Nissan Armada Problems: 9 Most-Common Issues (Checked)

Since its introduction in 2004, the Armada has been one of Nissan’s most popular full-size SUVs.

We’ve covered how long Nissan Armada last and now it’s time to look at the most-common issues people have faced.

The high-quality engineering of the Nissan Armada offers several advantages, but there are some common issues that have persisted with the Armada models over the years.

With that in mind, here’s a rundown of the 10 most common problems with the Nissan Armada:

Before we get started, check our list of good and bad years for Nissan Armada.

1. Brake issues

The brakes on Nissan Armada vehicles, notably those manufactured between 2004 and 2008, are problematic.

The problem would begin when the ABS light in the vehicle’s gauge cluster illuminated, and the vehicle’s brakes would grind and finally quit working.

As a consequence of the brake issues, there have been some cases of Armada narrowly averting auto accidents.

Some people utilized their handbrakes, while others were fortunate enough to have plenty of room to slow down.

The issues are caused by a faulty delta stroke sensor as well as a problem with the electrical system.

Nissan was sued as a result of a large number of complaints. It is observed that the Nissan Armada’s most typical issue is with the service brakes.

2. Backup Collision Intervention Malfunction

The backup collision intervention (BCI) defect is the Nissan Armada’s most prevalent issue. Users have reported the BCI not recognising possible dangers when reversing the car and blanking out the BCI display, according to complaints.

BCI failure has led to collisions.

Multiple systems, sensors, cameras and radar can suffer from electrical malfunctions due to their close coordination.

3. Transmission Faults

The Nissan Armada range has a history of transmission faults.

The Armada’s documented transmission difficulties include gearbox jams and faulty gear shifting.

Customers have complained about the gearbox sticking in the “park” mode, as well as sluggish or early gear changes.

It could be because of a body valve problem, a manual shift sticking, which could be unclogged, or a transmission fluid condition.

4. Automatic Emergency Braking Failure

AEB failure is a prevalent problem with the Nissan Armada series.

Some users have reported their Nissan Armada sensing erroneous front collision triggers, resulting in the activation of the auto emergency brakes. 

It can directly lead to the crash of the vehicle when it stops suddenly.

To avoid accidents, the AEB and FCW systems operate together.

The cars are outfitted with a variety of cameras, sensors, and radars that enable the FCW system, which provides visual and audio alerts if an obstruction is detected ahead.

If a collision is close, the AEB system will immediately engage and apply the brakes.

A faulty radar module is said to cause the system to repeatedly activate and halt the vehicles for no apparent reason.

5. Overhead Console Drop

The tendency of the upper console to tumble is another issue with Nissan Armada drivers. The 2008 Nissan Armada has been reported to experience this issue.

One owner said that his overhead console had fallen and shocked him to the point that it nearly caused an accident.

Another owner remarked that the plastic was easily fragile after a while and that plastic fragments were falling off the ceiling after a while.

He opened his door one day to find the overhead console dangling from the ceiling of his cottage, kept in place only by a few cables.

It is probably because of the structural and aesthetic design of the Nissan Armada.

6. Unexpected Battery Drain

The unexpected draining of the battery is the most common complaint about the Nissan Armada series, and the issue has remained through both versions.

Customers have complained about the battery draining suddenly and often, resulting in a loss of electric power as well as driving power.

In the event of a sudden loss of power while driving, both the driver and other cars are in danger of colliding.

It could be loose battery cables, a bad quality battery or a faulty alternator that is not charging the battery if the battery is drained in the park.

7. Complications with Seat belts and Airbags

Seat belts and airbags are meant to keep passengers safe in the event of a car accident.

However, Nissan Armada drivers have complained about these systems.

Seat belt locks that do not click mean the seat belt may not stay strapped.

In terms of airbags, customers have complained about problems with the front passenger airbag, which might put passengers in danger in the event of a collision.

8. Engine Power Loss

The Nissan Armada model has a history of engine power and drive loss.

According to users, the vehicle’s engine power had been lost without any warning.

Under certain driving situations, a sudden engine stall poses a risk of being rear-ended.

It is something critical that loss of engine power can be caused by many reasons, like:

• fuel pump or filter failure,
• malfunctioning in the ignition system,
• timing belt being worn out,
• or the airflow sensor being dirty.

9. Failure of the Display Control Unit

The Armada’s display control module (DCM) is another typical problem.

Customer reports indicate that the DCM has failed, causing oscillations in the dashboard and speedometer illumination.

Users would replace the instrument cluster to resolve this issue.

10. Failure of the catalytic converter

From 2005 to 2014, a faulty catalytic converter caused the check engine light to illuminate for many Nissan Armada owners.

The reason for their catalytic converter failure, on the other hand, would be different as in this case a defective fuel pump generated reduced fuel pressure, resulting in incorrect air to fuel mix.

The Nissan Armada’s catalytic converter broke prematurely due to low air/fuel combination.

This problem can be resolved by replacing the fuel pump as well as the malfunctioning catalytic converters.

Nissan Armada General Pros and Cons

Pros

• Powerful towing

A towing capability of 8,500 pounds is sufficient for a modest trailer or carrier.

An integrated trailer brake controller is also included in the 2021 Armada, which is a great addition.

Previous versions were merely prewired, allowing the consumer to install an aftermarket one.

• Improved Infotainment System

The jumble of buttons and knobs has been replaced with a more simplified control screen with touch-sensitive controls in the newest Armada.

