What 72 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Nissan Armada

After being stranded, getting a new battery, being stranded again and again (with a newborn and toddlers). This is a serious electrical issue causing the battery to not fully be charged even when car is off. No external components plugged in. Many people have this issue with the car and it needs to be addressed as a recall.

NHTSA ODI 11746180

The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that the Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) Malfunction message was intermittently displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer approximately 4 times due to the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for further assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11697340

My 2019 Nissan Armada has a recurring electrical issue that causes the battery to drain and the vehicle to not start, even though the battery tests “good.” This problem began last year — we took the Armada to Nissan and had to pay over $200 for a new battery, which is now less than a year old. Despite this, the issue continues. Recently, AutoZone tested the battery again and found it only 60% charged. I took the Armada back to Nissan and paid $99 for a diagnostic test, and they quoted $725 to reset and reprogram the vehicle’s systems — just to address a problem that should not be happening on a vehicle I purchased less than two years ago. The Nissan technician even stated that many Armada owners are experiencing the same issue, yet my VIN is not included in any recall or service campaign. This is not just inconvenient — it is a serious safety risk. If my Armada dies while traveling or loses power while pulling into traffic, it puts me and my three small children in immediate danger. I believe this is a widespread defect and am asking NHTSA to investigate whether this battery drain / no-start issue should be escalated to a recall. Nissan should not be charging families hundreds of dollars to fix a known problem that is leaving people stranded in unsafe situations.

NHTSA ODI 11688924

The front infotainment system goes out every 2 1/2 to 3 minutes this also includes the hands free phone features and backup camera. Additionally, with the hands free phone the person on the other end of the line is unable to hear the driver of the car causing the driver to not be able to make hands free calls which is a law in Colorado. I took the car into the dealership as per recommendation of Nissan Customer Care. The dealership found that the Telematics communication module is failing and a new one is required, the rep stated this has been happening a lot with the same make, model and year vehicle as mine. Additionally, the silver colored trim around the center console puts off a very bright glare that catches the drivers eye and is blinding for a couple of seconds, the only way to resolve this is to cover up the whole center console so as to be able to see when driving.

NHTSA ODI 11683490

I’ve replaced the battery 3x’s in this vehicle last one was 9 months ago and today battery completely dead. Why haven’t an ECU # 08050 recall hasn’t been activated for these vehicles with this problem?

NHTSA ODI 11681742

I am having the same issues as other recalled Armadas with the battery not charging due to smart alternator however my vehicle was not included in the recall. I have had multiple incidents over the years where my car would not start back. Not only is it an inconvenience, but also a safety concern for my daughter and I.

NHTSA ODI 11679531

My 2019 Nissan Armada has been showing a BCI Malfuntion warning light for the past year and a half on and off. Sometimes it puts the truck in limp mode, it won't start, or the brakes engage and the truck will not move while in drive. This has happened well over 30 times in the last year and a half. Typically, turning the truck off and on solves the issue, but there have been instances where I needed to unhook the battery. I read there was a recall on the 2017-2019 models for this issue. However, when I looked up the VIN on this site, it says my truck has no open recalls. I took it to a mechanic, but they could not find any issues as the warning light had gone off. In the additional details below I have put the latest time this happened which was yesterday. However it has been happening since 2024.

NHTSA ODI 11664101

Seat belt becomes stuck inside buckle component and will not unlatch. Buckle must be forcefully pushed in while repeatedly pressing the button to eject the seatbelt in order to release buckle

NHTSA ODI 11658789

Bci message appears on dash. Then a number of other dash lights (see picture attached)

NHTSA ODI 11657142

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11654675

Vehicle had the battery replaced 11months ago, after it was replaced by the dealer prior to purchasing. Starting having starting issues again, which is what led to the initial battery replacement. Had a diagnostic done to figure out where the patristic draw was coming from to learn that Nissan issued a memo/bulletin in 2019 for this exact issue (Body Control Module) causing an intermittent parasitic draw and killing the battery. An update is known and needed to resolve. Why has this not been a recall? Why do I have to pay to have this completed when Nissan knows it is an issue!?

NHTSA ODI 11643145

While driving on the highway in Caguas, Puerto Rico, suddenly the sunroof glass explote it into pieces, falling inside the car. I did not pass under a bridge, there were no other cars around, simply exploted! Please do something about this defect according to online sources! Just don’t wait on thousands of complaints to do something since many people don’t know they could and they just rather paid and repair! Very unfair that the car companies are not assuming any responsibility!

NHTSA ODI 11624515

Car intermittent problems with not starting. Believe it has to do with smart alternator not charging cause of short distance driving and not getting full charge so it runs down the battery.

NHTSA ODI 11620496

The rear end air suspension stopped working and will not raise the vehicle to the proper height. This caused the vehicle to become unstable in the rear and difficult to fully control the vehicle. With a wet road it becomes much worse as the rear end will lose contact with the road even at a much lower reduced speed. I've noticed several other Armada's with sagging rear ends and I've read several threads online with owners. After experiencing this first hand as a CDL-A driver. This is very dangerous and Nissan doesn't appear to care one bit about this issue with their high end product. Please help us do something about this before someone gets hurt or worse, thank you for your consideration in the matter.

