2006 INFINITI QX56
Introduction:
The 2006 INFINITI QX56 is a full-size luxury SUV that combines power and sophistication. It comes with a standard 5.6-liter V8 engine that delivers 315 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Other engine and transmission options are not available for the 2006 model year. The QX56 has a spacious cabin with comfortable seating and a long list of amenities. It also boasts a rugged exterior with off-road capabilities. However, like any vehicle, the QX56 has its fair share of issues that owners have reported.
Engine:
5.6L V8
- Intake Valve Carbon Buildup:
- Description/Symptoms: Over time, carbon deposits can accumulate on the intake valves, restricting airflow and causing performance issues such as rough idling, reduced power, and poor fuel economy.
- Solution: The intake valves need to be cleaned to remove the carbon buildup.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing Chain Guide Wear:
- Description/Symptoms: The timing chain guides can wear prematurely, leading to a stretched timing chain and potentially catastrophic engine failure. Symptoms include a rattling noise at startup and engine performance issues.
- Solution: The timing chain guides and related components need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Cooler Gasket Leak:
- Description/Symptoms: The oil cooler gasket can develop a leak, allowing engine oil to seep out. This can result in low oil levels and potential engine damage. Symptoms include an oil leak under the vehicle and a drop in oil pressure.
- Solution: The oil cooler gasket needs to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Fuel Pump Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: The fuel pump can fail, preventing fuel from reaching the engine. Symptoms include difficulty starting the vehicle, stalling, and a loss of power.
- Solution: The fuel pump needs to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission:
5-Speed Automatic
- Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: The TCM can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or refuse to shift at all. Symptoms include harsh shifting, delayed shifts, and the Check Engine Light illuminating.
- Solution: The TCM needs to be replaced or reprogrammed.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Shudder:
- Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can develop a shudder upon acceleration. Symptoms include a vibration or jolting sensation when accelerating.
- Solution: The torque converter or related components need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Transmission Fluid Leak:
- Description/Symptoms: The transmission can develop a leak, allowing transmission fluid to escape. Symptoms include low transmission fluid levels and potential shifting issues.
- Solution: The leaking component needs to be replaced or repaired.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension:
- Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: The front lower control arm bushings can fail, causing knocking or clunking noises from the front of the vehicle.
- Solution: The control arm bushings need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: The rear trailing arm bushings can also fail, leading to excessive rear-wheel camber and potential suspension damage.
- Solution: The trailing arm bushings need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical:
- Alternator Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: The alternator can fail, preventing the battery from being charged. Symptoms include flickering lights, electrical system malfunctions, and a dead battery.
- Solution: The alternator needs to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain:
- Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain unexpectedly, even with the vehicle turned off. Symptoms include a dead battery and electrical system malfunctions.
- Solution: The cause of the battery drain needs to be identified and addressed.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Headlight Wiring Harness Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: The headlight wiring harness can fail, causing the headlights to malfunction. Symptoms include flickering headlights or headlights that do not turn on.
- Solution: The wiring harness or related components need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior:
- Rear Liftgate Latch Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: The rear liftgate latch can fail, making it difficult or impossible to open or close the liftgate.
- Solution: The liftgate latch needs to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior:
- Climate Control Panel Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: The climate control panel can fail, causing the heating or cooling system to malfunction. Symptoms include no airflow, incorrect temperature settings, or the panel not responding to input.
- Solution: The climate control panel needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Power Window Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: The power window motors or switches can fail, resulting in windows that do not raise or lower properly. Symptoms include slow window movement, windows getting stuck, or windows falling off track.
- Solution: The failing components need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary:
The 2006 INFINITI QX56 has a number of reported issues that can be costly to repair. Engine problems, such as intake valve carbon buildup and timing chain guide wear, are among the most severe. Transmission issues, including TCM failure and torque converter shudder, can also be expensive to resolve. Other problems, such as suspension bushing failures, electrical malfunctions, and interior component failures, can also be bothersome and costly. Overall, the QX56’s reliability issues can be a concern for potential buyers, and it is advisable to factor in the potential repair costs when considering this vehicle.