2019 Nissan Armada Problems
Compared with other Nissan Armada years
More complaints than typical for this model
78/100 1.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.9× 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.
- 29 of its 79 complaints were filed by the end of 2021.
- Most reported problem: Battery drain and no-start episodes (36 complaints, median 27,092 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, 2018, 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
- 79filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 22,000miles, 21 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of 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 2019 Nissan Armada (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2019 Armada most often describe starting problems and battery drain, frequently reporting repeated no-start episodes, jump starts and battery replacements. Many complaints also tie the same episodes to dashboard warnings such as BCI malfunction, forward collision and traction control lights, and a smaller group reports brake-pedal or brake-switch trouble and rear air-suspension or control issues.
- Electrical system
Battery drain and no-start episodes
- 36 complaints (46%)
- median 27,092 mi at 2.1 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- filed 2020–2026
Owners describe the vehicle failing to start after normal use, sometimes after sitting briefly and sometimes without warning, requiring a jump start. Complaints say batteries were replaced once or several times and that the problem returned; some were told a brake switch, battery cable or control module was at fault. Several owners mention a dealer could not reproduce the issue or find a cause, and some describe a message about the smart alternator or charging system. Reported across a wide mileage range, including under 10,000 miles and past 100,000 miles; several owners mention it happening more in cold weather or after short trips.
What to check: Ask the seller for battery and charging-system service records, and whether any software update or brake-switch or alternator work was done. Check the battery voltage after the vehicle has sat overnight.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On january 4th, 2020 when we went to start the car, all the lights flickered and the seats rattled from electrical pulses. The car did not start at all. We have had this happen 20+ times. Sometimes when we jump the car, it will start. The dealership has replaced the battery 4 times. It is clearly not the battery. Nissan never has an answer.”
NHTSA complaint #11386924, filed 2021-01, 22,000 miles“Dead battery under normal usage. The vehicle started as normal from home. I parked iit after 30 minutes driving. After two hours back at the parking lot the Armada would not start. I had to jump start it.”
NHTSA complaint #11350814, filed 2020-08, 38,800 miles - Forward collision avoidance
BCI malfunction, collision and warning lights
- 16 complaints (20%)
- median 23,450 mi at 2.3 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2019–2026
Complaints describe a Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) malfunction message, forward collision and automatic emergency braking warnings, and traction control lights appearing together, sometimes intermittently. Owners report the system shutting off or the vehicle refusing to accelerate normally, and in some cases the vehicle would not start or would not shift out of park while the warnings were displayed. Dealers reportedly cleared or updated software or could not duplicate the fault. Reported from very low mileage up to about 40,000 miles and beyond, often appearing intermittently.
Recall 19V6540006 related service bulletins
What to check: Start the vehicle and watch the dashboard for BCI, AEB or traction-control warnings during a test drive, and ask whether any camera or radar software updates were applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11664101, filed 2025-05“A little over a year ago my car started to display “BCI malfunction”, “Forward collision”, “slick conditions” on the dashboard and would jolt me forward and then not allow me to accelerate. We didn’t know when it would happen because it didn’t happen every time until I got stuck at a stop light due to those lights displaying and jolting me forward and not allowing me to accelerate. I contacted the dealership and they got the car in and fixed what needed to be fixed and it didn’t do it again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11535308, filed 2023-07 - Brakes
Brake pedal not recognized, no start or no shift
- 26 complaints (33%)
- median 13,600 mi at 1.6 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2019–2026
Owners report the vehicle will not start because it does not detect the brake pedal being pressed, so pushing the start button only cycles the ignition. Some say it will not shift out of park, that brake lights stay off, or that repeated pressing of the pedal is needed before it starts. Complaints mention brake light switch, brake control or ABS module replacements, with some owners saying the problem returned after repair. Described from near-new mileage through roughly 50,000 miles, and in one case past 130,000 miles.
What to check: With the ignition on, confirm the brake lights come on when the pedal is pressed, and test starting and shifting from park several times. Ask whether the brake light switch has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Vehicle sonar system didn't warned driver about obstacle which resulted in hitting it causing damage to the rear while backing up bumper. It works fine 90% of the time but it didn't at least twice when my wife hit lamp and 2nd time poll . I took vehicle to baker Nissan explained what happened but they didn't find anything wrong with it. When I asked how many times they tested it the response was: 1 time representative tried backing up and 1 time mechanic.”
NHTSA complaint #11301888, filed 2020-01, 15,258 miles“Truck will not start after several attempts. Have had battery replaced in september due to the same problem. Have had the brake switched replaced due to dealership stating that they couldn't find a problem but replaced switch anyway (longview,tx). I took vehicle back to original dealership on today, clay cooley of dallas,tx and they provided me with a two page list of codes and asked has the vehicle ever been in a wreck. I told them not to my knowledge unless it happened before I purchased it from their lot. …”
NHTSA complaint #11318033, filed 2020-03 - Suspension
Rear air suspension sagging or fault
- 7 complaints (9%)
- median 10,000 mi at 1.0 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2019–2024
Complaints describe the rear of the vehicle sitting low or the air suspension failing to raise it to normal height, with owners saying the rear feels unstable or wanders while driving. One owner towing a trailer reported the rear sinking close to the tires, and another described uneven rear tire wear after suspension work. Dealers reportedly replaced rear suspension components in some cases. Reported at low mileage, including around 10,000 miles, as well as at higher mileage.
