Owners have reported 1 crash and 1 injury to NHTSA for the 2018 Nissan Armada. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints36
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report frequent issues with the 2018 Nissan Armada's electrical system, primarily involving persistent battery drainage and starting failures. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle not starting, requiring jump starts, and instances of the car being stranded. Some owners note repeated battery replacements, often every year or two, without resolving the issue. Additionally, multiple owners describe problems with the brake switch and Body Control Module (BCM), which may contribute to the starting issues. One complaint involves a crash linked to a malfunction in the Back-up Collision Intervention system, highlighting potential safety implications. These problems often emerge within a few years of ownership, with some owners experiencing issues as early as 2020.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints7
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Armada frequently report issues with the power train, specifically related to transmission performance. Common symptoms include transmission shuddering at low speeds, failure to shift properly, and the vehicle stalling or losing power unexpectedly. These issues often occur between 15-40 mph and around 80 mph, with some complaints noting occurrences as early as 98,000 miles. Safety concerns are noted, with reports of the vehicle stalling in traffic and losing speed on highways, creating hazardous situations. Buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission issues, which appear to be both mechanical and software-related, as indicated by multiple repair attempts without resolution.
Owner complaints5
ENGINE
Owners report that the 2018 Nissan Armada experiences engine issues, particularly involving cylinder 7 scuffing, which can lead to engine knock and potential failure. Complaints frequently mention loss of motive power without warning, and some describe the vehicle unexpectedly accelerating when brakes are applied. These issues are commonly reported around 68,000 to 70,000 miles. Safety implications include the risk of losing control due to engine failure or unexpected acceleration. Buyers considering a used 2018 Armada should be aware of these potential engine problems, especially if the vehicle is out of warranty.
Owner complaints4
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Armada frequently report issues with the dashboard instrument panel lighting, where sections of the panel, such as the odometer and RPM gauge, go dark or blink intermittently. This issue is noted to occur around 82,000 miles, though it is also mentioned as a broader issue among 2017-2018 models. Another distinct complaint involves headlights being excessively bright, causing discomfort to oncoming traffic. The dashboard lighting problems pose a potential safety risk by requiring drivers to focus longer on the panel to read gauges, which could distract from driving. These issues may lead to costly repairs, with dashboard replacements reportedly costing around $1,200, excluding labor.
Owner complaints4
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report frequent issues with the 2018 Nissan Armada's braking system, including unexpected and random application of the brakes while driving, which sometimes leads to near accidents. Complaints frequently mention warnings such as "BCI Malfunction" and ABS system alerts, with some vehicles failing to shift out of gear or not starting. Multiple owners describe the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly or refusing to shift into drive, leaving them stranded. These issues often occur without any apparent trigger from the safety sensors, and some owners note severe braking incidents accompanied by smoke, suggesting potential overheating. Safety implications are significant, as several reports detail near collisions and loss of control, making this a critical consideration for potential buyers.
Owner complaints4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Armada report various issues primarily related to electrical and electronic components. A recurring problem involves the battery dying every 6-12 months, with some owners discovering a workaround involving the IPDM smart charging system. Infotainment system failures are also common, with symptoms including unresponsive touchscreens, frequent reboots, and loss of backup camera functionality, which pose potential distractions and safety risks while driving. Additionally, some owners experience starting issues, where the vehicle fails to start or requires a jump start, with no clear solution identified by service centers. These issues often arise before reaching 70,000 miles and may leave drivers stranded or unable to start their vehicles.
Owner complaints2
FUEL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Armada report issues related to the fuel system, specifically involving the fuel pump. Common symptoms include the vehicle stalling after refueling and the presence of a strong fuel odor when the vehicle is parked, sometimes accompanied by visible fuel leakage on the ground. These issues are noted at mileages of approximately 114,000 to 157,000 miles. The complaints suggest potential safety implications due to stalling and fuel leaks, though no crashes or fires are reported. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential fuel system problems, particularly in vehicles with higher mileage.
Owner complaints2
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Armada report issues with the air bag warning light blinking intermittently. One owner describes this symptom occurring while driving, with the vehicle previously serviced for the same problem, suggesting a recurring issue. The complaint notes this problem appears at approximately 80,000 miles. There are no reports of crashes, fires, or loss of control associated with this issue, but the repeated warning light activation indicates a potential concern with the air bag system's functionality. Buyers should be aware of this pattern and consider checking if the vehicle has undergone related repairs.
Owner complaints2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Armada report issues with the vehicle's speed control, specifically involving the Forward Emergency Braking system. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle applying brakes involuntarily while driving, even when there are no obstacles ahead, causing a sudden stop. This unexpected braking occurs at highway speeds, around 55-60 mph, and poses a risk of rear-end collisions. Additionally, owners describe dashboard lights activating and a "BCI Malfunction" message appearing, which results in the vehicle being unable to accelerate safely until it is parked and restarted. These incidents sometimes prevent the car from starting immediately, potentially leaving occupants stranded.
