2017 Nissan Armada Electrical Problems

Half of the speedometer lights as well as dash lights go out while driving. Lights are full lit when vehicle is started but then fail.

NHTSA ID

11743663

Incident

Jun 8, 2026

Dashboard lights for speedometer blink and half the side has gone dark

NHTSA ID

11741991

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

Unknown

NHTSA ID

11727187

Incident

Jul 9, 2025

I’ve had my 2017 armada since 2018 and have had issues from the beginning. My GPS antenna has never worked and I assumed it was just a settings issue but after many attempts at resetting them and even purchasing the updated maps CD from the Nissan website it never fixed the issue. When I am driving you can feel the car jerk and slip. We have replaced the battery maybe 3 times in the last year. When I try to start my car it will turn on all the dash lights, shake, then shut off and sometimes if I wait it starts back up and other times it doesn’t. My car is running lean as well. I have kept up with the maintenance of my car and about 6 months ago I paid $3,000 to do repairs on it not related to these issues. These are all TSBs, but for some reason no recalls have been done. My car has become very unreliable.

NHTSA ID

11707231

Incident

Apr 4, 2025

The middle section of lights in the instrument panel has been blinking on/off intermittently for about two weeks. This makes it difficult to see your speed while driving at night and it's distracting, which causes me to take my eyes off the road for longer than I consider safe. Also, intermittently the truck hesitates to start, today it had to be towed to the dealer. After the diagnosis, I was told the Instrument Cluster Assembly should be replaced to resolve the light panel issue and the starter needs to be replaced. I find it surprising that the instrument panel would go out so soon. I wonder if this is connected to the previous intermittent BCI (Backup Collision Intervention) malfunction lights on the dash issue I had a few years ago. Additionally, I've had to replace the battery in the truck three times in the last four years since I purchased it (pre-owned). Which is not normal at all. We could not figure out what was causing the batteries to keep draining. The last battery I got was replaced by Nissan (free of charge) and I haven't had any issues with it dying since then. With so many complaints about this instrument Cluster Assembly I've been reading that have been reported over the last few years how many does it take to be considered a recall?

NHTSA ID

11644324

Incident

Feb 22, 2025

When pressing button to start, car gets stuck mid turn on and shakes. Doesn’t fully turn on and continues shaking. Button stops working. After multiple presses eventually turns car back off. Sometimes happens twice in a row or will start after the shaking on off.

NHTSA ID

11620884

Incident

Jun 3, 2024

On [XXX] my vehicle engine would not turn over. It then lost complete power moments later. The battery was recharged and reinstalled. I attempted to start the vehicle again and it drained the battery. I installed a NEW battery on [XXX] and the vehicle worked properly. On [XXX] I attempted to start the vehicle and the it drained the battery. This time, I called Nissan Customer Service and was instructed nothing old be done until a NISSAN DEALERSHIP ran diagnostics on the vehicle. Obviously, I had to call for a tow because the battery was dead. The tow truck driver was able to jump the battery and I drove to Ron Marhofer Nissan in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio to have the diagnostics performed. After explaining the problems to the service technician, I was told that SOME Nissans (regardless of model or year), have been experiencing this problem, and the only fix was a battery saver update to the body control module. To date, I have not had any issues since the battery saver update was performed. The issues are, 1. This is a known problem affecting multiple Nissan models, 2. A Nissan Dealership is the only place this problem can be diagnosed or fixed, 3. The only way an owner becomes aware of this problem is after multiple battery issues, and ultimately, a trip to the Nissan Dealership, 4. Nissan is forcing owners to pay for this update that is necessary for their vehicle to run properly, 5. Nissan controls all aspects of the repair and has a monopoly over it INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11616299

Incident

Sep 20, 2024

Was driving on a smooth road when suddenly airbag light on dash came on flashing. All the steering wheel buttons are working. Brought car to mechanic's shop to scan obd2, no dtc codes. Mechanic says they don't know what it is without a code. Nissan has been shady lately with technical service bulletins TSB instead of recalls. TSB according to Nissan hq is a repair at the discretion of the dealer meaning that they do not have to repair it even while it was under warranty. I had some piston slapping noise and burning smell coming from engine bay while under warranty the dealer Mechanic said," the noise is normal that of a suv and the burnt smell was the peanut packing oil burning off the outside of the engine". There was a TSB put out a few months later saying that Nissan acknowledged a defective short block in the engine causing abnormal wear on the piston. I brought it into the dealer and they refused to replace the short block and damaged cylinder. NHTSA needs to up their game and force these auto companies to be accountable. Years back my first edition Honda accord v6 had failed brakes that made me have an accident totaling the car. Veered off side of highway to minimize harm to others. Three years after the accident a recall on that models brakes came up. I was never given money for the totalled car by Honda. They need to be held accountable. Please take action and force the recalls instead of waiting for more people to be injured. Just look at the complaints on this make and model, why hasn't an investigation even begun? Airbag should be a top priority in recalls. Especially a blinking light with no explanation is a ticking time bomb that can set off an airbag at any given notice worst yet not deploy when there is an actual accident.

