Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2012 Infiniti M56
The 2012 Infiniti M56 is generally reliable but has recalls for driveshaft and fuel pressure sensor issues. Be cautious and confirm recall repairs are complete.
Known issues to inspect
Driveshaft may break
How to check: Ensure the recall repair for the driveshaft is documented.
Fuel pressure sensor leak
How to check: Inspect for any fuel smells or leaks under the hood.
Potential unknown steering issue
How to check: Test steering response for any irregularities or stiffness.
General electrical system issues
How to check: Check all electrical functions, like lights and windows.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noises from the engine.
Red flag: Loud knocking or tapping sounds.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Look for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights on display.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test acceleration and shifts smoothly.
Red flag: Hesitation or jerking during shifting.
- 04
Steering during turns
What to check: Evaluate steering feel and responsiveness.
Red flag: Stiff or difficult steering maneuverability.
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth acceleration without lag.
Red flag: Noticeable lack of power or hesitation.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the driveshaft recall been completed?
- Any recurring issues with the fuel sensor?
- Ever noticed any electrical failures?
- Can you confirm steering feels responsive?
- Are all recalls fully documented with repairs?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair confirmation
- Service history records
- Vehicle title
- Accident history report
- Previous owner's contact info
Generated by gpt-4o on 8/20/2026. Grounded in the NHTSA recall corpus and owner-complaint patterns for the 2012 Infiniti M56.