2006 Nissan Armada Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
95/100
#2 most-complained of 21 Armada years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2006 Nissan Armada has a complaint index of 95, the second-worst of 21 model years, and earns an Avoid verdict. Brakes account for 73% of its 266 complaints, with 3 recalls covering engine wiring, fuel gauge, and air conditioning fan issues.
- Complaints
- 266
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 14 / 13
- Injuries / deaths
- 12 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 14
- 12 city / 17 hwy
Top 2006 Nissan Armada problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes193 (73%)
- Electrical System24 (9%)
- Airbags22 (8%)
- Engine21 (8%)
- Other14 (5%)
- Structure & Body9 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (3%)
- Transmission & Powertrain9 (3%)
- Fuel System8 (3%)
- Seat Belts3 (1%)
What owners report
- Owners report the brake pedal or brake arm failing to respond, sometimes with a grinding noise, leaving the vehicle unable to stop.
- Some drivers describe losing braking ability at low speed and having to steer into a curb or coast to a stop.
- Several complaints describe smoke or fire starting near the dashboard, wiring harness, or engine bay, often tied to the air conditioning condenser fan overheating.
- Owners report the parking brake, ABS, VDC, and traction control warning lights illuminating together along with a loud noise from the brakes and an erratic speedometer.
- Fuel system complaints describe a fuel smell or fumes coming from the vehicle, traced to a defective fuel tank assembly.
2006 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.
2006 Nissan Armada fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 12 MPG
- Highway
- 17 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.
2006 compared with other Armada years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Nissan Armada reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 Armada ranks second-worst among 21 model years with a complaint index of 95, and carries an Avoid verdict.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2006 Nissan Armada?
- Brakes are the top problem area, making up 73% of the 266 complaints filed, including reports of brake pedal or arm failure at a median mileage of 80,000.
- Does the 2006 Nissan Armada have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2006 Armada, covering an engine control module relay, an inaccurate fuel gauge, and an air conditioning condenser fan motor that could overheat.
- How does the 2006 Armada compare to other model years?
- The 2006 Armada's complaint index of 95 is worse than most other years; only 2005 scores higher at 100, while later years like 2012 and 2014 score much lower with Best verdicts.