In 2004, Nissan launched a full-size SUV called the Armada. The automaker wanted to make a bold statement that its new SUV wasn’t a converted car. No, it shared a platform with the brand’s popular Titan truck. The first generation of the Armada had three rows and a lot of great features, including a tow package and an off-road model.

The first-generation Nissan Armada also had some serious issues that you should be aware of if you’re looking for a good, full-size SUV. What problems plagued the Armada, and which models were affected?

Brake problems

According to the consumer website CarComplaints.com, the 2004, 2005, and 2006 models of the Nissan Armada have serious brake issues. In the entire history of the vehicle, the brake issues are the top reported complaints. The problems, on average, start at around 107,000 miles and cost $1,400 to repair.

One brake problem reported for the 2006 Nissan Armada was the brake light deploying and then brake failure. One Florida owner of a 2006 Nissan Armada had no problems the first seven days of driving the SUV. While out driving, they put on the brake and felt the pedal move down further than it normally did. When they executed a turn, the brake light came on and the brakes slowly failed. They had to navigate carefully into a nearby yard. There were no leaks or problems with brake fluid found.

Another Alabama owner was driving on the highway when the brake light came on and the brakes failed. They used the emergency brake to get the SUV safely off the road. They weren’t aware that there was a lawsuit about the issue until it was too late for them to participate.

A class-action lawsuit

The failure of the brakes to work properly also poses a significant safety risk. 

The number of complaints centered around the brakes prompted a class-action lawsuit, according to Car Complaints. Nissan agreed to settle in December 2014.

The lawsuit specified that defective brakes using delta stroke sensors caused the failure. The lawsuit said that brake failure occurred in 2004-2008 Nissan Armada, Titan, and Infiniti QX56 models. Approximately 350,000 vehicles in total were impacted.

Part of the electrical system that operates the brakes and the delta stroke sensors were defective and rendered the SUV unable to stop. According to Car Complaints, Nissan set a reimbursement figure for impacted owners of $20 to $800 each depending on the individual circumstances. Those experiencing the issue with a vehicle over 120,000 miles only receive $20. If your Armada has less than 48,000, the most you can receive is $800.

It was said that the representation for the plaintiffs in the case would get around $3.4 million in expenses and legal fees.

The worst Nissan Armada model

The worst Nissan Armada model according to Car Complaints is the 2006 model. While it doesn’t have as many complaints as the 2004 and 2005 models, the 2006 model has the brake issues and other significant problems as well.

One major problem is the failure of the airbags to deploy. On average, this problem occurred at 114,450 miles and costs about $1,200 for the repair. It’s also the type of issue that could result in serious injury or worse in the case of a collision.

One South Carolina owner of a 2006 Nissan Armada was involved in an accident in the vehicle going more than 55 mph. Even though the SUV was involved in a head-on collision, the airbags didn’t work. Fortunately, no one in the vehicle was injured.

There have also been reports of cracked windshields on the 2006 Nissan Armada. One Mississippi owner and their daughter each purchased the 2006 Armada. Within three months, both had their windshield crack in the same location and both required replacing. 

Always research any used vehicle before you buy to save yourself time and money.