17 Best & Worst Nissan Armada Years

by
Source: Car connection, Nissan, Downey Nissan

Since its introduction in 2004, Nissan has offered the Armada as one of its full-size SUV options. Countless happy drivers have raved about it over the years. While the Nissan Armada is a strong contender among SUVs, every model year is not always the best option.

The worst years to avoid the Nissan Armada are 2004–2008, 2010, and 2017. The best years to buy the Nissan Armada are 2009, 2015, 2013, and 2018–2024. This result was concluded from trustworthy sources such as NHTSA, Edmunds, Repairpal, and Kelley Blue Book.

Worst Nissan Armada Years to Avoid

As with most vehicles, the Nissan Armada has made several mistakes throughout the years. For those who want to avoid certain Nissan Armada years, here they are:

  • 2004 Nissan Armada
  • 2005 Nissan Armada
  • 2006 Nissan Armada
  • 2007 Nissan Armada
  • 2008 Nissan Armada
  • 2010 Nissan Armada
  • 2017 Nissan Armada

7. 2017 Nissan Armada (4.22 Rating)

Source: autoevolution

There aren’t many complaints about the 2017 Nissan Armada, but the ones that are there are all related to a single major fault, so it’s best to stay away from that model year.

The majority of reviewers who experienced issues with it mentioned that the transmission is defective and does not shift correctly; this is a major concern since it could lead your vehicle to respond poorly in risky scenarios. If you and your passengers want to be safe, stay away from the 2017 model and everything else on this list.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints

6. 2007 Nissan Armada (4.12 Rating)

Source: thecarconnection

While the 2007 Nissan Armada provides a comfortable ride on flat roads, it becomes noticeably unsteady and trembles once you hit bumps in the road. Even more disheartening is the fuel economy. Regrettably, slowness remains a problem with this model as well. Also, most customers said that a broken gasoline pump was to blame for their catalytic converters not working.

But most people are unhappy with the brakes and the way a malfunctioning engine causes the vehicle to accelerate unexpectedly. Additionally, there is the matter of the navigation unit not working properly, which would cause the infotainment screen to show “error,” which would be quite aggravating for the drivers.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints

5. 2010 Nissan Armada (3.91 Rating)

Source: motordesktop

The 2010 Nissan Armada is another year to avoid. It saw the receipt of a complaint regarding a malfunctioning actuator. Weak or failing fuel pumps can also lead to catalytic converter damage this year.

Water corrosion in the connector between the engine and wiring harness has been observed. Brake problems are also observed this year. Another common concern is slip lights on. The car’s electrical system and defective airbags are other commonly occurring problems.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints

4. 2006 Nissan Armada (3.56 Rating)

Source: auto123

Nothing improved this year as well. Many customers expressed dissatisfaction with the 2006 Armada due to issues with the brakes, such as slow response, a spongy pedal, and the brake lights activating without cause.

This model also inherited many of its issues from previous years, indicating that Nissan made minimal efforts to address these concerns. There is still an issue with the faulty ABS that many car owners have been complaining about.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints

3. 2008 Nissan Armada (3.54 Rating)

Source: Edmunds

The frequent collapse of the above console is one of the annoying problems with this Nissan Armada. Some drivers have reported that it unexpectedly fell while they were on the road, causing them to come dangerously close to an accident. Many other owners voiced their displeasure with the plastic, saying that it became brittle quickly and occasionally lost parts.

Also, the brakes weren’t working properly. Even with light or moderate braking, several drivers have complained that their brakes judder or pulse. The tremors could be felt throughout the vehicle, including the dashboard, the pedals, or the entire body.

Not only that, but the sunroof of the 2008 Armada was quite fragile and could easily explode. Even while this issue isn’t as critical as engine and brake failure, it needs attention nonetheless.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints

2. 2005 Nissan Armada (3.33 Rating)

Source: topspeed

The Armada’s performance this year is similarly disappointing. More than 300 users have complained about it, and it has been recalled five times. That being said, the 2005 Armada also had issues with its brakes. Specifically, drivers mentioned that the ABS indicator would illuminate and that the brakes would make grinding noises and wouldn’t work.

There are several dependability issues with this model, including engine stalling and cooling issues, but the brakes are the biggest red flag. You won’t get your money’s worth out of this secondhand Armada.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints

1. 2004 Nissan Armada (2.50 Rating)

Source: carspecs.us

Regretfully, greater dependability was required for the initial Armada model but this model year proved to be the worst of all. Over 400 complaints and three recalls were associated with the 2004 Armada.

