2018 Nissan Armada problems

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The Nissan Armada (retrospectively referred to unofficially as the Nissan Pathfinder Armada) is a full-size SUV manufactured by Nissan for the North American market. From 2003 to 2015, the first-generation Armada was assembled in Canton, Mississippi based on the Nissan Titan. From mid-2016 onwards, the second-generation Armada has been built in Yukuhashi, Kyushu, Japan and shares the same platform as the Nissan Patrol, with American-specific modifications, and went on sale in late mid-2016 as a 2017 model. A luxury version of the Armada has been sold as the Infiniti QX80 (originally QX56).

First generation (TA60; 2004)

The 2004 model Pathfinder Armada was unveiled on April 17, 2003, at the New York International Auto Show. Developed under Carlos Ghosn's NRP (Nissan Revival Plan), development was done in September 1999 to 2003 under lead designers Shiro Nakamura and Diane Allen and chief engineers Yuzo Sakita and Larry Dominique. In January 2001, a final exterior design by Giovanny Arroba had been approved by Sakita, Allen, Nakamura, and Nissan executive management, with the final design freeze being completed in July 2001. It is assigned the platform code TA60.

Prototypes based on the Y61 Patrol were hand-assembled as mules from 2001, with the first TA60-specific prototypes being completed and sent to testing in early 2002. Design patents were filed in 2003, with production starting on August 14, 2003, and going on sale on October 1, 2003.

The Armada had a 5.6 L VK56DE V8 engine that made 305 hp (227 kW) and 385 lb⋅ft (522 N⋅m) of torque. This was mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, and the Armada had a choice of either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. There are some Armadas that are capable of using E85. It has a towing capacity of up to 9,000 lb (4,000 kg).

The rear door handles are installed on the "C" pillar as part of a Nissan design tradition that started with the 1986 Nissan Pathfinder. When the four-door Pathfinder was introduced, Nissan chose to conceal the door handles as a part of the "C" pillar trim to visually make it appear like a two-door truck with a camper shell, with conventional door handles on the front doors.

The switch to the Armada name occurred in September 2004 for the 2005 model year, where it received new badges without "Pathfinder." The 2005 model year also included a backup camera.

2018 Nissan Armada

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Common 2018 Nissan Armada problems

The 2018 Nissan Armada, while known for its ample cabin space and practical abilities, has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. These issues primarily revolve around the electric system, with 25 complaints reported in total. The reliability rating of the 2018 Armada is 78/100, which falls behind its competitors in the full-size SUV market, such as the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and Toyota Sequoia.

One of the most frequently reported problems is the battery dying or losing power, which prevents the vehicle from operating as intended. This issue can be particularly inconvenient, as it may leave the driver stranded and in need of a battery replacement or recharge.

Another common problem with the 2018 Nissan Armada is related to its air suspension system. The Armada's air suspension system is equipped with sensors, airbags, control modules, and a compressor, which work together to maintain the vehicle's height and provide a smooth ride.

Control panel failure is another issue that has been reported by Nissan Armada owners. The vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU) or control module is responsible for regulating the air suspension system. When this computerized equipment fails, the vehicle may have difficulty rising and dropping optimally, affecting the overall driving experience.

Sensor faults are also a common problem with the 2018 Nissan Armada. The vehicle's sensors are responsible for collecting data and transmitting it to the ECU. Over time, these sensors may deteriorate due to continuous movement, leading to a failure in the air suspension system.

In addition to these problems, the 2018 Nissan Armada has also been reported to have issues with its air compressor and air springs. The air compressor is responsible for generating pressurized air and pumping it through the springs to lift the vehicle where necessary. When the air compressor wears out, the amount and intensity of air may reduce, affecting the SUV's movements.

Valve block failure is another problem that has been reported by Nissan Armada owners. The valve block directs the air from the air compressor to the springs. When the valve fails, it becomes difficult for the compressed air to lift and drop the vehicle, affecting the entire suspension system.

