2019 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 2019 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
- Electrical4242.9%
- Brakes1414.3%
- Driver assistance1111.2%
- Engine1111.2%
- Suspension77.1%
- Powertrain (other)44.1%
- Airbags22.0%
- Exterior lighting22.0%
- Other / unspecified22.0%
- Seat belts11.0%
- Body & structure11.0%
- Tires & wheels11.0%
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
Every few months the battery in the car will die, requiring that the battery needs to be jumped to start the car. This can happen suddenly, sometime after multiple short trips. The dealership has nopt been able to identify the issue. We replaced the battery at the dealership two years ago, and this issue has happened at least 8 to 10 times within the last 2 years.
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 vehicle, leading to catastrophic oil pressure loss, pressurized engine oil spraying onto hot exhaust components, and a subsequent ignition/fire event on September 25, 2026. Yes, the failed oil filter has been completely preserved and is safely available for physical inspection upon request. The structural damage and system failure were physically identified and confirmed via a detailed post-incident inspection on September 25, 2026, which revealed that less than two quarts of oil remained in the engine and documented extensive oil coverage under the chassis. A formal independent mechanic inspection checklist is currently being initiated at a licensed facility to explicitly document and confirm the extent of the subsequent engine starvation and thermal damage. The vehicle and the compromised component have been thoroughly inspected and documented photographically (Exhibits B-1 through B-11) by family members immediately following the event to preserve evidence. Formal evidence packages and reporting notices are simultaneously being submitted to Full Speed Automotive corporate claims risk management, insurance representatives, and federal safety oversight agencies for secondary administrative review. No, there were absolutely no warning lamps, digital dashboard messages, or mechanical symptoms prior to the sudden failure. The vehicle was driven normally from the August 1, 2026 service date until the night of September 25, 2026, indicating that the cracked filter held under normal lower-speed driving conditions but suffered a catastrophic breach and pressurized blowout under sustained highway operations on Highway 171.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 50 MPH, all four brakes engaged independently, and the rear brake lights failed to illuminate. The ABS, Lane Assist, Traction Control, Collision, Blind Spot, and BC1 warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module and Brake Control Actuator required replacement. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V601000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure via telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 137,479.
My 2019 Nissan suddenly lost braking ability while driving. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor, and the front passenger-side wheel was covered in brake fluid. A mechanic found a cut in the brake hose, which likely caused the fluid leak and brake failure. Cause: UNKNOWN. It may have been mechanical failure, wear, or external damage. Further investigation is needed to determine the exact cause.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that the Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) Malfunction message was intermittently displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer approximately 4 times due to the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for further assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
My 2019 Nissan Armada has been showing a BCI Malfuntion warning light for the past year and a half on and off. Sometimes it puts the truck in limp mode, it won't start, or the brakes engage and the truck will not move while in drive. This has happened well over 30 times in the last year and a half. Typically, turning the truck off and on solves the issue, but there have been instances where I needed to unhook the battery. I read there was a recall on the 2017-2019 models for this issue. However, when I looked up the VIN on this site, it says my truck has no open recalls. I took it to a mechanic, but they could not find any issues as the warning light had gone off. In the additional details below I have put the latest time this happened which was yesterday. However it has been happening since 2024.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 vehicle, leading to catastrophic oil pressure loss, pressurized engine oil spraying onto hot exhaust components, and a subsequent ignition/fire event on September 25, 2026. Yes, the failed oil filter has been completely preserved and is safely available for physical inspection upon request. The structural damage and system failure were physically identified and confirmed via a detailed post-incident inspection on September 25, 2026, which revealed that less than two quarts of oil remained in the engine and documented extensive oil coverage under the chassis. A formal independent mechanic inspection checklist is currently being initiated at a licensed facility to explicitly document and confirm the extent of the subsequent engine starvation and thermal damage. The vehicle and the compromised component have been thoroughly inspected and documented photographically (Exhibits B-1 through B-11) by family members immediately following the event to preserve evidence. Formal evidence packages and reporting notices are simultaneously being submitted to Full Speed Automotive corporate claims risk management, insurance representatives, and federal safety oversight agencies for secondary administrative review. No, there were absolutely no warning lamps, digital dashboard messages, or mechanical symptoms prior to the sudden failure. The vehicle was driven normally from the August 1, 2026 service date until the night of September 25, 2026, indicating that the cracked filter held under normal lower-speed driving conditions but suffered a catastrophic breach and pressurized blowout under sustained highway operations on Highway 171.
