2020 Nissan Armada Owner Complaints

Safety Defect Complaint – 2020 Nissan Armada I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2020 Nissan Armada with approximately 90,000 miles. On August 6, 2026, the right/passenger-side exterior mirror suddenly became extremely hot and then exploded/broke. The failure also caused damage to the surrounding area near the side of the windshield/side guard. This happened unexpectedly and created a serious safety concern. I am concerned that an electrical or heating problem with the mirror may have caused it to become excessively hot and break. I am also concerned that this could happen to other Nissan Armada owners. I am requesting that this incident be investigated as a possible safety defect and that Nissan and NHTSA determine whether this problem is related to a recall, known defect, or electrical/heating issue. Vehicle: 2020 Nissan Armada Mileage: Approximately 90,000 miles Incident date: August 6, 2026 Affected area: Right/passenger-side exterior mirror and surrounding windshield/side-guard area I have photographs of the damage and can provide additional documentation, repair estimates, and vehicle information if needed. I would appreciate an investigation of this safety issue and information regarding whether Nissan will cover the repair.

NHTSA ID

11755988

Incident

Aug 6, 2026

In the 35 months that I have owned this vehicle I have had to replace a faulty brake light switch 9 times. I find this extremely unsafe as brake lights are a major saftey feature. This problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealer. I do not know if the component has been inspected by the manufacturer. There were warning lights with the vehicle forward looking radar for cruise control and swerve control. This first happened on August 9, 2023.

NHTSA ID

11744194

Incident

Jun 12, 2026

Purchased this vehicle in August 2024. A month later car wouldn’t start and the battery died. The dealership replaced it. 14 months later (October 2025) the car wouldn’t start again. Engine light came on. We took it to warranty approved shop and they told us the battery had died. Again. 7 months later the car won’t start. Engine light turned on. Took it to warranty approved shop and they said the battery had died again. The shop owner said it was related to a smart battery charger and it was draining our battery even when off. He mentioned this was common for 2020 Nissan Armada and the only solution was to keep replacing batteries every few months.

NHTSA ID

11737993

Incident

May 7, 2026

on 12/13/25 at 2:30pm our vehicle slid on ice and we crashed into the front of a barrier. No deployment of airbags occurred but the impact was so severe it damaged the frame/suspension/radiator. Our insurance adjusted/police and tow yard were surprised that the airbags did not deploy.

NHTSA ID

11705829

Incident

Dec 13, 2025

Absolutely. Here is the revised, anonymous version of your NHTSA complaint about the acceleration and incline issue—with all identifying info removed: ⸻ Component/System: Engine performance and drivetrain. My 2020 Nissan Armada experiences repeated loss of power when accelerating, especially on inclines or under load. The RPMs spike erratically, but the vehicle does not gain speed and often slows down unexpectedly. This condition has persisted despite a prior repair and continues to occur. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. ⸻ Safety Risk: This issue places me and my children at serious risk while driving. The vehicle slows down when acceleration is needed most—such as when merging onto highways or climbing hills—creating a real danger of rear-end collisions or failed merges. The erratic RPM surges add instability and make it unsafe to rely on the vehicle in critical traffic situations like passing or freeway driving. ⸻ Confirmed by Dealer or Service Center: Yes. I brought the vehicle in for service in early 2025 after experiencing this issue. It was diagnosed with code P0025 and the exhaust valve timing control solenoid was replaced at a cost of over $1,000. However, the issue was not resolved and continues exactly as before. I returned for follow-up and was told an engine replacement might be needed, without receiving documentation or a clear explanation. ⸻ Inspected by Manufacturer, Police, or Insurance: No. The vehicle has not been inspected by Nissan corporate, police, or insurance. It has not resulted in a crash, but it remains an ongoing safety concern. ⸻ Warning Lamps or Symptoms: There were no consistent dashboard warnings. The issue began in early 2025 and occurs frequently—particularly during acceleration on hills or when the vehicle is under load. The RPMs surge, but the vehicle slows or struggles to maintain speed.

