2020 Nissan Armada problems
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.
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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.
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.
- 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
Positive 2020 Nissan Armada car reviews
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The car has been excellent! We've had it for 3 months now and would definitely give it 5 stars.
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The Armada Platinum is a fantastic choice for those who want a powerful and luxurious vehicle without breaking the bank. Unlike the Highlander Hybrid or the X7 or MB GLS 450, the Armada growls like a beast and is incredibly powerful, reaching 60MPH in just 6.3 seconds. Plus, with a reasonable price tag, middle-income earners like myself can consider owning one. The Armada Platinum comes with all the bells and whistles as standard, including real leather seats throughout, even in the 3rd row. The standard 13-speaker BOSE sound system is a real treat for the ears. The Armada's silk smooth 4 corner independent suspension soaks up bumps with ease, making for a comfortable ride. Plus, with a towing capacity of up to 8,500lbs, the Armada is a real workhorse. While the steering may feel a bit loose, the body roll is minimal, allowing for confident cornering. With an average of 15 miles per gallon using unleaded gas, the Armada is a great choice for those who want a powerful and luxurious SUV without sacrificing fuel efficiency.Of course, I've been taking it easy on the throttle, but I can't resist the excellent sound of the engine. It makes me feel like I'm driving a Mustang GT! I gave it 4 stars because of the gas mileage, but overall, especially when compared to six-figure name brand vehicles, I think it's a great choice. I'm not an automotive analyst or critic who drives tons of new fancy vehicles every year, but for American middle-income earners, I would definitely recommend considering the Armada Platinum!
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I have rented Armada's many times and always enjoyed driving them. So much so, that I finally bought one. I cannot think of a car that rides better than this vehicle, and my other car is a Lexus, but I would choose to drive this one any day over that vehicle. It is smooth, quiet, and powerful.
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This truck is an excellent vehicle. It is big, comfortable, and powerful. If you prioritize fuel economy, then this may not be the right vehicle for you. Its size, weight, and engine are not designed for efficiency. If you judge this vehicle based on a poorly maintained rental, you will miss out on its true capabilities. Although the infotainment system may be outdated, it still has most of the features you need. You choose this vehicle for its ride and towing capacity, and it excels in these areas. It is a well-made and reliable vehicle, and its comfortable ride and road presence are its best qualities.
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This review is for the 2019 Nissan Armada Platinum 4x4. Our family of 6 is still very happy with our purchase after over 33k miles, including multiple family road trips, sporting event weekends with kids, and near daily city/suburban driving. The 2019 Platinum Armada comes equipped with just about every bell and whistle that you could want. While the tech and layout are somewhat outdated compared to newer competitor models, the Armada continues to provide a comfortable ride with tons of safety features and it's actually fun to drive. The driver display and cabin layout are efficient and easy to learn. The maps and Navigation system are accurate and work well. There is no Android Auto or Apple Car Play in the Armada, which as I previously said is weird because other Nissan models have it, but oh well. Our family has both Android and Apple and everybody can connect their phones to the system via Bluetooth or USB. There are 4 x accessible and usable USB ports: 2 x in the front and 2 x in the middle row, which work great. The Armada has the dual, built in TV screens in the back of the front seat headrests. The middle row USB can control their respective side TV screen to independently play/stream media, if desired. Or you can play DVD from the front console (only DVD, not BluRay). Additionally, we haven't had any issues or complaints with our kids viewing the TV screens from the back seats. The sound system is awesome.undefinedSo far, the Armada has handled well in all environments, even though we haven't really been in icy/snowy conditions much. While the fuel economy is relatively poor and there is a lack of luggage space with all 3 rows in use, it's important to keep in mind that it's a 3 ton SUV with a large V8, so it's expected to be bad. However, with the middle row Captain's Chairs installed, there is actually a fair amount of internal storage space in the cabin, which is awesome for personal space. The back luggage area will barely fit 2 full size suitcases unless the 3rd row seats are straight 90 degrees, but we found a solution by getting a trailer tow hitch with a cargo bag. It's a hassle, but well worth it (side note - minimal, if any, effect on gas mileage). Lastly, we towed a small travel trailer (~4000 lbs) and the Armada handled it as though it wasn't there, with the exception of the trash fuel economy (we averaged 8-9 mpg while towing). Overall, the Armada is a great SUV that handles well and has plenty of space for personal belongings.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2020 Nissan Armada problems:
Reliability concerns for first time buyer | Nissan Armada & Infiniti ...
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
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 ...
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
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
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
Are you having problems with your 2020 Nissan Armada?
Bennie Kub 2025-06-21
I have experienced a recurring issue with my 2019 Armada Platinum for 36k miles, and despite 9 attempts by the dealer to fix it, the problem persists. Unfortunately, Nissan has not taken any action to address the issue. This is my second Gen 2 Armada Platinum, and the first one had a transmission issue that required multiple attempts to correct and never functioned as it should have. I had to trade it in to obtain a properly functioning transmission. Although we have owned 3 QX56/QX80, which are essentially the same vehicle, we did not encounter these types of problems.
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.
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.
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.
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.