ABS/VDC CAN DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 INFINITI QX56 brakes problems
moderate 31 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
When does it fail?
Of the 31 brakes complaints filed for the 2005 INFINITI QX56, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Brakes accounts for 39% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 7 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 31 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
BRAKE NOISE/JUDDER/PEDAL FEEL DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR This bulletin has been amended to include vehicles built up to the publication date. Also, tips for using the ProCut? brake lathe were added on page 8, and a Brake Noise Diagnostic Worksheet was added on page 10. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has compiled Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and Low Tire Pressure Warning System (LTPWS) information for: - Basic diagnosing of TPMS/LTPWS systems - Radio frequency interference causing a "No Data" (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) condition - Sensor leaks - Moving TPMS/LTPWS wheel assemblies from one vehicle to another and TPMS/LTPWS sensor registration - Air pressure changes with altitude and ambient temperatures - Aftermarket tire sealers - Aftermarket wheels - Inflating/deflating tires with TPMS/LTPWS sensors See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe has been chosen as the approved tool for rotor resurfacing. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe can be ordered from TECH-MATE at 1-800-662-2001. - ProCut technical support or service can be obtained by calling 1-800-543-6618. NOTE: Brake rotors may need to be resurfaced during routine brake repair or for brake "judder" incidents. - Brake judder: A brake pedal pulsation and/or steering wheel shimmy when braking that occurs when there is too mu
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake issues fall into the following categories: a. Brake Noise: A squeak, squeal, clunk, or groan that occurs when the brakes are applied or released. b. Brake Judder: A vibration that can be felt in the vehicle, steering wheel, or brake pedal when the brakes are applied. c. Pedal Feel: The effort needed to operate the brakes is too high or too low. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Verify the condition by road testing the vehicle with the customer. 2. Determine the specific brake issue based on th
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2005 Infiniti QX56s describe a repeating pattern of brake system failure that appears without warning during normal driving. The brake light illuminates on the dashboard, followed by loss of braking power (50–95% reduction), grinding or rubbing noises from the front brakes, and a soft or pulsating brake pedal that sometimes drops to the floor. Stopping distance increases significantly. The brakes often become unresponsive at low speeds—parking lots, city driving, and highway exit ramps. In nearly every case, owners report that turning the engine off and restarting it resets the system temporarily, restoring normal braking until the next episode. The ABS light frequently comes on with these events. Owners report this happening occasionally or as frequently as multiple times per drive; some say it occurs every 50–60 miles or every weekend. Early occurrences are tied to brake wear—rotors and pads wearing out as soon as 2,000–3,500 miles, with violent steering-wheel shaking during braking. Mechanics have implicated the brake booster, delta stroke sensor (code C1179), ABS computer software, and master cylinder design as potential root causes. Dealers recommended replacement of brake boosters ($1,100) but many owners report the problem persists afterward. No recalls have been issued. Owners express fear of losing brakes during highway speeds and with family in the vehicle, describing the situation as "scary" and "potentially deadly."
Same INFINITI QX56 brakes reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Intermittent Loss of Braking Power with Brake Light Illumination
Brake light comes on during driving, followed by loss of 50–95% braking capacity. Brakes become soft, mushy, or pedal drops toward or to the floor. Grinding, rubbing, or rattling noises from front brakes. Steering wheel may vibrate or shake. ABS light often illuminates simultaneously. Turning engine off and restarting resets the system temporarily. Problem recurs intermittently—some owners report every 50–60 miles, others every weekend or multiple times per drive.
When: Typically during normal driving; often after stop-and-go traffic or multiple brake applications. Earliest reports date to 2006; complaints continue through at least 2017. Some owners report episodes occurring over 3+ years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake light on dashboard illuminates; Loss of braking power (50–95% reduction); Soft, mushy, or pulsating brake pedal; Brake pedal drops to floor; Grinding, rubbing, or rattling noise from front brakes; Steering wheel vibration or shaking; ABS light illuminates; Increased stopping distance; System resets after engine restart
Codes mentioned: C1179 (Delta Stroke Sensor code mentioned in complaint #2)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers recommended brake booster replacement ($1,100). Some owners report dealers also attempted calipers, pads, and rotor replacement, as well as ABS reprogramming and delta sensor flashing. Problem persists in many cases post-repair. One owner reported replacement of brake booster did not resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued as of complaint dates. Infiniti North America hotline told owners there are no recalls. Infiniti Consumer Affairs suggested lemon law or BBB complaint. Service advisors admitted brake design inadequate for vehicle weight. One dealer said they had replaced 3 brake boosters in 4 years. Dealers claim unfamiliarity with the issue despite owners finding 30+ pages of similar reports online.
Premature Brake Rotor and Pad Wear with Violent Steering Shaking
Brakes overheat and wear out prematurely at 2,000–3,500 miles. Steering wheel vibrates or shakes violently during braking. Service advisors acknowledged brake design is inadequate for the 6,000+ lb vehicle weight and 9,000 lb towing capacity. Problem recurs after dealer replacement; one owner had brakes replaced at 3,500 miles on first oil change.
