2006 Infiniti QX56 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2006 Infiniti QX56 has a complaint index of 50 and ranks 5th worst of 9 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Brakes account for 75% of its 79 complaints, with 3 recalls covering the engine control relay, fuel gauge sender, and A/C fan motor.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #5 of 9 QX56 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 79
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 14
- 12 city / 17.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2006 Infiniti QX56 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes59 (75%)
- Electrical System12 (15%)
- Engine7 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain7 (9%)
- Fuel System6 (8%)
- Other5 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (3%)
- Airbags1 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brakes reportedly fail suddenly, with the pedal going to the floor and no stopping power during emergency maneuvers.
- Fuel gauge shows a quarter tank or more remaining while the tank is actually empty, causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly on the highway.
- Rear axle bolts have been reported to shear off while driving, producing a thumping noise and loss of control feel.
- Vehicle has been reported to stall and lose power steering assist while driving at highway speed, with dashboard warning lights flashing.
- Suspension reportedly bottoms out or bounces excessively over bumps, and the vehicle can drift lanes when towing and hitting a bump.
- Radiator plastic end tank has been reported to crack and leak coolant, risking loss of engine power.
2006 Infiniti QX56 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V517000Oct 28, 2010Engine747,480 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 armada, titan, infiniti qx56 and model year 2005-2006 frontier, pathfinder and xterra vehicles. The intelligent power distribution module (ipdm) assembly contains an engine control module (ECM) relay that has a diode for electrical current noise reduction. The ECM relay may allow silicon vapor to form and, over time, the silicon evaporates from the diode molding which causes silicon oxide to develop on the ECM relay contact due to arcing.
Risk: This could cause engine stalling increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ECM relay inside the ipdm assembly. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on december 6, 2010. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
- NHTSA 10V074000Mar 3, 2010Fuel System340,000 vehicles
Fuel system, other:storage:fuel gauge system
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 titan, armada, and infiniti qx56 vehicles. The instrument panel fuel gauge may inaccurately display that the vehicle still has some fuel, typically about one quarter tank, when the fuel tank is empty.
Risk: This could cause the vehicle to run out of gas and stall on the highway, which could cause a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel sender unit inside the fuel tank with a new improved sender card. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on march 22, 2010. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
- NHTSA 08V284000Jun 27, 2008Other180,664 vehicles
Equipment:appliance:air conditioner
Nissan is recalling 180,664 my 2005-2006 titan, armada and infinity qx56 vehicles manufactured after march 17, 2005, that are equipped with a visteon air conditioning condenser fan motor. The fan motor may not be properly sealed allowing excessive water intrusion and inadequate drainage of moisture.
Risk: This could cause corrosion in the motor leading possibly to overheating and a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a 'thermal protector kit' and test the air conditioning condenser fan motor and replace it if necessary. The recall began on august 2, 2008. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
2006 Infiniti QX56 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 12 MPG
- Highway
- 17.5 MPG
- Combined
- 14 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,650
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2006 compared with other QX56 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Infiniti QX56 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 QX56 carries a complaint index of 50 and a Caution verdict, ranking 5th worst among the 9 model years with data. Brakes are the dominant reported issue, making up 75% of its complaints.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2006 Infiniti QX56?
- Brakes are the top problem area, with 59 complaints (75% of the total) and a median failure mileage of 91,300 miles, including reports of sudden brake failure.
- Does the 2006 Infiniti QX56 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls: an engine control module relay issue in the IPDM assembly, an inaccurate fuel gauge sender, and an air conditioning condenser fan motor that may not be properly sealed.
- How does the 2006 QX56 compare to other years?
- The 2006 model's complaint index of 50 is worse than the Good-rated 2007 (13), 2009 (0), 2010 (38), and 2013 (25) but better than the Avoid-rated 2005 (88), 2008 (75), and 2011 (100).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2006 Infiniti QX56?
- EPA rates the 2006 QX56 at 14 mpg combined (12 city / 17.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,650.