FORMED PROPERLY AND WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 22…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 103 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
ITB09-063C	2026-04-13	Structure	CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
ITB10-029C	2024-05-20	Electrical System	CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended…
ITB13-052E	2024-05-20	Electrical System	INTELLIGENT KEY NOT DETECTED / ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See…
ITB13-006D	2024-05-20	Electrical System	CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See…
ITB17-009H	2024-04-29	Visibility/Wiper	WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific QX56. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 27F battery Vehicles taking 6.6 qt Engine oil filter 152089E01A Engine air filter 165467S000 Spark plug 22401ZE01B Front wiper blades 28890ZC31A

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2008 QX56 take?

6.6 qt of 5W-30 API SL, per the factory manual.

Does the 2008 QX56 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the QX56 get?

EPA figures are 12 city / 18 highway / 14 combined mpg.