A major concern with its dependability is unexpected acceleration, which happens when the SUV accelerates quickly even though the driver says they were pressing down on the stop pedal.

Furthermore, the 2004 Armada was notorious for braking issues, which manifested themselves at approximately 90,000 miles (144840.96 km). The driver would experience grinding and knocking sounds when applying the brakes.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints

Which Nissan Armada Years Are Most Reliable?

Although the Nissan Armada has only been in production for a little over 20 years, the majority of its model years have been commercial successes, so you may buy them with confidence.

  • 2009 Nissan Armada
  • 2015 Nissan Armada
  • 2013 Nissan Armada
  • 2017 Nissan Armada
  • 2018 Nissan Armada
  • 2019 Nissan Armada
  • 2020 Nissan Armada
  • 2021 Nissan Armada
  • 2022 Nissan Armada
  • 2023 Nissan Armada
  • 2024 Nissan Armada

10. 2015 Nissan Armada (4.13 Rating)

Source: palmspringsnissan

The 2015 Nissan Armada gets an above-average expected dependability rating of 4 out of 5 from Consumer Reports. With 317 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque, the V8 engine of the 2015 Nissan Armada can pull up to 9000 pounds. A five-speed automatic transmission is the sole option.

The engine provides strong performance, excellent acceleration, and adequate overtaking and merging power, all of which contribute to a generally pleasant ride experience.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints

9. 2009 Nissan Armada (4.17 Rating)

Source: jbcarpages

With such a low number of complaints (23) and recalls (four), the 2009 Nissan Armada was given the “Awesome” rating by CarComplaints. The 2009 model year saw almost no lineup changes, although it did get a 5.6-liter V8 engine that produced 317 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque.

This full-size SUV was multipurpose thanks to its 9,000-pound towing capacity. One of the greatest affordable older SUVs is the 2009, which can be yours for anywhere from $6,725 to $9,250.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints

8. 2019 Nissan Armada (4.20 Rating)

Source: tractionlife

Thanks to its powerful engine, balanced handling, and luxurious interior, the 2019 Armada is an obvious pick if you’re looking to purchase a recent model. That power won’t be a problem with this model year because of the potent 5.6-liter V8 engine that produces 390 horsepower.

Despite some upgrades over the years, the Armada is still not the most popular big SUV on the market. A lot of people think Nissan is doing too little, too late with these upgrades. No matter what, the Armada is still a solid full-size worth purchasing in its current condition.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints

7. 2018 Nissan Armada (4.21 Rating)

Source: thedrive

There have been few NHTSA complaints about the 2018 Armada models, and those have tended to be for smaller problems. This is a second-generation model, thus it rides far more comfortably than its first-generation predecessor.

There is a strong resemblance between the 2018 Nissan Armada and the Infiniti QX80. Thanks to its quick steering and robust braking capabilities, you can comfortably maneuver this big guy.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints

6. 2021 Nissan Armada (4.26 Rating)

Source: universalcitynissan

The Nissan Armada gets some major upgrades for the year 2021. Modifications to the front end include a fresh grille, updated bumpers, and revised lighting are its improvements. There is a less imposing central stack now that it has been redesigned. Up top is a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and below it sits a short row of climate controls that are well-labeled.

With four-wheel drive, the Armada achieves 15 mpg combined (13 city/18 highway), which is 1 mpg better than RWD in all categories. The S, SV, SL, and Platinum are the four available trim levels.

While the S and SV come equipped with several safety features as standard, the SL’s upgrades—including leather upholstery, a 360-degree surround-view monitor, power liftgate, and trailer sway control—are sure to be appreciated.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints

5. 2022 Nissan Armada (4.39 Rating)

Source: nissanusa

As a contemporary full-size SUV, the 2022 Armada models combine the rugged good looks of an SUV with the rugged capability of a truck.

This model line is well-known for its spacious cabin, many safety features, and peaceful ride quality, even when traveling at high speeds on the highway. A total of four trim levels—S, SV, SL, and Platinum—are available to prospective buyers.

This car has a 5.6-liter V8 engine with 400 horsepower and a 7-speed automatic drive. The model’s infotainment system, general comfort, good looks, and luxurious interior are all things that owners rave about.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints

4. 2013 Nissan Armada (4.39 Rating)

Source: carscoops

The 2013 Armada has a great towing capacity, a stylish cabin, supportive seats, and a powerful engine. Platinum Reserve is an all-new exterior look package for this vehicle.

