2010 Nissan Armada Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2010 Nissan Armada has 48 complaints, a complaint index of 50, and ranks 11th worst out of 21 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Top problem areas are brakes and electrical, plus 4 recalls covering airbags, structure, suspension, and brakes.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #11 of 21 Armada years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 48
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 14
- 12 city / 18 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2010 Nissan Armada problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other11 (23%)
- Brakes8 (17%)
- Electrical System8 (17%)
- Airbags6 (13%)
- Engine6 (13%)
- Fuel System6 (13%)
- Structure & Body6 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (6%)
- Steering2 (4%)
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 brake caliper lock-up that generated smoke from the rear brake area while driving around 50 mph.
- Some describe the transmission shifting out of gear on its own while parked, allowing the vehicle to roll into another vehicle.
- Others report erratic throttle behavior soon after purchase, with the engine sputtering with no pressure on the pedal.
- Some owners say the fuel gauge and low-fuel warning trigger inaccurately, showing several gallons remaining differently than the actual level.
- Side airbags have deployed unexpectedly after hitting a pothole, with no crash to justify deployment.
- Owners describe brake line popping noises during low-speed turns, with dealers confirming both front brake lines needed replacement.
2010 Nissan Armada recalls
4 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 10V371000Aug 9, 2010Structure & Body174 vehicles
Seats
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2010 nissan armada vehicles manufactured from june 7, 2010 through june 11, 2010. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 207, "seating systems." the second row center seat hinge assembly was manufactured out of specification. This may prevent the rear center seatback from fully locking in the in-use (upright) position.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the second row center seat may not function properly increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second row center seat hinges/lock for proper function. If the seat does not lock as designed, the second row center seat hinge assembly will be replaced with a new one free of charge. The safety recall began on august 30, 2010. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
- NHTSA 10V208000May 14, 2010Suspension, Wheels & Tires41,649 vehicles
Suspension:front:control arm:lower arm
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2010 titan, armada, qx56, frontier, xterra, and pathfinder vehicles manufactured from november 19, 2009 through march 3, 2010. The lower control link assembly has two cylindrical collars forming the inboard attachment points to the chassis. Due to an improper welding process some collars may contain welds that do not meet strength specifications.
Risk: If the collar weld separates, the vehicle handling will deteriorate, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on may 20, 2010. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
2010 Nissan Armada fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 12 MPG
- Highway
- 18 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.
2010 compared with other Armada years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 Nissan Armada reliable?
- NHTSA lists 48 complaints for the 2010 Armada, giving it a complaint index of 50 and a Caution verdict, ranking 11th worst among 21 model years of the Armada.
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Nissan Armada?
- Brakes and electrical system issues each account for 17% of complaints, followed by airbags, engine, fuel system, and structure/body issues at 13% each.
- Does the 2010 Nissan Armada have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2010 Armada, covering airbag cover cracking, second-row seat hinge/lock issues, a suspension lower control link defect, and a brake pedal pivot pin manufacturing flaw.
- Which Nissan Armada years are worse than 2010?
- The 2005 and 2006 Armadas rank worse, with complaint indexes of 100 and 95 and Avoid verdicts, along with the 2008, 2017, and 2019 model years, all rated Avoid.
- What year Armada is the safest choice compared to 2010?
- The 2012, 2014, and 2023 Armadas earn Best verdicts with complaint indexes of 20, 5, and 15, all lower risk than the 2010 model's index of 50.