RoadVitals

2012 Nissan Armada

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
17
Latest Jun 12, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Apr 4, 2012
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 17 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Nissan Armada, most frequently naming the body & structure, brakes and fuel system categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 104 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Body & structure418.2%
  • Brakes418.2%
  • Fuel system418.2%
  • Electrical313.6%
  • Airbags29.1%
  • Driver assistance14.5%
  • Other / unspecified14.5%
  • Powertrain (other)14.5%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Apr 4, 2012
26,626 units potentially affected
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 TITAN AND ARMADA VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 12, 2011, THROUGH MARCH 13, 2012. THE PART 567 CERTIFICATION LABELS ON THE VEHICLES DO NOT CONTAIN RIM SIZE INFORMATION. THUS, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, “TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS.”
The risk: THE OMISSION OF THE RIM SIZE MAY LEAD TO AN INCORRECT TIRE/WHEEL COMBINATION WHICH MAY INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF A CRASH.
The remedy: NISSAN WILL SUPPLY OWNERS WITH A NEW LABEL AND INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW INSTALL THE LABEL OR THE OWNER WILL HAVE THE OPTION OF TAKING THEIR VEHICLE TO A NISSAN DEALER TO HAVE THE NEW LABEL INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 28, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-615-725-1000.
NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Body & structureFuel systemSuspension
Filed Jun 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while driving, he drove over a bump in the road, and the back end swayed and it fishtailed. The contact pulled over and was unable to locate the cause of the failure. The contact continued to drive while driving over 35 MPH; the vehicle swerved. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, a suspension shop, and the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the subframe had fractured and was on top of the fuel tank. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was not repaired due to the intense repairs and price. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID
11666584
Incident
Jun 7, 2025
Mileage
150,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Apr 11, 2025

I have a 2012 Nissan armada and a 2013 Nissan armada and both cars o2 sensors have went out on each of them. This must be a common problem and the financial strain shouldn’t be left for the customers buying an already expensive vehicles. Very odd that both my armadas are having the same issues with that particular sensor

NHTSA ID
11654089
Incident
Apr 11, 2025
Filed Oct 14, 2024

Ignition doesn't respond when key is inserted and turned to start. Sometimes it does it, sometimes it doesn't. When it doesn't work, it usually takes about 10 or 15 times trying and then it eventually starts.

NHTSA ID
11619618
Incident
Oct 13, 2024
Airbags
Filed Apr 13, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact's husband inspected the vehicle and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E012000 (Air Bags). The contact was concerned of an inadvertent deployment of the air bags. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,016.

NHTSA ID
11516850
Incident
Mar 29, 2023
Mileage
102,016 mi
Body & structure
Filed Dec 30, 2020

THE REAR LIFT GATE HOUSING IS CRACKED AND COMPRISES THE INTEGRITY OF KEEPING THE REAR DOOR FROM OPENING FROM THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE TO INCLUDE THE GLASS WINDOW PORTION. I DISCOVERED THE CRACKED LIFT GATE HOUSING AS THE REAR LATCH IS NOT FULLY OPERATIONAL.

NHTSA ID
11385710
Incident
Dec 30, 2020
Mileage
121,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Jun 16, 2020

THE BRAKE LIGHT AND SLIP INDICATOR TURN ON AND THE BRAKES DO NOT WORK. THERE IS NOTHING IN THE MANUAL THAT EXPLAINS WHAT THIS MEANS OTHER THAN POTENTIALLY LOW BRAKE FLUID. WE CHECKED THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL AND IT WAS HALFWAY, WE FILLED IT UP AND THE ISSUE DID NOT GO AWAY EVEN AFTER DRIVING IT. WHEN YOU TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND START IT BACK UP THE BRAKE LIGHT TURNS OFF LEAVING ONLY THE SLIP INDICATOR ON BUT NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHAT THE ISSUES ARE REGARDING BOTH SYSTEMS. AFTER CAREFULLY TESTING THE SYSTEM WE FOUND THAT THE BRAKES ARE IN FACT FAILING AND THE VEHICLE IS NOT STOPPING. *TR

NHTSA ID
11329232
Incident
Jun 16, 2020
Mileage
99,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Mar 12, 2019

VERY LIGHT BRAKE PEDAL, PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BEFORE THE TRUCK STARTS TO SLOW DOWN. THE BRAKE AND VDC LIGHTS COME AND THE BRAKES SKIP AND TRUCK SLIDES. TOOK TO NISSAN DEALERSHIP THEY SAID IT WAS MY BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER CAUSING THE ISSUE, I HAD ITEMS REPLACED AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE.

NHTSA ID
11186178
Incident
Jan 28, 2019
Mileage
125,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Apr 9, 2018
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 NISSAN ARMADA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE THE CONTACT'S PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT, AN EXPLOSION WAS HEARD. THE CONTACT EXITED THE BUILDING AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM HER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OPENED THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR AND NOTICED FLAMES UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN, CONSOLE, AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WAS NO POLICE OR FIRE REPORT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOWING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT AN INVESTIGATOR WOULD INVESTIGATE THE FIRE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,875.

NHTSA ID
11084195
Incident
Dec 20, 2017
Mileage
60,875 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

NTB09-131C

STRUCTURE:BODY

CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).

NTB09-131C

STRUCTURE:BODY

CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).

NTB23-080D

AIR BAGS

VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2004-2012 ARMADA, TITAN, AND 2004-2009 QUEST; DRIVER AIR BAG COVER CAMPAIGN ID #: PC944, PC946, PC947, PC949 APPLIED VEHICLES: 2004-2012 Armada (TA60) 2004-2009 Quest (V42) 2004-2012 Titan (A60) Check Service COMM or Dealer Business Systems (DBS) National Service History to confirm campaign eligibility. INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary safety recall campaign on certain specific model year 2004-2012 Armada, 2004-2012 Titan, and 2004-2009 Quest vehicles, to inspect and if necessary, replace the driver Air Bag Cover. This service will be performed at no charge to the customer for parts or labor. IDENTIFICATION NUMBER Nissan has assigned identification numbers PC944, PC946, PC947 and PC949 to this campaign. The vehicle specific number must appear on all communication and documentation of any nature dealing with this campaign. DEALER RESPONSIBILITY It is the dealer’s responsibility to check Service COMM or Dealer Business Systems (DBS) National Service History for the campaign status on each vehicle falling within the range of this voluntary safety recall which for any reason enters the service department. This includes vehicles purchased from private parties or presented by transient (tourist) owners and vehicles in a dealer’s inventory. Federal law requires that new vehicles in dealer inventory which are the subject of a safety recall must be corrected prior to sale. Failure to do so can result in civil penalties by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While federal law applies only to new vehicles, Nissan strongly encourages dealers to correct any used vehicles in their inventory before they are retailed. This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

NTB10-066C

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

NTB13-107G

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

NTB13-027D

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Nissan Armada by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026720
2025192059.9
2024410
2023510
2022810
2021132056.0
2020272055.4
2019731043.3
2018731043.8
2017810041.2
2016100
2015213051.8
2014121030.7
2013172050.3
2012Viewing171040.4
2011401039.8
2010485048.1
2009234051.3
20081617051.9
2007863043.9
20062665160.6
20053735254.8
20044633154.1

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.