NHTSA ID

11677960

Incident

Jan 23, 2025

Here’s a full response you can paste into the NHTSA.gov form text box that directly answers all of the questions shown in your screenshot: ⸻ Component/System: The battery and electrical charging system on my 2020 Nissan Armada have repeatedly failed. The vehicle experiences sudden and unexplained battery drain even after regular driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This issue has caused my vehicle to fail to start on at least five separate occasions over the past month. I have been stranded in public places, including with my children, and now must carry a battery jump starter at all times. This is a safety concern, especially if the failure happens at night, in a remote location, during extreme weather, or in an emergency. The vehicle cannot be trusted to start reliably, putting me and others at risk. Confirmed by Dealer or Service Center: Not yet. I have not reported this specific battery issue to the dealership yet, as I have been tracking the frequency and pattern of failures before pursuing service. However, based on research, this appears to be a recurring issue with 2020 Nissan Armadas and may relate to an electrical or alternator defect. Inspected by Manufacturer, Police, or Insurance: No. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Nissan corporate, law enforcement, or insurance. It has not been in a crash. Warning Lamps or Symptoms: There were no dashboard alerts, warning lights, or error messages before each battery failure. The issue started about a month ago and has occurred five times since, always resolved temporarily by using a jump box. The battery appears to drain randomly when the car is off, despite recent driving.

NHTSA ID

11677959

Incident

Jun 26, 2025

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The electrical system and battery/charging system of my 2020 Nissan Armada have repeatedly failed. The vehicle experiences unexplained battery drain, even after extended driving. The issue is ongoing and the vehicle is currently connected to a trickle charger in my garage to remain operational. I am willing to make the vehicle available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This defect has caused my vehicle to become inoperable without warning, leaving me stranded multiple times, including once after work at night. I now must carry a portable jump starter at all times. This is a serious safety concern, especially if the battery failure were to occur in a remote area, during extreme weather, or in an emergency situation. I can no longer rely on my vehicle to start normally. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The issue has been confirmed and documented by Arlington Heights Nissan (Illinois). I have had the battery replaced twice, but the issue continues. The master mechanic at the dealership even admitted he owns the same model and uses a trickle charger himself. He stated that the root cause may be the “smart alternator” system, and the only fix they offered was to cut a wire for $300. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Yes. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by an authorized Nissan dealership. It has not been reviewed by police or insurance, as the issue has not led to a collision, but remains an ongoing safety risk. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure? When did they first appear? There were no warning lights or dashboard alerts before each battery failure. The issue began shortly after I took delivery of it

NHTSA ID

11676191

Incident

Feb 13, 2024

When driving home from work my car disengage cruise controlle and started flashing in my center concel BCI Malfunction. Since I makes it hard to start my car from time to time and it will randomly continue to flash BCI Malfunction

NHTSA ID

11675801

Incident

Jun 10, 2025

Component/System: Ignition system (brake switch/start button malfunction) and power door locks Available for inspection: Yes, both issues are ongoing and can be demonstrated at any time. Description of the Problem: My 2020 Nissan Armada Platinum is experiencing two serious and well-documented issues that I believe pose a clear safety threat, especially to families like mine. First, the push-button start system regularly fails. Despite pressing the brake, the vehicle won’t start unless I exit the car, lock it, and use remote start. This is a ridiculous, repeated workaround that I’ve had to normalize—sometimes in public places or when I’m in a rush with my children in the car. After doing research, I discovered this is directly tied to a faulty brake switch—a widely reported issue among Armada owners. The problem began sporadically in late 2023 and has become more frequent since. There are no warning lights, no diagnostic codes, no notice. Dealers acknowledge the issue but Nissan has refused to issue a recall. The second—and far more terrifying—issue is with the power door locks. In early 2024, both of my rear doors stopped locking and unlocking automatically at the exact same time. That is not normal wear and tear—that is a simultaneous systems failure. And these aren’t just any doors—these are the doors my children use every single day. This means that unless I manually check and lock them every time (which doesn’t always work), my children are sitting in unlocked back seats. Heaven forbid someone walks up to my car while I’m stopped at a red light and opens the door to snatch my child—because the door isn’t locked and the vehicle didn’t secure it like it should. This is completely avoidable one—if Nissan would take responsibility. The repair cost is $900 per door. It is clearly a manufacturer defect. The dealership confirmed both rear actuators have failed. What terrible tragedy has to happen before something is done?