Lastly, airbag damage is a common problem with the 2018 Nissan Armada. The airbags store the compressed air and release it when the ECU directs. However, the airbags may leak or burst due to punctures and dry rot, which can affect the suspension's ability to perform its functions.

In summary, the 2018 Nissan Armada has several common problems, primarily related to its electric system and air suspension system. These issues can affect the vehicle's reliability and overall driving experience, and may require costly repairs. It is important for potential buyers to be aware of these problems and consider them when making a purchasing decision.

2018 Nissan Armada engine

What is the most common problem with the Nissan Armada?

Nissan Armada Reliability and Common Problems

  • The Nissan Armada is a reliable full-size SUV with a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating from RepairPal.
  • Some of the top Nissan Armada problems include brake problems, the overhead console falling down, and catalytic converter failure.

Does the Nissan Armada have transmission problems?

It's common for the Armada RE5R05A transmission to exhibit shifting problems, particularly if routine maintenance has been ignored. Worn clutch packs are usually the reason behind hard 2-3 shifts.

Is Nissan Armada a reliable car?

Reports say that the Nissan Armada has average reliability. This vehicle still utilizes a V8 engine paired to 7-speed automatic transmission, therefore it is thirsty. One of its appeals is that is a low-cost alternative to the similar Infiniti QX80.

Are there any recalls on 2018 Nissan Armada?

Nissan is conducting this voluntary recall campaign on certain specific model year 2018-2019 Armada vehicles. The display control unit (DCU) will be reprogrammed. This service will be performed at no charge to the customer for parts or labor. Nissan has assigned identification number R1911 to this campaign.

2018 Nissan Armada car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Nissan Armada problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Electrical system problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Engine problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Exterior lighting problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Nissan Armada vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 2018 Nissan Armada

The NHTSA has received 51 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Nissan Armada. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2018 Nissan Armada vehicles.

2024-10-01

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-25
  • VIN: JN8AY2NC3JX
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: I TAKE MY VEHICLE TO THE SAME DEALER FOR ALL SERVICES AND OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, I'VE HAD "BATTERY ISSUES" THAT TURN OUT TO BE CONTROL MODULE ISSUES THAT REQUIRE NEW WIRING FOR THE VEHICLE TO RUN AT ALL, BATTERY COMPLETELY DRAINS AFTER SEVERAL SMALL TRIPS AROUND TOWN. I HAVE FULLY REPLACED THE BATTERY, DONE A WARRANTY ON IT AFTER THAN AND I'M STILL CONSTANTLY STRANDED. NISSAN DOESN'T WANT TO COVER ANY OF THE LABOR ($645.00) THAT IT REQUIRES TO RUN AT ALL. NO PARTS ARE NEEDED, IT'S JUST LABOR TO RECONFIGURE THE WAY THE ALTERNATOR WORKS BUT THEY'RE TELLING ME IT'S MY PROBLEM TO FIX BUT IT'S NOT A WORN OUT PART, IT'S LITERALLY THE ELECTRICAL. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? BATTERY & SMART ALTERNATOR How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? VEHICLE WILL NOT START, BATTERY COMPLETELY DRAINS AFTER SEVERAL SMALL TRIPS AROUND TOWN. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? YES, THEY'RE FULLY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM THAT THESE ARMADAS ARE HAVING, RECALLS CURRENTLY ON 2017 & 2019 MODELS BUT THEY'RE NOT RECALLING MY YEAR, 2018! Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? YES, DEALER SERVICE CENTER SEVERAL TIMES. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NO. FIRST STARTED IN 2019. I'VE GONE THROUGH SEVERAL BATTERIES, ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND PERSONAL JUMPS DUE TO THE FAULTY BATTERY LEAVING ME STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES OVER.
2024-09-28

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-23
  • VIN: JN8AY2NEXJ9
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: Every year for the past 3 years the battery will not start stranding me multiple times. The dealer has stated tomhat multiple armadas have the same issue it is unknown what causes this random drain of the battery but each time the battery has to be replaced
2024-09-18