When: Occurs as early as 2,000–3,500 miles from purchase or dealer service. Problem repeats every 14 months to 2 months after brake service. Complaints from 2004–2005 purchase onwards.
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking of steering wheel when braking; Uncontrollable shaking when applying brake pressure; Brakes overheat; Brake pads and rotors wear prematurely
Repairs/costs cited: Rotors replaced at 2,000 miles, 3,500 miles, and again at ~36,000 miles. Calipers and pads also replaced. Problem returned after each repair within 2–14 months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers noted design flaw but stated vehicle would be safe to drive. Infiniti did not disclose known brake problems at time of purchase (December 2004). No recall issued.
Brake Booster Failure
Dealers identified brake booster as the cause of intermittent braking loss. Multiple complaints specifically mention brake booster replacement as recommended repair. However, replacement does not consistently resolve the issue.
When: Intermittent episodes over years of ownership. Dealer service dates indicate awareness of the problem by at least 2006–2012.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of brake power; Soft brakes; Brake light illumination; System reset after engine restart
Repairs/costs cited: $1,100 cost for brake booster replacement mentioned. Owners report continued failure after replacement. One owner stated replacement was recommended but noted online research suggested it was a 'temporary fix.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer immediately identified brake booster without even inspecting vehicle in at least one case, suggesting pattern recognition. No manufacturer recall or warranty extension offered.
ABS System Malfunction / Delta Stroke Sensor Failure
Brakes exhibit grinding and chattering noises consistent with ABS activation on dry pavement with no reason for ABS to engage. Code C1179 (delta stroke sensor) identified. Dealer reprogramming and sensor flashing attempted without permanent resolution.
When: Intermittent occurrences reported across multiple years. Code C1179 detected during diagnostic scan in at least one case.
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding and chattering noises from front brakes; Brake light illuminates; ABS light comes on; Soft brakes; Loss of braking power
Codes mentioned: C1179 (Delta Stroke Sensor)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers attempted flashing delta sensors and ABS reprogramming. Problem persisted. One owner's independent mechanic scanned and found C1179 code, advised it was 'serious and potentially deadly.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Infiniti North America informed owner of no recalls for this issue. No manufacturer acknowledgment of delta sensor defect in these narratives.
Main Computer System / Brake Control Module Failure
Dealer identified 'main computer system that signaled the brakes' as cause of brake failure. Brake light and ABS light illumination correlated with electronic control failure.
When: Initial failure shortly after purchase; recurrence at 87,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake light illumination; ABS light illumination; Loss of brake power
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated computer was cause but could not repair vehicle as it was out of warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Out-of-warranty denial. No recall or extended warranty offered.
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
While driving ,I pressed on the brakes and the pedal dropped down and started making a weird noise kind of like loose metal parts and the truck wouldn't stop. The ABS light turned on. It felt like the brakes locked up . I managed to pull to the side of the road and shut the truck off. I turned it back on and it seemed to reset the system. Brake petal raised back up and the check engine light…
Brake shudder - severely reduced braking power. Brake light comes on dash. This is random. Happened twice more on way to work, approximately 50 MPH,on I-40 exit ramp and 30 MPH on a side road. Turning off vehicle and back on resets this. But it randomly happens again. I am fearful in this vehicle. I called dealer and they said they are unaware of issue. A google search reveals a class action…
I have a 2005 Nissan infinity qx56 and had the brake light come on yesterday followed by the limited braking, shuttering and pulsing of the brake pedal.. Almost hit a car. Maybe because of faulty and defective delta stroke sensor. *tr
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.
While driving the brake light comes on and then the brakes start grabbing the rotors. I have to stop cut the car off then restart the vehicle to reset the brake light it has happen at least 10 times. Dealership kept the car for 3 weeks sill couldn't fix the problem dangerous for me and my family.......
While driving my 2005 Infiniti qx56 I noticed I have to press down harder on my brakes to come to a stop. At one point the brakes go all the way to the floor and the brake light illuminates. I know I don't need brake pads because they were replaced 2 months ago. I have also had my brake booster assembly replaced so I know it is not that. I don't know what to do because I keep having issues with…
Randomly, I will step on the brakes and the brakes begin to pulsate. Then it sounds like grinding sound and the brake pedal loses pressure. Almost like it hit a void and dropped to the floor. I had to try and slow down vehicle to come to a stop. Calipers and pads were all changed, per dealer findings. And it continued. I do not go over 40 MPH for fear of this happening again. It's clearly and…
Had brakes trouble with your 2005 INFINITI QX56?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2005 INFINITI QX56?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 31 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 25 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 74,000 and 150,387 miles, with the median around 94,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 74,000; a quarter make it past 150,387. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/INFINITI/QX56.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.