NHTSA ID

11667085

Incident

Jan 1, 2023

No warning messages or signs. It has happened twice now. The rear suspension airbag leveling system has blown out. Two separate times. The suspension is now out on the rear of the vehicle which is a safety concern. Also, when the air bag does blow, it is loud and startling. When driving and it blows up, it is very startling and then you are driving with a trailer connected and a compromised rear suspension. The airbag had been replaced once. It is possibly being over inflated making the pump the problem potentially.

NHTSA ID

11664189

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

BCI Malfunction light has come on and is causing multiple other dash lights to appear as well. Turning the vehicle on/off doesn’t work to reset it.

NHTSA ID

11659884

Incident

May 9, 2025

BCI malfunction message, sudden braking, mulitple dashboard warnings lights

NHTSA ID

11646626

Incident

Mar 5, 2025

car solely runs on battery, and has no way to determan true state of how far battery is charge , reg car batterys are made to start run car and be charge not run on . so in 3 years battery will fail, now nissian will tell you put agm battery in car to solve probem, car was never built to support a agm battery , charing specks of car and rechargine specks of battery not compatable, but with 2019 recall wich my car was not part of but was built in 2019 , and has same computer, probem was never fix, they recoded the computer so this probem gose away for year or two then battery has be replace at 600.00 each unless u recharge it every two weeks manualy, the aulternaor stay off doing driveing, or if driven less 8 miles, if battery failes there no way control car as how ault works nissian cant tell no one it will run car, and it wont, i had car running in driveway unplug neg wire wile running car shut down, this now becomes huge consern , the ault needs be incress to 250 amps and wireing harness must be incress ends soder to conetions, agm battery must be put in it must be 25% bigger then one is being put in car, new computer code so battery be charge at 13.5 volts, the recall was never done was cover up, they new they buy time by useing a agm battery but some point will fail, as chargeing system is not made to charge on such a battery, the smartchageing system is compeat fauler and must be removed, if car will not run when a battery is disconneted there is huge probem with in that car, and wont go away with reprograming, the hole elec sysem has be change, it will not work as it is, this per nissian engerner, it can not work, but they had no options at all to cover this up they charge each person 600.00 and said had nothing do with recall , and they told dealer ship not to documnet battery probems this is bigger probem that the probems are not being documented

NHTSA ID

11609203

Incident

Mar 9, 2023

BCI Malfunction light will occasionally come on and dealer unable to explain why and when they have its led to brake swich. Twice in two years this has also led to them replacing the Brake switch in under 40K miles. now at 53 k miles brake switch is causing issues for the third time.

NHTSA ID

11586059

Incident

Apr 15, 2024

I have had this issue more than 5 times. When I am driving my breaks will lock up like it detects something in the road. I have had cars stop and almost rear end me multiple times. It happens at speeds higher than 20. I am very worried for my safety and my children’s safety in this vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11585940

Incident

Apr 29, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the charcoal canister purge valve. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump and O-ring. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who determined that the fuel cap needed to be replaced. The failure reoccurred, with the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was a failure with the battery. The contact was informed that a larger battery was required. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 74,000.

