AI Damage2005 Infiniti QX56: common problems
Owners of the 2005 Infiniti QX56 filed 80 complaints with NHTSA, most often about service brakes and fuel system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 80
- involving a crash
- 2
What fails most often
- 1 Service brakes 43% of all complaints
- 2 Fuel system 18% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel/propulsion system 15% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 9% of all complaints
- 5 Air bags 6% of all complaints
- 6 Exterior lighting 6% of all complaints
- 7 Powertrain 6% of all complaints
- 8 Steering 5% of all complaints
- Service brakes: 34 complaints (43% of all).
- Fuel system: 14 complaints (18% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 12 complaints (15% of all).
- Electrical system: 7 complaints (9% of all).
- Air bags: 5 complaints (6% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 5.6 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- automatic, 5-speed
Drive: RWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 80 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 34 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
I have a 2005 infiniti qx56. On april 5, 2007 I got on the ramp to the highway and at the entrance of highway suddenly the car's driver size front suspension broke.
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)
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.
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.
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…
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.
Fuel gauge shows 1/4 tank but it is empty. This caused the vehicle to stall on the highway. Very dangerous situation could have occurred. Was able to find safety beside the highway but thankful it did not happen in the middle of a busy highway.
My airbag light stays on constantly. There is a knocking sound that occurs as well when I'm driving. I'm concerned if I'm involved in a collision my airbags will not deploy.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 4,081 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 11% most complained about).
On average one model year of the QX56 has 54 complaints (10 years in the data). This year has 80, above average.
What to check before buying
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Infiniti QX56?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: service brakes, fuel system, fuel/propulsion system. Total complaints: 80. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: fuel system, fuel smell (24%), knocking, grinding or other noise (24%), warning lights, check engine (23%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2005 Infiniti QX56?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2005 Infiniti QX56 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2005 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.