INFINITI QX60 Parts Guide — Common Repairs, Maintenance and OEM Parts

The INFINITI QX60 is one of the best-selling three-row luxury crossovers ever built, and its engine lineup has proven reliable across two generations when maintained with genuine OEM parts. This guide covers the most common QX60 repairs by mileage, the critical differences between first- and second-generation models, how trim level affects parts fitment, and what every QX60 owner needs to know before ordering. INFINITI of Akron is a certified INFINITI dealer with direct access to the complete Nissan OEM parts catalog and offers nationwide shipping.

First Generation vs. Second Generation QX60 — Know Before You Order

This is the single most important distinction for QX60 parts ordering. These two generations share a name but differ substantially in transmission, engine, suspension architecture, body structure, and electronics. Parts are not interchangeable between generations, and within the second generation, powertrain components changed again starting with the 2025 model year. The model year of your QX60 is the first thing to confirm before ordering any mechanical component.

First Generation (2013 JX35 / 2014–2020 QX60): Originally sold as the JX35 for 2013, then renamed QX60 for 2014. Powered by the 3.5L VQ35DE V6 — 265 hp through 2016, updated to 295 hp with direct injection added for 2017. A supercharged 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid variant was also available from 2014 through 2017. All non-hybrid first-gen models use an Xtronic CVT. Front suspension is MacPherson strut; rear suspension is independent multi-link with separate coil springs and shock absorbers. Note: INFINITI did not produce a 2021 model year QX60. The first generation ended at the 2020 model year.

Second Generation, 2022–2024: Completely redesigned — new body, new interior, new 9-speed automatic transmission replacing the CVT, redesigned double-wishbone front suspension, and updated independent multi-link rear suspension. The 3.5L VQ35DE V6 carried over at 295 hp. Components from the first generation are not interchangeable with the second generation.

Second Generation, 2025–present: Starting with the 2025 model year, INFINITI replaced the 3.5L V6 with the 2.0L VC-Turbo turbocharged four-cylinder — the same engine used in the QX50 and QX55 — producing 268 hp and 286 lb-ft of torque, paired with the 9-speed automatic. The VC-Turbo uses a variable compression ratio system that adjusts between performance and efficiency modes. Engine, exhaust, cooling, intake, and accessory drive components from 2022–2024 models are not interchangeable with 2025–present models despite sharing the same body generation. Always confirm model year before ordering any powertrain-related component on a second-generation QX60.

Common QX60 Repairs by Mileage

30,000–60,000 Miles

Spark plugs. First-generation VQ35DE models require OEM iridium spark plugs at this interval. Non-OEM plugs with incorrect heat range degrade idle quality and disrupt the precise fuel trim calibration the VQ35DE's engine management system was built around. The 2025+ VC-Turbo four-cylinder uses different spark plug specifications — confirm your model year and engine before ordering.

Cabin air filter. High-volume maintenance item across all generations. OEM cabin filters match the QX60's HVAC system for exact airflow specification and filtration efficiency. Aftermarket filters vary widely in actual filtration performance.

Engine air filter. Standard interval replacement under normal driving conditions. Inspect earlier if the vehicle operates regularly in dusty environments.

Brake pad inspection. First formal brake pad inspection interval. Wear varies significantly by driving style — urban stop-and-go driving accelerates pad wear considerably compared to highway use.

60,000–100,000 Miles

Front lower control arm replacement (first gen). The most documented first-generation QX60 wear item and the highest-volume QX60 repair part at this dealership. The front lower control arm bushings deteriorate over time, producing clunking noises over bumps, imprecise steering feel, and accelerated inside-edge tire wear. The complete lower control arm assembly is replaced rather than attempting individual bushing replacement.

Mass air flow (MAF) sensor. MAF sensor degradation on the VQ35DE is gradual — owners typically notice rough idle, slight hesitation under acceleration, and marginally reduced fuel economy before any fault code is triggered. OEM MAF sensors maintain the precise airflow calibration the VQ35DE requires. Aftermarket sensors frequently introduce calibration drift that is difficult to diagnose.

Rear shock absorbers (first gen). The first-generation QX60 uses an independent multi-link rear suspension with separate coil springs and shock absorbers. The rear shocks typically show noticeable wear around 80,000 miles. OEM shock replacement restores original ride quality and handling balance.

