2017 Nissan Armada Problems
Compared with other Nissan Armada years
Typical for this model
48/100 0.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.9× that of a typical Nissan Armada year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 23 of its 81 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported problem: Brake pedal switch failure / vehicle will not start (16 complaints, median 40,000 mi).
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2020
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 81filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 42,000miles, 36 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 5.6L 8-cyl RWD · 14 city / 19 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2017 Nissan Armada (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2017 Armada most often report electrical faults: a brake-pedal/stop-lamp switch that fails and prevents starting, intermittent "BCI Malfunction" warnings that can trigger unwanted braking and disable cruise control, battery drain, and instrument panel lighting that flickers or goes dark. Transmission complaints follow, mainly rough or delayed shifting at low speed and low throttle, and some owners describe heater/seat and airbag warning-light problems. Many reports come in at moderate mileage (often 30,000-70,000), and symptoms tend to be intermittent and hard for dealers to reproduce.
- Electrical system
BCI Malfunction warning with no-start and sudden braking
- 15 complaints (19%)
- median 49,940 mi at 3.7 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2019–2026
Owners describe a "BCI Malfunction" message appearing on the dash, sometimes while driving and sometimes at startup; many also report the vehicle refusing to start, cranking several times, or only starting after waiting. In some reports the vehicle decelerates or applies the brakes on its own while driving, and cruise control stops working while the warning is on. Complaints frequently note that brake switches were replaced, batteries and starters swapped, and that dealers could not reproduce the fault or offered no further diagnosis. Reported from very low mileage up to roughly 70,000 miles, with most cases between about 40,000 and 55,000 miles.
What to check: Ask the seller whether BCI/forward-collision warning lights have appeared and what was replaced; during a test drive, watch for the warning or any unexpected braking, and confirm cruise control engages normally.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Car gave a bci malfunction warning on dash. When I turned the car off and went to restart it would not restart. This used to happen once every couple of weeks. It is now happened more than 10 times in the last two days.sometimes the car will start other times I have to try 15 times or more before it starts.”
NHTSA complaint #11254786, filed 2019-09, 47,000 miles“The bci malfunction keeps coming up while I'm driving. When I contact the dealer I'm told that I cannot get anything done unless the alert is on when they look at my vehicle. The car will also become difficult to start. The bci malfunction comes up while I am driving the vehicle randomly.”
NHTSA complaint #11350646, filed 2020-08, 58,000 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal switch failure / vehicle will not start
- 16 complaints (20%)
- median 40,000 mi at 2.8 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2018–2026
Owners report that the vehicle will not start unless the brake pedal is pressed firmly or repeatedly, and some say it cannot be shifted out of park while running. Several note brake lights not illuminating when the pedal is pressed, and that the same switch has been replaced two or three times, sometimes described as outside part warranty by dealers. Some complaints mention the repair being done to a stop-lamp or brake switch assembly. Appears from near-new up to about 68,000 miles, with several reports under 50,000 miles.
What to check: With the key on, press the brake pedal and have someone confirm the rear brake lights come on; ask for service records showing whether the brake switch has already been replaced and how often.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Bought this used on june 25,2019 with approximately 46860 miles on it from wolfchase chysler in bartlett,tn. I am in the medical field and today (8/2/18) was trying to leave work today and my car would not crank. In the process, I noticed that the brake wouldn't catch and when I finally was able to crank it, the shifter wouldn't go out of park. It was stuck. This happened 2 more times before driving down the road on a trip and this warning light bci malfunction as we are driving down the road. …”
NHTSA complaint #11241403, filed 2019-08, 49,940 miles“Braking system seems to go in/out intermittently while driving or when stopped. You can begin rolling even when the brakes are applied while stopped. It also will not allow you to start the vehicle unless you stomp on the break pedal. And in a few situations it has not allowed me to take the vehicle out of park unless stopping on the brake pedal if the car is running my mechanic and various website blog report and determine this might be a booster sensor issue which is not being issued for recall”
NHTSA complaint #11269511, filed 2019-10, 40,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Harsh or delayed shifting at low speed and light throttle
- 10 complaints (12%)
- median 22,100 mi at 2.9 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2017–2024
Complaints describe the transmission holding lower gears too long, shuddering or hesitating on acceleration, and RPM fluctuating while climbing or at 30-50 mph. Some owners say dealers told them the behavior was normal for warming the fluid, while others report vibration or flare during light-throttle upshifts. A few describe more serious outcomes such as loss of reverse gear or a stop with warning lights and a recommendation to replace the transmission. Often noted in cold weather and mostly under about 60,000 miles, with some reports near new.