Not only that, but all Platinum trim levels come with an integrated 7-inch screen located on the headrest to supplement the front-mounted video entertainment system. Bluetooth and a motorized front passenger seat are now included as standard equipment for the base versions.

Engine, interior design, little road noise, and overall attractiveness are the greatest parts of the car. However, its robust performance-oriented engine and maximum towing capability of 8,200 pounds have garnered praise from critics and reviewers.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints

3. 2020 Nissan Armada (4.41 Rating)

Source: fairwheels

As a second-generation vehicle, the 2020 Armada is a huge upgrade over its predecessors, which date back to the 2017 model year. Even though crossovers have been on the increase, this is one of the few remaining body-on-frame SUVs that is still worth considering.

Platinum, SV, and SL are the three available trim options. A 13-speaker Bose sound system, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and 18-inch alloy wheels are included on the base SV.

A motorized liftgate, fog lights, a power-folding third-row seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are all part of the Driver package, which is available on the mid-range SL in addition to all the features found on the SV. Sunroof, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking are just a few of the goodies included in the nearly full Platinum package.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints

2. 2023 Nissan Armada (4.43 Rating)

Source: nissanusa

With a striking exterior and an aesthetically pleasing cabin, the 2023 Armada is an impressively big and powerful SUV. Platinum, SV, SL, and S are the four available trim options for this vehicle.

The top-tier Platinum, which retails for almost $69,000, exudes an air of pure luxury among these four trim levels. The 5.6-liter V8 engine, which produces 400 horsepower, is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission and is standard across all trim levels.

Although rear-wheel drive is the default, four-wheel drive (with low-range gearing) is an option for individuals who want to take on more difficult terrains. Smart Rear View Mirror, Smart Around View Monitor, and Intelligent Back-up Intervention are just a few of the many available safety and driver aid features.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints

1. 2024 Nissan Armada (4.43 Rating)

Source: glendalenissan

The 2024 Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV with three rows of seats. It sits above the Pathfinder, which also has three rows of seats. If you’re in the market for a large, classic sport-ute, the 2024 Armada could be a solid choice. Conversely, the model’s storage space and performance are the two most appealing aspects to auto critics.

With a maximum tow rating of 8,500 pounds, three rows of seats, a naturally aspirated V-8 engine, and body-on-frame construction, it is the largest SUV and one of the best the maker offers. Each of the four available model levels comes standard with a limited-slip rear axle and offers four-wheel drive as an optional extra.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints

What are the Common Nissan Armada Problems

  • Problems with the brakes
  • Transmission Problems
  • Backup Collision Intervention Failures
  • Breakdown of Automatic Emergency Braking System
  • Problems with the overhead console
  • Unexpected drain of the battery, 
  • Airbag and seat belt complications
  • Loss of Engine Power
  • The Dispatch Control Unit Breaking Down
  • Failed catalytic converter

FAQs

How Reliable Are Nissan Armadas?

In general, Nissan Armadas are dependable cars; in fact, RepairPal gives them a decent 3.5 dependability rating out of 5.0. With this rating, it is ranked #2 among 14 full-size SUVs for reliability.

How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Nissan Armada?

Total yearly maintenance and repair costs for a Nissan Armada are around $550. Compared to the average repair cost for all vehicle models ($652) and full-size SUVs ($784), this statistic is quite favorable.

The Nissan Armada has low maintenance expenditures when compared to similar SUVs, though this can vary greatly based on variables including the vehicle’s age, mileage, and individual problems.

How many miles does a Nissan Armada typically last?

The typical lifespan of a Nissan Armada is 250,000 miles (402336 km) to 300,000 miles (482803.2 km). It can be extended in duration with the right amount of care and maintenance.

Conclusion

As we wrap up the overview of the Nissan Armada’s years, it becomes abundantly evident that the years 2009, 2015, 2013, and 2018-2024 were the most successful and dependable. On the flip side, you should avoid Nissan Armada models from 2004-2008, 2010, and 2017.

0 0 votes
Article Rating

Related Posts

Nissan Maxima Years To Avoid | 14 Best & Worst Years 2023
Best & Worst Lincoln Aviator Years [Facts & Figures]
BMW X3 Years To Avoid | 15 Best & Worst Years 2023
Jeep Compass Years To Avoid | 13 Best & Worst Years 2023
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments