2005 Nissan Armada Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2005 Nissan Armada carries a complaint index of 100, the worst of all 21 model years, and ranks 1st worst overall. Brakes account for 60% of its 373 complaints, with a median failure mileage of 68,000, backed by 3 recalls including an engine relay issue.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 21 Armada years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 373
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 8
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 7
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 14
- 12 city / 17.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
Top 2005 Nissan Armada problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes223 (60%)
- Fuel System77 (21%)
- Engine43 (12%)
- Airbags34 (9%)
- Electrical System25 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain16 (4%)
- Other11 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires11 (3%)
- Seat Belts10 (3%)
- Structure & Body10 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe smoke or fire coming from under the steering column or dashboard, sometimes with the door locks engaging on their own.
- Some report sudden unintended acceleration while starting to move, occurring on city streets at low speed.
- Front lower suspension has reportedly failed while driving around 30 mph, leading to loss of control.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy during a head-on collision at highway speed.
- Brake warning lights have come on with brakes losing effectiveness after hitting a bump, sometimes requiring the engine to be restarted.
- Steering wheel has reportedly locked without warning while driving at 45 mph, causing the vehicle to veer off the road.
2005 Nissan Armada recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V517000Oct 28, 2010Engine747,480 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 armada, titan, infiniti qx56 and model year 2005-2006 frontier, pathfinder and xterra vehicles. The intelligent power distribution module (ipdm) assembly contains an engine control module (ECM) relay that has a diode for electrical current noise reduction. The ECM relay may allow silicon vapor to form and, over time, the silicon evaporates from the diode molding which causes silicon oxide to develop on the ECM relay contact due to arcing.
Risk: This could cause engine stalling increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ECM relay inside the ipdm assembly. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on december 6, 2010. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
- NHTSA 10V074000Mar 3, 2010Fuel System340,000 vehicles
Fuel system, other:storage:fuel gauge system
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 titan, armada, and infiniti qx56 vehicles. The instrument panel fuel gauge may inaccurately display that the vehicle still has some fuel, typically about one quarter tank, when the fuel tank is empty.
Risk: This could cause the vehicle to run out of gas and stall on the highway, which could cause a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel sender unit inside the fuel tank with a new improved sender card. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on march 22, 2010. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
- NHTSA 08V284000Jun 27, 2008Other180,664 vehicles
Equipment:appliance:air conditioner
Nissan is recalling 180,664 my 2005-2006 titan, armada and infinity qx56 vehicles manufactured after march 17, 2005, that are equipped with a visteon air conditioning condenser fan motor. The fan motor may not be properly sealed allowing excessive water intrusion and inadequate drainage of moisture.
Risk: This could cause corrosion in the motor leading possibly to overheating and a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a 'thermal protector kit' and test the air conditioning condenser fan motor and replace it if necessary. The recall began on august 2, 2008. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
2005 Nissan Armada fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 12 MPG
- Highway
- 17.5 MPG
- Combined
- 14 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,650
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Armada years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Nissan Armada reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Armada has the highest complaint index (100) of any Armada model year and ranks 1st worst out of 21 years. Brakes are the top reported problem area, making up 60% of its 373 complaints.
- What is the main problem with the 2005 Nissan Armada?
- Brakes are the top problem area, with 223 complaints (60% of the total) and a median failure mileage of 68,000. Fuel system issues follow at 21% of complaints.
- Does the 2005 Nissan Armada have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 Armada, covering an engine control module relay issue, a fuel gauge sender problem, and an air conditioning condenser fan motor that may not be properly sealed.
- How does the 2005 Armada compare to other model years?
- The 2005 Armada has a complaint index of 100, the highest of all 21 model years, while years like 2014 (index 5) and 2012 (index 20) rank as Best. The 2005 model carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Armada years.