[slogal]

Apologies for the length, but hope this helps prevent someone else from getting an SUV that can't do "utilty" things. (Skip to last paragraph is you want bottom line.)

I bought a 2022 Autograph FWD in December. It didn't come with a tow hitch - the car is gorgeous and I was lucky to get one so I just planned to get a hitch installed later (which I've done with other cars - easy.).
But no...
Starting in January I called my dealership to order a hitch, only to be told that they didn't have any that are compatible with the new Autographs. He said it was because the model is so new but Infiniti would have one, give it a few months. I accepted that.

I call back in March. This time I was told they still didn't have one so try after-market hitch shop. I took it to two hitch shops - both said that there was no hitch available as it would interfere with the Motion Activated Lift Gate (a standard feature on the Autograph), and they said they couldn't fabricate one as there seemed no where it could be installed without cutting into the frame.

I called 6 more INFINITI dealerships - all either said nothing was available yet or it's just not possible to install any hitch due to the motion lift gate. They all agreed that it's very strange that INFINITI made a SUV that cannot have a hitch installed (seems a big engineering error). To note: the Autograph FWD is advertised as having a 3500# tow capacity, and hitch-mounted accessories are available on the FWD build site!).

Two dealerships contacted the regional field engineers and confirmed "no hitch can be installed." They said the motion lift gate cannot be disabled because that would impact the entire computer system, would cause a warning light on all the time, and could impact safety features. My dealer said there's no work around as of yet, most likely INFINITI will have to get more complaints about this.

So, I now own a very expensive SUV that cannot have a hitch. I use a hitch for my bike rack, utility trailer and a travel trailer. I would have never bought this car knowing it could not have a hitch installed.

I have a case going with Consumer Affairs. So far they've rejected my request to buy it back and do not feel that the advertising is misleading.

In short: INFINITI has confirmed several times that the Autograph Front Wheel Drive trim cannot have a hitch installed. If you use a tow hitch DO NOT get the FWD; get the AWD or a different trim that doesn't have the motion activated lift gate.

 

[ddv2005]

INFINITI has confirmed several times that the Autograph Front Wheel Drive trim cannot have a hitch installed. If you use a tow hitch DO NOT get the FWD; get the AWD or a different trim that doesn't have the motion activated lift gate.

I don't think that motion activated lift gate is a problem because Autograph/Sensory AWD has motion activated lift gate but towing package can be installed on factory. Problem is FWD.

 

[slogal]

I don't think that motion activated lift gate is a problem because Autograph/Sensory AWD has motion activated lift gate but towing package can be installed on factory. Problem is FWD.

Per the INFINITI field engineers (and the spec diagrams they've provided), the problem is where the motion activated lift gate is located on the FWD Autograph. The AWD has a different configuration that integrates the tow hitch and the liftgate. The other trims that are FWD can have a hitch installed as long as the buyer hasn't added motion activated lift gate option. Unfortunately, in the Autograph that lift gate is standard.

 

[ddv2005]

Per the INFINITI field engineers (and the spec diagrams they've provided), the problem is where the motion activated lift gate is located on the FWD Autograph. The AWD has a different configuration that integrates the tow hitch and the liftgate. The other trims that are FWD can have a hitch installed as long as the buyer hasn't added motion activated lift gate option. Unfortunately, in the Autograph that lift gate is standard.

Hands free sensors are the same for AWD/FWD

But lower bumper cover is different for models with towing package and without. I am not sure that it is possible to install original towing hitch not at the factory

 

[slogal]

Hands free sensors are the same for AWD/FWD
View attachment 6510

But lower bumper cover is different for models with towing package and without. I am not sure that it is possible to install original towing hitch not at the factory

Per INFINITI, no hitch can be installed now. But as you probably know, there is no option for a factory tow hitch when one is building/ordering the FWD Autograph. (yet, the FWD build will let you add the hitch-mounted accessories such as a bike rack.)
Thanks for you thoughts.
My intention is to just alert folks of the tow hitch problem if they are considering the FWD Autograph.

 

[yeller]

Have you tried consumer affairs to get a manufacturer response to your trailer hitch question? I my experience, dealerships don’t always have the best information when it comes to new stuff or estimates from the manufacturer. I’m hoping customer affairs is a direct extension of Infiniti and can get you a real answer rather than a collection of resellers.

 

[slogal]

Yes, Consumer Affairs is involved. And the service managers at the dealers I've been working with have brought in INFINITI USA engineers and field techs. The "no tow hitch can be installed" ruling comes from the manufacturer.

 

[Mikeysauer]

Apologies for the length, but hope this helps prevent someone else from getting an SUV that can't do "utilty" things. (Skip to last paragraph is you want bottom line.)

I bought a 2022 Autograph FWD in December. It didn't come with a tow hitch - the car is gorgeous and I was lucky to get one so I just planned to get a hitch installed later (which I've done with other cars - easy.).
But no...
Starting in January I called my dealership to order a hitch, only to be told that they didn't have any that are compatible with the new Autographs. He said it was because the model is so new but Infiniti would have one, give it a few months. I accepted that.

