99 of the
2,540 complaints filed about the Nissan Armada
are about the transmission —
4% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2004.
99
Complaints
4%
Share of all complaints
7
Crashes
0
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
I am reporting recurring failures involving the vehicle's electronic control systems. These issues have been documented with the dealership on multiple occasions and a Nissan District Technical Service Manager (DTSM) has also inspected the vehicle. Nissan has not been able to replicate the issues as they are intermittent. Braking System: When sitting at a stop light, where I had my foot on the brake, I heard a pump/whooshing sound from the front of the vehicle while the brake pedal suddenly traveled to the floor. On two separate occasions, the pedal has also become rock-hard. The Nissan DTSM was not able to replicate and suggested that the brake pedal becoming hard or going to the floor is "normal", and that my car showed no codes, and there was no recommended action required--that as long as the vehicle stopped, it was not a problem. After the DTSM inspected the vehicle, the brake pedal went fully to the floor five consecutive times while backing out of a parking space. I heard the same pump/whooshing sound from the front of the vehicle. Because I was backing up slowly, and the brake pedal was not responding to me given it was going fully to the floor, it was unclear how much braking power I truly had. The pump continued to make noise as the first few times I pressed the brakes driving away. Engine/Transmission: When the gas pedal is released, the engine intermittently continues to rev, and not respond to throttle input as designed, requiring the use of the brake to force a shift. But, Nissan stated they are aware that there is "general dissatisfaction" with the transmission overall, and suggested I wait for a future software update in the hopes that it may address some of the concerns. Electrical/Integrated Components: Failures include side mirrors failing to open or lock into position when driving. Audio/Nav system: Once when driving in an unfamiliar area, the audio/sound went out, with no turn by turn (or radio) sound at all, forcing me to watch the screen.
NHTSA complaint #11747230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When I was stopped and taking a turn, the car will not fully accelerate and it feels almost as if the car is stuck in first gear and won't shift. It makes a super loud revving noise and won't go over 15-20 mph. When this happens, I can't accelerate quickly enough to turn safely with oncoming traffic even with a very long distance. It has happened twice and both time I've nearly been hit. This is a safety issue and puts me and my children at risk when we are driving. I've had to hurry and find a safe place to pull over both times. When I turn the car off and then on again, it goes back to normal. I've also shifted into park and then to drive and it goes back to normal again. This is a huge problem that puts everyone at risk. If I'm trying to merge onto a highway and it happens, there might not be a safe place to pull over. I have taken the car into the dealership and they said that they can't duplicate the issue so there is nothing that they can do. I don't want to keep driving this car until the issue comes back again. That is irresponsible and not safe.
NHTSA complaint #11742438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2026 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the infotainment center independently blinked on and off. The rear-view camera displayed an error message of the rear wheels. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving forward or while reversing. Additionally, the transmission was sluggish. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failure of the radio. The contact was informed that an unknown recall was performed prior to the contact purchasing the vehicle. The contact was informed that the recall repair was improperly performed and had caused the failure of the AWD system. The contact was informed that a software update was needed, and the AWD system needed to be reset. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The failure reoccurred while out of state on a work assignment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,500.
NHTSA complaint #11733202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brand‑new 2026 Nissan Armada suffered catastrophic engine failure at under 5,000 miles. Fault codes P21A1, P0019, P0326, and P219C were identified by an ASE Master Technician. Technician warned of internal mechanical failure and a risk of fire or explosion. Vehicle became undriveable and was towed to the dealership. Technician instructed that the engine should not be started due to safety risk.
