Nissan Armada Engine Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 14, 2026 · 110 complaints analyzed

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).

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.

Under 10k miles4 · 6%
10k–25k miles4 · 6%
25k–50k miles7 · 11%
50k–75k miles13 · 21%
75k–100k miles7 · 11%
100k–150k miles16 · 26%
150k+ miles11 · 18%

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

Peak: 2017, with 16 complaints
2004: 142004142005: 12122006: 9200692007: 442008: 2200822009: 332010: 5201052011: 992017: 162017162018: 14142019: 112019112020: 442021: 3202132022: 332026: 120261

n = 110 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearEngine complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2026 Armada113%—
2022 Armada333%—
2021 Armada323%—
2020 Armada415%74,000
2019 Armada1114%24,783
2018 Armada1419%53,898
2017 Armada1620%47,500
2011 Armada923%66,000
2010 Armada510%90,000
2009 Armada313%80,000
2008 Armada21%124,600
2007 Armada45%130,000
2006 Armada93%118,000
2005 Armada123%97,614
2004 Armada143%132,993

When owners reported it

Peak: 2022, with 12 complaints
2013: 7201372014: 5201452015: 6201562016: 102016102017: 7201772018: 5201852019: 112019112020: 6202062021: 9202192022: 122022122023: 9202392024: 7202472025: 102025102026: 620266

n = 110 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

Engine and engine coolingOct 28, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V517000 · 747,480 vehicles

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…

Received Sep 29, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11767622

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…

Received Sep 24, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11766677

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…

Received Jun 25, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11746410

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…

Received May 12, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11737392

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…

Received Apr 22, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11733071
Nissan Armada
25 Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve - Shot at Automobility LA in Los Angeles CA. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: HJUdall, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

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

See all Nissan Armada problems.