2020 INFINITI QX60

Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Shuddering or jerking during acceleration, especially 15-40 mph, Whining or grinding noise from transmission, Hesitation when accelerating from stop, Check engine light with P17F0 or P0868 codes, Complete loss of drive or limp mode

Fix: CVT replacement or rebuild required. Nissan extended warranty covered some units to 120k mi but 2020s often fall outside coverage window. Expect 12-16 hours labor for R&R plus fluid flush. Remanufactured units are the typical solution as rebuilds often fail again.

Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Red transmission fluid pooling under vehicle near front, Low CVT fluid warning, Overheating transmission (limp mode), Visible corrosion on steel cooler lines near radiator

Fix: Steel cooler lines rust through where they mount to radiator. Requires replacement of both feed and return lines. 2-3 hours labor plus CVT fluid refill and flush recommended. Genuine Nissan lines or aftermarket stainless upgrades available.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200

Symptoms: Clunking noise from rear when going over bumps, Rear end feels loose or unstable during turns, Uneven rear tire wear, Vehicle may pull to one side

Fix: NHTSA recall 21V-838: rear suspension lateral link spindles can fracture due to bushing failure. Dealers replace both rear lateral links under recall. If not done yet, this is a critical safety issue. 2-3 hours labor per side if paying out of pocket.

Estimated cost: $0 (recall) or $800-1,400 if self-pay

Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: Metallic knocking or rattling from engine, especially under load, Check engine light with multiple misfire codes, Loss of power and rough idle, Metal shavings in oil during change, Sudden catastrophic failure with loss of compression

Fix: VQ35DE can suffer pre-ignition (LSPI) from carbon buildup causing piston ringland fractures, scored cylinder walls, bent rods, or spun bearings. Requires complete engine rebuild or replacement. 20-30 hours labor for short block or full engine swap. This is the worst-case scenario and not typical, but when it happens it's total.

Estimated cost: $6,000-12,000

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration felt through cabin at idle, Excessive engine movement visible when revving in Park

Fix: Hydraulic front transmission mount deteriorates, especially with CVT vibration. Replacement is straightforward: 1.5-2 hours labor. Use OEM Nissan mount as aftermarket versions collapse quickly.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Rough idle or misfires on cold start, Check engine light with P0300-P0306 misfire codes, Reduced fuel economy, Hesitation during acceleration

Fix: Direct injection VQ35 builds intake valve carbon without port injection to clean it. Fuel injectors also clog over time. Walnut blasting intake valves (4-5 hours) plus injector cleaning or replacement (2-3 hours) often needed together. Some shops do fuel system service first to avoid intake work if injectors are the main culprit.

Estimated cost: $800-1,800