2020 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.

2020 Nissan Armada

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Common 2020 Nissan Armada problems

The Nissan Armada, a luxurious full-size SUV, is known for its smooth ride and spacious interior. However, like any vehicle, it can experience problems, particularly with its air suspension system. Here are some common problems with the Nissan Armada 2020, based on complaints from owners:

  • Nose Dive: The Nissan Armada's suspension system is responsible for spreading out the force of the car stopping across the entire vehicle. When it works correctly, the car should come to a smooth and even stop. However, if the suspension wears down, it cannot provide as much resistance to the weight of the car coming to a stop, causing the car's body to continue moving forward while the wheels are stopped. This results in what is commonly known as the "nose dive," where the rear end of the car pops up while the front end dives down. If you notice this in your Armada, you likely have suspension issues, which can make it more difficult for your Armada to come to a complete stop, increasing stopping distance.

These are some of the common problems with the Nissan Armada 2020, based on complaints from owners. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the vehicle's safety and longevity. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and prevent these problems from occurring or worsening.

2020 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.

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 the 2020 Nissan Armada?

Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Nissan Armada and 2020-2021 INFINITI QX80 vehicles equipped with V8 engines. The impeller can swell and bind within the fuel pump module, causing it to fail.

Does 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.

2020 Nissan Armada complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Nissan Armada.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2020 Nissan Armada recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2020 Nissan Armada.

2021-05-20
  • Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE
  • Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Nissan Armada and 2020-2021 INFINITI QX80 vehicles equipped with V8 engines. The impeller can swell and bind within the fuel pump module, causing it to fail.
  • Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R21A2. Owners may contact INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200. INFINITI's number for this recall is R21A3.

Negative 2020 Nissan Armada car reviews

  1. Keenan Grimes 2024-10-28

    I recently rented a full-size SUV from one of the large rental companies for a week-long trip that was over 1800 miles total. The company listed full-size SUV vehicles as Ford Expedition or 'similar'. When I went to pick up my rental, they had a new Armada for me. Although it got us there and back, that's about where it ended. None of the vehicles in that class have stellar fuel economy, but the Armada is the worst. It averaged 16 mpg on the highway. The steering is terrible and it's a constant fight to keep it in the lane. Not to mention that the thing jams on the brakes if it thinks you are too close to another car. This can be dangerous on a highway when you're trying to pass or change lanes. The seats are also uncomfortable. I've made road trips three times as long and have never hurt so bad after a few hours behind the wheel. The middle row seats didn't recline and sat so upright they almost felt like sitting against a wall. The cargo area is a nightmare to load, especially if you lower the 3rd row for more space. Lowering the 3rd is electric and takes about forever for them to go all the way down. The rear bumper sticks out so far it's nearly impossible to reach in unless you're 6'8'. Add all of that to a poorly laid-out nav and stereo system, and the whole package is a disaster in design and a prime example of how NOT to build a vehicle. If your rental company offers you an Armada, politely decline and definitely RUN if a car dealer tries to sell you one.

  2. Laron Schneider 2024-09-21

    This vehicle is a beast on the highway with a smooth V8 transmission and is very comfortable and spacious. However, I have had some issues with my Nissan. The paint job is not great and there are paint chips all over. Unfortunately, Nissan has not been willing to address the issue. Additionally, there is an irritating noise in the dash that only goes away when you press on it.

  3. Montana Marquardt 2024-09-20

    The car drives great on the highway and provides a smooth and comfortable ride. However, the gas mileage is not the best, averaging around 17 mpg on a 500-mile trip. Additionally, the infotainment/navigation system is not user-friendly and lacks CarPlay or Android Auto. The stock tires are also not the best, causing wheel slippage in the rain under moderate acceleration, despite only having 18k miles on the vehicle.

  4. Eldred Nader 2024-09-04

    I have owned my 2019 Armada SV for almost 2 years now. While it's not my favorite car, it has some good qualities. The ride is smooth, the seats are spacious and comfortable, and the rear legroom is impressive. The car also has a powerful V8 engine. However, there are some downsides. The cargo area is smaller than expected, and the entertainment center is not very user-friendly. It's also missing some features like Apple Carplay and Android Carplay. Additionally, the steering wheel controls could be improved for safety. The car has some cosmetic issues like paint chips and rust spots, but these are minor. Overall, the Armada SV is a decent car with some room for improvement.NissanConnect's remote start and window control features are only available on higher-end models, and the service costs between $12-$24 per month. The collision sensors may occasionally chirp without cause, but the dealer has been unable to replicate the issue. The cruise control system can be overly sensitive on curves and hills, causing the car to accelerate and brake frequently, which can be frustrating for other drivers. The resale value of the Armada is not as high as some other vehicles, and it may have dropped significantly in the first few years of ownership. However, newer models of the Armada now come with Carplay and may have improved features. If you are considering an Armada, it may be worth looking into the newer models.

  5. Issac Rolfson 2024-07-09

    I also own a 2019 and have had issues with it not starting, like a lot of people. I've owned it for 6 months and feel like I've been ripped off. I'm not happy with it breaking down, especially since it's a newer car.

