2018 Nissan Armada Problems
Compared with other Nissan Armada years
Typical for this model
50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× 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.
- 17 of its 76 complaints were filed by the end of 2020.
- Most reported problem: Intermittent no-start and battery drain (21 complaints, median 44,000 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2017, 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
- 76filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 48,200miles, 27 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 5.6L 8-cyl RWD · 14 city / 19 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 Nissan Armada (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2018 Armada most often write about electrical problems: repeated no-start or battery-drain episodes, instrument cluster lighting that goes dark, and infotainment screens that freeze or go blank. A second cluster of complaints describes the backup collision intervention (BCI) warning appearing along with unintended brake application, sometimes followed by a no-start. Transmission and fuel-system complaints appear as well, the latter mostly at higher mileage.
- Electrical system
Intermittent no-start and battery drain
- 21 complaints (28%)
- median 44,000 mi at 3.0 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2019–2026
Owners describe pressing the start button and getting nothing, a single click, or a slow crank, often followed by success with a jump start. Several report replacing the battery more than once, sometimes within a year, and dealers testing the battery as good or finding no codes. Some mention replacing the brake pedal switch as a temporary fix. Reported across a wide mileage range, from a few thousand miles to well over 100,000, often with no warning beforehand.
What to check: Ask whether the battery and brake pedal switch have been replaced, and whether a parasitic drain test was done. On a test drive, start the vehicle several times and note any slow crank or click.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I went out to my vehicle which unlocked with my pod I went to start it and all the dash board lights came on but the vehicle would not start. I jumped the battery and it started instantly so I took the vehicle to an auto store to check the battery which they stated was a great battery with a high charge. I have looked online to see that many people are having a problem with their Armada starting at times and have to do many things to get it to start. …”
NHTSA complaint #11281552, filed 2019-11, 44,000 miles“Yesterday I was sitting in a drivethru and all of a sudden the bci warning light came on the dash and a couple of other dash lights. Drove straight home and now the vehicle will not start. I will have to get a tow to the nearest dealer. Good thing I drove straight home otherwise I would have been stranded somewhere. My Armada only has 38,000 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #11385174, filed 2020-12 - Brakes
BCI malfunction warning and unintended braking
- 12 complaints (16%)
- median 40,000 mi at 2.9 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2020–2025
Complaints describe a BCI malfunction message on the dash, often with several warning lights, and the vehicle applying its own brakes while driving or backing up. In some cases the vehicle then will not restart or will not shift out of park. Dealers have replaced the stop lamp switch, and owners report the message returning afterward. Reported from around 7,000 to about 65,000 miles, usually while driving or right after startup.
What to check: Ask whether the stop lamp switch and any related software updates were applied. Watch for a BCI warning at startup and confirm the warning lights go out after the self-check.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Vehicle suddenly would not start on 12/21/2019, thus leaving my family and I stranded in a brand new vehicle. (reported to Nissan roadside assistance) bci malfunction warning (see photo) and the vehicle began to automatically apply the brake as I was driving and I could not override it. I feel this is a safety issue, as I had no control over the vehicle whatsoever. …”
NHTSA complaint #11307430, filed 2020-02, 7,000 miles“While driving car will start acting weird as though I'm have a little difficulty accelerating. Then a light will come on that looks like a car with a windy road. Then after a minute or two a ton of other lights will come on and an alert of bci malfunction will appear. Tried to google to see what other people have done to resolve and some have said that they have to pull over because the car has actually shut off on its own. So, I always try to pull over and turn the car off and back on. …”
NHTSA complaint #11349777, filed 2020-08, 25,000 miles - Electrical system
Infotainment screen blank, frozen or rebooting
- 10 complaints (13%)
- median 68,000 mi at 2.2 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 2019–2026
Complaints describe the center touchscreen going black, freezing, rebooting at random, or losing radio, Bluetooth and climate controls. Some say the backup camera still works while the rest of the screen does not, and dealers quoted full unit replacement. Reported from low mileage up to about 70,000 miles, sometimes soon after purchase.
What to check: Test the touchscreen through a full drive: radio, Bluetooth, navigation and climate controls. Ask whether an infotainment software update was applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The display screen only works for camera system on vehicle, unable to control radio/climate control on the touch screen. It is just a blank backlit screen unless using cameras. I have had the radio control unit reprogrammed and nothing is working. There is an electrical issue and I’m worried it will get worse.”
NHTSA complaint #11595687, filed 2024-06“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 complaint #11645056, filed 2025-02 - Electrical system
Instrument cluster and dash lighting going dark
- 11 complaints (14%)
- median 45,768 mi at 3.6 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2019–2025
Owners report sections of the speedometer, tachometer or odometer lighting going dark or blinking on and off while driving. Several say the dealer identified a known cluster failure and quoted a replacement, and at least one was told the vehicle was not covered by a recall for it. Mostly reported between roughly 20,000 and 82,000 miles, appearing gradually rather than all at once.
What to check: With the headlights on, look at every gauge and the odometer in daylight and at night to check for dark segments or flickering.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have noticed that on my 2018 Nissan Armada, has roughly 82,456 miles on it , an I noticed the RPM between 7/8 don't light up like the other numbers ! And I noticed while driving on the speedometer between 0-20mph on the dash will blink in an out while driving , it does it pretty often, it will stay off quit a bit an then light back up.”
