The Nissan Armada is a rugged SUV that gives you everything you need. It is a ride for family or executive purposes, it’s a full-size SUV every off-roader or adventurist would love. The Nissan Armada is pretty much similar to the Pathfinder; more so, at some point, it was called Nissan Pathfinder Armada.
While the Nissan Armada looks suitable for many purposes, it is important to know that not all the Armada model years are worth buying. For real? Yes, there are some Nissan Armada years to avoid because they develop lots of problems even at low mileage.
So, what are the worst Nissan Armada years, and what are the reasons why they are regarded as the “Worst?”
Below, we will discuss the worst Nissan Armada years you should avoid, the reason for that, and the best Nissan Armada years to buy!
See Also: Nissan Sentra Years To Avoid and Why
Nissan Armada Overview
The Nissan Armada is a 5-door full-size SUV equipped with a ton of features and accessories to offer an impressive riding experience across all terrains (on-road and off-road). Nissan Armada is the non-luxury version of the Infiniti QX80, but even at that, it comes with what you can consider “luxury” features.
First-gen Nissan Armadas featured a 5.6L V8 engine merged with a 5-speed automatic transmission, capable of outing 317hp and 385lb-ft of torque. Also, the first-gen Armadas were available as either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and some models were E85-compliant.
In addition to the ample space and features offered by the Nissan Armadas, the SUV can tow up to a 9,000lbs load. Newer (and current) Nissan Armada models come with 7-speed auto transmission paired with the standard 5.6L V8 engine.
Worst Nissan Armada Years To Avoid and Why
It is advisable to avoid these Nissan Armada years because they are quite problematic; you’d get to deal with expensive (major) repairs even at low mileage. Hereunder is a quick list of the Nissan Armada years to avoid:
- 2004 Nissan Armada
- 2005 Nissan Armada
- 2006 Nissan Armada
- 2007 Nissan Armada
- 2008 Nissan Armada
- 2017 Nissan Armada
These Nissan Armada years are flagged as the “worst” because they received a high number of complaints from people who own/drive them. Below are the common problems reported for these Nissan Armada model years.
Common Nissan Armadas Problems
1. Brakes Problems
- Affected Models: Mostly reported in the 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008 model years.
- Estimated Repair Cost: $1,200
Experiencing brake problems can be quite traumatic because such faults can make your heart skip a beat.
Common brake failure issues reported for the Nissan Armada years indicated above include brake booster failure, brakes getting locked up, ABS light coming up and brakes stopping to work, loose brake pedal, and pretty others.
Well, these problems typically occur at high mileage – after 100k miles, and the average repair cost is $1,200; however, in some cases, if you will need to replace the brakes entirely, the repair cost can go up to $2,500, or even higher.
2. Transmission Problems
- Affected Models: 2007, 2011, and 2017 model years.
- Estimated Repair Cost: $3,800
While the Nissan Armada notably comes with a sturdy transmission system, a few complaints were recorded for 2007, 2011, and 2017 model years.
Commonly reported problems included hard shifting, blown transmission cooler line, and shuddering while O/D is active. These problems attract an average repair cost of $3,800.
3. Interior Accessories Problems
- Affected Models: Mostly reported in 2008, 2009, and 2011 Nissan Armada models.
- Estimated Repair Cost: $1,600
Faulty audio/infotainment console, speakers suddenly stop working, roof compartment falling off, and inaccurate gauge readings are the most common interior accessories problems that relate to the indicated Nissan Armada models above.
Fixing these issues cost an average of $1,600, and they typically occur after 60k miles.
4. Engine Problems
- Affected Models: 2004, 2008, and 2017 Nissan Armada model years.
- Estimated Repair Cost: $1,800
Engine problems? Yes, a few engine problems were reported by a number of Nissan Armada owners. Common issues include intermittent misfiring, unintended acceleration, stalling while driving, and hard starting.
Well, these problems allegedly occur from 80k miles upwards, and the average repair cost is $1,800.
See Also: Why Are Nissan Sentras So Cheap?
5. Windows and Windshield Problems
- Affected Models: 2004, 2006, and 2008 Nissan Armadas
- Estimated Repair Cost: $500
Also, come Nissan Armada models seem to have windows and windscreen problems. According to most reports, the windshield and windows crack easily, and the power window function malfunctions at random intervals.
Fixing Nissan Armada windows and windshield problems costs up to $500 or higher if you need to replace the glass.
Best Nissan Armada Years To Buy
Okay, we’ve talked about the worst years to avoid; what about the best years to buy? Well, the newer models are pretty good and reliable; they are practically the best years of the Nissan Armada to buy. This includes:
- 2009 and 2010 Nissan Armada
- 2012 Nissan Armada
- 2013 Nissan Armada
- 2014 Nissan Armada
- 2015 Nissan Armada
- 2016 Nissan Armada
- 2018 Nissan Armada
- 2019 Nissan Armada
- 2020 Nissan Armada
- 2021 Nissan Armada
Well, it’s not like these Nissan Armada models don’t have problems, but they are more reliable and sturdier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Nissan Armadas Reliable?
The Nissan Armada takes home a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability score on RepairPal, ranking as the number two out of 14 other full-size SUVs in its class and category. Yes, Nissan Armadas are reliable and can last for a pretty long time if well maintained.
How Many Miles Do Nissan Armadas Last?
A properly driven and well-maintained Nissan Armada can last from 250,000 miles to 300,000 miles, or even higher, before needing major repairs. The Nissan Armada is one of the sturdiest SUVs from Nissan, and it is reliable. Some Nissan Armada owners allege they’ve driver over 400k miles, and their SUV is still in tact.
Is The Nissan Armada Worth It?
Put simply; the Nissan Armada is a worthy SUV. It is a three-row, spacious SUV with ample cargo space. The ride also comes with a solid V8 engine under the hood, and the transmission system typically lasts for a long time before exhibiting failure signs.
Summary
Summarily, this article explains the Nissan Armada years to avoid and why you should do so; it also lists the best model years to choose from – especially when buying a used Armada.
Generally, you’d find the Nissan Armada cozy and befitting as it comes with practically everything you need in an SUV; plus, it can go through any off-road terrain.