Last updated: 2026-07-25

RELIABILITY SCORE: 70/100 (GOOD)

2018 Nissan Armada Reliability Report

Name: 2018 Nissan Armada
Brand: Nissan

The 2018 Nissan Armada scores 70/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 73 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

22.4per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$550

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,750–$4,000

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity55/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact88/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity84/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (36)
POWER TRAIN (7)
ENGINE (5)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 2)

2018 is year 2 of the Second generation (Y62).

Redesigned for the 2017 model year.
A refresh arrives in 2021.
2nd generation Armada (US).

What this means for buyers

Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.

If you're comparing prices, check 2017 (redesign year) vs 2018+ pricing and recalls.

2017: Second generation (Y62) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2018: This Model Year

2018 is year 2 of the Second generation (Y62).

2021: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2018 Nissan Armada?

At 70/100, the 2018 Nissan Armada lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2018 is year 2 of the Second generation (Y62).

Owners log 73 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (36). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2019 Nissan Armada, which scored 2 points higher.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+$234 cheaper to maintain than avg fullsize SUVs
+Low major repair risk (13%)
+Low recall count

Cons

−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Persistent battery drainage and starting failures (36 complaints)
−POWER TRAIN issues reported (7 complaints)

Compare 2018 Nissan Armada With

2018 Chevrolet Tahoe

Reliability: 72/100

Good

2018 Ford Expedition

Reliability: 52/100

Mixed

2018 Toyota Sequoia

Reliability: 69/100

Good

2018 GMC Yukon

Reliability: 68/100

Good

2018 Lincoln Navigator

Reliability: 59/100

Mixed

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

HIGH RISK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (36)
POWER TRAIN (7)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recall on record

The 2018 Nissan Armada carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

22.4

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 27.1

LowAvgHigh

Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 4/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2018 Nissan Armada Recall Details

1 recall has been issued for the 2018 Nissan Armada. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

19V6540002019-09-12

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2018 Nissan Armada? Check its history first

Every 2018 Nissan Armada has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2018 Nissan Armada NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 3/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 21.6%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Pelvis/Torso (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Not Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Nissan ArmadaRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$550

vs $784 avg for fullsize SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.4

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

13%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Armada

$550

Category Avg

$784

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

15–16 MPG

Running cost: $4,300–$4,550/yr

Fuel + repair

13–14 city / 18–19 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
Armada 2WD 5.6L 8-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S7)	14	19	16	$3,750
Armada 4WD 5.6L 8-cyl	4-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S7)	13	18	15	$4,000

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Nissan Armada.

Test infotainment system for freezing or rebooting during operation
Check for persistent battery drainage or starting issues
Inspect dashboard lighting for sections that go dark or blink
Verify brake switch functionality and check for BCI Malfunction warnings
Examine engine for knocking sounds or performance issues
Inspect fuel system for leaks or strong fuel odors

2018 Nissan Armada Common Problems by Component

73 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (36)POWER TRAIN (7)ENGINE (5)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (4)SERVICE BRAKES (4)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4)FUEL SYSTEM (2)AIR BAGS (2)Other (9)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

36 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the 2018 Nissan Armada's electrical system, primarily involving persistent battery drainage and starting failures. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle not starting, requiring jump starts, and instances of the car being stranded. Some owners note repeated battery replacements, often every year or two, without resolving the issue. Additionally, multiple owners describe problems with the brake switch and Body Control Module (BCM), which may contribute to the starting issues. One complaint involves a crash linked to a malfunction in the Back-up Collision Intervention system, highlighting potential safety implications. These problems often emerge within a few years of ownership, with some owners experiencing issues as early as 2020.

36 complaints total1 crash

POWER TRAIN

7 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Nissan Armada frequently report issues with the power train, specifically related to transmission performance. Common symptoms include transmission shuddering at low speeds, failure to shift properly, and the vehicle stalling or losing power unexpectedly. These issues often occur between 15-40 mph and around 80 mph, with some complaints noting occurrences as early as 98,000 miles. Safety concerns are noted, with reports of the vehicle stalling in traffic and losing speed on highways, creating hazardous situations. Buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission issues, which appear to be both mechanical and software-related, as indicated by multiple repair attempts without resolution.

7 complaints total

ENGINE

5 complaints

Owners report that the 2018 Nissan Armada experiences engine issues, particularly involving cylinder 7 scuffing, which can lead to engine knock and potential failure. Complaints frequently mention loss of motive power without warning, and some describe the vehicle unexpectedly accelerating when brakes are applied. These issues are commonly reported around 68,000 to 70,000 miles. Safety implications include the risk of losing control due to engine failure or unexpected acceleration. Buyers considering a used 2018 Armada should be aware of these potential engine problems, especially if the vehicle is out of warranty.

5 complaints total

EXTERIOR LIGHTING (4 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Nissan Armada frequently report issues with the dashboard instrument panel lighting, where sections of the panel, such as the odometer and RPM gauge, go dark or blink intermittently. This issue is noted to occur around 82,000 miles, though it is also mentioned as a broader issue among 2017-2018 models. Another distinct complaint involves headlights being excessively bright, causing discomfort to oncoming traffic. The dashboard lighting problems pose a potential safety risk by requiring drivers to focus longer on the panel to read gauges, which could distract from driving. These issues may lead to costly repairs, with dashboard replacements reportedly costing around $1,200, excluding labor.