What to check: Test drive from a cold start and at light throttle from a stop, feeling for shudder, delayed upshifts or RPM flare; ask whether any transmission reprogramming or repairs have been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The new Armada for 2017 has a cold weather problem in its transmission. The problem is it doesn't shift properly. My dealer says that's the way it supposed to work to warm the fluid. But in the 40 years that I have been driving cold weather has never been a problem for transmissions. It stays in 2nd and 3rd gears way to long . Anyway that's my problem and there should be a solution, maybe a different transmission fluid or a different code to shift more quickly. An updates needed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11081722, filed 2018-03, 8,000 miles“The transmission is shifting incorrectly at low rpms. I can clearly see the RPM fluctuating especially going uphill. This happens 30-50 MPH.lack of power/acceleration. Feels like transmission is shifting in lower gears too sooner and and won't accelerate until driver pushes significantly. This is very dangerous especially making turns at stop lights.”
NHTSA complaint #11404910, filed 2021-03, 103,000 miles - Electrical system
Battery drain and no-start, key or start issues
- 12 complaints (15%)
- median 62,500 mi at 3.7 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2019–2025
Complaints describe batteries going flat repeatedly, sometimes after replacement, with alternator, starter and battery reported as testing fine. Some owners mention the vehicle not recognizing or starting with the key fob, and others report the push-button start behaving intermittently. Dealers are described as unable to find a draw or as pointing to unrelated components. Scattered across the sample, commonly above 40,000 miles and sometimes within a year of a new battery.
What to check: Ask about battery replacement history and any parasitic-draw testing, and confirm both key fobs start the vehicle reliably during a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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? …”
NHTSA complaint #11390460, filed 2021-01, 78,500 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11583191, filed 2024-04 - Air bags
Flashing airbag warning light
- 9 complaints (11%)
- median 43,500 mi at 2.0 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2020–2025
Owners report a flashing red airbag light during normal driving, sometimes with a diagnostic code pointing to a side or curtain airbag or the airbag control module. Several say a curtain airbag or wiring component was replaced and the light returned, and some describe large diagnostic estimates without a confirmed cause. Complaints also mention no prior accident when the light first appeared. Reported from about 17,000 miles to over 70,000 miles, often during routine driving.
What to check: Turn the ignition on and confirm the airbag light performs its normal bulb check and then goes out; ask for records of any airbag or occupant-detection sensor repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I purchased my 2017 Armada in may of 2000 and my airbag light has been blinking off and on. I took it to a Nissan dealership and they told me that it could be my cabin airbag or my side panel. They said they checked my modular under seat panel and they said it wasn't any wires loose but what ever they did it stopped my air bag light for blinking but they said it will come back on and it did. Now it's time for my car to get inspected this month .what can I do”
NHTSA complaint #11406572, filed 2021-04, 70,000 miles“The red airbag warning light began flashing on my 2017 Nissan Armada on Friday, April 19, 2024. I took the vehicle to Wood Nissan of Lee's Summit for them to diagnose the issue. I was told the airbag control module had failed as well as the left side (driver side) curtain airbag. The dealership checked for recalls and found none. …”
NHTSA complaint #11587323, filed 2024-05
Buying note. These reports center on electrical and starting faults that are often intermittent, so a thorough test drive from cold, a check of brake-light operation, and a scan for stored codes are worthwhile. Service records showing what has already been replaced can tell you whether a given vehicle has been through the same repairs more than once.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 81 consumer complaints for the 2017 Nissan Armada. 36 of the complaints include a mileage, and 64% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 42,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 110 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 6 Nissan Armada model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 48 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system33 41%
- Engine16 20%
- Brakes13 16%
- Air bags12 15%
- Other or unknown8 9.9%
- Exterior lighting4 4.9%
- Seats3 3.7%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (3), Electronic stability control (2), Fuel system (2), Lane departure (2), Steering (1), Body and structure (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11280222, filed 2019-11, 39,200 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “While driving at rate of 45 miles per hour in the city of oxnard, ca in my 2017 Nissan Armada sl, the car started to immediately slow down to a speed of 5 miles per hour, which almost caused an accident. The antiskid and 4x4 lights and check engine light came on, but the car could not accelerate. I had to pull over to allow traffic to continue. After waiting for several minutes with the car off I restarted the car and then drove as normal. I took the vehicle to get looked at, but the technician couldn't determine the cause using diagnostic equipment. …”