NHTSA ID

11545493

Incident

Jun 15, 2023

Mileage

74,000 mi

BCI Malfunction out of nowhere on a newly dealer-purchased 2020 Nissan Armada with less than 80,000 miles, which is a KNOWN AND FREQUENT ISSUE on Nissan Armadas...and causes unsafe conditions such as random braking, failure to start, rough engine, rough shifting...and lights up the dashboard with BCI malfunction light, intelligent key warning light, vehicle dynamic control indicator light, BSI light, forward emergency braking warning light.

NHTSA ID

11535234

Incident

Jul 29, 2023

My car has had to be repaired three times because of a BCI malfunction. This is a part the is controlled by the brake pedal. The car will not crank and the ACC issues occur. When the BCI malfunction occurs, the car will refuse to start, will malfunction while you are driving and the car loses the ability to break and/or control the speed. I have had the part replaced three times and it continues to act up. Nissan is aware of this issue because I had a 2019 armada that did the same thing. I have had the vehicle repaired three times. The part/repair will last 12-13 months or 18-20,000 miles before malfunctioning again. I have multiple videos of the car doing this. I have serviced at the dealership. I spoke with two different dealerships and the service managers both stated that they have never seen this part have to be repaired so much and don't know why it is not lasting. This vehicle has become a safety hazard to me, my children, and others on the road. I have contacted Nissan about repurchasing this vehicle. They said I do not meet the GA Lemon Laws and in fact, I do meet the requirements. At this point, I have started making videos of the malfunctions in the hope that if/when something happens to me, my family has the documentation needed to show that Nissan is at fault for this safety concern and they are aware of this because it also happened on my 2019 Armada.

NHTSA ID

11533511

Incident

Jul 20, 2023

Vehicle no start - What component or system failed or malfunctioned and is it available for inspection upon request? brake switch not operating properly. old part not available, had to have replaced. - How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? personal safety, not knowing if the vehicle was going to start and where you would be at the time it happens. - Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes, vehicle was taken to Nissan dealership for issue and repair. - Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No - Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No

NHTSA ID

11525559

Incident

May 1, 2023

THERE MANY TIMES EATHER ONE BACKING UP THAT BREAKS COME ON OR IF I DRIVEING AND SOMETHING JUST SLIGHTLY IN MY LANE BRAKES COME ON THIS CAN CAUSE HUGE PROBEMS. 1) IT CAUSE CAR TO WRECK 2) IT WARES BREAKS DOWN FASTER AS IT APPLYING BRAKES WHEN NOT NEEEDED NOTE IN CURSE CONTROL GOING DOWN A HILL CAR IS UNABLE TO KEEP IT SPEED THE SAME NO PROGRAMING FOR THIS WAS DONE, TWO CRUSE CONTROL HAS BE ON FOR ANY OF SAFTY FEACHERS WORK 3 IF U COMEING UP ON CAR FAST BREAKS WILL NOT COME ON IN SHORT U WILL HIT CAR IN FRONT U THERE IS HUGE PROGRAMING PROBEM WITH THIS U WOULD THINK THAT THE PROGRAMEING WOULD NOT BE SO BADLY MADE I NOTACE THESE PROBEMS BUT THEY CANT FIND ANY CODES WICH WOULD CAUSE IT AND U HAVE RECREAT WHAT MADE IT HAPPEN FIRST TIME CAR WILL SLOW DOWN IF IN CRUSE CONTROL BUT I DONT GET WHY WONT STOP THE CAR IF CAR IN FRONT IS STOP AND U COMEING UP ON IT TO FAST THE PROGRAMING IS ALL OVER INTERNET THAT THERE HUGE PROBEM I ASK THAT THEY BE FORCE TO FIX THE BREAKS, ALSO THIS IS A 6000 IB CAR FRONT BRAKES ON MY DODGE CHARGER WAS TWICE AS BIG WHY TO STOP IT WHY ARE BREAKS IN FRONT AND ROTOR SO SMALL THIS MIGHT NOT BE SPOTS CAR BUT WAYS MORE THEN H1 HUMMER

