2017 Nissan Armada Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Nissan Armada, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical3328.2%
- Engine1613.7%
- Powertrain (other)1613.7%
- Driver assistance1412.0%
- Brakes1311.1%
- Airbags1210.3%
- Exterior lighting43.4%
- Fuel system21.7%
- Interior & seats21.7%
- Heating & air conditioning10.9%
- Body & structure10.9%
- Steering10.9%
- Suspension10.9%
- Transmission10.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Dashboard lights for speedometer blink and half the side has gone dark
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I’ve had to replace the battery three times in three years that I’ve owned the vehicle I purchased it used. The transmission jerks like it’s slipping. It has done this ever since I purchased it no recalls on transmission. The side door airbag sensor is defective. The airbag light flashes on the dashboard took it to the new Nissan dealership was gonna cost five to $7000 for the sensor so that airbag will not deploy in the driver side door. I had a 2010 Nissan Armada airbag sensor went out and the steering wheel and it was outrageous to replace that airbag sensor no recalls I will never buy a Nissan Armada again.. I have had all maintenance and upkeep completed at the dealership on my vehicle. Why is there not a transmission recall an airbag recalls on these vehicles?
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?
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Unknown
BCI MALFUNCTION LIGHT COMES ON AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT ONE MILE AND WILL STAY LIKE THAT TILL THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF. THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT WORK DURING THIS TIME. ON OTHER ONLINE FORUM A LOT OF NISSAN OWNERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE BUT NISSAN DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS. I DID PURCHASE NEW BRAKE SWITCHES BOTH OF THEM AND IT GOT WORSE. A BUNCH OF OTHER LIGHTS COME ON AND THE CAR WILL NOT START AT ALL. I REMOVED THE NEW BRAKE SWITCHES AND CLEANED THE OLD ONES. PUT THEM BACK AND IS DOING THE SAME THING WERE AFTER ONE MILE THE BCI LIGHT WILL COME ON.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I’ve had to replace the battery three times in three years that I’ve owned the vehicle I purchased it used. The transmission jerks like it’s slipping. It has done this ever since I purchased it no recalls on transmission. The side door airbag sensor is defective. The airbag light flashes on the dashboard took it to the new Nissan dealership was gonna cost five to $7000 for the sensor so that airbag will not deploy in the driver side door. I had a 2010 Nissan Armada airbag sensor went out and the steering wheel and it was outrageous to replace that airbag sensor no recalls I will never buy a Nissan Armada again.. I have had all maintenance and upkeep completed at the dealership on my vehicle. Why is there not a transmission recall an airbag recalls on these vehicles?
The passenger airbag occupancy sensor has failed. The passenger airbag will not deploy in the event of collision. The issue has not been easily able to accurately diagnose. The dealership recommends replacement of the entire passenger seat frame with built in sensors. This repair ranges between 4-7 thousand. If it repairs the issue. This is a significant portion of the value of the vehicle.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Unable to see speedometer between 30 and 100 mph.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Armada. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the gas cap to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated in June 2023, while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact shifted into park and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact was able to drive to her destination. The contact had experienced the failure six times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
my car won't crank or if it does it takes several attempts. I was told it was the brake light switch. I will be taking it back to the dealer ASAP.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I DRIVE A 2017 NISSAN ARMADA THAT CAUGHT FIRE!!! WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE MARCH OF THIS YEAR. MY HEATED SEAT MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUGHT MY PANTS AND MY SEAT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH TWO-2- SMALL CHILDREN!!! TUESDAY MORNING NOVEMBER 12TH, 2019 I WAS DRIVING MY 7 YEAR OLD TO SCHOOL WITH MY 3 YEAR OLD WITH US WHEN I STARTED TO FEEL A PAIN IN MY LEFT LEG. I LIFTED MY LEG WHICH THEN I SAW SMOKE AND COULD SMELL SOMETHING WAS BURNING. ALL THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH 2 SMALL CHILDREN STRAPPED INTO THEIR CARSEATS. WHEN I NOTICED THE HOLE AND BLACK MARKS IN MY SWEATPANTS AND A HOLE IN MY DRIVER SEAT I IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE HEATED SEAT BUTTON. WE COULD OF WRECKED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT MOST LIKELY WOULD OF HAD ANOTHER KID IN THE CAR. NOT ONLY WAS MY CHILDREN'S LIVES AND MY LIFE AT RISK BUT ALL THOSE PEOPLE'S LIVES AROUND ME TAKING THEIR KIDS TO SCHOOL, TOO. IT WAS ONE OF THE MOST SCARIEST DAYS OF MY LIFE. I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE NOW. WE COULD HAD DIED!!! I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE I WANTED HEATED SEATS, NOW I WILL NEVER USE HEATED SEATS AGAIN. I AM TRULY TRAUMATIZED FROM THIS EXPERIENCE. MY EXPERIENCE WITH NISSAN CORPORATION HAS NOT MADE THE SITUATION BETTER BUT WORSE. SEE ALSO ODI 11280207. *DSY *DT*DT*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 NISSAN ARMADA. WHEN THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER, THE SEAT BEGAN SMOKING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER LEFT PANTS LEG SUSTAINED A HOLE IN IT FROM THE HEATER. THERE WAS ALSO A BRUISE ON HER LEFT LEG THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUTHERLIN NISSAN MALL OF GEORGIA (3520 GA-20, BUFORD, GA 30519, (678) 714-1885) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS NOT A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND THE CONTACT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,200. SEE ALSO ODI 11280222. *DSY *DT*DT *TR *DT*JB *AS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Armada. The contact stated the paint on the hood was deteriorating. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE IN MOTION ON A STATE HIGHWAY AND TURNING RIGHT ONTO ANOTHER ROAD THE STEERING WHEEL STUCK AND I TO BRAKE HARD TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER CAR. I WAS ABLE TO PULL VERY HARD ON THE WHEEL TO STRAIGHTEN THE WHEELS OUT AND PARK THE CAR AND GET A TOW TRUCK.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 NISSAN ARMADA. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, A RAMBLING NOISE WAS PRESENT AT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (JP MOTORS, INC., 3675 FRONTAGE RD, PERU, IL) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE WAS FAULTY. THE THROTTLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR SUSPENSION WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE LATER RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .