The Best and Worst Nissan Armada Years to Avoid and Reliability By Year

Are you in the market for a used full-size SUV that can handle anything life throws at you? Look no further than the Nissan Armada.

With its spacious interiors and impressive performance capabilities, it’s no wonder this comprehensive beast of a vehicle has become a popular choice for families and adventurers alike.

But there is an issue we want you to be aware of before making a choice: not all Armada models are created equal.

If you want to avoid potential issues that could endanger you and your passengers, knowing each reliability by year and which model years to avoid is essential.

Say goodbye to the headache and heartache caused by unreliable vehicles by steering clear of Armada models from 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2017. Our editors go into much MORE detail as well, revealing the best years for Nissan Armada!

Armada Years to Avoid By Generations

First Generation (2004 – 2015)

The first Nissan Armada generations spanned from 2004 to 2015. This Generation was based on the Nissan Titan platform, making it one of the most considerable SUVs in the market during that time.

Early Models, 2004, 2005, and 2006, are the ones to avoid due to some severe issues. These problems could endanger your and your passengers’ safety, so avoid these years.

Despite the early issues in the first Generation, Nissan resolved most of these as the years passed.

Second Generation (2017 – present)

The second Generation of Nissan Armada models began in 2017 and is still in production today. This Generation is based on the Nissan Patrol platform, making it different from its predecessor.

The Infiniti QX80 also uses this platform, so they share some similarities in terms of design and features. However, the 2017 model year had some reliability concerns, making it one of the years to avoid in the second Generation.

That being said, the following years, like 2018, 2019, and 2020, saw significant improvements in performance, fuel efficiency, and overall reliability.

So, as you browse the used market or consider buying a new Armada, please don’t shy away from the later Nissan Armada generations; they proved more reliable and enjoyable to own.

TIPS: See our detailed comparison between the Nissan Armada vs. Infiniti QX80 guide here.

Here Are The Worst to Avoid

The following years have been identified as having more issues than others:

• 2004 Nissan Armada
• 2005 Nissan Armada
• 2006 Nissan Armada
• 2007 Nissan Armada
• 2008 Nissan Armada

The 2004 Nissan Armada is considered the worst model year by several reviewers. It has been plagued with problems, such as brake issues and engine problems. You’ll want to avoid this model year.

The 2005 Nissan Armada also suffered similar brake and engine problems as the 2004 model. Interior issues have also been reported, making it another model year to avoid.

The 2006 Nissan Armada continued the trend of brake and engine problems. This model year is also known for having interior issues, which can frustrate drivers and their passengers.

Moving on to the 2007 Nissan Armada, this model still experienced some brake problems, but they were not as severe as the previous years. However, this vehicle has had reports of engine problems, meaning it’s still best to avoid it.

Lastly, the 2008 Nissan Armada carried over some of the prior years’ issues. While more problematic than earlier models, avoiding the 2008 model year is still the best.

Some Common Problems.

Transmission Issues

Sometimes, your Nissan Armada may experience transmission problems, with some owners reporting failures or difficulties in shifting gears.

Monitoring any unusual behavior from your transmission, such as slipping or hesitating, is essential. A regular inspection and maintenance schedule can help prevent more severe issues.

Engine Problems

Engine problems could pose a significant inconvenience for you and your family. Losing engine power, stalling, or experiencing rough jerking while driving are just a few of the issues that have been reported.

You’ll have a better chance of avoiding these complications by keeping up with your Armada’s maintenance needs.

Brake Problems

Your Nissan Armada may also suffer from brake problems, ranging from issues with brake pads to more severe concerns like sudden brake failure.

These problems have been primarily reported in the 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008 model years. Staying vigilant and addressing any braking anomalies is essential for your safety.

Unintended Acceleration

Unintended acceleration is another potential issue that could arise, posing a risk for you and others on the road.

This problem could result from defects in the accelerator pedal or other related components. Regularly inspecting and servicing these parts can help mitigate the risk of unintended acceleration.

Interior Accessory Defects

Lastly, your Armada might experience interior accessory defects, such as a falling overhead console.

While these issues might not directly impact your vehicle’s performance or safety, they can still be a nuisance for you and your family.

Keeping a close eye on any interior issues and addressing them can help maintain a comfortable and functional cabin.

The Best Years for Nissan Armada to Buy

Buying your vehicle from the best years guarantees you land the most reliable and worth your investment.

You’ll want to focus on the best years for Nissan Armada models that have proven themselves over time, offering fantastic performance and minimal issues.

The 2010 Nissan Armada

The 2010 Nissan Armada is one of the best years to purchase. With reliable performance and few reported complaints, this year’s model will cater to your needs well.

2011 and 2012 years

You may also be interested in the 2011 and 2012 Nissan Armada models. These years, they have garnered positive reviews, particularly for their improved reliability and performance compared to earlier models.

Many users were happy with their 2011 and 2012 Armadas due to the enhancements in handling and overall driving experience.