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 where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 24,783.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Bought this vehicle in 12/23. Problems with battery drainage, electrical problems, vehicle won't start and then it will. Bought a new battery in 2/25 same problems happening. This is a defect in this vehicle. Steering failure. System won't connect to my phone. Had alternator checked battery check consistently so many times. There should be a recall on this truck. I have been stranded so many times. I consistently pay my payments on time and never been late. I didnt expect to run into these problems with this vehicle. This is not good for nobody to go through with this unreliable vehicle.
The rear end air suspension stopped working and will not raise the vehicle to the proper height. This caused the vehicle to become unstable in the rear and difficult to fully control the vehicle. With a wet road it becomes much worse as the rear end will lose contact with the road even at a much lower reduced speed. I've noticed several other Armada's with sagging rear ends and I've read several threads online with owners. After experiencing this first hand as a CDL-A driver. This is very dangerous and Nissan doesn't appear to care one bit about this issue with their high end product. Please help us do something about this before someone gets hurt or worse, thank you for your consideration in the matter.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2019 Nissan Armada has a recurring electrical issue that causes the battery to drain and the vehicle to not start, even though the battery tests “good.” This problem began last year — we took the Armada to Nissan and had to pay over $200 for a new battery, which is now less than a year old. Despite this, the issue continues. Recently, AutoZone tested the battery again and found it only 60% charged. I took the Armada back to Nissan and paid $99 for a diagnostic test, and they quoted $725 to reset and reprogram the vehicle’s systems — just to address a problem that should not be happening on a vehicle I purchased less than two years ago. The Nissan technician even stated that many Armada owners are experiencing the same issue, yet my VIN is not included in any recall or service campaign. This is not just inconvenient — it is a serious safety risk. If my Armada dies while traveling or loses power while pulling into traffic, it puts me and my three small children in immediate danger. I believe this is a widespread defect and am asking NHTSA to investigate whether this battery drain / no-start issue should be escalated to a recall. Nissan should not be charging families hundreds of dollars to fix a known problem that is leaving people stranded in unsafe situations.
I was driving on the Mass Pike (Rte 90) when exiting the highway the vehicle lurched and the engine started racing. Then the vehicle had no acceleration and would not go above 20 mph. I towed it to a mechanic who stated the transmission was shot. Six weeks later the vehicle was fixed and the transmission was replaced for a LOT of money!! There was no warning before the transmission broke.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving my 2019 Nissan Armada, which had approximately 35,000 miles, when the incident occurred. I was stopped at a traffic light shortly after exiting the highway when a 2012 Honda CR-V struck my vehicle at high speed from behind, with the impact concentrated primarily on the left rear side. The force of the collision pushed my vehicle forward into the car stopped in front of me, resulting in a second impact. The force of the initial collision was so significant that the front end of the Honda CR-V was destroyed. My Nissan Armada sustained extensive damage to both the rear and front ends, as well as structural damage. The vehicle was subsequently declared a total loss, by the repair facility. What I find particularly concerning is that none of the airbags in my 2019 Nissan Armada deployed, on the driver side and the passenger side, despite the severity of the collision and the two separate impacts and given the substantial damage to the vehicle, including structural damage. I am submitting this report because I would like NHTSA to review whether this incident may indicate a potential safety issue with the vehicle's airbag deployment system.
The passenger airbag seat sensor is defective. It has disabled the passenger airbag, and will not reactivate even with a passenger in the seat. The cost to repair the sensor is $5670. Just the sensor. The airbag has never deployed. We requested that Nissan cover the repair or at least the part, as the airbag is obviously critical safety equipment, but they have refused.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
IN AUGUST 2020, I HAD TO JUMP START MY ARMADA DUE TO BATTERY DRAINED WHILE PARKED. THE VERY NEXT DAY, SAME THING HAPPENED. NISSAN REPROGRAMMED ECM IN SEPTEMBER DUE TO RECALL. WORKED FINE UNTIL OCTOBER 21, WHEN THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN. I DROVE IT THAT MORNING, BUT WHEN I TRIED TO START IT THAT AFTERNOON, IT WOULD NOT START AND THE INTERIOR JUST FLASH ON AND OFF. HAD TO JUMP START AGAIN.