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
  • VIN: JN8AY2NF3J9
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: Here’s an updated response for the NHTSA, incorporating the new information: --- **What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?** The component that malfunctioned is the battery and electrical system in my 2018 Nissan Armada (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle experienced repeated battery drainage, requiring a replacement battery after only one year. I had to pay $300 to get the battery replaced, as I could only start the car with a jump. The replaced battery is currently at the dealership and available for inspection upon request. **How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?** The repeated battery drainage compromised my safety by potentially stranding me in unsafe conditions. I was unable to start the vehicle without a jump, which could have left me and my passengers stranded on the road or in other hazardous situations. **Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?** Yes, the problem was confirmed by the dealership, who replaced the battery but suggested that a software issue within the vehicle is causing the repeated drainage. They did not provide a permanent solution to prevent future occurrences. **Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others?** The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership, but not by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. **Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?** No warning lamps or messages appeared prior to the battery failure. The issue occurred without any prior warnings, making it difficult to anticipate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2024-06-21

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-05-24
  • VIN: JN8AY2ND7J9
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The display screen only works for camera system on vehicle, unable to control radio/climate control on the touch screen. It is just a blank backlit screen unless using cameras. I have had the radio control unit reprogrammed and nothing is working. There is an electrical issue and I’m worried it will get worse.
2024-05-21

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-01
  • VIN: JN8AY2NC8J9
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Engine failure at 68,000 miles cylinder 7 scouring like previous years had this issue but my vehicle is affected as well.
2024-03-11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-02-17
  • VIN: JN8AY2NE0J9
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The back up camera shuts down while in reverse, disabling the view for safety. The infotainment system continually reboots itself. It cycles over & over. Research on line shows this is a problem for Nissan Armada's and Infiniti QX80 models. On February 17, 2024, the dealership stated the vehicle is out of warranty therefore the owner must replace the assembly unit for an internal fault. I contacted NISSAN HQ, on March 11, 2024, inquiring about the safety issue and was told that its the owner's responsibility to complete all repairs. The reverse camera is not a safety issue for Nissan to be concerned about. I conducted a VIN search for recalls. My vehicle VIN does not reflect any open recalls but there a recall campaign for the backup cameras.
2023-12-05

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-12-01
  • VIN: JN8AY2NE3J9
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light continually blinked off and on. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously service for the same failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
2023-09-18

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-09-18
  • VIN: JN8AY2NF8J9
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
  • Summary: It will stall out when we try to start the vehicle. The battery is still pretty new and there are no check engine lights on. It will stall 2 or 3 times but then start about 5 to 10 minutes later.
2023-08-03

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-08-03
  • VIN: JN8AY2ND2J9
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
  • Summary: Randomly fails to start. New batteries installed and still fails to start at random times
2023-07-17

BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-01-11
  • VIN: JN8AY2ND1J9
  • Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that the BCI (Backup Collision Intervention) malfunction message was displayed on the instrument panel, causing the vehicle stop abruptly. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer and the stop lamp switch was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the stop lamp switch was replaced a second time. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 45,768.
2023-07-12

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-06-06
  • VIN: JN8AY2NC0JX
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: Tired of this !! Battery keeps dying and leaving me stranded. Dealer says battery test fine . Will be fine for a couple days then for no reason hope in car and wont start. Jump start it and it goes. Many others complaining on sites nissan armada has a fuel efficiency alternator resistance . it will on charge battery 85% . Tired of being stranded at random places. have replaced battery several times and this keep happening.
2023-07-07

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-07-01
  • VIN: JN8AY2ND6J9
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: The dashboard instrument panel lighting has begun to go dark. It started with a section of the odometer going dark and has since spread to a lot of the instrument panel. After researching it further it is a known issue among other Armada owners. It poses a safety risk as you can no longer glance at the panel to get information, but instead must look for a longer period of time to see the gauges. Below is a link to others who have experienced the same issue. I wrote Nissan about the issue and have not received a response. Thanks for your time and attention. Sincerely, [XXX] https://www.clubarmada.com/threads/speedometer-lights-from-0-20mph-out.86969/page-2 INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
2023-06-09

