2018 Nissan Armada Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2018 Nissan Armada has a complaint index of 65, ranking 8th worst among 21 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. Electrical System issues dominate with 45 complaints (60% share), and one recall covers back-up camera software.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 65/100
- #8 of 21 Armada years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 75
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 15.5
- 13.5 city / 18.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2018 Nissan Armada problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System45 (60%)
- Brakes16 (21%)
- Engine16 (21%)
- Other10 (13%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras7 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain7 (9%)
- Fuel System4 (5%)
- Airbags3 (4%)
- Structure & Body2 (3%)
- HVAC1 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Back-up Collision Intervention (BCI) malfunctions trigger random dashboard warnings that disable cruise control, 4-wheel drive, ABS, and traction control.
- Some owners describe the brakes engaging on their own during BCI malfunction events, preventing safe acceleration until the vehicle is turned off and restarted.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in a front-end collision with no prior collision warning, resulting in a total loss.
- Dashboard lights come on and the vehicle fails to start despite the battery testing as fully charged.
- Radio and display screens have gone dark while driving, requiring a full shutdown and restart to restore function.
- Owners report the transmission acting as if stuck in gear at highway speed, causing sudden loss of acceleration near 80 mph.
2018 Nissan Armada recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V654000Sep 12, 2019Collision Avoidance & Cameras1,228,830 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
2018 Nissan Armada fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 13.5 MPG
- Highway
- 18.5 MPG
- Combined
- 15.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,175
- 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.
2018 compared with other Armada years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Nissan Armada reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2018 Armada a complaint index of 65 and a Caution verdict, ranking 8th worst out of 21 model years for this model. Electrical System problems, especially BCI malfunctions, account for 60% of complaints.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2018 Nissan Armada?
- The Electrical System is the top problem area, with 45 complaints making up 60% of all reports, many describing BCI malfunction warnings that disable ABS, traction control, and cruise control.
- Does the 2018 Nissan Armada have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall (campaign 19V654000) for the 2018 Armada, covering a back-up camera software update; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2018 Armada compare to other Armada years?
- With a complaint index of 65, the 2018 Armada ranks 8th worst of 21 years. Years like 2005, 2006, 2008, 2017, and 2019 score higher (worse), while 2012, 2014, and 2023 earn Best verdicts.
- At what mileage do 2018 Armada electrical problems show up?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 46,984 at failure for the 2018 Armada overall, with Electrical System complaints centered around a median of 42,575 miles.