What to check: Look at the rear ride height with the vehicle parked and loaded, listen for the air compressor, and ask whether the rear air springs or compressor have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11254477, filed 2019-09, 10,000 miles“While driving car on highway the rear felt like it was going one way while I was steering another. Took to dealer that just replaced rear suspension on 2/23/22. They saw that the rear tires were worn on the inside to the point of exposed wires. The tires checked out fine on 2/23/22 which indicates an issue on their end. They could not get the rear to align, tried to sell me rear tires (which weren't bad before they worked on the rear suspension).”
NHTSA complaint #11460565, filed 2022-04 - Back-over prevention (rear camera)
Rear sonar and backup camera warnings
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report the rear sonar or backup warning not sounding when reversing, and some describe a sonar system error message on the display. Complaints say the vehicle backed into objects without a warning, and that a dealer could not find a fault or said no repair was recommended. Mostly reported at very low mileage, often within the first few thousand miles.
What to check: Reverse toward a wall or object during a test drive and confirm the warning chime sounds, and ask whether the backup camera recall work was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I keep receiving a message on my screen that says sonar system error please contact your dealer for assistance. Now, the alert for the tire, oil, and fitler will not reset.”
NHTSA complaint #11377439, filed 2020-12, 10,409 miles“Bci malfunction earring, shows on the dashboard. This issue occurred since january, the entire system shuts off, pre collision, back up warning, cruise control, and sonar system, all goes off. Moreover, the car would not start, have to push the brakes 3 to 6 time in order to turn the car on. More to that, few time the gear seemed to be stuck on park and wouldn't switch to d or r.”
NHTSA complaint #11404335, filed 2021-03, 15 miles
Buying note. Check the battery and charging system carefully, including overnight voltage and any software or brake-switch service history, since starting problems come up often in these complaints. Also verify the warning lights, rear sonar and rear ride height during a test drive and ask for service records covering those items.
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 79 consumer complaints for the 2019 Nissan Armada. 21 of the complaints include a mileage, and 81% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 22,000 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 115 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 78 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than 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 system42 53%
- Other or unknown21 27%
- Brakes14 18%
- Engine11 14%
- Suspension7 8.9%
- Exterior lighting2 2.5%
- Vehicle speed control2 2.5%
Also reported: Air bags (1), Seat belts (1), Body and structure (1), Tires (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “2019 Nissan was purchased aug 2020 from vallejo Nissan(ca). October 20' the Armada wouldn't start, I took it to the tracy Nissan dealership as I have the Nissan plus extended warranty. Tech said it was the battery which was not covered. I purchased a new battery with max cranking amps. Jan 28, 2021 I took the car back to dealership as it failed to start again(#2). Nissan tech said the negative battery terminal cable was loose. Feb 3, 2021 I took the car back to tracy Nissan as it failed to start (#3). …”
NHTSA complaint #11398594, filed 2021-03, 39,000 milesOther or unknown: “Purchased new 11/30/2018. On 10/4/19 (mileage: 9,742), vehicle was parked and would not start. Dealership (northpark) claimed faulty battery and replaced. On 12/11/19 (mileage: 12,241), vehicle was parked and would not start. Same dealership replaced faulty brake light switch . On 1/27/20 (mileage: 13,409), car was parked and would not start. Same dealership replaced faulty battery . Each time vehicle was disabled, we were able to get it running by charging the battery and driving to the dealership, which is located 4-5 miles from home/work. …”
NHTSA complaint #11302725, filed 2020-01, 9,742 milesBrakes: “Bci malfunction message displayed on the dash along with other indicators. Vehicle wouldn't start. Service department suggested to continue to press the brake and push start button while I waited for road side assistance tow. After about 15 min the vehicle started. Minutes later the vehicle was on but would not move out of park. Continued to attempt while waiting for tow again and it eventually went out of park. The next day it would not start again and eventually did. Dropped off at dealer for service. Picked up that afternoon and was told they replaced the brake switch. …”
NHTSA complaint #11253804, filed 2019-09, 7,000 milesEngine: “On somewhat random occasions the vehicle will not start, in total over 13 separate occasions. At times it will start after 5 or 6 attempts sometimes 20 attempts. On the last 5 occasions it would not start until a battery charger or other battery was used. I have used the last occasion for date of occurrence. Had it to the dealership 3 times and they cannot duplicate. It is a random occurrence sometimes after a week and sometimes after a couple of months. The last time in november I had to jump start it 4 times before I could get it to the dealer and they could not duplicate it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11383387, filed 2020-12, 27,092 milesMileage when problems were reported
81% of the 21 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 10,000 and 39,900 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2019 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 | ★★★★☆ | 2 / 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 21.9% risk |
| Armada · SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | 2 / 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 23.7% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2019 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2018: same overall rating; 2020: 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 2019 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 2019 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. 115 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, 2025Electrical system, Brakes, Forward collision avoidance. 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 2019 Nissan Armada?
Owners of the 2019 Armada most often describe starting problems and battery drain, frequently reporting repeated no-start episodes, jump starts and battery replacements. The issues reported most often: Battery drain and no-start episodes; BCI malfunction, collision and warning lights; Brake pedal not recognized, no start or no shift.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019 Nissan Armada have?
NHTSA recorded 79 consumer complaints for the 2019 Nissan Armada as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2019 Nissan Armada is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 42 complaints (53% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 21.
Has the 2019 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 2019 Nissan Armada do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2019 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 2019 Nissan Armada get?
The EPA rates the 2019 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 2019 Nissan Armada reported?
Among the 21 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 22,000 miles and the middle half falls between 10,000 and 39,900 miles; 81% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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.