NHTSA complaint #11339723, filed 2020-07, 64,000 milesEngine: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11353126, filed 2020-09, 39,958 milesBrakes: “Below is a copy of the email I sent to Nissan corp. They documented my complaint and close the file. My proof of ownership is attached. Reed Nissan is replacing part #25320-ax10a, brake switch on my 2017 Nissan Armada. Vin # ....... The parts and labor equal, $250.27. The price is not my issue, let's be clear. I am concerned about my safety. This morning my vehicles transmission started to slip, followed by the inability to stop!!! I almost rear ended another vehicle. The vehicle started to smoke. I was luckily able to get out of the road with little to no brake left to stop my vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11219824, filed 2019-06, 40 milesMileage when problems were reported
64% of the 36 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 8,200 and 58,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2017 Nissan Armada version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armada 2WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Armada 4WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2017 Nissan Armada in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 110 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11014472Feb 20, 2025Brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Electrical system. AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING WARNING LIGHT BLINKING APPLIED SYSTEMS: Vehicles equipped with a lane camera (see Figure 1) SERVICE INFORMATION If the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) warning light or…
- 11014471Feb 20, 2025Forward collision avoidance, Electrical system, Brakes. INTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE AND AEB/FEB WARNING LIGHT ON OR RADAR OBSTRUCTION MESSAGE DISPLAYED WITH DTC C1A16 OR C2582 IF YOU CONFIRM IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTION (on the next page)…
- 11009068Sep 19, 2024Air bags. DTC B00A0-00 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. IF YOU CONFIRM DTC B00A0-00 (OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR…
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004969May 11, 2024Electrical system. DTC C1A17-49 OR C2580-49 STORED IN LASER/RADAR This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Nissan Armada
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | 3,500 | 2 | — | 18 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 21 | 14,548 | 2 | — | 18 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 5 | — | 1 | 4 | 16 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 9 | 60,000 | 1 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 13 | 34,000 | 2 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 27 | 58,500 | 2 | 4 | 16 | 41 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 79 | 22,000 | 1 | 4 | 16 | 78 · More | Stable |
| 2018 | 76 | 48,200 | 1 | 4 | 16 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 81 | 42,000 | 0 | — | 16 | 48 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 21 | 50,000 | 3 | — | 15 | — | Rising |
| 2014 | 13 | 66,500 | 1 | — | 15 | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 17 | 36,000 | 2 | — | 15 | — | Rising |
| 2012 | 17 | 48,500 | 1 | — | 15 | — | Rising |
| 2011 | 40 | 54,000 | 1 | — | 15 | 18 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2010 | 48 | 64,000 | 4 | — | 15 | 57 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 23 | 80,000 | 3 | — | 14 | — | Falling |
| 2008 | 161 | 79,000 | 6 | — | 14 | 84 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 86 | 75,000 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 266 | 83,500 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 373 | 80,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 464 | 67,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Nissan Armada model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Nissan Armada?
Owners of the 2017 Armada most often report electrical faults: a brake-pedal/stop-lamp switch that fails and prevents starting, intermittent "BCI Malfunction" warnings that can trigger unwanted braking and disable cruise control, battery drain, and instrument panel lighting that flickers or goes dark. The issues reported most often: BCI Malfunction warning with no-start and sudden braking; Brake pedal switch failure / vehicle will not start; Harsh or delayed shifting at low speed and light throttle.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Nissan Armada have?
NHTSA recorded 81 consumer complaints for the 2017 Nissan Armada as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Nissan Armada is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 33 complaints (41% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 17.
Has the 2017 Nissan Armada been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Nissan Armada get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Nissan Armada (Armada 2WD, 5.6L 8-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 14 city and 19 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2017 Nissan Armada reported?
Among the 36 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 42,000 miles and the middle half falls between 8,200 and 58,000 miles; 64% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.