2008 Nissan Armada Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2008 Nissan Armada ranks 3rd-worst of 21 model years, with a complaint index of 90 and 161 NHTSA complaints. Brakes account for 42% of complaints, followed by structure & body issues at 25%. Six recalls apply to this year, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other Armada years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 90/100
- #3 of 21 Armada years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 161
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 7
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 14
- 12 city / 17.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
Top 2008 Nissan Armada problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes68 (42%)
- Structure & Body41 (25%)
- Electrical System24 (15%)
- Other19 (12%)
- Fuel System16 (10%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires13 (8%)
- Airbags11 (7%)
- Engine6 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (2%)
- Seat Belts2 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the brake pedal failing to engage at low speeds, with no prior warning of the issue.
- The rear liftgate reportedly releases on its own, both while parked and while driving, sometimes requiring multiple dealer visits to attempt repair.
- The fuel gauge is reported to show fuel remaining when the tank is empty, causing the vehicle to shut off while driving.
- Owners describe the keyless entry system malfunctioning and causing an unexplained loss of vehicle power.
- The rear auto-leveling suspension is reported to leak air after shutdown, letting the back end sag, which owners say creates a hazard when towing.
- Some owners report the heating and defrosting system failing to work, leaving windows fogged and reducing visibility with passengers in the vehicle.
2008 Nissan Armada recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V067000Feb 10, 2023Airbags404,690 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
Risk: A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driverÂs airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.
- NHTSA 10V349000Jul 22, 2010Airbags21 vehicles
Air bags:side/window
Nissan is recalling model year 2008 nissan armada and infiniti qx56 vehicles manufactured from february 7, 2007 through february 14, 2007. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 201, "protection in interior impact." an out-of-specification a-pillar finisher might impede the correct inflation of the side curtain air bag near the upper portion of the b-pillar.
Risk: Incorrect inflation of the side curtain air bag may increase the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant in the event of a crash requiring deployment of that air bag.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both right and left front pillar finishers free of charge. The safety recall began on august 16, 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.
2008 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.
2008 compared with other Armada years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Nissan Armada reliable?
- Relative to other Armada model years, the 2008 ranks 3rd-worst out of 21 years tracked, with a complaint index of 90 and 161 NHTSA complaints, most involving brakes.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2008 Nissan Armada?
- Brakes are the top problem area, making up 42% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 91,500 miles.
- Does the 2008 Nissan Armada have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2008 Armada, covering airbags, brakes, fuel system, structure & body, and seat belts.
- How does the 2008 Armada compare to other years?
- The 2008 Armada has a higher complaint index (90) than most other years; only the 2005 (100) and 2006 (95) score worse, while years like 2012 and 2014 rank as Best with much lower indexes.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2008 Nissan Armada?
- The 2008 Armada gets an EPA-rated 14 mpg combined (12 city / 17.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,650.