Understanding P0175 on Your 2022 Infiniti QX60
The 2022 Infiniti QX60 marked a major redesign, moving to the Nissan Pathfinder platform with a 3.5L V6 (VQ35DD) producing 295 horsepower. When your QX60 throws a P0175 code, the ECM has detected that Bank 2 — the cylinder bank opposite cylinder #1, which on the VQ35DD is the rear bank closer to the firewall — is running excessively rich. This means there's more fuel in the combustion mixture than the ECM can correct through normal fuel trim adjustments.
Symptoms You May Experience
- Check engine light on the dashboard
- Noticeable drop in fuel economy (often 2–4 MPG)
- Sulfur or rotten egg smell from the exhaust
- Black soot on the tailpipe
- Rough or slightly unstable idle
- Sluggish acceleration, especially when cold
Most Likely Causes
1. Contaminated or Failed MAF Sensor — High Likelihood
The VQ35DD uses a hot-wire MAF sensor positioned in the intake tube. On the 2022 QX60, the sensor sits right after the air filter box. When contaminated — common in dusty environments or when air filters aren't changed on schedule — it under-reads airflow, causing the ECM to dump extra fuel. Infiniti uses a Hitachi MAF sensor that's known for sensitivity to contamination.
2. Faulty Upstream O2 Sensor (Bank 2) — Medium Likelihood
The Bank 2 upstream (pre-catalytic converter) oxygen sensor provides the primary feedback for air-fuel ratio correction. On the QX60's V6, accessing this sensor requires working from underneath the vehicle. A sensor that reads falsely lean will cause the ECM to continuously add fuel, creating the rich condition P0175 reports.
3. Leaking Fuel Injectors — Medium Likelihood
The direct-injection fuel injectors on the VQ35DD operate at high pressures. Over time, the injector tips can develop carbon buildup or the pintle seals can degrade, allowing fuel to seep into the cylinder. This is more common on higher-mileage examples but can occur on the 2022 models that have accumulated significant mileage.
4. Fuel Pressure Regulator Malfunction — Low Likelihood
If the fuel pressure regulator holds system pressure too high, every injection event delivers more fuel than commanded. On the QX60, this component is part of the high-pressure fuel pump assembly, making it a more involved repair.
Diagnostic Approach
- Pull freeze-frame data — Examine Bank 2 short-term fuel trim (STFT) and long-term fuel trim (LTFT). LTFT values significantly positive (above +20%) confirm persistent richness.
- Inspect and clean the MAF sensor — Remove the sensor and use CRC or similar MAF-safe cleaner. Do not touch the sensing element with anything physical.
- Monitor O2 sensor output — A live data scan should show the Bank 2 upstream O2 sensor switching between 0.1V and 0.9V every 1–2 seconds. Slow switching or a stuck-high reading indicates failure.
- Check fuel rail pressure — Compare actual rail pressure to manufacturer spec at idle and under load.
- Perform a smoke test — Check for vacuum leaks or intake leaks that could affect MAF readings.
Repair Costs for the QX60
As a luxury Infiniti vehicle, parts and labor tend to run higher than mainstream brands:
- MAF sensor cleaning: $10–$15 DIY
- MAF sensor replacement: $200–$400
- O2 sensor replacement: $250–$500
- Fuel injector replacement: $350–$650 per injector
- Fuel pressure regulator/pump: $500–$900
Should You Keep Driving?
Short trips to the shop are fine, but sustained rich running accelerates catalytic converter wear. The QX60 has two catalytic converters, and replacing even one on the Infiniti runs $1,500–$2,500. Getting P0175 resolved promptly prevents that expensive secondary damage.
DIY Feasibility
Cleaning the MAF sensor is an easy 15-minute job for any DIYer. O2 sensor replacement is moderate difficulty — the Bank 2 sensor on the QX60 can be tricky to access without a lift. Injector and fuel pressure work should go to a qualified technician with the right scan tools.