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-03-13
  • VIN: JN8AY2NC4J9
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: Our Armada started having trouble starting a few months ago. A new battery from Nissan was installed 7 months ago. We have been stranded twice do the car failing to start. Portable jump starters of any size have not been able to assist the car in starting. Only jumper cables to another vehicle have allowed us to get the car to start. Some starts are fine, some sluggish but start and some fail to start. It appears to be totally random. My most recent incident went like this. Car had a good strong start. We drove it for 30 minutes and parked. We were out of the car for 10 minutes and car would not start upon our return. We had to wait for someone to come give us a jump start. We have taken the car to two different Nissan service centers. The first told us there was evidence of a problem but nothing they could identify and to just keep driving it. Problems persisted. We then took it to a second Nissan service center. They told us nothing was wrong but possibly a loose battery connection. While at the service center, another Armada was there for the same symptoms. Are problems continue to persist. We spoke with some friends that own a 2019 Armada across the country and it has the same problem. They reported their Nissan dealer was very ellusive as to what is going on. I feel like Nissan knows there is a problem but doesn't want to do anything about it because of the cost to their business. If these failures occur during extreme cold or hot weather, or in isolated places, it could cause bodily harm or even death. I had a problem with Mazda similar to this previously where they knew there was a problem but refused to do anything about it. My friend was a service manager with Mazda at the time and showed me an internal memo on the subject but said I couldn't have a copy. He was afraid for his job. I'll ask our friends to enter a complaint also so you hear it from more than one person.
2023-04-28

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-04-28
  • VIN: JN8AY2ND5J9
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: Unknow
2023-03-28

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-01-23
  • VIN: JN8AY2ND2J9
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: Fall 2020, I began having intermittent, no start issues with my 2018 Nissan Armada. It was sporadic. When the start button is pressed, it would do nothing, turnover slowly, or not turnover at all but make clicking noises. It always eventually started, sometimes within minutes, other times up to a couple hours. December 2020 - I thought the battery might be bad, so I had it replaced at Walmart 12/7/20. March 2021 - the problem continued so I researched online and found that this is a common problem for 2018 Armada’s. Posts on ClubArmad.com stated the problem could be a bad brake switch. I purchased a new switch from Pat Peck Nissan Mobile and replaced it myself. Unfortunately, the issue continued intermittently. December 2021 – I took the vehicle to Matt Bowers Nissan Eastern Shore. Diagnostic testing was done that found a low voltage code. The battery was reconditioned for $145. They also performed an ECM software update that was covered under warranty. They felt like this should fix the issue. This did not correct the problem and it became more frequent. February 2022 – I took the vehicle back to Matt Bowers Nissan Eastern Shore. Their conclusion was now the battery was causing the issue. They stated it was discharged and recommended a replacement even though the battery was only 15 months old. They installed a new battery for $244.98. This did not correct the problem. May 2022 - I took the vehicle back to Matt Bowers Nissan Eastern Shore. Their conclusion this time was it was a bad stop lamp switch, the same part that I replaced December 2020. They replaced the switch which was covered under warranty. This did not correct the problem. January 2023 - I took the vehicle back to Matt Bowers Nissan Eastern Shore. They could not replicate the issue but stated they believe it is the starter and this time recommended replacing the starter for $1124.84 plus tax. This problem has been ongoing for two and a half years with no resolution.
2023-03-13

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-03-12
  • VIN: JN8AY2NC1JX
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: BCI malfunction I went to start my car and had a bunch of warning lights in my dashboard along with my car not wanting to start. The alert my car gave me was BCI malfunction. I don’t see a recall but upon looking up the information about this it’s really dangerous when switching lanes your car can apply the brakes on you and I have had my car for a year and 2 months and already having a serious problem like this? I’m upset! Repair hasn’t been done yet but photos are showing what my dashboard looked like when it happened
2023-02-12

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-02-01
  • VIN: JN8AY2NC8J9
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: Parts of the dash lights are not illuminated. Seems to be a trend on the 2017-2018 models according to forms I have read. Dash replacements are roughly $1200 not including labor. Kind of steep to expect customers to pay with as many customers having the same issue.
2023-02-09

VISIBILITY,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-09-01
  • VIN: JN8AY2NC9J9
  • Components: VISIBILITY,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the multi-AV display control unit would not display an image, and the driver was unable to control the front windshield defroster. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the control unit was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
2022-11-27

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-11-19
  • VIN: JN8AY2ND6J9
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
  • Summary: This is a 2018 vehicle,but got a dead battery in early 2021. Got a battery change at that time, However having battery start issue again recently. Can start vehicle with a jump starter, however dealer said battery is still good.
2022-11-13

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-10-31
  • VIN: JN8AY2NCXJ9
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: I have noticed that on my 2018 Nissan Armada, has roughly 82,456 miles on it , an I noticed the RPM between 7/8 don't light up like the other numbers ! And I noticed while driving on the speedometer between 0-20mph on the dash will blink in an out while driving , it does it pretty often, it will stay off quit a bit an then light back up.
2022-11-11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-11-11
  • VIN: JN8AY2NE9J9
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: I own a 2018 Nissan Armada that is getting ready to have its 4th brake switch replaced in this vehicle. This car is completely unsafe and an accident waiting to happen! This is a known problem in the 2018 Nissan Armada and it is a huge safety concern.
2022-10-05

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-08-15
  • VIN: JN8AY2NC9J9
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
  • Summary: We have a Nissan Armada that the Multi AV unit / computer has failed (Part # given to us is 283876GY4D). The vehicle is barely 4 years old. We were quoted a $3,800 repair and Nissan has told us there is no help they can provide. Despite having purchased a 7 year 100,000 mile limited warranty this part isn't covered. Investigating online into the issue we have found that this component is problematic in many vehicles and has service bulletins associated with it. Nissan is stating that because it is GPS, Radio, and cabin comfort it is not a safety issue. HOWEVER, it goes beyond that. We have stated several times to Nissan, that as this unit continuously reboots and malfunctions the windshield defrost / fog clearing aspect of the vehicle does not work. We have had several instances where we've had to pull over in less than desirable locations in order to manually clear our windshield. As the windshield fogs up, you can't see. Given our climate and terrain, the windshield inside can fog up instantly and without warning. If the defrost isn't working, we have to clear the windshield with a towel. This generally is a multi-stop event as it does not stay cleared very well without proper airflow. ALSO, the constant rebooting of the display unit is a serious distraction to the driver. The screen continuously cycles through multiple screens and the day night recognition function does not work. So if it is night time, the bright screen continuously reboots in front of your face. It is unacceptable in a 4 year old vehicle to have these issues and Nissan offer NOTHING and not acknowledge the fact that their vehicles have a serious safety issue. This part is a problem and no amount of "normal wear and tear" explains its failure. It is simply a faulty component from the manufacturer. My wife regularly has our 3 children in the car with her. It is not a good situation. Even if Nissan offered to pay for the part and I the labor I would be happy. To acknowledge nothing is unacceptable
2022-08-26

SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-08-04
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • VIN: JN8AY2NC4J9
  • Components: SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: While traveling w/b on I78 into Pennsylvania I noticed my car suddenly veering to the left. I stopped at a toll booth to proceed to the next exit to check on the problem and as I accelerated out of the toll booth the car began to fishtail wildly. After being able to bring the car under control I pulled off to the shoulder expecting, from the sound of the scraping metal, to find a blown tire. When I checked on the r/r tire I noticed it seemed to have collapsed and that the lower control arm had broken from the frame of the car leaving the car inoperable. I had the car taken on a flatbed to the nearest Nissan dealership.
2022-07-27