The 2014 year

Another best year for Nissan Armada you should consider is the 2014 Nissan Armada. This model comes with high ratings and excellent reviews, making it a great choice for those looking for a dependable vehicle that can accommodate the needs of a growing family.

2015 and 2016 models

For 2015 and 2016, Nissan continued to produce reliable Armada models, earning top marks for their functionality and style.

The 2015 Nissan Armada came with a few upgrades, while the 2016 model offered excellent reliability and performance, solidifying it as one of the top choices for a used Armada.

The 2017 year

Though the 2017 Nissan Armada had some issues, it still fares quite well as a used option. This model was the first redesigned second-generation Armada, boasting a spacious and luxurious interior, making it perfect for family road trips.

2019 model year

Lastly, the 2019 Nissan Armada is another recommended year for purchasing a reliable used Armada. It has an impressive list of standard features, further enhancing its value and making it a smart choice if you’re on the hunt for a pre-owned Nissan Armada.

Comparison with Competitors

This section compares the Nissan Armada with other popular full-size SUVs. We’ll look at their performance, reliability, and other relevant factors to help you make an informed decision.

Chevrolet Tahoe

The Chevrolet Tahoe is a strong competitor in the full-size SUV market. It offers a higher towing capacity than the Nissan Armada, making it a more suitable choice for towing heavy loads.

However, the Tahoe’s reliability ratings may not be as impressive as other SUVs in this segment. The Tahoe’s performance is on par with the Armada, but the Tahoe does not provide the luxurious feel you would get with the Infiniti QX80.

Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition is another popular choice in the full-size SUV market. While its towing capacity is slightly better than the Armada’s, its overall performance is similar.

The Expedition has a good reputation for reliability, but it may not be as comfortable or luxurious as the Armada or the Infiniti QX80. Here is our info for Ford Expedition’s worst and best years models!

Toyota Sequoia

The Toyota Sequoia is known for its remarkable SUV reliability, making it a great option.

However, its towing capacity is less than the Nissan Armada and other competitors in the segment, so you’ll need to weigh the importance of towing capability. Sequoia’s best models are worth your investment.

The Sequoia’s performance is comparable to the other SUVs, but it also lacks the luxury features of the Infiniti QX80. Here is our info for Sequoia’s worst problems models!

Honda Pilot

While the Honda Pilot is not a full-size SUV, it is still a noteworthy competitor in the SUV market. Its performance is comparable to the Nissan Armada but needs to improve regarding towing capacity.

The Pilot’s best years have a good reliability reputation. Still, if you’re looking for luxury features, you might be disappointed as it does not compete with the Infiniti QX80. Here is our info for the Honda Pilot’s worst issues years!

GMC Yukon

Lastly, the GMC Yukon is a powerful competitor with impressive towing capacity and performance that rivals the Nissan Armada.

However, reliability ratings may vary, and it doesn’t quite reach the luxury levels of the Infiniti QX80. Here is our info for GMC Yukon’s list of problems to avoid!

When considering the Yukon, you’ll need to decide how important factors such as towing capacity and luxury features are to you.

Driving Experience

When driving a Nissan Armada, you’ll notice the power of its V8 engine. This engine provides a smooth and responsive ride, making your journey pleasant and comfortable.

The 2004-2006 and 2008 Nissan Armada models are known to have issues that could affect your driving experience—these years had problems with brakes, engine, and interior quality.

On the other hand, the 2017 Nissan Armada saw a significant redesign that significantly improved the driving experience.

The 2017 and 2018 models have a reliable 7-speed automatic transmission, which ensures smooth gear shifts while driving. A few reported transmission issues have been reported, but these seem relatively minor compared to the earlier models.

The 2019 Nissan Armada comes equipped with advanced tech features to enhance your driving experience further, such as Intelligent Cruise Control and Automatic Emergency Braking.

With a powerful V8 engine, 7-speed automatic transmission, and updated tech features, the 2019 Nissan Armada offers a comfortable and enjoyable drive.

Nissan Armada Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of your Nissan Armada largely depends on how well you maintain and care for it.

So, how long is an Armada expectancy? These vehicles are expected to last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles on average. With proper care and maintenance, your Armada can last even longer.

It’s essential to be diligent with routine maintenance tasks to ensure your Armada achieves this impressive mileage. These include:

• Regular oil changes
• Checking and replacing fluid levels
• Inspecting and replacing belts and hoses
• Tire rotations
• Brake checks and replacements

In addition to these basic maintenance tasks, remember to schedule regular tune-ups with a trusted mechanic. It helps identify issues early before they escalate into major problems.

Regarding Nissan Armada’s reliability – it scores above average, making it dependable.

However, there are a few year models that are best to avoid due to reported issues:

• 2004
• 2005
• 2006
• 2008
• 2017

These models are known to have brake problems, engine issues, and interior concerns. By opting for a different year model, you can increase the likelihood of enjoying a long-lasting and reliable Nissan Armada.

If you care for your Armada and follow recommended maintenance guidelines, you can expect it to serve you well for many miles and years.