NHTSA complaint #11732098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving my 2025 Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve during morning rush hour traffic and moving with the speed of traffic, the accelerator (gas) pedal assembly physically broke off, causing an immediate loss of throttle control. The failure occurred in active traffic at a busy intersection located at the top of a hill, leaving the vehicle stranded partially in a turn lane and straight-through lane. I was unable to safely move the vehicle out of traffic due to the pedal detaching from its mounting point. There were no warning lights, no prior looseness, and no unusual resistance prior to the failure. This appears to be a mechanical/structural failure of the accelerator pedal assembly, not an electronic throttle or sensor malfunction. Due to the dangerous location and inability to move the vehicle, law enforcement (a sheriff) responded approximately 30 minutes later to assist with traffic safety. The vehicle remained immobilized in traffic for an extended period, and it took nearly two hours for a tow truck to arrive. This incident created a serious and prolonged safety hazard, exposing me and other motorists to a high risk of collision. The vehicle had approximately 9,700 miles and has been driven under normal conditions. The vehicle is currently not being driven due to safety concerns. The failed accelerator pedal assembly is available for inspection. I am reporting this as a potential manufacturing or material defect and believe it warrants investigation to prevent similar failures in other vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11714016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2019 Nissan Armada has a recurring electrical issue that causes the battery to drain and the vehicle to not start, even though the battery tests “good.” This problem began last year — we took the Armada to Nissan and had to pay over $200 for a new battery, which is now less than a year old. Despite this, the issue continues. Recently, AutoZone tested the battery again and found it only 60% charged. I took the Armada back to Nissan and paid $99 for a diagnostic test, and they quoted $725 to reset and reprogram the vehicle’s systems — just to address a problem that should not be happening on a vehicle I purchased less than two years ago. The Nissan technician even stated that many Armada owners are experiencing the same issue, yet my VIN is not included in any recall or service campaign. This is not just inconvenient — it is a serious safety risk. If my Armada dies while traveling or loses power while pulling into traffic, it puts me and my three small children in immediate danger. I believe this is a widespread defect and am asking NHTSA to investigate whether this battery drain / no-start issue should be escalated to a recall. Nissan should not be charging families hundreds of dollars to fix a known problem that is leaving people stranded in unsafe situations.
NHTSA complaint #11688924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while shifted in reverse, the vehicle failed to respond; however, the vehicle was able to drive forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic, who was a former mechanic with Nissan, informed the contact that it was known failure with the Nissan transmission, and that the shifter was unable to shift into reverse. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the transmission replacement was not covered under warranty or recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #11688074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On April 5, 2023, I purchased a used 2021 Nissan Armada SL with 74,429 miles on it. On August 29, 2025, I took the vehicle in for front & rear differential and transmission fluid services. On August 31, 2025, I drove the SUV to Boston MA. The vehicle began a jerking motion and slow acceleration. I assumed it was due to a possible low grade of gas. I filled the vehicle with 93 octane gas. The issue continued. On September 15, 2025, I took the vehicle into Nissan for a further look and was told I needed to replace the entire transmission! After speaking with Nissan's Consumer Affairs, I was told there was nothing that can be done for this issue. The vehicle is less than 5 years old. I have owned the vehicle less than 3 of those years and drove it less than 40,000 miles and now Nissan wants me to pay $11,000 for a new transmission. There has been, no check engine or other warning light indicators alerting this issue or concern. There is no way this can be a normal for a powerhouse company who's reputable as built to last vehicles that their transmission is now only built to last barely past 100,000 miles. This has to be a factory defect in this vehicle. I am presently seeking legal actions concerning this matter. This is a very costly and risky issue that could have left me stranded and possibly caused a serious accident. There needs to be a factory recall for this issue and concern.
NHTSA complaint #11687438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bought vehicle used from dealer so it must have been damaged by previous owner. In less than 1 hour driving in freeway over 60mph in extreme outside heat of 107F, the transmission went out. It was returned to the dealer and dealer is fixing the problems.
