How Long Do Nissan Armadas Last? (Miles & Years)

The Nissan Armada is a big, traditional full-size SUV that seats eight individuals. It is spacious, with enough cargo space that makes it ideal for a family car.

We’ve previously looked into the most-common problems with the Nissan Armada and now it’s time to look at how long these cars last.

To own a huge car like the Armada, you may want to consider the longevity and maintenance costs.

In this article, we discuss all you need to know about the reliability and longevity of the Nissan Armada.

Here is the short answer to how long a Nissan Armada lasts:

A Nissan Armada can last 300,000 or more miles. If you drive 15k miles per year like the average American driver, that means you can get up to 20 years of service from your Nissan Armada. However, this depends on your maintenance and use habits.

How Many Miles Can You expect from a Nissan Armada?

You can expect a Nissan Armada to last about to 300,000 miles or more.

According to an owner on vehiclehistory.com, he confirmed his Armada is close to 400,000 miles and still working fine.

Generally, the Nissan brand is known for its reliability and longevity. The key factor to deliver this longevity is proper maintenance and repair.

How Soon Should You Expect Rust on a Nissan Armada?

Rust is indeed a big problem for many car owners; it spreads rapidly and weakens the car’s components.

From our research, rust may appear on the Nissan Armada in the first six to 10 years of ownership.

There are few complaints of rust on Nissan Armada but here are some places you can check to confirm rust on your Armada:

• Bumpers
• Wheel Wells
• Meeting Places Between Body Components
• Drain Holes
• Underside

How Long Do Nissan Armada Last Compared to Similar SUVs?

Here is a comparison of the Nissan Armada’s longevity compared to its competitors:

Nissan Armada vs Ford Expedition

The Nissan Armada can last up to 300,000 miles or more, which is similar to what you will get from the Ford Expedition.

Although they have a similar estimated lifespan, our bet is on the Armada lasting longer in reality based on two factors:

• Reliability Rating: According to RepairPal, the Nissan Armada has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0. In comparison, the Ford Expedition has a reliability rating of 3.0 out of 5.0.
• Maintenance Cost: On average, you will spend $550 for repairs and maintenance on Nissan Armada annually. In comparison, the cost of annual maintenance of the Expedition is $861, which is $311 more expensive.

Make sure to also read our article about how long the Ford Expedition lasts.

Nissan Armada vs Toyota Sequoia

Like the Nissan Armada, the Toyota Sequoia boasts of high reliability. Thus, it only makes sense that it would have the same lifespan as its Nissan counterpart.

The Toyota Sequoia can take you 300,000 miles or more, which is the same you’ll get on the Nissan Armada.

According to RepairPal, the Armada places 2nd on the reliability rankings (full-size SUVs) ahead of the Toyota Sequoia, which is in 5th position.

Moreover, the Armada has cheaper maintenance costs.

Based on estimates from RepairPal, you will spend an average of $550 annually on maintenance for your Nissan Armada. By comparison, the average cost of maintenance per year for the Toyota Sequoia is $642, a difference of $92.

Please also read our article about how long the Toyota Sequoia lasts.

Nissan Armada vs Dodge Durango

For durability and longevity, the Nissan Armada will outlast the Dodge Durango

Records have shown that the Dodge Durango is only good for 200,000 to 250,000 miles. In comparison, the Nissan Armada can go up to 300,000 miles, with regular maintenance and proper use.

Lower maintenance cost is all the more reason a Nissan Armada is the better long-term investment for you.

You will spend around $550 on maintenance (annually) for the Armada compared with $675 for the Dodge Durango.

How Reliable Is a Nissan Armada?

The Nissan Armada is one of the most reliable SUVs in its class.

The Armada is one of the last SUVs built in body-on-frame style like a pickup truck. It’s no surprise that it can handle driving on any terrain and still maintain its excellent condition.

Further proofs of the Nissan Armada’s reliability are in the model’s performance on various reliability ratings.

RepairPal gives it a 3.5 reliability rating and ranks it the 2nd most reliable full-size SUV.

Similarly, J.D. Power gives the Nissan Armada a high rating for reliability over the years ranging from 85 to 91%.

The 2021 model gets a 91% quality and reliability rating, which according to J.D. Power, is better than most models.

The Best and Worst Years for Nissan Armada

First: We have a full list here of the best and worst years for Nissan Armada.

The Nissan Armada models have been very reliable but owners have reported few models problematic. While buying Nissan Armada, it is best to avoid such model years.

