Nissan Armada Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
Avoid the 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2025 Nissan Armada, which carry Complaint Index scores of 93, 80, 87, and 100 and are dominated by electrical system complaints. The 2014 and 2023 model years score just 7 and 20 and stand as the best choices among 16 model years covered.
- Model years
- 16
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 464
- Recall campaigns
- 13
- Crashes reported
- 23
- Fires reported
- 7
- Top problem area
- Electrical System
Armada Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Nissan Armada problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Caution | 67 | 48 | 1 | 1 | 4 | Brakes | 14 | — |
| 2011 | Caution | 60 | 40 | 2 | 2 | 1 | Engine | 14.5 | — |
| 2012 | Good | 27 | 17 | 0 | 1 | 1 | Brakes | 14.5 | — |
| 2013 | Good | 33 | 17 | 3 | 1 | 2 | Brakes | 14.5 | — |
| 2014 | Best | 7 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Airbags | 14.5 | — |
| 2015 | Good | 47 | 21 | 1 | 0 | 3 | Airbags | 14.5 | — |
| 2016 | No verdict | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | — | — |
| 2017 | Avoid | 93 | 81 | 3 | 1 | 0 | Electrical System | 15.5 | — |
| 2018 | Avoid | 80 | 75 | 2 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 15.5 | 4★ |
| 2019 | Avoid | 87 | 73 | 4 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 15.5 | 4★ |
| 2020 | Caution | 73 | 27 | 2 | 1 | 2 | Electrical System | 15.5 | 4★ |
| 2021 | Good | 40 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Fuel System | 15 | — |
| 2022 | Caution | 53 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 15 | — |
| 2023 | Best | 20 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Visibility & Wipers | 15 | 4★ |
| 2024 | No verdict | 13 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 15.5 | 4★ |
| 2025 | Avoid | 100 | 21 | 2 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 17 | — |
Armada years to avoid: what went wrong
2025 Nissan Armada Index 100 · 21 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2025 Armada has the worst Complaint Index of any year at 100, though its complaint count is lower at 21. Electrical System problems make up 38% of complaints, including infotainment outages that blank the speedometer, camera, and collision-detection displays. Owners also report adaptive cruise control failing to brake before a collision and a power-folding third-row seat that trapped a child. Two recalls apply: 26V455000 for wheel weight-rating labels and 25V821000 for infotainment software.
2017 Nissan Armada Index 93 · 81 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2017 Armada has 81 complaints and a Complaint Index of 93, the second-worst of any year. Electrical System problems make up 43% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 46,500. Owners report unexplained battery drain that persists even after replacing the battery, alternator, starter, and body control module. Other owners report airbags failing to deploy in front-end collisions at highway speed. Engine and transmission complaints each account for roughly a fifth of reports. NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year, despite the high complaint volume.
2017 electrical system problems →2017 engine problems →2017 transmission & powertrain problems →
2019 Nissan Armada Index 87 · 73 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2019 Armada shows 73 complaints and a Complaint Index of 87. Electrical System complaints account for 53% of reports, with a median failure mileage of 27,092, well below the 2017 and 2018 model years. Owners describe repeated battery failures and being stranded despite multiple battery replacements, along with brake and front sensor malfunctions tied to collisions. The same back-up camera software recall, 19V654000, applies to this year.
2018 Nissan Armada Index 80 · 75 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2018 Armada logs 75 complaints and a Complaint Index of 80. Electrical System issues dominate at 60% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 42,575. Owners describe intermittent dashboard warnings that disable ABS, traction control, cruise control, and 4-wheel drive, along with blinding headlights and brake pressure sensor faults that stop the car from shifting out of park. One recall, campaign 19V654000, addresses back-up camera software across several Nissan models including the Armada.
2018 electrical system problems →2018 brakes problems →2018 engine problems →
Most common Nissan Armada problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Electrical System178 (38%)
- Brakes85 (18%)
- Other79 (17%)
- Engine75 (16%)
- Airbags47 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain44 (9%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras40 (9%)
- Structure & Body31 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires31 (7%)
- Fuel System27 (6%)
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Nissan Armada should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2025 Nissan Armada. These years have Complaint Index scores of 93, 80, 87, and 100, all driven largely by Electrical System complaints.
- What is the best year for the Nissan Armada?
- The 2014 and 2023 Armada are rated Best, with Complaint Index scores of just 7 and 20, the lowest among the 16 model years with data.
- What is the most common problem with the Nissan Armada?
- Electrical System issues are the top problem area overall, accounting for 178 of 464 total complaints, or 38%. Brakes (18%) and Engine (16%) follow.
- Does the 2019 Nissan Armada have a recall?
- Yes. The 2019 Armada is covered by recall campaign 19V654000, which addresses back-up camera software across several Nissan models.
- Is the 2025 Nissan Armada reliable?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2025 Armada has the highest Complaint Index of any year, 100, despite a relatively low complaint count of 21, with Electrical System issues as the top problem area at 38%.