I thought it would be a good idea to document what your experience has been owning your QX56 (or Armada for tht matter). With all the negative press from Consumer Reports (who suck).

Service History - 2004 QX56 - Delivery Date: 10/28/04

4/20/05 - Mileage: 7,186
- Brake Shutter: Brake Rotors Out of Round, Resurface 25.5R, 25.7L
6/21/05 - Mileage: 9,154
- Right Rear Heated Seat Switch Defective: Replace Switch
10/17/05 - Mileage: 18,322
-Air Bag Light Flashing: Code 1177, Pretensioner on Passenger Seat Buckle
-Navigation System Error: Replaced Navigation Unit
-Right Rear Heated Seat Switch Defective: Switch Holder Broken
12/06/05 - Mileage: 21,749
-Slip,VDC,ABS Lamps Illuminated: Code 1102, Left Rear ABS Sensor Replaced
-BCM Harness Installed per Recall
4/17/06 - Mileage: 29,450
-Brake Shutter: Upgraded Brakes per TB.
-Torn Dust Boots on Front Calipers: Replaced Both Front Calipers
2/20/07 - Mileage: 37,963
-Fuel Gauge Inaccurate, Replace Gauge Cluster
-Suspension Concern, Replace Front Sway Bar Bushings
-Sticking Cup Holder Lid, Replace Cup Holder
3/19/07 - Mileage: 39,243
-Right Headlamp doesn't adjust, Replace Front Headlamp
-Trailer Lights Inoperative, Blown Fuse
-Tail Gate Repair, Repair mounting tab for lift actuator
-Rear Washer Repair, Repair feed line

Really, this isn't bad at all. I'd hate to document out my previous Land Rover, the list would be about 9x as long.

Wow, mines not that long. I've only had mine for about a year. I hear ya about the Land Rovers. I like most everything about them execpt that they always seem to be in the shop!

Final brake fix:)

- Final Brake Fix
- Replace bad Pretensioner on Left 3rd Row Seat Belt

Would mine be considered a lemon then? I really didn't think my repairs were that bad at all. By reading Consumer Reports, you'd think that this would be the biggest pile of crap imaginable, I was really expecting to get some responses that made my short list feel.... short!

This once again goes to show that the editors at Consumer Reports really do have their heads firmly planted up their asses.

This once again goes to show that the editors at Consumer Reports really do have their heads firmly planted up their asses.
There's no question about that. That's why I usually try to go off the Consumer Reviews instead but the problem there is that anyone with problems is always more anxious to share than those who don't have any problems.

Unfortunately, the problems with the 04 and early 05 Armadas/Titans /QX-56s are still affecting the results when CR predicts the reliability of the late 05 & 06 vehicles. The algorithm CR uses doesn't seem to account for the fact that problems were found and fixes put in place. For example, in the April edition of CR (the annual car issue), they note that a very large percentage of Armada/Titan/QX56 owners reported brake problems. But, they don't add that Nissan came up with a fix, and these problems are no longer occurring. Instead, they assume that the problems will continue to occur. This is, in my opinion, a major flaw in the CR analysis.

BTW, if I posted all the problems I had with my 04, I would have a list equally as long as yours, although mine wouldn't be quite as varied (I had a lot of problems, but most revolved around brakes and interior rattles / issues). I did invoke the lemon law, and got Nissan to buy it back. My 06 has nearly 20,000 miles now, and the only problem was a short in one of the puddle lights that caused the interior lights to stay on. Otherwise, completely problem free. Incidentally, the lack of problems was reported to CR in their annual survey, since I am a CR subscriber.

Keith

It's just foriegn to me that even the list that I displayed is considered relatively extensive. In all seriousness, my 2002 Land Rover had more issues than this the first 6 months of ownership. I had a three ring binder of all the receipts for service work done that was over 65 pages long. I was extactic reviewing the history of this vehicle incomparison. If you think the brake issues on the 2004 & 2005 Titan/Armada/QX were bad, the Land Rovers were ten times worse. I had (4) wheel speed sensors replaced, (2) sensor harnesses, (2) hub assemblies, the SLABS ECU (which controls the traction control and ABS functions), and the ABS Modulator. All within an 8K mile window. And that was just the brake system... Head Gasket done at 63K, Main Seal done at 48K, etc, etc, etc... This is considered normal for these vehicles.. Just surprises me that everyone gets all up in arms if they have to bring in their vehicle for any warranty work. I look at it as a way to put some miles on someone elses vehicle and get some new parts out of the deal for only sacrificing a small amount of my personal time to drive to the dealer. Hey, they have snacks, soda/water/coffee, Plamsa screens and wi-fi, sure beats a screaming infant at home!

~~~~~I look at it as a way to put some miles on someone elses vehicle and get some new parts out of the deal for only sacrificing a small amount of my personal time to drive to the dealer. Hey, they have snacks, soda/water/coffee, Plamsa screens and wi-fi, sure beats a screaming infant at home!
My trips to the dealer for warranty work is just that, the opportunity to test drive their loaners. :D

It's just foriegn to me that even the list that I displayed is considered relatively extensive. In all seriousness, my 2002 Land Rover had more issues than this the first 6 months of ownership. I had a three ring binder of all the receipts for service work done that was over 65 pages long. I was extactic reviewing the history of this vehicle incomparison. If you think the brake issues on the 2004 & 2005 Titan/Armada/QX were bad, the Land Rovers were ten times worse. I had (4) wheel speed sensors replaced, (2) sensor harnesses, (2) hub assemblies, the SLABS ECU (which controls the traction control and ABS functions), and the ABS Modulator. All within an 8K mile window. And that was just the brake system... Head Gasket done at 63K, Main Seal done at 48K, etc, etc, etc... This is considered normal for these vehicles.. Just surprises me that everyone gets all up in arms if they have to bring in their vehicle for any warranty work. I look at it as a way to put some miles on someone elses vehicle and get some new parts out of the deal for only sacrificing a small amount of my personal time to drive to the dealer. Hey, they have snacks, soda/water/coffee, Plamsa screens and wi-fi, sure beats a screaming infant at home!

Once I drive out of the dealer with my new car, I hope never to see them again, until it's time to buy another one. This is why I own Japanese cars; my one excursion into non-Japanese cars (a Dodge Durango) was a complete fiasco; never again. My 04 Armada experience did not match the typical Japanese vehicle ownership experience, thus why I was willing to try again with an 06.

And, for those that read my signature, yes I know that Buick is American. That one doesn't count!!:D

Keith

Once I drive out of the dealer with my new car, I hope never to see them again, until it's time to buy another one. This is why I own Japanese cars; my one excursion into non-Japanese cars (a Dodge Durango) was a complete fiasco; never again. My 04 Armada experience did not match the typical Japanese vehicle ownership experience, thus why I was willing to try again with an 06.

And, for those that read my signature, yes I know that Buick is American. That one doesn't count!!:D

Keith
... Of course that doesn't count! That's a Classic STEEL Machine!;)

I had more than 45 defects in 2 yrs on my 2004 Armada LE. Many of the defect were re-occuring like brakes, rattles, seat latch activators not working, sunroof leaks, drivers mirror shaking, etc etc. I just traded the piece of crap in for a 2006 QX56 and so far it seems good. Much quiter, tighter, smoother ride and a better overal feeling of quality. I hope I never see the Nissan dealer again except when I sue them and Nissan for breach of warranty on the 04.

I bought my brand new QX in Jan 2006 the second day I had it my radiator hose was leaking. Since then no problems at all.

My '05 LE has been in the shop over 20 times in the last 20 months. It's pending review with "Nissan Consumer Affairs" for a possible buy back!

See, I had a friend that buys your buy backs from the private infiniti/nissan auctions in cali. I got my 04 QX for $29,500 with 15k miles. The only service records were the brake issue and Infiniti actually bought it back. See everyone makes a deal on the buy backs. Owner gets new car and buyers like me get a killer deal on great cars. That is until it gets stolen like mine and there are no more good buy backs at the auctions. That is why I am back to the Armada now.

Anything that I should be aware of at 27k service interval? I bought my '04 QX with 22k miles and so far I love it.

Do they require the dealer to reset the oil change light or can any place do it?

Thanks!

Tony

You can reset it yourself. Click on the trip button till you hit oil change then click the joystick to click reset.

Anything that I should be aware of at 27k service interval? I bought my '04 QX with 22k miles and so far I love it.

Do they require the dealer to reset the oil change light or can any place do it?

Thanks!

Tony...and welcome to the club!

Welcome to the Club TLars!!!! :hi:

Thanks guys! Look forward to the tips I can pick up.

Now - how to get this thing to 40 mpg!!! LOL!