Based on reports from CarComplaints.com, we believe 2006 is the worst model year on record for the Nissan Armada. This model year received a huge number of complaints relating to the vehicle’s brakes.

One other major problem that is distinct to the 2006 model is the failure of the airbags to deploy.

Averagely, this problem occurred at 114,450 miles and costs about $1,200 for the repair.

A combination of brake failure and lack of deployment of airbags is a very critical issue.

Other complaints include seatbelt problems, transmission issues, and malfunctioning windows/windshield interior accessories and electrical systems.

In fact, we would advise you to avoid any Nissan Armada released between 2004, 2005 & 2008. These models have the highest number of reported problems among the models.

The best model years are 2016 and 2020. Both years have proven to be problem-free for most owners, considering that drivers haven’t made a single complaint about them on CarComplaints.com.

Also check out our article about how long the Honda Pilot lasts.

What About Recalls for These Models?

The Armada has been recalled 16 times. The 2008 model year has the highest number (6) of recall.

Here is the number of recalls by year:

• 2019: 1 recall
• 2018 1 recall
• 2015: 3 recalls
• 2014:1 recalls
• 2013: 2 recalls
• 2012: 1 recall
• 2010: 4 recalls
• 2009: 3 recalls
• 2008: 6 recalls
• 2007: 3 recalls
• 2006: 5 recalls
• 2005: 5 recalls
• 2004: 3 recalls

Nissan Armada Model Year List

Here is a list of the Nissan Armada model years:

• 2021 Nissan Armada
• 2020 Nissan Armada
• 2019 Nissan Armada
• 2018 Nissan Armada
• 2017 Nissan Armada
• 2016 Nissan Armada
• 2015 Nissan Armada
• 2014 Nissan Armada
• 2013 Nissan Armada
• 2012 Nissan Armada
• 2011 Nissan Armada
• 2010 Nissan Armada
• 2009 Nissan Armada
• 2008 Nissan Armada
• 2007 Nissan Armada
• 2006 Nissan Armada
• 2005 Nissan Armada
• 2004 Nissan Armada

Are Nissan Armadas Expensive to Maintain?

On average, it cost $550 annually to maintain and repair the Nissan Armada, says RepairPal.

This is relatively affordable compared to an average of $784 maintenance cost for full-size SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models.

Here are some common Nissan Armada repairs and prices as reported by RepairPal:

1. Alternator Replacement: $828 – $871
2. Fuel Evaporative Canister Replacement: $488 – $510
3. Thermostat Replacement: $269 – $290
4. Water Pump Replacement: $371 – $417
5. Windshield Washer Pump Replacement: $138 – $149
6. Engine Oil Pan Replacement: $340 – $358

How Long Do the Brakes Last?

Typically, Nissan Armada brake pads last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, depending on your driving habits.

Driving within the city, for example, will wear out the brakes faster than highway driving.

While driving in the city, you use your brakes more in stop-go traffic than on the highway.

You should also be reading our article which talks about How Long Do Nissan Pathfinders Last?

How Long Do the Tires Last?

Tires on the Nissan Armada should last between 30,000 to 60,000 miles, that’s about five years. Regular tires cost about $150-$300 per set.

The high-performance variants can cost over $500 per set. You can increase your tires’ longevity by rotating them whenever you service your vehicle and ensuring they have proper air pressure at all times.

How Long Do the Transmissions Last?

Based on our research, the transmission on the Nissan Armada should last between 130,000 to 180,000 miles.

How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?

The Nissan Armada uses iridium and platinum spark plugs, which last up to 120,000 miles before replacement.

What About Insurance Cost?

The Nissan Armada on average costs $1848 to insure annually, which translates to $154 in monthly insurance payment, according to thezebra.com.

Note that the age of your vehicle, your driving history, age, location, and credit score can all affect your insurance premiums.

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Nissan Armada:

Here are some tips to help you extend the life of your Nissan Armada:

• Wash your vehicle regularly. This will eliminate road salt and prevent rust from destroying your vehicle’s components.
• Regularly check and observe components and parts by visually checking for wear, listen for odd sounds and be aware of unusual smells.
• Make sure you consult the service manual and carry out all maintenance activities recommended by the manufacturer.
• Ensure your Armada gets serviced at a Nissan-licensed dealership or a reputable shop.

References

How Long will a Nissan Armada Last | vehiclehistory.com

Toyota Sequoia Reliability Rating: Based on the Cost, Frequency, and Severity of Actual Repairs | repairpal.com

Nissan Armada Quality and Reliability Rating | jdpower.com

Was this article helpful?