Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

2018 INFINITI QX60 pre-purchase inspection checklist

What to check before you buy, built from NHTSA recall data, owner-reported failures, and mechanic intel. Print it or bring it to your mechanic.

Pre-purchase inspection · 2018 INFINITI QX60
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2018 INFINITI QX60
Single trim, FWD or AWD, with Premium / Premium Plus / Deluxe Touring packages (L50, 1st gen, 2014-2020)
Watchful

The 2018 QX60 is the 1st-generation L50 car — a Pathfinder R52 underneath, in a more premium package, and sold as a single trim with option packages rather than the named Pure/Luxe/Sensory/Autograph trims Infiniti introduced with the 2022 redesign. The 3.5L VQ35 is proven, but the Xtronic CVT carries the same radiator cross-contamination risk as the Pathfinder — inspect the fluid before driving. Rear seat comfort is exceptional for a 3-row. If the budget stretches, the 2022+ L51 with a 9-speed automatic sidesteps the CVT question entirely.

Items to check
13
Open recalls
2
NHTSA complaints
175
Top concern
CVT fluid / radiator cross-contamination (1st gen) / infotainment

Powertrain

CVT radiator contamination check

Critical
Same radiator-to-CVT cross-contamination failure mode as Pathfinder. Pink or milky CVT fluid = walk away.
Pull CVT dipstick BEFORE any test drive. Pink, milky, or foamy = contamination — walk away.
Est. cost: $3,500–$5,500 CVT + $800–$1,500 radiator Source: Infiniti/Nissan CVT contamination pattern

VQ35 oil consumption check

Monitor
VQ35 can consume oil above 100k miles with extended intervals.
Pull dipstick before driving.
Est. cost: Monitor Source: VQ35 pattern

AWD

Rear coupling fluid service

High Attention
AWD coupling requires fluid every 30k miles. Vibration at highway speed = neglected.
Test highway cornering for vibration.
Est. cost: $150–$300 service / $800–$1,500 coupling Source: AWD maintenance requirement

Electrical

InTouch infotainment (dual-screen)

Monitor
Dual-screen InTouch system on 1st-gen QX60 has known reliability issues and feels dated.
Test both screens, including climate controls on lower screen.
Est. cost: $500–$2,000 screen replacement Source: Infiniti infotainment complaint

Suspension

Front strut and bushing wear

Monitor
Strut noise and bushing wear at 80k+ miles.
Drive over rough pavement and bounce test.
Est. cost: $400–$800 per strut Source: Common wear

Documentation

CVT dipstick check + recall verification

Critical
CVT contamination inspection is non-negotiable on 1st-gen QX60. Run all recalls.
CVT dipstick check before driving. Run nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Est. cost: Walk away from contaminated fluid Source: NHTSA

NHTSA Recalls (verify completion via VIN)

19V-807
ABS Actuator Fluid Leak (Fire Risk)
ABS actuator pump can leak brake fluid onto its circuit board — electrical short and fire risk; 2017-2019 QX60 (expansion and re-recall of 18V-601). If the ABS light stays on over 10 seconds, park outdoors. Dealer replaces the actuator.
Multiple
Open recalls — VIN check
Campaigns vary by build date. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and require every open recall closed before purchase.
After you buy: common DIY repair guides
Planning the upkeep this car will need? Our step-by-step guides cover oil changes, brake pads & rotors, battery replacement, transmission fluid, coolant flushes, and spark plugs — each with the tools, parts, torque specs, and common mistakes that matter. Browse all repair guides →

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