4 complaints total

SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

4 complaints

Owners report frequent issues with the 2018 Nissan Armada's braking system, including unexpected and random application of the brakes while driving, which sometimes leads to near accidents. Complaints frequently mention warnings such as "BCI Malfunction" and ABS system alerts, with some vehicles failing to shift out of gear or not starting. Multiple owners describe the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly or refusing to shift into drive, leaving them stranded. These issues often occur without any apparent trigger from the safety sensors, and some owners note severe braking incidents accompanied by smoke, suggesting potential overheating. Safety implications are significant, as several reports detail near collisions and loss of control, making this a critical consideration for potential buyers.

4 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Nissan Armada report various issues primarily related to electrical and electronic components. A recurring problem involves the battery dying every 6-12 months, with some owners discovering a workaround involving the IPDM smart charging system. Infotainment system failures are also common, with symptoms including unresponsive touchscreens, frequent reboots, and loss of backup camera functionality, which pose potential distractions and safety risks while driving. Additionally, some owners experience starting issues, where the vehicle fails to start or requires a jump start, with no clear solution identified by service centers. These issues often arise before reaching 70,000 miles and may leave drivers stranded or unable to start their vehicles.

4 complaints total

FUEL SYSTEM (2 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

2 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Nissan Armada report issues related to the fuel system, specifically involving the fuel pump. Common symptoms include the vehicle stalling after refueling and the presence of a strong fuel odor when the vehicle is parked, sometimes accompanied by visible fuel leakage on the ground. These issues are noted at mileages of approximately 114,000 to 157,000 miles. The complaints suggest potential safety implications due to stalling and fuel leaks, though no crashes or fires are reported. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential fuel system problems, particularly in vehicles with higher mileage.

2 complaints total

AIR BAGS (2 complaints)

AIR BAGS

2 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Nissan Armada report issues with the air bag warning light blinking intermittently. One owner describes this symptom occurring while driving, with the vehicle previously serviced for the same problem, suggesting a recurring issue. The complaint notes this problem appears at approximately 80,000 miles. There are no reports of crashes, fires, or loss of control associated with this issue, but the repeated warning light activation indicates a potential concern with the air bag system's functionality. Buyers should be aware of this pattern and consider checking if the vehicle has undergone related repairs.

2 complaints total

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Nissan Armada report issues with the vehicle's speed control, specifically involving the Forward Emergency Braking system. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle applying brakes involuntarily while driving, even when there are no obstacles ahead, causing a sudden stop. This unexpected braking occurs at highway speeds, around 55-60 mph, and poses a risk of rear-end collisions. Additionally, owners describe dashboard lights activating and a "BCI Malfunction" message appearing, which results in the vehicle being unable to accelerate safely until it is parked and restarted. These incidents sometimes prevent the car from starting immediately, potentially leaving occupants stranded.

2 complaints total

BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints)

BACK OVER PREVENTION

1 complaint

2022-01-11

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that the BCI (Backup Collision Intervention) malfunction message was displayed on the instrument panel, causing the vehicle stop abruptly. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer and the stop lamp switch was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the stop lamp switch was replaced a second time. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 45,768.

When Do 2018 Nissan Armada Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

68,000–70,000 milesEngine failures

42,000–70,000 milesElectrical system failures

82,000 milesDashboard lighting issues

Best & Worst Nissan Armada Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Nissan Armada Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

The best Nissan Armada year is 2024 with a reliability score of 75/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (75/100) and 2022 (75/100).

Top Pick

Good

Nissan Armada Years to Avoid

No Nissan Armada years are statistical outliers in our data.

All model years score consistently well. The Nissan Armada maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.

See full Nissan Armada years-to-avoid analysis

Nissan Armada Reliability Score Trend

Nissan Armada reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 73/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Nissan Armada reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	70/100	Good
2019	72/100	Good
2020	72/100	Good
2021	74/100	Good
2022	75/100	Good
2023	75/100	Good
2024	75/100	Good
2025	73/100	Good
2026	74/100	Good

Nissan Armada Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	74/100	+1	Good	2	6
2025	73/100	-2	Good	2	19
2024	75/100	0	Good	1	4
2023	75/100	0	Good	1	5
2022	75/100	+1	Good	1	8
2021	74/100	+2	Good	2	12
2020	72/100	0	Good	2	26
2019	72/100	+2	Good	1	72
2018(selected)	70/100	—	Good	1	73

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Nissan Armada reliable?

The 2018 Nissan Armada has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 70/100. It is reasonably reliable with 1 recall and 73 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Nissan Armada?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 Nissan Armada include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (36 complaints), POWER TRAIN (7 complaints), ENGINE (5 complaints), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (4 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Armada have?

The 2018 Nissan Armada has 1 recall on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2018 Nissan Armada expensive to maintain?

The 2018 Nissan Armada has estimated annual repair costs of $550/year, which is $234 less than the fullsize SUVs average of $784. With a reliability score of 70/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2018 Nissan Armada without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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