2018 Nissan Armada Owner Complaints

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, &/or at work. We have tried having it checked out by different repair shops, replacing batteries in key fob, replacing battery MANY TIMES, and checking the brake pedal switch. We are at our Witt’s end with Nissans!

NHTSA ID

11737392

Incident

May 12, 2026

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 replacement as the fix. Manufacturer will not replace engine outside of vehicle warranty period, even with documented maintenance proving engine failure is not due to lack of being maintained.

NHTSA ID

11733071

Incident

Apr 13, 2026

My battery kept dying every 6-12 months for the past 8 years! Every time I took it to the dealer or to other mechanics, they ran diagnostics tests and told me nothing was wrong, even though I knew something was definitely wrong. We found out that MANY other Nissan Armada owners AND Infiniti QX80 owners have been dealing with the exact same thing. They showed us how to cut a wire, that would bypass the IPDM smart charging system. Ever since cutting that wire, my car has been working perfectly, and no more battery dying! Please look into this so others don't deal with what I did. Here's the video that we received that explains everything: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11728403

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11718887

Incident

Dec 24, 2025

TCC slips, RPMs are all over the place at light throttle between 15-40mph. Believed to be an issue with the torque converter, known to Nissan.

NHTSA ID

11705694

Incident

Dec 17, 2025

Well wife was driving car on her way to work and it shut off in the middle of traffic. Was no sure what was wrong until I brought it home and started reading the codes. It gave me P0087 P0090 low fuel pressure regulater circuit open and P119C. So I changed out the sensor the in tank fuel pump, high pressure fuel pump and sensor on the evap can. Car still will not start. So I bought a wiring diagram to see were everything was routed and found out the have a built in fuel relay so I bought a new PCM that didn't work so then I found out it there was a fuel pump controller module so change that and still not cranking. Fuel pump flows fuel for a second then shuts off. Now I am not sure what to do now. Truck has been down for 3 weeks now. And been have to renting a car since then.

NHTSA ID

11693957

Incident

Oct 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled several times after refueling. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The fuel pump was replaced. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The contact was informed that the year, make, and model were not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V676000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 157,000.

NHTSA ID

11693773

Incident

Aug 16, 2025

Mileage

157,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while shifted in reverse, the vehicle failed to respond; however, the vehicle was able to drive forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic, who was a former mechanic with Nissan, informed the contact that it was known failure with the Nissan transmission, and that the shifter was unable to shift into reverse. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the transmission replacement was not covered under warranty or recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

NHTSA ID

11688074

Incident

Jul 4, 2025

Mileage

98,000 mi

There is a common known issue with the Armadas that Nissan has not addressed, where you will randomly get a "BCI Malfunction" warning, sometimes corresponding to a warning about the ABS System. The car will not shift out of the current gear when this happens, until you turn it off and back on again. If you are really unlucky, like I am, this will progress to the car randomly applying the brakes and initiating hard stops, in traffic. This happened to me two days ago in traffic and I narrowly escaped an accident. I had to get the car towed home and it still intermittently does this. The brakes locked up so badly that the car was covered in smoke and appeared to be on fire. This is terribly unsafe, and Nissan needs to fix it, because it is more likely that an Armada owner WILL encounter this, than that they won't, and people are going to be injured and/or killed, if they have not already. This is very serious. Please help.

NHTSA ID

11682708

Incident

Aug 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle and there was fuel on the ground. The contact stated that prior to the failure, there was no warning light illuminated. Upon further inspection, the contact discovered a crack in the fuel pump near the fuel hose connection. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

NHTSA ID

11680207

Incident

Aug 12, 2025

Mileage

114,000 mi

My 2018 Nissan Armada (VIN: [XXX] ) has been experiencing no-start issues consistently for the past three years. Two years ago, I purchased a new battery from a Nissan dealership after being told the existing one had failed. Despite that replacement, the problem persisted and continues to this day. The vehicle intermittently fails to start, often producing only a click sound even though the battery, alternator, and starter test as functional. I now have to jump my car at least five times a week just to drive it. Through research and online forums, I’ve found that many other owners of this model report identical issues, which appear linked to the brake lamp switch or Body Control Module (BCM). While Nissan has issued Technical Service Bulletins for these concerns, no formal recall has been offered. This ongoing electrical malfunction is a serious reliability and safety issue—especially if the vehicle fails to start during a critical situation—and I urge NHTSA to investigate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11673811

Incident

Jul 15, 2025

No start, no codes. Have replaced brake switch several times and it fixes it for a bit and then happens again. I have read several forums and it seems to be a commen issue but no recalls for fault. 2018 nissan armada platinum. Shouldn't have to keep replacing switch.

