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 ↗2006 INFINITI QX56 brakes problems
moderate 50 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
50
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
When does it fail?
Of the 50 brakes complaints filed for the 2006 INFINITI QX56, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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.
How fast does it fail?
Cumulative share of the 14 mileage-bearing brakes complaints filed against the 2006 INFINITI QX56 by each odometer reading. Median failure: 90,000 mi.
10% have failed by41,431 mi
Half the fleet by90,000 mi
90% have failed by171,874 mi
Curve based on owner-reported odometer mileage at the time of complaint. Reflects when owners filed, not when symptoms first appeared. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve.
What stands out
Of the 5 model years of INFINITI QX56 we track for brakes problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 50.
Brakes accounts for 63% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 6 categories tracked.
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
Fifty owners of 2006 Infiniti QX56s describe a recurring and dangerous brake failure pattern. The fault typically begins with a pinging or grinding noise when the brake pedal is pressed, followed by a complete or near-total loss of stopping power. The brake pedal travels to the floor with no resistance, and owners hear spring-like popping, ratcheting, or clunking sounds from the front end. The emergency brake warning light illuminates.
The problem appears and disappears unpredictably—sometimes happening multiple times per month, sometimes weeks apart—and dealers frequently cannot duplicate it on demand. However, owners discovered a consistent workaround: turning the engine off and restarting it temporarily restores brake function. Diagnostics point to error codes C1179 (delta sensor) and C1189 (brake booster). Dealers quote $900–$2,100+ to replace the brake booster assembly. Even after replacement, the problem reoccurs within months or years. One owner reported a second booster replacement was suggested but no guarantee was offered. Nissan/Infiniti acknowledges a class action lawsuit filed in 2011 and at least one TSB related to this issue, yet no national recall has been issued. Owners report hundreds of similar complaints online and express grave safety concerns, particularly when driving with children or on highways.
Same INFINITI QX56 brakes reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Intermittent Complete Brake Loss with Delta Sensor / Brake Booster Fault
Brake pedal loses all or most stopping power, travels to the floor with no resistance. Emergency brake warning light illuminates. Grinding, spring-like popping, ratcheting, or clunking noises occur. ABS appears to engage uncontrollably even on dry, smooth pavement and light braking. Problem resolves temporarily by turning the engine off and restarting.
When: Occurs intermittently and unpredictably, sometimes multiple times per month, sometimes weeks apart. Can happen at highway speeds or city streets, in parking lots, in stop-and-go traffic, or during turns. Frequency increases in hot/summer months for some owners.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to floor with no resistance; Complete or nearly complete loss of braking power; Grinding, spring-popping, ratcheting, clunking, or banging noise from front end; ABS-like pulsation and vibration in brake pedal; Emergency brake warning light illuminates and flashes; Brake light on dashboard comes on; Soft or mushy brake pedal feel; Vehicle pulls or jerks during braking
Codes mentioned: C1179, C1189
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers report replacing brake booster assembly containing delta sensor (cost cited: $900–$2,100+). Some owners had computer reprogramming or software flash performed. One owner reported brake booster replacement did not resolve the problem; second replacement was advised but owner declined. Repairs sometimes provide temporary relief but problem reoccurs after months or years.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Infiniti TSB/class action lawsuit referenced (2011 filing). Some dealers claim no fault code present or that software is already up-to-date. Infiniti Hotline told one owner they will not replace unit unless it fails again. One dealer stated this is a 'known software problem' but later claimed software was already current and was not the cause.
Erratic Braking with Excessive Vibration and Reduced Stopping Efficiency
Brakes exhibit unpredictable behavior—sometimes grabbing or locking too hard, sometimes providing insufficient stopping power—with heavy vibration and shuddering. Vehicle does not stop smoothly or in a controlled manner. Brake warning lights illuminate. Grinding noise present.
When: Occurs during heavy stop-and-go traffic, long-distance driving, or when vehicle has been idling for extended periods in hot weather.
Symptoms owners cite: Erratic braking behavior (too hard or too soft); Heavy vibration and shuddering in brake pedal; Excessive stopping distance (doubled in some cases); Difficulty braking in controlled manner; Brake light and/or traction control light illumination; Grinding and popping noises
Repairs/costs cited: Brake pads and rotors inspected and replaced by dealers; brake fluid verified full. Dealers often unable to reproduce or diagnose. One owner cited $900 brake booster replacement; reoccurrence 10,000 miles later required another booster replacement ($1,400+).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reported dealer indicated brake booster and VDC unit needed replacement; later Infiniti bulletin called only for VDC reset. Manufacturer told owner they would not replace unit and will only consider other options if it fails again.
