Nissan Armada door locks problems

Filed Jun 16, 2025 · AL

Component/System: Ignition system (brake switch/start button malfunction) and power door locks Available for inspection: Yes, both issues are ongoing and can be demonstrated at any time. Description of the Problem: My 2020 Nissan Armada Platinum is experiencing two serious and well-documented issues that I believe pose a clear safety threat, especially to families like mine. First, the push-button start system regularly fails. Despite pressing the brake, the vehicle won’t start unless I exit the car, lock it, and use remote start. This is a ridiculous, repeated workaround that I’ve had to normalize—sometimes in public places or when I’m in a rush with my children in the car. After doing research, I discovered this is directly tied to a faulty brake switch—a widely reported issue among Armada owners. The problem began sporadically in late 2023 and has become more frequent since. There are no warning lights, no diagnostic codes, no notice. Dealers acknowledge the issue but Nissan has refused to issue a recall. The second—and far more terrifying—issue is with the power door locks. In early 2024, both of my rear doors stopped locking and unlocking automatically at the exact same time. That is not normal wear and tear—that is a simultaneous systems failure. And these aren’t just any doors—these are the doors my children use every single day. This means that unless I manually check and lock them every time (which doesn’t always work), my children are sitting in unlocked back seats. Heaven forbid someone walks up to my car while I’m stopped at a red light and opens the door to snatch my child—because the door isn’t locked and the vehicle didn’t secure it like it should. This is completely avoidable one—if Nissan would take responsibility. The repair cost is $900 per door. It is clearly a manufacturer defect. The dealership confirmed both rear actuators have failed. What terrible tragedy has to happen before something is done?

Filed Jul 31, 2023 · Body · MI

The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving and while parked the rear hatch opened unintentionally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with corrosion of the rear door handle motor. The contact was informed that the door handle motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Mar 4, 2014 · Locks · 76,000 miles · IL

The rear door latch actuator isn't releasing all the way. In reading some forums this seems to be a recurring problem. I cant access the rear cargo area.

Filed Apr 27, 2013 · Body · 80,000 miles · ND

The rear door on my 2004 nissan armada has failed and is keeping me locked out of the vehicle. The problem has been traced to be a faulty door lock actuator, which fails to travel far enough in order to allow the door lock mechanism to open the door. The actuator part information is as follows: 905507s000 0892068-a b/d actr 03 09 26. A google search of this problem on the internet will show anyone that this problem is rampant on all nissan armada vehicles, all years, and therefore must be recalled as a safety defect. With this condition, if there was ever a vehicle accident and/or fire, the occupants located inside the vehicle at the back seats would not be allowed to get out of the vehicle with the assistance of others located outside of the vehicle. Under this situation, the passenger/occupants are permanently locked inside of the vehicle. Any accident leading to a vehicle fire, and the occupant would burn to death. To see how common this situation is, do a google search using part number "905507s000" in the search field.

Filed Feb 1, 2013 · Body · 49,000 miles · MD

I attempted to access the rear liftgate however, it failed to open after pushing unlock on the fob as well as unlocking manually on the interior door. Also attempted opening the glass hatch and that too does not unlock. Searching online shows this is a very common problem dating as far back as 2004. Club armada forum suggests it is due to the faulty rear door lock actuator and/or faulty locking mechanism. The vehicle was not repaired yet but need to schedule an appointment and determine if it si covered under warranty.

Filed Jan 11, 2013 · Body · 44,100 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 nissan amarda. The contact attempted to access the rear liftgate; however, it failed to open due to the faulty rear door lock actuator. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 44,100.

Filed Oct 3, 2011 · Brakes, Locks · GA

When driving and when the brake is applied to stop the brake light comes on and the brakes sound like they are scrubbing and the brake petal goes to the floor the vehicle slows a little but it is still rolling. The vehicle then has to be put in park, the engine then has to be turned off. You then have to wait a few seconds and restart vehicle. If this is not done the light doesnt go off and the braking is the same. Also the front passenger door lock works randomly. I have this problem also with my infiniti g35 which is also made by nissan, I have two friends that own nissan vehicles that experience the same problem with their door lock on the front passenger side.

Filed Apr 10, 2011 · Electrical, Locks · 72,000 miles · CA

My 07 nissan armada is keeping me locked out of the back. The problem appears to be in the door lock actuator for the rear lift gate. This vehicle is only equipped with keyless entry system (you cannot unlock/open the rear gate with the key because there is no key hole). The problem manifested slowly, over time missing only occasionally on the unlock/engage handle for the rear door. Now it does not unlock at all. It appears that almost all armadas are having this system failure. The safety danger implications are enourmous in this case as this is an eight passenger vehicle with the potential to trap passengers in the rear bench area with no way out in an emergency (there is no way to open the rear door from the inside either).

Filed Oct 28, 2010 · Locks · 60,000 miles · ND

This complaint pertains to a safety issue with my 2004 nissan armada SUV vehicle. A search of the internet reveals that the problem I am having is common amongst owners of nissan armada vehicles, and warrants nissan taking action to rectify this problem. The problem is safety related, and warrants an investigation by nissan, and recall to ensure safety of vehicle occupants. The vehicle is a full sized SUV, with seating for 7-8 occupants. The problem I am referring to today relates to the rear hatch door. The rear hatch door handles (there are two) are supposed to open either (1) the rear hatch window, or (2) the rear hatch door. For nearly three years now I have had a problem with the door latch not actually being able to open the door (the door remains locked and/or the handle mechanism is unresponsive). There is an issue with the door locking mechanism that does not allow the door to open. After opening up the door paneling to view the contents, there is nothing broken or visibly wrong, just a faulty engineering design and/or components that somehow do not "mesh" to ensure proper operation. A "google" internet search reveals that this problem is common with many armada vehicles, and owners and service shops have had difficulties rectifying this problem. Most people just order new parts blindly hoping it will fix the problem, and in many cases it has not. The situation warrants nissan engineering team to review the problem, to determine exactly what is at fault, and to provide a solution to vehicle owners. As this is a manufacturing defect, nissan should recall this item and have it repaired by trained personnel, not blindly by customers. I have further read that in many cases owners return to the dealerships annually to have the item looked at. As this issue is outstanding, it warrants investigation and a recall. One can only imagine the impact not being able to open a door has with a vehicle whose occupancy is large (up to 8 people) in an emergency situation.

Filed Mar 29, 2010 · Locks · 86,000 miles · IL

Door latch inoperable - unable to exit vehicle if there were an emergency, unable to access slot to release spare tire, unsure if door is secure for safely operating the vehicle as release was attempted.