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-07-27
  • VIN: JN8AY2NC2JX
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: We have had to replace the brake switch multiple times for this vehicle. The brake switch controls starting the vehicle, break collision intervention sytem, vehicle operation, etc. The brake switch goes out with no warning. The brake switch has also gone out during vehicle operation on the road (i.e. vehicle dies while driving). Being stranded with no warning and vehicle stop working while driving are serious safety concerns. The vehicle has been inspected by a Nissan dealership and they reported no other problems with the vehicle other than needing to replace brake switch. The Nissan dealership could not give a reason as to why the brake switch keeps going out. Google searches indicates may owners of this same vehicle have the same issue and is a major problem that Nissan will not address.
2022-07-27

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-04-27
  • VIN: JN8AY2ND8J9
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that the lights needed to illuminate the speedometer and tachometer were inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced and it was a known failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall associated to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

2018 Nissan Armada recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2018 Nissan Armada.

2019-09-12
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
  • Summary: 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."
  • Consequence: 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.

Negative 2018 Nissan Armada car reviews

  1. Rene Fadel 2024-10-27

    If you enjoy driving, the Nissan Armada may not be the best fit for you. However, it is fully capable both on and off road and performs well in both environments. Unfortunately, it has poor fuel economy and ride quality. Despite these drawbacks, if you are looking for a reliable SUV, the Nissan Armada is worth considering. Although, if you are looking for a vehicle designed specifically for the driver, you may want to explore other options. Personally, I am considering trading in for a Ford Expedition at the first opportunity.

  2. Ambrose Gulgowski 2024-10-09

    The handling can be improved to match the standards of other vehicles in this price range, such as the Tahoe, Pilot, and Atlas. The seats could benefit from more contouring to provide better support for the back and bottom. Additionally, the instrument panel could be updated to a digital and color display. The sound system could also be upgraded to meet the expectations of drivers in this class. Overall, these improvements would greatly enhance the driving experience.

  3. Lawrence Olson 2024-09-03

    I have always wanted a QX56/80 until now. Although I was excited for this car, it has not met my expectations in terms of drive and technology, especially considering the price of the vehicle. While I love the look of this car, inside and out, there are several aspects that I don't love. Firstly, the absence of Apple CarPlay is a letdown. Most Nissans have this feature now, so it's surprising that it's not included in this vehicle. Additionally, there are some minor issues, such as the heated steering wheel not coming on automatically with remote start (although it does heat up nicely), and the instrument panel in the dash being quite boring, requiring you to flip through it to access basic information like gas mileage and temperature. The lighting in the vehicle is also poor, and the storage bins don't light up. The USB and Bluetooth features are cumbersome, and I don't receive texts. The technology in this car is way behind, even though Nissan has it in other cars. However, the most significant issue for me is the drive. While the car is beautiful and comfortable on straight, smooth roads, it feels like a boat on bumpy and winding roads (which is a problem for me as I live in Pittsburgh where the roads are bad). The gas mileage is also quite atrocious (although I knew that going in), and the front sensors are touchy, causing the car to constantly beep at me when it's snowing. Overall, I am disappointed with this car, and I can't wait to get rid of it.

  4. Edgar Ferry 2024-08-19

    I really wanted to like this car. I had high hopes for it. However, I traded a Chevy Tahoe for my 2017 Amada Platinum 4WD and initially loved it until it rained and snowed. The car has a lot of electronic safety features, but they are too sensitive. When it rains heavily or when there is a small snowflake on the bumper, the front bumper sonar reports a 'front radar obstruction' issue. The car interprets this as you being close to crashing with something, so you get uncontrollable beeping that can only be stopped by turning off the sonar from the central console. Additionally, every time this happens, all your radio presets for FM 2 or XM 2 & 3 (there are three sets of presets) will be lost for 24 hours. After roughly 24 hours, the presets often (not always) come back. I have taken the car into service twice for this and brought them video evidence (I have filmed the driver's console during a rainstorm showing the 'front radar obstruction' error) and the dealer has returned it both times stating it is working as expected. Therefore, this is a $50K car that apparently was manufactured to work only in clear sunny days.