I call back in March. This time I was told they still didn't have one so try after-market hitch shop. I took it to two hitch shops - both said that there was no hitch available as it would interfere with the Motion Activated Lift Gate (a standard feature on the Autograph), and they said they couldn't fabricate one as there seemed no where it could be installed without cutting into the frame.

I called 6 more INFINITI dealerships - all either said nothing was available yet or it's just not possible to install any hitch due to the motion lift gate. They all agreed that it's very strange that INFINITI made a SUV that cannot have a hitch installed (seems a big engineering error). To note: the Autograph FWD is advertised as having a 3500# tow capacity, and hitch-mounted accessories are available on the FWD build site!).

Two dealerships contacted the regional field engineers and confirmed "no hitch can be installed." They said the motion lift gate cannot be disabled because that would impact the entire computer system, would cause a warning light on all the time, and could impact safety features. My dealer said there's no work around as of yet, most likely INFINITI will have to get more complaints about this.

So, I now own a very expensive SUV that cannot have a hitch. I use a hitch for my bike rack, utility trailer and a travel trailer. I would have never bought this car knowing it could not have a hitch installed.

I have a case going with Consumer Affairs. So far they've rejected my request to buy it back and do not feel that the advertising is misleading.

In short: INFINITI has confirmed several times that the Autograph Front Wheel Drive trim cannot have a hitch installed. If you use a tow hitch DO NOT get the FWD; get the AWD or a different trim that doesn't have the motion activated lift gate.

I just bought the 2022 Autogragh QX60 last week and did not know this. I would not have bought if I knew it "could not be installed" i really hope they can make one that will fit even if the motion sensor doesn't work. i don't care.

 

[slogal]

I just bought the 2022 Autogragh QX60 last week and did not know this. I would not have bought if I knew it "could not be installed" i really hope they can make one that will fit even if the motion sensor doesn't work. i don't care.

Mickeysauer,
To confirm, did you get the FRONT wheel drive? If so, sorry; it really sucks. And unfortunately, INIFINTI USA techs state that the motion activated lift gate CANNOT be disabled as that would cause system errors and possibly safety issues (warning lights, other features not working properly, etc.).

Please do contact your service department - see how they respond. If anyone says they can disable it that would be fantastic! Please keep us posted as that would be the opposite of what national techs and regional field engineers have declared. (I cannot find any service department that will even try disabling the lift gift - they say they have to follow the tech guidelines. I would love to have that tested!)

Good luck! Unfortunately, I will not be keeping mine.

 

[Mikeysauer]

Mickeysauer,
To confirm, did you get the FRONT wheel drive? If so, sorry; it really sucks. And unfortunately, INIFINTI USA techs state that the motion activated lift gate CANNOT be disabled as that would cause system errors and possibly safety issues (warning lights, other features not working properly, etc.).

Please do contact your service department - see how they respond. If anyone says they can disable it that would be fantastic! Please keep us posted as that would be the opposite of what national techs and regional field engineers have declared. (I cannot find any service department that will even try disabling the lift gift - they say they have to follow the tech guidelines. I would love to have that tested!)

Good luck! Unfortunately, I will not be keeping mine.

Yes, I got the front wheel drive only because no one had AWD available in Autograph. I actually had purchased to have a tow packaged installed only to come back 3 days later and all they said "we don't have any in stock for a few months; so better to remove and can add later". So I assumed they were able to install but just had to wait. They have called me and said can install underneath after market but no factory installed will work "as of this moment" but maybe in near future will have.

 

[slogal]

Yes, I got the front wheel drive only because no one had AWD available in Autograph. I actually had purchased to have a tow packaged installed only to come back 3 days later and all they said "we don't have any in stock for a few months; so better to remove and can add later". So I assumed they were able to install but just had to wait. They have called me and said can install underneath after market but no factory installed will work "as of this moment" but maybe in near future will have.

INFINITI USA said they assume this will be fixed (i.e. a factory-installed hitch available for the FWD Autograph) after they get enough complaints - ugh!
I have taken my Autograph to 3 after-factory hitch shops - all have said they cannot find a hitch that is compatible with the motion activated lift gate (the specs specifically state "NOT compatible"), and they don't see where they could mount one. One shop offered to fabricate something - but their tech was concerned about cutting into the frame.
If you find an after-market hitch and/or shop that says they can do this, please let me know. I've called dealerships and hitch shops all over the country.
I do believe there will be a fix in the future - but how long is that? I need tow capacity now. I would have never bought an SUV that cannot tow something.
:-(

 

[Mikeysauer]