NHTSA ID

11519711

Incident

Nov 29, 2022

BCI Malfunction - caused brakes to seize up while driving. The first time I received this warning, in August 2022, it only caused my car not to start. After multiple attempts to start the vehicle, I finally was able to get it started and I scheduled repair at Nissan. When I took it in for repair, the Service Advisor said since the warning light was not actively illuminating, they were not able to pull codes and therefore not able to diagnose or repair. They sent me on my way and instructed me to return when the warning was displayed again. During this visit, my car was still under the mfg. warranty. Last week, while driving 50 mph and about to enter the freeway in Southern CA with 75+ speeds, the BCI Malfunction light came on and my brakes immediately seized causing me to stop abruptly. I was able to move to the side of the road and call a tow truck. The vehicle was towed to Nissan who had it for 3 days and said they were unable to duplicate the issue and felt the brake switch was just out of adjustment. I'm not sure how a brake switch could become out of adjustment and it does not sound like a reasonable answer to me. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle. If you look up Nissan Armada BCI Malfunction on an internet search, you will find several complaints with owners having the same issue. Why is this not a RECALL?! This is a major safety issue if the brakes are seizing up while driving! I was getting ready to enter the freeway and in Southern CA, freeway speed is 75+ mph! Is it going to take someone dying before Nissan handles this problem???

NHTSA ID

11487330

Incident

Sep 22, 2022

The 2020 Nissan Armada Platinum began with a BCI Malfunction notification on the dash, as well as multiple other warning lights illuminating on the same time on the dash. As well the low windshield washer fluid light came on after just changing the oil and checking fluids in mid-June. Reservoir was filled with additional washer fluid, the notification went off, but returned 30 minutes later despite the reservoir being full. Later in the day, the gear shift would not immediately engage to allow me to put the car into drive. While sitting at a stop light in a turn lane the car was put into Park to adjust the Navigation settings. From that point, the car would not shift into any other gear to make the car operational. Panicked and blocking traffic in the road, the car was turned off in the hopes it could be turned back on and it would engage the gear shift. The Armada would not start after that point at all. I sat for ten minutes attempting to restart the car, constantly having to get out of my car to waive traffic around me, putting myself at risk of being hit. Thankfully, a local Fire Dept was coming back from a call, and stopped to assist me. They blocked traffic to my right with their fire engine, and a family member came and blocked traffic from behind me with their vehicle to keep me safer than I had been. The Firemen tried everything they could to get the car to start to get the car to safety as we contacted a tow truck. With no success after another 20 minutes, they had to get a long screwdriver from the fire engine to release the shift lock to be able to put the Armada in Neutral. It took three firemen, and a family member to be able to push the car across three lanes of traffic, with the fire engine driving alongside my right to block traffic, pushing me into a busy intersection (at one point with an 18-wheel coming at us) to make a right onto the connecting street to a gas station parking lot to await a tow to the dealership. So scary!

NHTSA ID

11475940

Incident

Jul 25, 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was oil leaking onto the ground. The dealer and Jenkins Nissan of Leesburg (8865 US-441, Leesburg, FL 34788) were made aware of the failure. Jenkins Nissan of Leesburg informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V373000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) associated with the VIN and scheduled an upcoming appointment for diagnostic testing. Both dealers informed the contact that parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was a stop-sale issued on the vehicle in June 2021. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11455722

Incident

Feb 1, 2022

Mileage

43,000 mi

On multiple occasions, when I stop on stop sign or light and then start hitting gas the car won’t move , engine turn off almost to the point where no sounds come off the engine. This happened on multiple occasions on high ways, in town and keeps happening. I took to Nissan service and I was told everything is fine . Then it keeps happening creating huge safety risks .

NHTSA ID

11454364

Incident

Feb 27, 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Armada. The contact was informed by the dealer that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V373000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11440270

Incident

Jul 31, 2021