NHTSA ODI 11609225

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Brakes and front sensor. Yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Collisions Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes’ , front sensor failure light appeared and brakes failed. On two occasions, the brakes have failed when we are in the drive-through, causing us to rear end the vehicle in front of us. We had the car towed to a Nissan dealer. They were unable to re-create the problem as they did not take it through a drive-through or where they would be in close proximity of another car. After bringing it home, we drove it again no issues until we were in a drive through where the brakes failed as we were pushing on them. The light came on saying front sensor failure again we rear ended another vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11602802

In June 2022, my wife and children were stranded at a state forest, with no one around to assist, due to the vehicle not starting. My wife explained the vehicle symptoms and I expected it to be a battery or key fob issue, so I left work, grabbed the spare fob and jumper cables and headed to their location. First I tried to start it with the spare fob but that did not work, so I jumped battery and the vehicle started right up. We took the vehicle to a Nissan dealership to have it looked at, thinking it was an issue with the charging system. After the dealership looked at it, they came to the conclusion that the battery was bad and also the vehicle was pulling too much power from the battery. The battery was replaced under warranty on June 10, 2022. Almost exactly 2 years later, June 13, 2024, the same incident occurred. My wife and children were stranded yet again, at a gas station. This time someone was able to assist, they jumped the battery, it started right up. I immediately contacted the same dealership, and took it there the following morning. This time the battery tested good, but said the vehicle is pulling to much power from the battery causing it to drain. They recommended having the battery saver settings changed in BCM and modify the smart charge system. They also stated that this is becoming a known issue with this vehicle model and has been having several others in with this same issue.

NHTSA ODI 11594369

Straps of carseat will self loosen with and without child present. Tested with child in seat and child out of seat by lightly pulling on the straps. Harness tensioner was clear of debris on bothbseats this occured on (both same manufacture date) purchased 8/2023

NHTSA ODI 11583066

06/22 Vehicle did not want to start and new battery was purchased. 07/22 Vehicle did not want to start again and a message on the dash BCI malfunction, took to Nissan for diagnosis. Replaced brake light switch & BCM. 06/23 trouble starting vehicle, AAA tested battery and needed to replace. Battery was replaced. 07/24 Same problem vehicle did not want to start, AAA charged battery and mentioned it needed to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11581807

Ticking sound from engine. Inspection found failure in cylinder #6, removed spark plug and inspected head. Found metal circulating and damage to cylinder. Engine replacement recommended

NHTSA ODI 11581489

My sunroof exploded without any object hitting it.

NHTSA ODI 11579106

Rear suspension is extremely bouncy causing very poor handling due to defective factory shocks.

NHTSA ODI 11575644

The vehicle displays a BCI malfunction, AEB braking warning, and traction control indicator light is on. Vehicle does not recognize that the brake pedal is being depressed when trying to start the car. Pushing the start button only cycles the ignition through the on and acc options. Rear suspension suddenly low.

NHTSA ODI 11570279

Car will not start It says push brake even when brake pedal is pressed. It will not start. However, it does start with remote starter

NHTSA ODI 11559653

The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Armada equipped with Bridgestone Tires, Tire Line: Alenza AS Ultra, Tire Size: 275/60/R20, DOT Number: 1VNW0AAU21223. The contact stated that while the dealer was conducting a routine inspection of the vehicle, she was informed that the four tires were worn and could soon cause the vehicle to hydroplane while driving. The contact stated that upon visual inspection, she noticed that the tire treads were damaged. The contact stated that the tires were rated at 80,000 miles; however, the tires became worn after 26 miles. The tire dealer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The tires were not replaced. The tires were replacement tires. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The tire failure mileage was approximately 26,000. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 132,940.

NHTSA ODI 11559562

This vehicle has less than 24k miles, and just surpassed the warranty period and suddenly with no explanation, it won't start due to a faulty start switch in the brake pedal which must be depressed to start the vehicle or shift into drive. 90% of the time the vehicle will not start. Only after spending 10-20 fidgeting with the break pedal while simultaneously pushing the start button and moving the gear knob will the vehicle start if you are lucky. Then you can spend another 20 minutes trying to get the vehicle to go into gear. The dealer and Nissan refuse to recall this item despite over one million complaints on the issue, and a history or recalls on other models with the same switch. But the dealer is happy to charge over $1500 to replace it. After spending nearly 70,000 on these cars new, few people are willing to throw $1500 at it with so few miles. Now the vehicle has SERIOUS problems. While driving down the road, the car will suddenly and instantly lock the brakes with no warning. This happened twice. Once in the street and one on the highway. In addition, the BCI malfunction and several other lights come on and many of the main funtions of the car just shut down while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11554669