ABS System Malfunction with Continuous Engagement
ABS activates in a permanent or semi-permanent state, causing aggressive braking and uncontrolled vehicle deceleration even during gentle braking on dry pavement. Pedal becomes difficult to modulate. Vehicle slows uncontrollably once ABS engages.
When: Can occur at any speed; once activated, remains engaged until engine is restarted.
Symptoms owners cite: ABS engages during light braking on dry, good road surface; Uncontrolled rapid deceleration; Aggressive or unmodulated braking; Difficulty controlling brake pedal pressure; Grinding and popping from front end
Repairs/costs cited: One owner noted that emergency brake function was seriously degraded during ABS malfunction episodes. ABS firmware update performed at one dealership ($100) did not resolve the problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer offered firmware update; problem persisted. Infiniti refused to address for one customer citing high cost ($2,000) and lack of dealer service history.
Synthesized from 50 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 14 most recent
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 Infiniti qx56. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact applied pressure to the brakes when she heard a loud grinding noise followed by excessive shaking of the steering wheel. The contact also noticed that the emergency brake warning light illuminated but the brake was not actually on. The contact powered the vehicle off, turned it on again and the emergency…
I was driving on 12/15/13 and emergency brake icon came on I tried to press brakes and grinding noise came from front when I pressed brake when I released brake and pumped again and had to do numerous times and car would not stop. I had to go off the road onto grass and car finally slowed down. I turned off car and emergency icon was off and brakes worked like nothing happened. Today at 12/29/13…
Brakes shutter and stop working on 2006 Infiniti qx56. Determined that the ABS needed a firmware update. Went to dealership, paid $100.00 for update and problem is still occurring. This is my wife's vehicle and she travels with my 2 year old daughter. There are hundreds if not thousands of similar complaints on Nissan user forum boards. *tr
While driving, and without warning, ABS brake light comes on and brakes have severe vibrations and do not stop vehicle normally. Problem goes away with restart but comes back periodically( 2-3 times per month). Dealership is aware of problem but refuses to address it because it is too expensive to fix. Cost estimate is $2000. This problem is documented on numerous websites and is likely to…
The first instance occurred in august of 2012. We were traveling on the hwy and were reducing speeds from 65 to exit the ramp. Upon applying the brakes the emergency brake light came on and started flashing. When the brakes were applied a metal on metal sensation occurred, as if there were no brake pads left on the vehicle and metal was grinding. When the brake was release it stopped, but the…
2006 Infiniti qx56, had back brakes and rotors replaced in october 2020, 2 weeks later I'm driving, flat surface, nice day, applied brakes, my pedal went to floor, no resistance, I heard a grinding noise, felt like a 'slip' , I had kids in car, I pulled over, asked the girls what they heard, turned off vehicle, checked brake fluid, full, the girls thought I may have hit a slick patch of oil or…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Infiniti qx56. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, he noticed an abnormal grinding sound. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 171,874.
The brakes get hard and cannot stop quickly. It grinds and have to park and cut the engine off for a few minutes then it works again. Almost caused a fatal accident. This is definitely a factory defect due to lots of owners on the net having the exact same problem. There is no indication when it about to happen. It happened at least three times since buying this vehicle used for my wife. This…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Infiniti qx56. The contact was driving 55 MPH when the brakes failed and the contact was unable to stop the vehicle. The contact had to travel down a dirt road and coast to a stop. The failure was experienced several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who performed a diagnostic that located the failure at the brake booster sensor. The dealer replaced the brake…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Infiniti qx56. The contact stated that the braking system would exhibit abnormally loud noises. After installing new brake pads, the noises continued and the brake warning light would illuminate constantly. There was also a grinding sound coming from the brakes. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who installed new brake pads. The manufacturer was not…
Had brakes trouble with your 2006 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 2006 INFINITI QX56?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 50 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 47 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 65,000 and 117,000 miles, with the median around 90,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 65,000; a quarter make it past 117,000. 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/2006/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.