The Nissan Armada is one of the best full-size SUVs for its reliability and its pricing. Nissan managed to sell over 14,000 Armada in 2013, which is far behind what the American brands have done. Due to the lower sales volume, only 14 complaints with 2 recalls exist for the 2013 Nissan Armada on NHTSA. Out of the few complaints, the majority of users face issues with the brakes being weak. The rivals for the Armada are the Chevrolet Tahoe, the Ford Expedition, and the Toyota Sequoia. Competing in such a strong market can get tough, but Nissan deals with it by providing an affordable deal. The only place where the 2013 Nissan Armada slightly falls in comparison is in its build quality. Having no change in 2014 as well, the "Peter L" noticed that its engine has an issue of "engine cranking but not starting". To know more, click on the video:
User complaints and problems
Mechanical Problems
- Powertrain – Owners noticed the temperature of the car rising on the gauge with an unusual sound coming from the engine compartment. The car was immediately stopped and taken to the dealers where it was found that the transmission coolant line had failed. This resulted in spraying the fluid throughout the engine compartment, causing multiple drive belts to slip from its tension system and wrapping them around the cooling fan shaft. This reduced the power of the vehicle and abrasion of the rubber belts also caused heat. Driving in such a condition with a flammable liquid leaking can even cause the car to catch fire.
- Emergency brake – Users reported the driver-side rear wheel locking up which drifted the car towards the left. The car was towed to the dealers and upon inspection, they found the rear brake cable bracket on the subframe assembly fractured and needed to be replaced.
- Master cylinder – When users tried braking the car, they noticed the brake pedal to feel soft and required pumping them multiple times before the brakes could work. The mechanics found the brake fluid leaking from being the engine. It was almost certain that the master cylinder had an issue and as suspected, it was found to be faulty. Dealers replaced the cylinder and the brakes operated as intended.
Safety Problems
- Seatbelt – Users stated that the lap belt on the rear driver side seat was loose even though the belt was latched and it was informed that the module was faulty and could only be replaced.
Miscellaneous Problems
- Heat shield – Users reported hearing a rattling noise when the car was moving and it was described to sound like two metal pieces rubbing against each other. The car was taken to the dealers where they found a loose oil filter cover plate but tightening them did not fix the issue. It was later found to be an issue regarding the catalytic converter heat shield that had to be replaced.
- Paint – Owners complained that they notice paint on the hood started peeling off. It was evident to be a quality issue as the paint on the other sections stayed clean and in place. Users had to pay for a repainting of the hood.
2013 Nissan Armada recalls
|
S. No. |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
30th March 2020 |
20V188000 |
The driver’s frontal airbag inflator may rupture. |
If there is a rupture or explosion of the inflator while deploying the airbag, tiny sharp metal fragments may shoot toward the driver or the occupants and cause serious injury or even death. |
Nissan will notify the owners regarding the issue and dealers will replace the driver’s airbag inflator. |
|
2. |
18th September 2013 |
13V451000 |
Brake master cylinder may reduce braking power. |
The affected vehicles had master cylinders that intermittently reduced the pressure supplied to the front brake. This disturbed the braking power and increased the distance required to stop the car. |
Nissan has notified the owners and dealers will replace the master cylinder. |
Should you buy the 2013 Nissan Armada?
Honestly, it is hard to not suggest people buy the 2013 Nissan Armada due to the value it provides. It’s priced at $36,890, which is at least $5 grand lesser than its rivals, and yet offers strong performance. The American cars hold better quality in their cabin and build but it isn't worth the extra money they ask for. Nissan has paid close attention to what the users have been facing and managed to fix it by recalling the cars. Don't let the mediocre interior quality let you skip the Armada as the drive it offers is the best when compared. We recommend picking the 2013 Nissan Armada over any other SUV as it offers a better value for money.