NHTSA ID

11667327

Incident

Jun 14, 2025

The display is not working properly, the low window washer fluid comes on and then goes off. The light in the back of the display wants to come on but doesn't. The sensors are lighting up when there is a vehicle next to you but no warning signal. also there is no radio and the buttons on top do not work. I researched this and there was a recall for a DCU in 2018-2019 and that seems like the problem again. I have had nothing but issues with this car since i bought it. Nissan says its the battery which is highly doubtful because they just changed that and the brake switches a million times. BCM came up a bunch of times also in the past but Nissan cant recreate the problem which I am starting be frustrated with and dont even want this car anymore although it was my dream car

NHTSA ID

11664270

Incident

May 11, 2025

The Display Control Unit (DCU) has failed in my 18 Armada. My VIN is not part of the recall with the other 18 Armada models. The safety features of the collision warning system does not work because the DCU has failed. This is a pedestrian safety issue. The Navigation system does not work because the DCU has failed. None of the control panel buttons on dash or the steering wheels work because the DCU has failed including the cruise control. The Nissan dealership has confirmed it is the DCU but it is not under the recall with my VIN, however it appears all 18 Armada's have been recalled due to the same issue. No warning lights appears, the display screen stopped working only displaying the Nissan symbol. I would like my VIN added to the recall list for the DCU so the vehicle can become safe to myself and others. replacement is nearly $%,000.00 dollars 1 Affected Product Vehicle MAKE NissanMODEL amarda

NHTSA ID

11662546

Incident

May 20, 2025

The start hesitation started about 2 years ago, but my Armada never did not start. Then about a year so ago the Armada would not start, and it would not start in Dover, DE, and I had to call Geico to get a jump. I had a brand-new battery installed thinking that was the issue months prior, but my Armada would not start again. I took it to the dealership, and they charged me diagnostic but could not find any issues. After numerous times of my Armada not starting, I bought portable jumper whenever this happens. Just last week I was in Milford and went to start my Armada and it would not start. It clicked and then no power anywhere... the same as other times. I called Geico roadside and while waiting about 10 minutes, my Armada started, and I drove it straight home. I tried to start it the next day, and it started with a slight hesitation, but it started. So now when I go places, I will not turn my Armada off for fear it will not start again.

NHTSA ID

11661693

Incident

May 13, 2025

Break pressure sensor is bad, the car will intermittently not crank. If car is in park it will not go into gear. It’s as if the break system can not build up enough pressure for the car to register the breaks are being pressed

NHTSA ID

11660939

Incident

May 14, 2025

BCI (Back-up Collision Intervention) Malfunction. It's random when this comes up on the dashboard warning lights. It lights up several other things as well. It doesn't allow you to use the cruise control, or the 4-wheel drive. It disables the ABS and traction control. I don't know how this is not a recall, because I see several forums talking about this issue for this vehicle specifically in this year. We took it to the dealership, and they brushed it off, and claimed they didn't know how to fix it. It has caused multiple problems and has put my family at harms risk due to it disabling the safety features.

NHTSA ID

11654459

Incident

Feb 15, 2023

Camera/navigation randomly cycling, not dependable with alerts and crash detection. Has caused several close calls.

NHTSA ID

11653765

Incident

Apr 3, 2025

Infotainment system went black with no warning. Effects adjustment to temperature contols, information for maintenance. Radio accessibility, sound, bluetooth, navigation, etc. I have only owned the vehilcle for 1 year, and drove 7500 miles. There was no warning, glitching or flashing. I have been to the dealership and they told me there were no errors to report but only suggested to replace entire infotainment center at $5K.

NHTSA ID

11645056

Incident

Dec 7, 2024

The vehicle won't start all the dashboard lights come on but the truck will not start I got a warning alarm message that the CBI has a malfunction .