NHTSA complaint #11681093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On July 29, 2025, while pulling into the driveway, my 2023 Nissan Armada experienced a complete electrical and brake failure. I put the vehicle in Park, and the entire dash and infotainment screen went black while the engine was still running. The vehicle began rolling forward even though it was in Park and bumped into the house. (Minimal damage thankfully) When I tried to stop it, the brake pedal went completely to the floor with no braking power at all. The shifter was locked in PARK, and I could not put it into Reverse or Neutral. I had to press and hold the Start/Stop button to turn the vehicle off. After restarting, everything returned to normal and I was able to then shift into reverse, but this is a major safety issue there was a total loss of braking and transmission control. Currently Nissan is telling me that it could have been because the car needed a “software update” and also can be caused by a “bad battery” and they have had several customers with similar break issues and electronic failure due to the battery. This is completely unacceptable and dangerous. My babies were in the car we were TERRIFIED!! Currently I just have a tow receipt as Nissan of Boerne still has the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11677388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
At 100,000 miles, my 2021 Nissan Armada experienced a complete transmission failure, requiring a full transmission replacement. The vehicle has been properly maintained. After researching, I’ve found multiple owners reporting similar transmission failures at relatively low mileage. I believe this could be a defect that needs to be investigated and could lead to a potential safety hazard. I am requesting the NHTSA to investigate this issue for a possible recall.
NHTSA complaint #11646379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while driving at low rates of speed, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop with the check engine and ABS warning lights illuminated. The contact was forced to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was initially informed that the output speed sensor was defective; however, later the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was not yet repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11564124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My driver's side rear "CV axel" needs replaced, and there are many TSB's regarding the Powertrain. My vehicle has roughly 87,000 miles on it. It seems as if there is an issue the manufacturer knows about but there hasn't been enough complaints as of yet.
NHTSA complaint #11549335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving on the Mass Pike (Rte 90) when exiting the highway the vehicle lurched and the engine started racing. Then the vehicle had no acceleration and would not go above 20 mph. I towed it to a mechanic who stated the transmission was shot. Six weeks later the vehicle was fixed and the transmission was replaced for a LOT of money!! There was no warning before the transmission broke.
NHTSA complaint #11549351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11545094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2007 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. An unknown message was displayed after the failure occurred. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11513063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The airbag light has been on for a while indicating that there is a defect in the airbags . The brakes light comes on randomly and the car brakes on its own without me applying the brakes and that is very dangerous especially on the highway and the transmission light comes on showing the 4x4 light as on for no reason and I would have it on just the 2 wheels
NHTSA complaint #11477532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The engine is failing on many Nissan vehicles with the Nissan VK56VD (gasoline V8) engine. Cylinder 7 on the engine has significant scouring, and there is a Nissan Technical Service Bulletin (NTB19-057a) indicating this problem is widespread among 2017-2019 Nissan Armada, NV, Titan, and Titan XD models. This is a major safety concern. When there is a problem with the engine, the vehicle may stall, lose power, or even catch fire. If a driver loses the power from the engine while driving, or is unable to accelerate as expected, the vehicle could be at risk of getting hit, seriously injuring the occupants of all vehicles involved. The problem has been diagnosed, reproduced, and confirmed by Kline Nissan in Maplewood, MN. The vehicle was inspected by Kline Nissan. Diagnosis details attached, along with borescope photo showing significant scouring in Cylinder 7. Repair action is a new engine short block. My vehicle was outside the 60000 mile powertrain warranty window at the time of inspection. My service advisor at Kline Nissan contacted Nissan Consumer Affairs to submit a Factory Goodwill case, but was informed by Nissan Consumer Affairs that they would not be assisting in the replacement of their defective engine. The concern I share with NHTSA is the cost I was quoted to repair this problem is $9203.70. This problem is so widespread, among 3 years of Nissan's vehicles, I expect very few vehicle owners outside of the warranty window will be investing this level of repair in their vehicle. As a result, many of these engines to fail on the road, putting the public highways and roads at major safety risk. There are no warning lamps or messages for this problem, simply a tick noise that gets louder over time as the cylinder continues to get scoured, worn and damaged. This will eventually lead to damage significant enough to unpredictably blow the engine while driving which would be a major safety concern putting the vehicle occupants and others on the road at risk.
NHTSA complaint #11459829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:SHAFT:INPUT
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while driving 30-40 MPH, she noticed increased friction on the tires, and they were not rotating properly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle, and restarted it. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle with no issues; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that she noticed that the rear tires were significantly close to the top of the wheel well. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
NHTSA complaint #11445169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.