NHTSA ID

11614601

Incident

Sep 6, 2024

My vehicle was having intermitten BCI (Backup Collision Intervention) malfunction lights on the dash. On one occurrence it caused my vehicle to slam on the brakes suddenly at 20mph, it is definitely a safety issue. I replaced both brake switches which solved it temporarily but now it is on constantly. It has been scanned with various Nissan scan tools and no errors are found. I have read endless forum posts of Armada owners having this problem and the dealerships are giving them the run around with no clear solution.

NHTSA ID

11611048

Incident

Aug 26, 2024

I have had to replace the brake switch twice in this vehicle and it is under 35k miles. Other Nissan models have had this recalled. Once it begins to fail, the car will not start because it doesn't detect the brake is depressed. It also sets off the BCI Malfunction warning randomly and while driving, which impacts cruise control and brake safety. I can send invoices of repairs from dealership if helpful.

NHTSA ID

11592602

Incident

May 29, 2024

Although I have a brand new battery, there is a short in the system that causes it to drain entirely when turned off. At least twice a month, the battery will die because it won't hold a charge when not operating. This is especially challenging when it is very warm in the summer. Once the battery is jumped, I have to run the vehicle for 30 minutes to recharge and hope it is full. I've been told it's a known defect but not yet a recall, but I can cite many examples of how this creates a safety issue when I am unable to jump it repeatedly with my portable jumper. As it is an electrical issue, this needs to be addressed and cited as a recall to stop the insanity!

NHTSA ID

11583191

Incident

Apr 15, 2024

Middle section of instrument panel lights are out. This is making it hard to see your speed while driving at night and in turn takes your eyes off the road for longer. Service center couldn't believe that a LED instrument panel would go out so soon. Additionally, something drains the battery if the car sits for more than a day. Several times I have not been able to start the car both at home and away. Battery has been replaced 3 times in the last year and a half. Last battery pulled was tested as still good by the service center. There were no warning lights or messages for these issues.

NHTSA ID

11540721

Incident

Mar 16, 2023

There are several electrical problems with this vehicle that through research has proven to be a problem with several people with this vehicle. The speedometer lights only illuminate half of the numbers, which can cause an issue when its dark and you can't see your speed. The battery seems to be drained in about a year after installing new battery. The right rear tv in the headrest does not work properly as well as the cooled and heated seats on the driver side. This does not necessarily cause a safety problem, but it does seem to be assisting in draining the battery. This morning the car would not start, but when trying to turn the car off the vehicle remained on, no matter what was tried to turn off. It is a fear that the vehicle will cut off while driving and would put the driver and passengers in danger. This has been an ongoing issue and Nissan claims that this is a personal issue, due to it not being under warranty. When forums are created and several people are having the same issue, it is concerning and Nissan needs to take care of this situation.

NHTSA ID

11511736

Incident

Feb 20, 2020

Car is has been having BCI Malfunction warning come up. This has happened numerous times since purchasing. It has been taken to the dealership multiple times for this issue. They have replaced brake switch sensors and even the battery and calibrated everything and the problem continues to persist. This has left us stranded on the side the road with the car not starting. It has caused sudden braking while driving on interstate with no warning and nothing to cause this reaction… two Nissan dealerships that have looked it it play it off as nothing meanwhile I keep reading of more people having similar issues with this vehicle. This needs to be further investigated before someone is out in a deadly situation

NHTSA ID

11507128

Incident

Feb 13, 2023

The airbag light on the dash started blinking in 12/2020 and was repaired under warranty in 1/2021. Was diagnosed as passenger curtain airbag. Airbag light started blinking again in April/May 2022. Diagnosed again as passenger curtain airbag. Repaired in August 2022, at a cost to me of $2800+. Picked car up on September 3, 2022. Airbag light came back on on the 6th after my daughter exited the passenger seat. Dropped car off on the 7th and it has been at the dealership ever since. Now they want me to pay $2600+ to have the wiring harness replaced. I have reported the issue to Nissan and the dealership has been working with Nissan. I have already paid to have this safety issue repaired. So far Nissan or the dealership has not agreed to pay. This is a safety issue. This is not a luxury item or an add on. I don’t feel safe having a passenger in the front seat. This is a known issue with this model. Even the dealer agreed. Nissan does not know how to fix it. They keep doing high cost repairs at a cost to the consumer which is not right.

NHTSA ID

11490723

Incident

Dec 29, 2020

It’s my starter switch I had to have it replace twice once last year and the year before and this morning I hit into my truck which is z9-18-22 to go to work and everything came on but the switch didn’t so I couldn’t start it and for everything else to come on it’s not my battery so on Monday I am taking it back to the Nissan place to get it replace again this will be the third time for the same thing the engine switch to start the truck so this will be the third time it’s once a year around the same time for the same thing but yet you guys says it’s no recall on it have to be something causing it and each time it’s costing me 600.00 each . Who have that money to keep on replacing the same thing so it have to be some kind of fault with the switch .

