P0106 on Infiniti: How to Diagnose & Fix
MAP/Barometric Pressure Circuit Range/Performance
2 Infiniti models · 2 documented issues · 2 critical
P0106 on Infiniti by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The turbocharger center bearing on the 3.0L twin-turbo VR30DDTT can wear prematurely and let engine oil leak internally past the bearing seals into the exhaust and intake tracts. Oil burning in the exhaust produces heavy white or blue smoke, fouls the catalyst, and trips the MIL. In severe cases the turbo loses boost control and the internal components come apart, which can send debris downstream. Infiniti acknowledged the defect with a turbocharger emission warranty extension covering 2016-2018 Q50 and 2017-2018 Q60, extending coverage on the turbocharger assembly to Full Useful Life — 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first — when the failure presents as white smoke or an oil leak with a MIL-on condition.
Common Symptoms
- Heavy white or blue smoke from the exhaust, especially after idling then accelerating
- Check engine light with boost or manifold pressure codes
- Rising oil consumption between changes
- Loss of engine power or reduced boost
- Whistling or siren-like noise from the turbochargers
How to Fix
If the car is within 10 years / 120,000 miles, take it to an Infiniti dealer and specifically reference the turbocharger emission warranty extension (bulletin MC-11014069) rather than accepting a customer-pay quote. The dealer diagnoses per the bulletin and replaces the affected turbocharger assembly at no charge when the criteria are met. Outside the extension, both turbos are typically replaced together along with the oil feed and drain lines; budget for the catalytic converter as well if the car ran with heavy smoke for a long period. Do not dismiss persistent P0106 on this engine as a simple MAP sensor — Infiniti's own bulletins tie it to turbocharger failure. Frequent oil changes with the correct 0W-20 and letting the engine idle briefly before shutdown after hard driving reduce bearing coking.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Infiniti VR30 300-hp stock turbocharger, side-selectOEM14411-5CA7D LH / 14411-5CA7C RH families
Out-of-coverage confirmed failed-turbo branch for 300-hp Q50 Fitment/availability: For a VR30 Q50 with the 300-hp package only. Select driver/LH 14411-5CA7D family or passenger/RH 14411-5CA7C family after diagnosis and provide VIN to con…
- Genuine Infiniti VR30 400-hp stock turbocharger, side-selectOEM14411-5CA6D / 14411-5CA6C families
Out-of-coverage confirmed failed-turbo branch for 400-hp/Red Sport Q50 Fitment/availability: For the 400-hp package/Red Sport VR30 application only. Select the diagnosed side from the 14411-5CA6D and 14411-5CA6C current families and veri…
- OEM Infiniti Q50/Q60 VR30 turbo service gasket kitOEMZ1 39362 assembled OEM seal kit
Required disturbed oil/coolant/inlet/outlet seal branch during confirmed turbo service Fitment/availability: Exact kit for 2016+ Q50 3.0t and 2017+ Q60 3.0t VR30DDTT.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (3)
The turbocharger center bearing on the 3.0L twin-turbo VR30DDTT wears prematurely and lets engine oil leak internally past the bearing seals into the exhaust and intake tracts. Burning oil produces heavy white or blue smoke, fouls the catalyst, and trips the MIL; in severe cases the turbo loses boost control and comes apart internally, sending debris downstream. Infiniti acknowledged the defect with a turbocharger emission warranty extension covering 2017-2018 Q60 alongside 2016-2018 Q50, extending coverage on the turbocharger assembly to Full Useful Life — 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first — where the failure presents as white smoke or an oil leak with a MIL-on condition.
Common Symptoms
- Heavy white or blue exhaust smoke, especially after idling then accelerating
- Check engine light with boost or manifold pressure codes
- Rising oil consumption between changes
- Loss of power or reduced boost
- Whistling or siren-like noise from the turbochargers
How to Fix
If the car is inside 10 years / 120,000 miles, take it to an Infiniti dealer and specifically cite the turbocharger emission warranty extension (bulletin MC-11014069) instead of accepting a customer-pay quote. The dealer diagnoses per the bulletin and replaces the affected turbocharger assembly at no charge when the criteria are met. Outside the extension both turbos are normally replaced together with the oil feed and drain lines, and budget for the catalytic converter if the car ran smoking for a long time. Do not let a shop write off a persistent P0106 on this engine as a MAP sensor — Infiniti's own bulletins tie that code to turbocharger failure. Frequent oil changes on the correct 0W-20 and a brief idle before shutdown after hard driving reduce bearing coking.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Infiniti VR30 300-hp stock turbocharger, side-selectOEM14411-5CA7D LH / 14411-5CA7C RH families
Out-of-coverage confirmed failed-turbo branch for 300-hp Q60 Fitment/availability: For a 2017-2018 VR30 Q60 with the 300-hp package only. Select driver/LH 14411-5CA7D family or passenger/RH 14411-5CA7C family after diagnosis and provide …
- Genuine Infiniti VR30 400-hp stock turbocharger, side-selectOEM14411-5CA6D / 14411-5CA6C families
Out-of-coverage confirmed failed-turbo branch for Red Sport 400 Q60 Fitment/availability: For the 400-hp/Red Sport VR30 application only. Select the diagnosed side from the 14411-5CA6D and 14411-5CA6C current families and verify VIN, sid…
- OEM Infiniti Q50/Q60 VR30 turbo service gasket kitOEMZ1 39362 assembled OEM seal kit
Required disturbed oil/coolant/inlet/outlet seal branch during confirmed turbo service Fitment/availability: Exact kit for 2017+ Q60 3.0t VR30DDTT; listed quantities service both turbos' oil/coolant feed and drain connections plus inlet/…
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (2)
P0106 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0106 mean on a Infiniti?
P0106 stands for "MAP/Barometric Pressure Circuit Range/Performance." P0106 means the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) or barometric pressure sensor signal is out of the expected range or not matching engine operating conditions (range/performance). The MAP sensor measures intake manifold pressure/vacuum, which the computer uses to gauge engine load and calculate the correct fuel and ignition timing. When the reading is implausible — too steady, not tracking throttle changes, or inconsistent with other sensors — the computer flags this code. Symptoms often include rough idle, hesitation, poor fuel economy, or a lack of power, and the cause may be the sensor, a vacuum leak, or wiring. On Infiniti it is documented across 2 models: Q50, Q60.
What are the most common causes of P0106?
The most common causes of P0106 are: Faulty MAP sensor, Vacuum leak or disconnected/cracked vacuum line to the sensor, Clogged or restricted MAP sensor port, Wiring or connector problems in the sensor circuit, Intake manifold leak affecting pressure readings, Restricted air intake or exhaust affecting manifold pressure, Poor ground or reference voltage to the sensor. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0106 on a Infiniti?
Repair costs vary widely with the root cause and Infiniti model; each issue on this page carries its own estimate where one is published.
Looking for P0106 on a different make?
View P0106 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.