2011 Nissan Armada Problems and Complaints

Users Opinions on 2011 Nissan Armada

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Glenn Urban
• 19/11/2016
Rating:
(2 Out Of 5 stars)
Shortly after our Armada was out of warranty, a rear AC line corroded through so the AC did not work. The part was installed in one piece, so the repair meant removing body from frame to replace it.....at a cost of $4,000.00!Read More
Source: edmunds
D
denverdan
• 28/03/2012
Rating:
(2.63 Out Of 5 stars)
... that the Armada would be the perfect choice. So far the vehicle has 210 miles on it and I have made a horrible mistake. There is a terrible shake from the steering wheel when the vehicle hits 65mph (I never took it that fast during the test drive). The lift gate doesn't shut tight without slamming it and pushing hard at the same time. I feel like my rear window willRead More
Source: edmunds

Nathan Dyer

Senior Editor,

Updated on April 24, 2023

Nissan has been making the truck-based Armada since 2003 but the SUV’s popularity never truly took off. The NHTSA has recorded zero recalls and only 34 complaints against the 2011 Nissan Armada to date, indicating the solid reliability of the SUV. However, the dismal sales figure of the current model is another reason for the low number of complaints. The previous year’s model had 4 recalls and 41 complaints which makes the current model’s numbers a slight improvement. The affected owners of the present model complain about steering, brake, powertrain, and suspension issues among others.

As compared to the previous model, the 2011 Armada has different sets of problems in each category indicating no underlying issues as well. The chunky SUV goes up against the likes of the Chevrolet Tahoe, the Toyota Sequoia, and the Ford Expedition in its class. That said, the 2011 Armada reliability rating of 74/100 falls well behind most of its rivals in the full-size SUV class. Check out the video below by "Consumer Reports" which showcases all the good and the bad there is about this Nissan and read ahead to make an informed buying decision.

Nissan Armada user complaints and problems

Engine problems

Exhaust breaking off: A single complaint mentions this issue. The owner reports that while driving, the exhaust pipes broke off completely.
Exhaust manifold and catalytic converter crack: A few complaints mention the exhaust manifold and catalytic converter cracks. The reports further mention that due to the crack, there is a ticking sound from the engines of the affected vehicles. In one case, replacing the entire exhaust system failed to resolve the issue since the cracks appeared on the replacement unit as well.
Transmission sensor fault: One owner reports a transmission sensor failure. Due to this, the engine stalled suddenly while driving and the transmission refused to shift as well.
Transmission failure: A single case of complete transmission failure is there against the 2011 Armada. The owner further mentions that the radiator of the vehicle leaked as well.

Safety problems

Airbag module failure: More than a couple of complaints mentioning the airbag module failure are present. The owners further report that due to the modules failing, the airbag warning lights came on in the instrument clusters of their vehicles.
Emergency brake cable fracture: A single model of the 2011 Nissan Armada faced this issue. The owner reports that while driving there was a loud noise followed by a complete loss of vehicle control. Upon further inspection, the emergency brake cable was found to be fractured.
Brake failure: A couple of owners report brake failures while driving. While they were driving, the brakes failed to stop the vehicles despite the brake lights working and no brake warning signs being illuminated on the instrument cluster.

Miscellaneous problems

Rear-wheel rusting and rear wheel control arm fracture: Some owners report a rear driver’s side wheel rusting issue. In one case while driving, the rear driver’s side wheel was twisted and upon further inspection, the rusting was discovered. The control arm was replaced. In other cases, the wheels either broke off or the lower control arms fractured. In one instance, the entire alignment of the suspension system was bad and it resulted in axle damage.

2011 Nissan Armada recalls

There are no recalls for the 2011 Nissan Armada yet.

Should you buy a used Nissan Armada?

The Nissan Armada is practically a truck underneath but offers excellent comfort inside the cabin along with a strong performance from the standard V8. Like other utility vehicles, the Armada is dependable and rugged. However, the several quality issues brought forward by the owners might make you question the vehicle’s reliability but the numbers are hardly enough to act as a deal-breaker. Getting a used example only makes sense if you wish to have an SUV with a truck-like ride and a comfortable cabin. Before purchasing, do carry out a thorough inspection for the brake issues, exhaust manifold cracks, and rear axle rusting issues.