A bigger, crisper display for multimedia and navigation is provided via a 12.3-inch touchscreen.

• Safety Shield

Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 package provides sophisticated safety technologies such as frontal collision warning with automated emergency braking, blind-spot warning with collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert and lane departure warning.

The Platinum model’s features live up to its name, including a 360-degree camera system as standard equipment.

• Spacious Second Row

Legroom and headroom in the second row are sufficient for passengers.

Luxurious captain’s seats in the second row are standard on the Platinum model, giving passengers complete control over the center storage compartment and back entertainment system.

• Robust Look

The Armada’s second iteration has a rougher appearance, with thicker plastic cladding and a boxier profile.

It’s also the first vehicle with Nissan’s new logo on the V-Motion grille.

If you’re in the market for an SUV bigger than a suburban, the Nissan Armada’s best features are definitely worth keeping in mind!

Cons

The following are the cons of the Nissan Armada:

• Sudden brake failure

• Backup Collision Intervention malfunction

• The transmission fault
• Automatic Emergency Braking Failure

• The overhead console drops

What Do the Reviews Say?

“Armada is surprisingly decadent for a large non-luxury SUV, but it’s still a fuel-thirsty beast with some other ills.”

www.caranddriver.com

“Until Nissan takes a more comprehensive approach at a redesign, though, the Armada makes its best case as a value play with above-average off-road chops.”

www.autoblog.com

“Now firmly rooted in the 21st century, the refreshed Armada packs plenty of daily usability and comfort with the solid capability to match.”

www.cnet.com

The evaluations are mixed when it comes to the Nissan Armada’s performance.

For a huge non-luxury SUV, the Armada is surprisingly sumptuous, but it’s still a gas-guzzling beast with a few minor flaws.

It seems luxurious, with a few faults that can be ignored because of the premium quality in the affordable price range.

Well, there is also some favorable liking towards the Nissan Armada as the reviews say that the Armada, now firmly set in the twenty-first century, offers lots of everyday usage and comfort, as well as substantial competence.

What’s the resale value of the Nissan Armada?

The price of the 2022 Armada is stated below.

• S $50,395

• SV $53,995

• SL: $57,395

• $66,395 (Platinum)

A Nissan Armada will have depreciated by 57 percent after five years of 60,000 miles, with a market value of $24,451.

The resale value for the next 5 years of the Nissan Armada can be figured out by this depreciation table below:

For models 2017–2021, Nissan Armada used car prices range from $31,000 to $59,000, depending on performance, maintenance, overall condition, and mileage.

Body-On-Frame Vehicle With Quirks

The Nissan Armada, despite its low ranking, has a posh interior with cutting-edge technology and two rows of incredibly comfy and spacious seats.

However, third-row capacity is at best subpar.

There’s a powerful V8 engine under the hood, and the ride is comfortable.

Even though the wood trim is actually plastic, the inside has a premium feel to it with components that look excellent and feel sturdy.

The acoustical glass windscreen and front windows, as well as extra sound deadening equipment, provide “library standards” for internal noise, allowing regular dialogue to take place.

The first two rows have plenty of legroom, while the third row is cramped. However, there is plenty of cargo space.

The Armada has the appearance of a modern full-size SUV.

However, the SUV’s latest modifications can’t hide the fact that it’s still a tricky, body-on-frame vehicle.

The Armada’s sonorous V8 and related capabilities are appealing, but it lacks the polish we’ve come to expect in this class.

Other huge SUVs provide a wider variety of capabilities.

Although the Armada’s standard engine has the greatest horsepower rating in the class, it also has the lowest fuel efficiency.

The EPA estimates 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway for standard rear-wheel-drive versions, while 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway for four-wheel-drive variants.

The majority of Nissan Armada models are excellent SUVs, with which you will be very pleased, but there are Nissan Armada model years to avoid which have a number of flaws that might put you and your passengers in danger.

You should avoid the Armadas from 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2017 since there have been several incidents of braking and gearbox issues.

There are many pros to the Nissan Armada, which makes it superior to other SUVs.

It has a great and pleasant interior design which is high quality and appealing. It attracts the passenger and gives a classic vibe.

The other best thing about it is its V8 engine, which is very powerful and smooth at the same time. When you are driving on the highway, it will give you a smooth ride with serenity as it has no cabin noise.

When there is premium quality, there are a few flaws as well.

The one highlighting thing is fuel efficiency. The powerful engine is the fuel sucker and, comparatively, it has low fuel mileage. Additionally, the seating in the third row isn’t roomy.

It feels congested.

The items are difficult to lift into the cargo area. Well, another thing which one can observe is that the new infotainment interface seems a little antiquated.

Should you buy a Nissan Armada that has previously been owned?

The Nissan Armada is a sturdy and dependable car that’s ideal for road trips.

The Armada is a car you can depend on if you have a limited budget.

Because many Nissan shops and auto rentals recommend the first-generation Nissan Armada as a trustworthy rental touring vehicle, purchasing a second-hand Armada is not a good idea.

The latest Nissan Armada ranges offer the same performance and quality as the first generation, with additional comfort and driving enjoyment.

As a result, a used Nissan Armada from the second generation is a superior option.

Should you buy a New Nissan Armada?

The Nissan Armada is a good three-row SUV for 2022. It has a plush interior, a long list of standard equipment, and a cheap starting price.

However, if you are willing to spend a little extra, you may get a luxury SUV with better performance or greater luggage room.

GO BACK: Problems for all Nissans.