INFINITI USA said they assume this will be fixed (i.e. a factory-installed hitch available for the FWD Autograph) after they get enough complaints - ugh!
I have taken my Autograph to 3 after-factory hitch shops - all have said they cannot find a hitch that is compatible with the motion activated lift gate (the specs specifically state "NOT compatible"), and they don't see where they could mount one. One shop offered to fabricate something - but their tech was concerned about cutting into the frame.
If you find an after-market hitch and/or shop that says they can do this, please let me know. I've called dealerships and hitch shops all over the country.
I do believe there will be a fix in the future - but how long is that? I need tow capacity now. I would have never bought an SUV that cannot tow something.
:-(

Correct on the tow-hitch and motion sensor...they have all say it will block the sensors and that it wont work after...this is all I have seen. I have also complained to consumer affairs, but really how many people buy the Autograph and will complain? I dont see why they can't just move the sensors down and install the hitch just above it.

 

[slogal]

Correct on the tow-hitch and motion sensor...they have all say it will block the sensors and that it wont work after...this is all I have seen. I have also complained to consumer affairs, but really how many people buy the Autograph and will complain? I dont see why they can't just move the sensors down and install the hitch just above it.

I agree with you, but (so far) all the service managers i've talked to said they cannot go against the factory specs/guidance - thus, they can not move or disable the motion activated lift gate. i will let you know if anything different develops. It's a beautiful car but this is a big engineering flaw.
(I have an open case with Consumer Affairs. I requested they buy back the vehicle - they declined. (as did the dealership I bought it from ). They have sent me more forms so I can appeal. I've contacted a consumer advocate attorney - I am hoping he can represent me and get a better outcome from Consumer Affairs.)

 

[rider4ever]

I am about to get a 2023 qx60 Autograph fwd. I don’t need to tow right now but would like to have that option in a year or so. From your perspective, do you think the tow hitch should be available in a year or so from now? It is very disappointing that Infiniti has done this stupid design in a otherwise beautiful car.

Sadly they haven’t fixed this issue in the 2023 model either.

 

[rider4ever]

I am about to get a 2023 qx60 Autograph fwd. I don’t need to tow right now but would like to have that option in a year or so. From your perspective, do you think the tow hitch should be available in a year or so from now? It is very disappointing that Infiniti has done this stupid design in a otherwise beautiful car

@slogal @Mikeysauer

 

[ddv2005]

Biggest problem that officially you can't install tow-hitch even on qx60 Autograph AWD because of motion sensor. But I don't understand why because factory tow package works fine with motion sensor and service manual has no any specific changes about it. And technically, the motion sensor is only 2 wires / antennas laid along the bumper and the maximum that is required is reconfiguring the motion sensor ECU

 

[slogal]

I am about to get a 2023 qx60 Autograph fwd. I don’t need to tow right now but would like to have that option in a year or so. From your perspective, do you think the tow hitch should be available in a year or so from now? It is very disappointing that Infiniti has done this stupid design in a otherwise beautiful car.

Sadly they haven’t fixed this issue in the 2023 model either.

I have not been given any indication that this issue is on their "fix" list for the near future. They said they wait for enough consumer complaints. No one has offered any guess about the future.
That said, I received an "early buyer" survey months ago from INIFINITI and one of the questions asked about interest in having a hitch available for my trim (i.e. Autograph FWD) - which shows it's on the radar.
If I was buying, I'd get the AWD, just to be safe.
Good luck!

 

[raygolden58]

Does Sensory AWD have the same issue? I had called one dealer previously, he told need to replace the rear bumper.

 

[ddv2005]

Does Sensory AWD have the same issue? I had called one dealer previously, he told need to replace the rear bumper.

To install tow hitch you have to install Tow Hitch Finisher ( 2022 Infiniti QX60 Tow Hitch Finisher - T99T5-6SA60 - Genuine Infiniti Accessory ) but it is "NOT AVAILABLE ON VEHICLES WITH MOTION ACTIVATED LIFTGATE" . But it is weird because you can install tow hitch with motion activated liftgate from factory.

 

[raygolden58]

To install tow hitch you have to install Tow Hitch Finisher ( 2022 Infiniti QX60 Tow Hitch Finisher - T99T5-6SA60 - Genuine Infiniti Accessory ) but it is "NOT AVAILABLE ON VEHICLES WITH MOTION ACTIVATED LIFTGATE" . But it is weird because you can install tow hitch with motion activated liftgate from factory.

Yes, I know that finisher issue, because the picture of autograph or earlier trim showed a different rear bumper, the finisher looks only for that type of rear bumper.

Another issue is "NOT AVAILABLE ON VEHICLES WITH MOTION ACTIVATED LIFTGATE", even for the hitch receiver(2022 Infiniti QX60 Tow Hitch Receiver, Class III (Hitch Only) - T99T5-6TA0A - Genuine Infiniti Accessory), per that description, feels like all trims with motion activated liftgate are not fit that tow hitch.

I didn't find the tow hitch part on the Infiniti website for qx60 with motion activated liftgate(sensory, autograph fwd)