NHTSA ID

11639268

Incident

Jan 21, 2025

The infotainment system in my 2018 Nissan Armada failed. The issues include unresponsiveness of the touchscreen, frequent system freezes or restarts, glitches with Bluetooth connectivity, loss of backup camera functionality during reboots, and a black screen. The most significant issue is incessant random reboots, which occur without any apparent cause. These reboots can continue for the entire duration of a drive or happen sporadically, leading to distractions, the loss of presets and settings, and interrupted Bluetooth connections. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.The malfunctioning infotainment system poses several safety risks. The frequent reboots distract the driver, especially when attempting to reconnect Bluetooth or troubleshoot the system mid-drive. Additionally, the loss of the backup camera during reboots compromises visibility while reversing, significantly increasing the risk of an accident. The unresponsiveness and black screen further hinder safe operation, as critical features like navigation and audio controls are inaccessible. Yes, the problem has been reproduced by the dealership. They confirmed that the infotainment system experiences reboots and black screens, consistent with common complaints about this vehicle. However, they could not offer a resolution because my VIN is not included in related recalls or service bulletins.The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership, but no other parties, such as Nissan corporate representatives, have been involved in reviewing the issue though I have tried to get them involced with repeated attempts at contact via phone and email. There were no warning lamps or error messages prior to the failures. The infotainment system began exhibiting these problems approximately [insert date], and they have occurred consistently since that time.I have searched online for solutions and found that this is a widespread issue with the 2018 Nissan Armada and other Nissan vehicles in general. Many oth

NHTSA ID

11631509

Incident

Mar 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Armada. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ID

11626027

Incident

Nov 18, 2024

Mileage

70,000 mi

I TAKE MY VEHICLE TO THE SAME DEALER FOR ALL SERVICES AND OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, I'VE HAD "BATTERY ISSUES" THAT TURN OUT TO BE CONTROL MODULE ISSUES THAT REQUIRE NEW WIRING FOR THE VEHICLE TO RUN AT ALL, BATTERY COMPLETELY DRAINS AFTER SEVERAL SMALL TRIPS AROUND TOWN. I HAVE FULLY REPLACED THE BATTERY, DONE A WARRANTY ON IT AFTER THAN AND I'M STILL CONSTANTLY STRANDED. NISSAN DOESN'T WANT TO COVER ANY OF THE LABOR ($645.00) THAT IT REQUIRES TO RUN AT ALL. NO PARTS ARE NEEDED, IT'S JUST LABOR TO RECONFIGURE THE WAY THE ALTERNATOR WORKS BUT THEY'RE TELLING ME IT'S MY PROBLEM TO FIX BUT IT'S NOT A WORN OUT PART, IT'S LITERALLY THE ELECTRICAL. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? BATTERY & SMART ALTERNATOR How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? VEHICLE WILL NOT START, BATTERY COMPLETELY DRAINS AFTER SEVERAL SMALL TRIPS AROUND TOWN. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? YES, THEY'RE FULLY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM THAT THESE ARMADAS ARE HAVING, RECALLS CURRENTLY ON 2017 & 2019 MODELS BUT THEY'RE NOT RECALLING MY YEAR, 2018! Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? YES, DEALER SERVICE CENTER SEVERAL TIMES. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NO. FIRST STARTED IN 2019. I'VE GONE THROUGH SEVERAL BATTERIES, ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND PERSONAL JUMPS DUE TO THE FAULTY BATTERY LEAVING ME STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES OVER.

NHTSA ID

11617598

Incident

Sep 25, 2024

Every year for the past 3 years the battery will not start stranding me multiple times. The dealer has stated tomhat multiple armadas have the same issue it is unknown what causes this random drain of the battery but each time the battery has to be replaced

NHTSA ID

11616984

Incident

Sep 23, 2024

Here’s an updated response for the NHTSA, incorporating the new information: --- **What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?** The component that malfunctioned is the battery and electrical system in my 2018 Nissan Armada (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle experienced repeated battery drainage, requiring a replacement battery after only one year. I had to pay $300 to get the battery replaced, as I could only start the car with a jump. The replaced battery is currently at the dealership and available for inspection upon request. **How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?** The repeated battery drainage compromised my safety by potentially stranding me in unsafe conditions. I was unable to start the vehicle without a jump, which could have left me and my passengers stranded on the road or in other hazardous situations. **Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?** Yes, the problem was confirmed by the dealership, who replaced the battery but suggested that a software issue within the vehicle is causing the repeated drainage. They did not provide a permanent solution to prevent future occurrences. **Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others?** The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership, but not by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. **Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?** No warning lamps or messages appeared prior to the battery failure. The issue occurred without any prior warnings, making it difficult to anticipate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11615222

Incident

Sep 16, 2024