HAVING ISSUES WITH MY DOME LIGHTS STAYING ON, ONCE ALL THE DOORS, ARE CLOSED. I'VE HAD THIS CHECKED 3 TIMES, AT 2 DIFFERENT NISSAN'S AND KNOW ONE CAN FIND THE ISSUE. I'M PUTTING IT IN THE SHOP, LATER THIS WEEK I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY, DO TO THE DOME LIGHTS, BEING ON AND I HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE UNTIL MY FAMILY COMES HOME, OR MY NEIGHBOR LETS US KNOW. I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN MARCH 2020.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Straps of carseat will self loosen with and without child present. Tested with child in seat and child out of seat by lightly pulling on the straps. Harness tensioner was clear of debris on bothbseats this occured on (both same manufacture date) purchased 8/2023
WHEN I AM TOWING MY 4000 LB TRAILER, USING A WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION HITCH, SET UP PROPERLY BY MY RV SPECIALIST, WITH EITHER UNLOADED OR WITH A LOADED WEIGHT NOT EXCEEDING EVEN 6000 POUNDS, THE ARMADA SINKS IN THE BACK END IN A WAY THAT THE REAR TIRES COME EXTREMELY CLOSE TO THE WHEEL WELL RIMS. MY RV SPECIALIST IS VERY CONCERNED THAT IF I AM DRIVING AND HIT A BUMP OR HOLE, THE TIRE COULD STRIKE THE WHEEL WELL RIM AND CAUSE A BLOW OUT OR MAJOR ACCIDENT. THEY ARE CONCERNED THE SPRING RATIO IS NOT DESIGNED PROPERLY FOR THE ARMADA (WHICH HAS A TOW PACKAGE AND IS SUPPOSEDLY CAPABLE OF TOWING 8500 POUNDS). I HAVE BROUGHT THIS ISSUE TO NISSAN NORTH AMERICA'S ATTENTION AND THEY WILL NOT EVEN TAKE A LOOK AT THE PROBLEM, INSTEAD TELLING ME THAT IF AN ACCIDENT OCCURS, IT IS COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Seat belt becomes stuck inside buckle component and will not unlatch. Buckle must be forcefully pushed in while repeatedly pressing the button to eject the seatbelt in order to release buckle
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 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 vehicle, leading to catastrophic oil pressure loss, pressurized engine oil spraying onto hot exhaust components, and a subsequent ignition/fire event on September 25, 2026. Yes, the failed oil filter has been completely preserved and is safely available for physical inspection upon request. The structural damage and system failure were physically identified and confirmed via a detailed post-incident inspection on September 25, 2026, which revealed that less than two quarts of oil remained in the engine and documented extensive oil coverage under the chassis. A formal independent mechanic inspection checklist is currently being initiated at a licensed facility to explicitly document and confirm the extent of the subsequent engine starvation and thermal damage. The vehicle and the compromised component have been thoroughly inspected and documented photographically (Exhibits B-1 through B-11) by family members immediately following the event to preserve evidence. Formal evidence packages and reporting notices are simultaneously being submitted to Full Speed Automotive corporate claims risk management, insurance representatives, and federal safety oversight agencies for secondary administrative review. No, there were absolutely no warning lamps, digital dashboard messages, or mechanical symptoms prior to the sudden failure. The vehicle was driven normally from the August 1, 2026 service date until the night of September 25, 2026, indicating that the cracked filter held under normal lower-speed driving conditions but suffered a catastrophic breach and pressurized blowout under sustained highway operations on Highway 171.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Armada equipped with Bridgestone Tires, Tire Line: Alenza AS Ultra, Tire Size: 275/60/R20, DOT Number: 1VNW0AAU21223. The contact stated that while the dealer was conducting a routine inspection of the vehicle, she was informed that the four tires were worn and could soon cause the vehicle to hydroplane while driving. The contact stated that upon visual inspection, she noticed that the tire treads were damaged. The contact stated that the tires were rated at 80,000 miles; however, the tires became worn after 26 miles. The tire dealer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The tires were not replaced. The tires were replacement tires. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The tire failure mileage was approximately 26,000. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 132,940.
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 .