RoadVitals

2005 INFINITI QX56

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
80
Latest Nov 14, 2024
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Oct 28, 2010
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2
6 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 80 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 INFINITI QX56, most frequently naming the brakes, fuel system and electrical categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 99 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes3435.1%
  • Fuel system2525.8%
  • Electrical77.2%
  • Exterior lighting55.2%
  • Airbags55.2%
  • Engine55.2%
  • Powertrain (other)44.1%
  • Steering44.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
10V517000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Oct 28, 2010
747,480 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: THIS COULD CAUSE ENGINE STALLING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The 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.
NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
10E019000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

May 20, 2010
1,873 units potentially affected
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AND MAY 14, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND QX56, AND MODEL YEARS 2005 THROUGH 2010 FRONTIER, XTERRA, AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK ASSEMBLY HAS TWO CYLINDRICAL COLLARS FORMING THE INBOARD ATTACHMENT POINTS TO THE CHASSIS. DUE TO AN IMPROPER WELDING PROCESS SOME COLLARS MAY CONTAIN WELDS THAT DO NOT MEET STRENGTH SPECIFICATIONS.
The risk: IF THE COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE HANDLING WILL DETERIORATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED LOWER LINK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
10V074000

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM

Mar 3, 2010
340,000 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALL ON THE HIGHWAY, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
The 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.
NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 80
BrakesSteering
Filed Nov 14, 2024

I started to break saw a major traffic jam . And my steering started shaking and my breaks did not Stop like they're supposed to.almost was i huge crash w I th my [XXX] and [XXX] old INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11625120
Incident
Nov 5, 2024
Fuel system
Filed Nov 7, 2022

The contact owns a 2005 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the residence where it was discovered that no fuel was present although the fuel gauge indicated that there was a quarter tank of fuel in the tank. After adding fuel, the vehicle was restarted, and the vehicle operated as designed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number 10V074000 (Fuel System, Other). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ID
11492549
Incident
Nov 6, 2022
Mileage
150,000 mi
BrakesElectricalSteering
Filed Jan 4, 2021

THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER TO THE BRAKES WHILE DRIVING INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN PROBLEM OCCURS YOU WILL LOSE POWER STEERING AND PRESSURE TO BRAKING SYSTEM. ALSO THE DRIVER HID HEADLAMP GETS MOISTURE IN IT WHENEVER IT RAINS. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE HID BULB ABOUT 6 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR. ALSO THERE SEEMS TO BE AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE ONBOARD COMPUTER THAT CAUSES THE TACHOMETER TO NOT WORK OR READ CORRECTLY.

NHTSA ID
11386367
Incident
Jan 4, 2020
Mileage
155,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Aug 13, 2020

DRIVING 30 MPH IN MANHATTAN NEW YORK CAME TO A RED LIGHT PRESSED BRAKE PEDAL FELT NO BRAKES PUMPED BRAKES FELT LIKE THERE WAS LITTLE TO NO BRAKING ABS LIGHT CAME ON SO DID BRAKE LIGHT RAN THROUGH THE RED THANK GOD NO CARS WHERE I FRONT OF ME ,EVENTUALLY STOPPED PULLED ASIDE THEN TURNED VEHICLE OFF AND THEN ON THE BRAKES WORKED FINE TOOK IT TO STRAIGHT TO MECHANIC BECAUSE I DIDN'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE TRUCK . HE SAID EVERYTHING LOOKED FINE YOUR BRAKE PADS ROTORS FLUID LEVELS AND TIRES ARE IN GOOD CONDITION HE CONNECTS HIS SCAN TOOL AND SAID HE DIDN'T FIND ANY CODES .I TOLD HIM TO KEEP THE CAR DRIVE IT UNTIL HE COULD FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM 1 WEEK AFTER HE CALLS ME AND SAID HE WAS DRIVING ABOUT 25 MPH IN BROOKLYN NEW YORK AND THE BRAKE LIGHT ABS LIGHT CAME ON THEN HE HAD NO BRAKES TOLD ME 'IT FELT AS IF HE WAS DRIVING ON ICE 'HE THEN SCANNED THE CAR WHEN HE GOT BACK TO THE SHOP AND SAID IT HAD A CODE DTC C1179 ADVISED ME TO TAKE IT TO INFINITI TO GET IT DIAGNOSED BECAUSE IT'S A SERIOUS AND POTENTIALLY DEADLY PROBLEM. CALLED INFINITI NORTH AMERICA HOTLINE AND WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THIS SERIOUS PROBLEMS THEY TOLD ME TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM SERVICE THE CAR SO NOW I HAVE TO DRIVE A CAR WITH BRAKE MAYBE WORKING OR MAYBE NOT WORKING TO HAVE THE DEALERSHIP POTENTIALLY OVERCHARGE ME TO FIX A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT THAT THEY KNOW ABOUT I'M HAPPY THAT I WAS IN BROOKLYN DRIVING ONLY 25 -30 PER WITHOUT MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR.I LIVE IN JERSEY AND NORMALLY ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING (50-65 DEPENDING ON POSTED SPEED LIMITS IF THIS BRAKE PROBLEM HAPPENED OMG . I READ UP ON THE CODE AND FOUND NUMEROUS VEHICLES COMPLIANTS ABOUT THIS DANGEROUS BRAKE PROBLEM. C1179 DELTA STROKE SENSOR NISSAN TITAN. NISSAN ARMADA AND INFINITI QX56 2004 - APROX 2010 THEY NEED TO ISSUE A RECALL TO MAKE THESE VEHICLES SAFE TO DRIVE