NHTSA complaint #11493396, filed 2022-11“Parts of the dash lights are not illuminated. Seems to be a trend on the 2017-2018 models according to forms I have read. Dash replacements are roughly $1200 not including labor. Kind of steep to expect customers to pay with as many customers having the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11506869, filed 2023-02 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shudder, slipping or refusing to shift
- 6 complaints (8%)
- median 48,200 mi at 2.9 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2019–2025
Owners describe a shudder felt through the floor at light throttle between roughly 20 and 40 mph, as if the transmission is searching for a gear, and in some cases the vehicle not shifting or losing speed at highway speed. Dealers diagnosed driveline issues, replaced the valve body or transmission, and in one case the problem returned. Reported from around 11,000 miles to about 98,000, typically under light acceleration rather than hard driving.
What to check: During the test drive, accelerate gently from a stop and at 20-40 mph, and feel for shudder or hesitation. Ask for transmission service records or any prior valve body work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The engine loses power suddenly and unexpectedly (check engine light turns on). With the loss of power, vehicle loses speed and acceleration. This situation has happened on four different occasions. In all cases the loss of power happened while driving, three of the times while driving on a major highway (I-10). The sudden loss of speed creates a hazardous situation for me, my passengers and any drivers around me. In all cases I have taken my vehicle to the dealership that I bought the car from, mossy Nissan in houston (mn). …”
NHTSA complaint #11289596, filed 2019-12, 8,878 miles“Transmission will not shift gears properly , causing vehicle to stall in traffic this is the second time this has happened with this vehicle , 1st time Nissan replaces transmission and now this happens again”
NHTSA complaint #11343936, filed 2020-08, 55,850 miles
Buying note. Check the starting behavior, warning lights and infotainment screen carefully on any test drive, and ask for records of battery, brake switch and transmission work. The fuel-system and engine complaints in this sample appear at higher mileage, so a pre-purchase inspection that covers fuel pump condition and engine noise is worthwhile.
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 76 consumer complaints for the 2018 Nissan Armada. 27 of the complaints include a mileage, and 52% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 48,200 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 140 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 50 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 system41 54%
- Brakes15 20%
- Engine14 18%
- Other or unknown10 13%
- Exterior lighting6 7.9%
- Fuel system5 6.6%
- Air bags3 4.0%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Electronic stability control (1), Lane departure (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Body and structure (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “7/25/2020 Nissan Armada platinum reserve - while driving down the canyon, I had the brakes start applying themselves then all the lights on the dash came on with a message bci malfunction. We were able to get pulled over safely and turn the car off. We then restarted the car and the light came on again, so we repeated the steps and the light went off. At our next stop, the car would not start no matter how many times we tried from the normal push button start. We were finally able to get it start by using remote start on the key fob. …”
NHTSA complaint #11341450, filed 2020-07, 40,000 milesBrakes: “During normal driving, bci light will appear and then all dash warning lights and car will handle sluggishly. Upon stopping and attempting to restart car, vehicle will not start for upwards of 30 minutes. Once vehicle is in park and vehicle is restarted...gear shift cannot be moved from park to drive. This has endangered my family by occuring at traffic lights at busy intersections and unprotected railroad crossings. Please investigate this before someone is killed because of this defect.”
NHTSA complaint #11364524, filed 2020-10, 55,000 milesEngine: “Vehicle tends to lose power when gas pedal is engaged. When foot is off the gas and brakes are applied while idled at traffic light vehicle tries to accelerate. I constantly have to be mindful to keep brakes firmly pressed.”
NHTSA complaint #11360635, filed 2020-09, 37,795 milesOther or unknown: “Bought a new 2018 Nissan Armada in dec 2018 in the evening. Not thinking much about it purchased my new SUV and drove home. Shortly after my purchase I noticed in the sun that my truck paint didn't look quite right. After washing I noticed a couple paint chips around the door area that were quite significant. Contacted Nissan promptly about this issue. After taking to a Nissan collision center and being told its a bad quality paint and will only be correct with being stripped down to the metal and redone, this was completely disregarded by Nissan. …”
NHTSA complaint #11186978, filed 2019-03, 2,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
52% of the 27 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 27,000 and 70,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Nissan Armada. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armada · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 3 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 21.6% risk |
| Armada · SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | 3 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 23.6% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2018 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2019: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2018 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
- 19V654000Sep 12, 2019Back over prevention › Sensing system › CameraCovers: Nissan Armada 2018–2019, Infiniti QX30 2018–2019, Nissan Versa 2018–2019 +23 more
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti…
Recall details for the 2018 Nissan Armada → · Check a 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. 140 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…
- 11031699Mar 30, 2026Electrical system. TELEMATICS SERVICE INFORMATION HINT: This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 4G network compatible TCU. TCUs compatible with 3G network only are no longer supported. SERVICE INFORMATION…
- 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.
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 2018 Nissan Armada?
Owners of the 2018 Armada most often write about electrical problems: repeated no-start or battery-drain episodes, instrument cluster lighting that goes dark, and infotainment screens that freeze or go blank. The issues reported most often: Intermittent no-start and battery drain; BCI malfunction warning and unintended braking; Infotainment screen blank, frozen or rebooting.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 Nissan Armada have?
NHTSA recorded 76 consumer complaints for the 2018 Nissan Armada as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2018 Nissan Armada is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 41 complaints (54% of the total), followed by brakes with 15.
Has the 2018 Nissan Armada been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2018 Nissan Armada do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2018 Nissan Armada 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Nissan Armada get?
The EPA rates the 2018 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 2018 Nissan Armada reported?
Among the 27 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 48,200 miles and the middle half falls between 27,000 and 70,000 miles; 52% 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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.