2012 Nissan Armada Problems And Complaints

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Rating7.7

Ranked #5 in 

Fullsize SUV
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$39,870 - $55,120
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  • M

    max77054

    01/07/2013

    Rating:

    (2.13 Out Of 5 stars)

    I bought a new Nissan Armada SV in 2012. It has been to the shop for 5 times. Within the first 5 month, the front wheel control arms were replaced due to pulling to the right. Before the dealer (Baker Nissan South Houston) found the real problem, the technician cheated me by inflating the rightRead More

    Source: edmunds

2012 Nissan Armada SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

17

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 28, 2024

Continuing as a part of the first generation of the SUV launched back in 2008, the Nissan Armada is not the most promising option in the full-size SUV class. Though it does come with a burly V8 engine under its hood, the Japanese vehicle’s restricted cargo and passenger space do not sit well with the traditional buyers in the segment. Additionally, its underpinnings affect its ride quality. However, sharing a resilient platform with the Nissan Titan truck does add value to the SUV’s dependability.

The 2012 Armada has just 13 complaints and 1 recall listed to its name. While none of the user grievances have a widespread impact, some issues of the vehicle are a carryover from the yesteryear model. The 2012 Armada reliability rating of 82/100 is one of the best in its segment and it competes with the likes of the GMC Yukon, the Chevrolet Tahoe, and the Toyota Sequoia. Check out the video below by "Driven Companion" which shows a detailed review of the Armada to help you make an informed decision. 

2012 Nissan Armada User Complaints and Problems

Structural Complaints

  • Issues with the rear liftgate: The 2012 Nissan Armada liftgate problems are fairly recurring. In a couple of known cases, buyers have reported two distinct issues. The first problem is concerned with the rear liftgate developing a crack in its housing, which restricts its opening and closing movements. Additionally, it also affects the functioning of the rear latch. In the other case, one complainant recorded the vehicle’s liftgate closing without any input, which resulted in an injury that required medical attention.
  • Issues with the sunroof: While the list of the 2012 Nissan Armada issues does consist of issues like the unexpected explosion of the sunroof, in one case a buyer has reported water entering the cabin through the sunroof. The complainant recorded water seeping inside from the sunroof drain lines causing the cabin to flood and some components to malfunction.

Mechanical Complaints

  • Reduced braking performance: The Nissan Armada’s common problems also deal with the vehicle’s reduced braking performance. In several cases, listed on trusted alternate forums, buyers have reported the full-size SUV failing to stop instantly when the pedal is depressed. While some have recorded warning lights including the low brake fluid notification turning on, most complainants have found the rear parking brake cable bracket to be snapped, which results in the malfunction.
  • Problems with the fuel system: Due to the reduced capabilities of the fuel pump, the vehicle might lose power or stall inadvertently. While its recurrence is limited, the problem, in one case, was symptomized by the vehicle shuddering excessively. Currently, a replacement of the pump is the only solution available to the buyers. However, a delay in a repair might cause damage to the catalytic converter, which can render the vehicle inoperable.

2012 Nissan Armada Recalls

S. No

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues Noticed

Additional Remarks

Remedy

1.

4th Apr 2012

12V143000

Missing information on the certification label

Due to missing information about the rim size on the certification label, the affected vehicles fail to comply with federal laws.

Nissan will supply the certification label and instructions to install them. Alternatively, buyers can also schedule an appointment with the dealership for installation at no additional cost.

Should you buy the 2012 Nissan Armada?

Though the 2012 Nissan Armada has lost its lucrative edge in the market and seems to be an aging option, it continues to deliver potent performances. It comes with a capable powertrain and has the best towing capacity in its class, which makes it a practical proposition. It is far from being notorious and like most vehicles that belong to a Japanese lineage, the ownership experience remains rather hassle-free. So, for family-oriented buyers in the full-size SUV segment, the limited number of the Nissan Armada issues do stand as a steady benefit to owning the vehicle. However, if you want to adapt to the changing requirements of the market while embracing modernity and not foregoing reliability, the 2012 Toyota Sequoia stands as a viable option. 

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

June 12, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11666584

Components: 020000 SUSPENSION

NHTSA ID Number:
11666584

Incident Date:
June 12, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5N1AA0NE4CN

Consumer Location:
NORTH RIVERSIDE, IL

Summary
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while driving, he drove over a bump in the...

April 11, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11654089

Components: 071420 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

NHTSA ID Number:
11654089

Incident Date:
April 11, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5N1BA0ND6CN

Consumer Location:
Unknown

Summary
I have a 2012 Nissan armada and a 2013 Nissan armada and both cars o2 sensors have went out on each of th...

October 14, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11619618

Components: 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NHTSA ID Number:
11619618

Incident Date:
October 14, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
5N1BA0ND4CN

Consumer Location:
YUKON, OK

Summary
Ignition doesn't respond when key is inserted and turned to start. Sometimes it does it, sometimes it do...

April 13, 2023, NHTSA ID Number: 11516850

Components: 140000 AIR BAGS

NHTSA ID Number:
11516850

Incident Date:
April 13, 2023

Vehicle Identification Number:
5N1BA0NF3CN

Consumer Location:
Unknown

Summary
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the...

December 30, 2020, NHTSA ID Number: 11385710

Components: 162000 STRUCTURE

NHTSA ID Number:
11385710

Incident Date:
December 30, 2020

Vehicle Identification Number:
5N1AA0NDXCN

Consumer Location:
MCALLEN, TX

Summary
THE REAR LIFT GATE HOUSING IS CRACKED AND COMPRISES THE INTEGRITY OF KEEPING THE REAR DOOR FROM OPENING...

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