NHTSA ID
11349108
Incident
Aug 2, 2020
Mileage
5 mi
ElectricalEngineExterior lighting
Filed Jun 26, 2020

WHILE DRIVING IN RESIDENTIAL/BUSINESS AREA MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY LOST POWER AND TURNED OFF. I DRIFTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT POWER STEERING. TRIED TO START VEHICLE AGAIN. VEHICLE WOULD START BUT WOULD IMMEDIATELY DIE-WOULD NOT IDLE. AFTER RESTING APPROX 5 MINUTES I WAS ABLE TO START AGAIN AND CONTINUE HOME. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 2 MONTHS. I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AGAIN. I ALSO CANNOT KEEP THE DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT WORKING. BULBS CONSTANTLY BLOW OUT AT OVER 300.00 DOLLARS EACH. *TR

NHTSA ID
11331118
Incident
Apr 30, 2020
Mileage
270,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Nov 3, 2019

EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, SEEMINGLY AFTER SLOW DRIVING WHERE THERE ARE MANY STOP SIGNS NOT TOO FAR APART, THE BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON, THE BRAKE PEDAL WEAKENS AND BRAKE SYSTEM MAKES A RATTLING NOISE WHEN THE PEDAL IS PRESSED. THEN I TURN OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTART IT AND ALL IS BACK TO NORMAL UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, CAN BE DAYS OR SOMETIMES WEEKS.

NHTSA ID
11277780
Incident
Nov 2, 2019
Mileage
212,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 21, 2019

WHEN DRIVING, THE BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON FOR NO REASON AND CAUSES THE BRAKES TO WORK INAPPROPRIATELY. IT BECOMES VERY HARD TO BRAKE. THE BRAKES SEEM TO FALL THROUGH AND THERE IS A GRINDING SOUND FROM THE BRAKES. IF I TURN THE VEHICLE OFF, AND THEN BACK ON IT WORKS FINE. THEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN SPARATICALLY.

NHTSA ID
11256979
Incident
Sep 20, 2019
Mileage
216,000 mi
Filed Sep 3, 2019
Crash reported4 injuries reported

WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON INTERSTATE I-95 DURING RUSH HOUR AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES/HOUR, I PRESSED ON THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL DROPPED DOWN AND STARTED MAKING A WEIRD NOISE (LIKE GRINDING SOUND) AND THE CAR WOULDN'T STOP. THE ABS LIGHT TURNED ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON, THE PEDAL LOST PRESSURE AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP. I ENDED UP IN A CRASH, REAR-ENDING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THE CAR HAS NOW BEEN REPAIRED FROM DAMAGES FROM CRASH BUT MECHANIC FOUND NO PROBLEM WITH BRAKE SYSTEM. ABS SENSORS, CALIPERS, DISKS AND PADS WHERE CHANGED AS PRECAUTION BUT PROBLEM REAPPEARS FROM TIME TO TIME AND SEEMS TO RESET WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND ON AGAIN (BRAKE PETAL RAISED BACK UP, GRINDING SOUND DISAPPEARS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT SHUT OFF). I VISITED TWO INFINITY DEALERS AND BOTH OF THEM MENTIONED THAT IT WAS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL CAR AND THE PROBLEM WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE MASTER CYLINDER'S DESIGN.

NHTSA ID
11252935
Incident
Feb 11, 2019
Mileage
55,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

ITB09-063C

STRUCTURE:BODY

CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Infiniti by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).

ITB13-052E

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

INTELLIGENT KEY NOT DETECTED / ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

ITB10-029C

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

ITB13-006D

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

ITB17-009H

VISIBILITY/WIPER

WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

ITB13-007I

VISIBILITY/WIPER

REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

INFINITI QX56 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2013323049.2
2012573046.9
2011782044.4
2010253051.6
2009730—
2008524049.4
2007212037.7
2006794044.2
2005Viewing804044.5
20041062044.8
2002000—
2001000—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.