NHTSA ID

11485051

Incident

Sep 18, 2022

The vehicle’s brake light switch has failed and been replaced twice. When this happens: 1. the rear brake lights do not illuminate when the brake pedal is pressed (which poses a serious safety hazard when driving) 2. If the vehicle is off, the vehicle will not start, given it requires the brake pedal to be pressed and used this switch as the means to confirm that. This is also dangerous because it’s left me stranded in dangerously cold weather. Nissan is already aware this is a pervasive problem on 2017-2021 Armadas, as the switches are prone to failure. They even issued a TSB notifying dealers of the problem and instructing them to cover replacements for vehicles still within the bumper-to-bumper warranty, using a new “updated” part number, but one just as prone to failures. After doing some digging and speaking with other 2017-2021 Armada owners, I’ve discovered some have already had to have the switch replaced as often as every 3-6 months - with each occurrence leaving owners stranded and/or without functioning brake lights.

NHTSA ID

11461540

Incident

Feb 5, 2022

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that the vehicle recognized the fob key; however, the vehicle would not start. The contact's husband replaced the battery, starter, gasket, and manifold; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ID

11455510

Incident

Dec 1, 2021

Mileage

75,000 mi

Instrument cluster lights are going out. This makes it difficult to see the odometer to accurately know speed.

NHTSA ID

11443470

Incident

Sep 6, 2021

BCI malfunction. The car will not start, reverse, drive, brakes randomly, etc.

NHTSA ID

11429350

Incident

Aug 16, 2021

BCI malfunction. The car will not start, reverse, drive, brakes randomly, etc.

NHTSA ID

11429349

Incident

Oct 19, 2020

THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING GOES OUT WITHIN 3 YEARS. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE REGARDING THE PANEL LIGHT FAILURE OF THE LED LIGHTS. THIS MAKES PARTS OF THE PANEL DARK AN UNREADABLE AT NIGHT.

NHTSA ID

11395571

Incident

Feb 10, 2021

I SAW THE RECALL ON THE PATHFINDERS TODAY AND I HAVE A SIMILAR ISSUE WITH MY 2017 ARMADA. SOMETHING KEEPS CAUSING MY BATTERY TO DRAIN. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO SHOP TO BE INSPECTED, THE BATTERY IS OKAY, THE ALTERNATOR OKAY, AND THE STARTER OKAY. I CUT EVERY FEATURE OFF IN MY CAR BUT SOMETHING IS ELECTRICALLY DRAINING THE BATTERY. I REPLACED THE BCM NOT TOO LONG AGO BC IT KEPT FAILING. HAVE YOU GUYS HAD ANY REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING WITH OTHER PEOPLE? I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL YOUTUBE PEOPLE EXPERIENCING SAME ISSUES AND I HAVE READ ARTICLES AS WELL. SOMETHING INTERNALLY IS PULLING AMPS WHEN IT SHOULDN'T BE. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN SUSPENSION ISSUES. CAN YOU GUYS PLEASE TELL ME WHAT THE ISSUE MAY BE? THIS HAPPENED WHERE IT WOULDN'T CRANK A FEW TIMES PRIOR TO THIS DAY THEN I WOULD GET IT TO CRANK..NOW IT IS ALMOST EVERYTIME HAVING TO JUMP IT.

NHTSA ID

11390460

Incident

Jan 14, 2021

Mileage

78,500 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 NISSAN ARMADA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT VEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROADWAY, TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND WAITED FOR APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COCHRAN NISSAN MONROEVILLE (3355 WILLIAM PENN HWY, PITTSBURGH, PA 15235) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE ABS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 46,000.

NHTSA ID

11365162

Incident

Oct 1, 2020

Mileage

46,000 mi

WENT TO START MY VEHICLE AND EVERYTHING BUT THE ENGINE WOULD START. TRIED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, LOCKED, UNLOCKED CAR THEN LEFT IT ALONE FOR 5 MINUTES AND IT FINALLY STARTED. THEN, LESS THAN A WEEK LATER, WHILE I WAS DRIVING, THE BCI MALFUNCTION WARNING AND A BUNCH OF OTHER LIGHTS CAME ON AND CAR SLOWED DOWN SIGNIFICANTLY. HAD TO PULL OVER, LOOK UP THIS WARNING AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS OTHERS WHO HAD THIS SAME ISSUE DID. I TURNED VEHICLE OFF, WAITED A MINUT AND TURNED IT BACK ON. WARNING CLEARES. THE NEXT MORNING MY CAR WOULDN'T START. HAD TO SWAP CARS WITH HUSBAND SO I COULD GET TO WORK. THIS MORNING I TRIED TO START IT AGAIN AND IT WOULDN'T START. I'VE NOW BEEN WAITING 3 HRS FOR A TOW TRUCK TO GET VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 40K MILES AND IS A 2017 MODEL.

NHTSA ID

11353126

Incident

Sep 2, 2020

Mileage

39,958 mi