Positive 2020 Nissan Armada car reviews

  1. Marc Bauch 2025-01-07

    Hi there! I recently traded in my 12 Expedition for this new car and I'm really enjoying it so far! Although I was a bit disappointed that it didn't have CarPlay, I decided to go for it anyway. The car is a lot of fun to drive and has great sight lines. It also has lots of low end torque and rides smoothly and quietly. The only issue I've had is an annoying rattle near the shifter/AV console that I can't seem to figure out. I've only driven it for less than 500 miles, so I think I'll take it in for a look. I haven't had a chance to tow anything with it yet, but based on its HP and transmission, I'm confident it will pull my 3,500 lb boat around just fine. Even my 7-year-old Ford was able to handle it with ease. Thanks for listening!

  2. Ephraim Koelpin 2025-01-02

    I completely agree with the other posts regarding the starting issues. I had initially swapped the brake switch, but the problem persisted. Fortunately, it was covered under warranty and resolved with a software update (refer to NTB19-099). Since then, I haven't experienced any issues. Although I work from home, I still use my Armada for towing my boat and for family trips. The V8 engine sounds amazing, and the cabin is incredibly quiet compared to any other vehicle I've owned. Additionally, the rear air suspension does an excellent job of leveling out when towing heavy loads, making it feel very stable at highway speeds. Overall, I'm extremely satisfied with my Armada and would definitely purchase another one without hesitation.

  3. Trenton Gottlieb 2024-10-02

    The first time I drove the Nissan Armada was a mistake. I was moving across the country and was given the Armada instead of the Suburban I had requested. At first, I was upset, but after putting 2000 miles on the rental, I was sold. It got me across the country safely during the winter and in comfort. The SUV had tons of power and was quiet, smooth and unbelievably comfortable. I'm not a techie and enjoy simple things like a nice quiet cabin & smooth ride, easy access to the infotainment, a nice sounding stereo, moon roof, cup holders and brakes that don't squeak. In short, everything I needed was in the Armada SL and more. When it was time for me to trade in my Durango, I drove all the top SUV's before looking at the Armada, including the Suburban, Yukon, Telluride, Expedition etc... When it was time for me to drive the Armada, I knew immediately that the search was over. Nothing drove as smoothly as the Armada or felt as luxurious. I now have 57'000 miles on my big blue beast and have never had one issue. I've averaged about 16 mpg over the life of the car, which is not great by today's standards, but it wouldn't stop me from leasing/buying another Armada in the future. Before settling on an SUV, make sure to put the Armada on your list. The reviews have been harsh, but don't let that discourage you.

  4. Mark Prohaska 2024-09-23

    Price tag is much more affordable compared to other SUVs in the same class. It is very comfortable and reliable with good power. I towed a 6' by 12' trailer from Pennsylvania to Florida fully loaded with ease. It also has good gas mileage for a 6000 lbs truck with a 5.6 engine. I highly recommend it!

  5. Zion Borer 2024-09-18

    I'm thrilled with this vehicle! We've driven it 28,000 miles, with about 12,000 of those on trips. We get 19.5 mpg on the highway, 15.5 in the city, and about 11 when pulling the boat. The acceleration is very good, and the ride is just right - not too firm, but not at all mushy. The second row seats are very comfortable, but there is a bit too much leg room, which means the third row is a bit cramped. However, it's perfect for young teens and kids. There is a quiet rattle in the dash, but overall, it's a fantastic DEV --> Do Everything Vehicle!

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2020 Nissan Armada problems:

Reliability concerns for first time buyer | Nissan Armada & Infiniti ...
Reliability concerns for first time buyer | Nissan Armada & Infiniti ...
https://www.clubarmada.com/threads/reliability-concerns-for-first-time-buyer.88362/

Jan 13, 2021 ... Hi everyone I'm in the market for a large three-row SUV and have been looking at possibly getting a used 2018-2020 Armada SV. I've noticed ...

2020 Nissan Armada? : r/whatcarshouldIbuy
2020 Nissan Armada? : r/whatcarshouldIbuy
https://www.reddit.com/r/whatcarshouldIbuy/comments/10pgzgx/2020_nissan_armada/

Jan 30, 2023 ... 2020 Nissan Armada? I've been in the market ... 2020 Nissan Armada. ... While they are overall reliable, their common problems are big ticket issues ...

Prevalence of 5.6 Engine Problems | Nissan Armada & Infiniti QX56 ...
Prevalence of 5.6 Engine Problems | Nissan Armada & Infiniti QX56 ...
https://www.clubarmada.com/threads/prevalence-of-5-6-engine-problems.90516/

Sep 30, 2022 ... Wife and I are considering a used 2020 Nissan Armada for our family vehicle. We're looking at several ex-rental examples with 60-70,000 ...

2020 Nissan Armada Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2020 Nissan Armada Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/nissan/armada/2020/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2020 Nissan Armada? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

2020 Nissan Armada Transmission: Common Issues & Problems
2020 Nissan Armada Transmission: Common Issues & Problems
https://www.justanswer.com/nissan/lz0z0-nissan-armada-2020-46-000-miles.html

May 14, 2023 ... My nissan armada 2020 has only 46000 miles and all of a sudden the reverse gear stopped working. No issues before, no - Answered by a ...

Other years of Nissan Armada

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Armada 2021
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3

1

20

  • 5
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Armada 2022
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3

0

25

  • 5
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Armada 2004
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461

3

28

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

373

5

20

  • 5
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Armada 2006
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263

5

25

  • 5
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  • 3
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  • 1
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Armada 2007
Nissan

85

3

16

  • 5
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  • 1

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