  5. Derrick Kuvalis 2024-06-18

    After my 4-Runner was totaled, we needed a vehicle that could tow my 5000 lbs boat. We found a beautiful 2017 Armada with 35,900 miles. Unfortunately, the backlight for the speedometer's 0-20 mph started blinking a week later and then went black a few days after. I researched the issue and found out that it was a well-known Nissan defective part problem that usually occurred shortly after the 36K warranty had expired. Despite this, I took the car to my local dealer and paid $106.20 to have a diagnostic performed. The dealership submitted the diagnosis to Nissan, but to my surprise, they refused to provide any assistance. It's disappointing that a major part with a high failure rate like this wasn't recalled or given an extended warranty. The cost to replace the instrument cluster is $1,841.46 and it takes 2-3 days in the shop. Nissan should take responsibility for their defective part and provide a solution that is fair to their customers.

Positive 2018 Nissan Armada car reviews

  1. Gillian Schroeder 2024-11-15

    Your car sounds like a great companion for long road trips and carrying a lot of cargo. It's impressive that you've been able to go so many miles without needing to change the brake pads. The only issue you've had was when the check engine light turned on at 68,000 miles, but luckily it was covered by your Nissan Gold extended service contract. It's important to keep an eye on the battery, as you mentioned that it tends to wear out quickly. Thanks for sharing your experience with the Armada, it's always helpful to hear from other owners!

  2. Jamey Boehm 2024-11-06

    Low beam lights are inadequate. Visibility is compromised.

  3. Gene Cremin 2024-11-02

    It’s bigger than our previous Armada. The engine performance is superior and the handling is awesome.

  4. Theron Sauer 2024-10-26

    Great SUV

  5. Misael Ritchie 2024-09-25

    As much as I disliked the old Armada, I absolutely love this new one! It's the only SUV that my husband and I could agree on and I couldn't be happier with it. The entire vehicle is almost identical to the Infinity, but for 20k less. The only downside is that it does consume a lot of gas, but that's to be expected with a vehicle of this size.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2018 Nissan Armada problems:

2018 Nissan Armada starting / electronic key issues : r/AskMechanics
2018 Nissan Armada starting / electronic key issues : r/AskMechanics
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskMechanics/comments/xxymdt/2018_nissan_armada_starting_electronic_key_issues/

Oct 7, 2022 ... Car had additional issues. I did a battery repair cycle with my battery charger. It took very little time and indicated there really wasn't ...

2018 Armada start issues | Nissan Forum
2018 Armada start issues | Nissan Forum
https://www.nissanforums.com/threads/2018-armada-start-issues.279655/

Apr 9, 2023 ... The issue very well may be that the battery capacity is being drained faster than the charging system can keep up. Battery voltage might show 12 ...

2018 Nissan Armada Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2018 Nissan Armada Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/nissan/armada/2018/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2018 Nissan Armada? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

2018 Armada Platinum Reserve - 78k miles | Nissan Armada ...
2018 Armada Platinum Reserve - 78k miles | Nissan Armada ...
https://www.clubarmada.com/threads/2018-armada-platinum-reserve-78k-miles.90304/

Jul 13, 2022 ... Armada Friends - my 2018 Platinum Reserve is giving me some major issues with starting. To the point it's leaving me stranded…in a cemetery ...

Other years of Nissan Armada

nissan armada 2019 photo
Armada 2019
Nissan

60

1

27

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan armada 2020 photo
Armada 2020
Nissan

0

1

20

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan armada 2021 photo
Armada 2021
Nissan

3

1

20

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan armada 2022 photo
Armada 2022
Nissan

3

0

25

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan armada 2004 photo
Armada 2004
Nissan

461

3

28

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
nissan armada 2005 photo
Armada 2005
Nissan

373

5

20

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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