Nissan Armada Engine Problems
Owners have filed 110 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the Nissan Armada across 15 model years. The 2017 model year has the most (16). The words owners use most often: “exhaust manifold” (9% of reports).
- 110engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 43%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Exhaust manifold: mentioned in 10 of 110 complaints (9%)
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 62 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 110 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 1 an injury.
Nissan Armada engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Armada | 1 | 13% | — |
| 2022 Armada | 3 | 33% | — |
| 2021 Armada | 3 | 23% | — |
| 2020 Armada | 4 | 15% | 74,000 |
| 2019 Armada | 11 | 14% | 24,783 |
| 2018 Armada | 14 | 19% | 53,898 |
| 2017 Armada | 16 | 20% | 47,500 |
| 2011 Armada | 9 | 23% | 66,000 |
| 2010 Armada | 5 | 10% | 90,000 |
| 2009 Armada | 3 | 13% | 80,000 |
| 2008 Armada | 2 | 1% | 124,600 |
| 2007 Armada | 4 | 5% | 130,000 |
| 2006 Armada | 9 | 3% | 118,000 |
| 2005 Armada | 12 | 3% | 97,614 |
| 2004 Armada | 14 | 3% | 132,993 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling
Model years: 2004, 2005, 2006
Problem: Nissan is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 armada, titan, infiniti qx56 and model year 2005-2006 frontier, pathfinder and xterra vehicles. The intelligent power distribution module (ipdm) assembly contains an engine control module (ecm) relay that has a diode for electrical current noise reduction. The ecm relay may allow silicon vapor to form and, over time, the silicon evaporates from the diode molding which causes silicon oxide to develop on the ecm relay contact due to arcing.
Risk: This could cause engine stalling increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the ecm relay inside the ipdm assembly. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on december 6, 2010. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The engine oil filtration system failed due to prior service negligence. Specifically, the spin-on engine oil filter was mechanically cracked, crushed, and structurally compromised by technicians during a forced removal attempt on August 1, 2026. The damaged component was deceptively left on the…
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The failure was a persistent failure. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer…
Check engine light and collision lights come on at start of vehicle due to the wiring harness issue. The throttle body and EMC have been replaced. This is a huge safety concern as it effects the engine and the operation of the vehicle. The problem continues even after the dealer has confirmed and…
My 2018 Nissan Armada has had SO MANY issues (probably 15-20) with not starting when cranked. Something is draining its battery. We have had to change the battery so many times (usually 2-3 times every year or two.) This happens without any notice! We have been stranded in other cities, stores…
UNKNOWN - engine developed knock that could potentially lead to catastrophic engine failure during normal driving conditions, causing loss of control or inability to stop. NTB19-057a is a technical service bulletin issued by manufacturer - cylinder 7 scuffing with a short block or complete engine…

Frequently asked questions
Do all Nissan Armadas have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 110 owner complaints about engine for the Nissan Armada. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Nissan Armada engine?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about engine problems on the Nissan Armada?
The most frequent phrase is “exhaust manifold”, in 10 of 110 complaints.
Other Nissan Armada problems
- Service Brakes problems (565)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (323)
- Electrical System problems (278)
- Air Bags problems (145)
- Structure problems (101)
See all Nissan Armada problems.