CVT fluid service (first gen). Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 is the only acceptable fluid for first-generation Xtronic transmissions. Aftermarket CVT fluids — including those marketed as compatible — cause slip and accelerate CVT wear. The CVT is the single most expensive component on the first-generation QX60; OEM fluid is non-negotiable. The second-generation QX60 uses a 9-speed automatic with entirely different fluid specifications. Always confirm your model year and transmission type before any fluid service.

Power back door actuator. Both generations experience power tailgate failures. The motor assembly and latch actuator are the most commonly replaced components. Symptoms include slow operation, grinding noises, failure to open or close fully, or the liftgate reversing direction unexpectedly.

100,000+ Miles

Catalytic converter replacement. High-mileage first-generation QX60s frequently require catalytic converter replacement, particularly vehicles used primarily for short trips that prevent the converter reaching full operating temperature to burn off deposits. The VQ35DE uses front and rear converter assemblies with different OEM part numbers — confirm which assembly is needed before ordering. OEM converters are essential; aftermarket units consistently produce oxygen sensor error codes and emissions test failures on this vehicle due to thermal and flow specification mismatches.

Oxygen sensors. Upstream and downstream oxygen sensors degrade gradually at higher mileage. Degraded sensors cause fuel trim drift, increased fuel consumption, and can trigger catalytic converter efficiency codes that are actually oxygen sensor failures misdiagnosed as converter issues.

Water pump and cooling system components. Both the VQ35DE V6 and the VC-Turbo four-cylinder use a timing chain, not a belt, eliminating the major timing service interval. However, the water pump, thermostat, and coolant hoses have finite service life at higher mileage. The water pump is worth inspecting proactively at 100,000+ miles on any generation.

Serpentine belt and accessory drive tensioner. Inspect the serpentine belt and tensioner at high mileage. A failed tensioner causes premature belt wear and can result in accessory failure. Replace both together when either shows wear.

Trim Level Differences That Affect Parts Ordering

The QX60 has been sold in Pure, Luxe, Sensory, and Autograph trims in the second generation, and base, Pure, Premium, Limited, Sensory, and Autograph trims across various first-generation years. Key distinctions that affect parts fitment:

Suspension. The QX60 does not offer a Sport or performance suspension package at any trim level. Suspension components are consistent across all trims within each generation, simplifying parts ordering for suspension work.

Headlights. Base trims used halogen headlights while higher trims used bi-xenon HID or LED systems depending on model year. Headlight assemblies are trim-specific and are not interchangeable between halogen and HID/LED configurations. Always confirm trim and model year when ordering lighting components.

Technology features. Higher trims include ProPILOT Assist, Around View Monitor, and premium audio systems. Electronic components for these features are trim-specific and require VIN verification for correct fitment.

Hybrid powertrain (first gen, 2014–2017 only). A hybrid variant using a supercharged 2.5L four-cylinder with electric motor assist was available from 2014 through 2017. Hybrid QX60s share some components with non-hybrid first-gen models but have different drivetrain, exhaust, and electrical components. Always confirm hybrid vs. non-hybrid before ordering any drivetrain or exhaust parts for a 2014–2017 QX60.

AWD System Maintenance

The QX60's Intelligent AWD system continuously distributes torque between front and rear axles based on wheel speed sensor data, throttle input, and vehicle dynamics. Wheel speed sensors providing inaccurate data cause AWD calibration errors ranging from unnecessary intervention on dry roads to insufficient response on wet or slippery surfaces. Genuine OEM wheel speed sensors maintain the precise signal characteristics the AWD controller is calibrated to. Aftermarket sensors with slightly different output can introduce intermittent AWD faults that are difficult to diagnose and trace back to the sensor.

Shop All QX60 OEM Parts

Browse the complete genuine OEM INFINITI QX60 parts catalog: INFINITI QX60 OEM Parts — All Years 2013–2026. Enter your 17-digit VIN at checkout for confirmed fitment by model year, trim, engine, and drivetrain configuration. All orders ship nationwide from INFINITI of Akron, a certified INFINITI dealer with direct Nissan OEM catalog access.

Frequently Asked Questions