Check a VIN

Nissan Armada engine failure problems

23 of the 1,857 owner complaints about the Nissan Armada describe engine failure, most of them for the 2008 model year.

owner complaints
23
worst model year
2008
typical repair cost reported
$1,000
typical mileage
91,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2026
    1
  • 2020
    2
  • 2019
    2
  • 2018
    2
  • 2017
    1
  • 2013
    1
  • 2011
    1
  • 2010
    2
  • 2008
    4
  • 2006
    3
  • 2005
    3
  • 2004
    1

Often reported together

Loss of power 3Knocking 3Grinding brakes 3Stalling 2Fuel pump 2Fuel gauge 2Airbag light 2

Trouble codes mentioned

P21A1 1P219C 1P0326 1P0025 1P0019 1B1034 1

What owners say

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Engine · 24,783 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The failure was a persistent failure. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 24,783.

Filed Apr 22, 2026 · Engine · VA

UNKNOWN - engine developed knock that could potentially lead to catastrophic engine failure during normal driving conditions, causing loss of control or inability to stop. NTB19-057a is a technical service bulletin issued by manufacturer - cylinder 7 scuffing with a short block or complete engine replacement as the fix. Manufacturer will not replace engine outside of vehicle warranty period, even with documented maintenance proving engine failure is not due to lack of being maintained.

Filed Apr 18, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · OR

Brand‑new 2026 Nissan Armada suffered catastrophic engine failure at under 5,000 miles. Fault codes P21A1, P0019, P0326, and P219C were identified by an ASE Master Technician. Technician warned of internal mechanical failure and a risk of fire or explosion. Vehicle became undriveable and was towed to the dealership. Technician instructed that the engine should not be started due to safety risk.

Filed Aug 2, 2025 · Fuel system · MD

Absolutely. Here is the revised, anonymous version of your the federal safety agency complaint about the acceleration and incline issue—with all identifying info removed: ⸻ Component/System: Engine performance and drivetrain. My 2020 Nissan Armada experiences repeated loss of power when accelerating, especially on inclines or under load. The RPMs spike erratically, but the vehicle does not gain speed and often slows down unexpectedly. This condition has persisted despite a prior repair and continues to occur. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. ⸻ Safety Risk: This issue places me and my children at serious risk while driving. The vehicle slows down when acceleration is needed most—such as when merging onto highways or climbing hills—creating a real danger of rear-end collisions or failed merges. The erratic RPM surges add instability and make it unsafe to rely on the vehicle in critical traffic situations like passing or freeway driving. ⸻ Confirmed by Dealer or Service Center: Yes. I brought the vehicle in for service in early 2025 after experiencing this issue. It was diagnosed with code P0025 and the exhaust valve timing control solenoid was replaced at a cost of over $1,000. However, the issue was not resolved and continues exactly as before. I returned for follow-up and was told an engine replacement might be needed, without receiving documentation or a clear explanation. ⸻ Inspected by Manufacturer, Police, or Insurance: No. The vehicle has not been inspected by Nissan corporate, police, or insurance. It has not resulted in a crash, but it remains an ongoing safety concern. ⸻ Warning Lamps or Symptoms: There were no consistent dashboard warnings. The issue began in early 2025 and occurs frequently—particularly during acceleration on hills or when the vehicle is under load. The RPMs surge, but the vehicle slows or struggles to maintain speed.

Filed May 21, 2024 · Engine · LA

Engine failure at 68,000 miles cylinder 7 scouring like previous years had this issue but my vehicle is affected as well.

Filed Apr 6, 2024 · Engine · AR

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

Filed Sep 30, 2022 · Brakes · CA

BCI Malfunction - caused brakes to seize up while driving. The first time I received this warning, in August 2022, it only caused my car not to start. After multiple attempts to start the vehicle, I finally was able to get it started and I scheduled repair at Nissan. When I took it in for repair, the Service Advisor said since the warning light was not actively illuminating, they were not able to pull codes and therefore not able to diagnose or repair. They sent me on my way and instructed me to return when the warning was displayed again. During this visit, my car was still under the mfg. warranty. Last week, while driving 50 mph and about to enter the freeway in Southern CA with 75+ speeds, the BCI Malfunction light came on and my brakes immediately seized causing me to stop abruptly. I was able to move to the side of the road and call a tow truck. The vehicle was towed to Nissan who had it for 3 days and said they were unable to duplicate the issue and felt the brake switch was just out of adjustment. I'm not sure how a brake switch could become out of adjustment and it does not sound like a reasonable answer to me. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle. If you look up Nissan Armada BCI Malfunction on an internet search, you will find several complaints with owners having the same issue. Why is this not a RECALL?! This is a major safety issue if the brakes are seizing up while driving! I was getting ready to enter the freeway and in Southern CA, freeway speed is 75+ mph! Is it going to take someone dying before Nissan handles this problem???

Filed Apr 6, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · MN

The engine is failing on many Nissan vehicles with the Nissan VK56VD (gasoline V8) engine. Cylinder 7 on the engine has significant scouring, and there is a Nissan Technical Service Bulletin (NTB19-057a) indicating this problem is widespread among 2017-2019 Nissan Armada, NV, Titan, and Titan XD models. This is a major safety concern. When there is a problem with the engine, the vehicle may stall, lose power, or even catch fire. If a driver loses the power from the engine while driving, or is unable to accelerate as expected, the vehicle could be at risk of getting hit, seriously injuring the occupants of all vehicles involved. The problem has been diagnosed, reproduced, and confirmed by Kline Nissan in Maplewood, MN. The vehicle was inspected by Kline Nissan. Diagnosis details attached, along with borescope photo showing significant scouring in Cylinder 7. Repair action is a new engine short block. My vehicle was outside the 60000 mile powertrain warranty window at the time of inspection. My service advisor at Kline Nissan contacted Nissan Consumer Affairs to submit a Factory Goodwill case, but was informed by Nissan Consumer Affairs that they would not be assisting in the replacement of their defective engine. The concern I share with the federal safety agency is the cost I was quoted to repair this problem is $9203.70. This problem is so widespread, among 3 years of Nissan's vehicles, I expect very few vehicle owners outside of the warranty window will be investing this level of repair in their vehicle. As a result, many of these engines to fail on the road, putting the public highways and roads at major safety risk. There are no warning lamps or messages for this problem, simply a tick noise that gets louder over time as the cylinder continues to get scoured, worn and damaged. This will eventually lead to damage significant enough to unpredictably blow the engine while driving which would be a major safety concern putting the vehicle occupants and others on the road at risk.

Filed Jun 7, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · NC

The Electrical components went out in the steering wheel. 1st the radio and controls went out and then the horn eventually stopped working, had to pay $300 for the part itself and even the dealership didnt have it I had to order from a specialty shop. Took all day to repair. The airbag light is constantly on but there is nothing wrong with the air bag and has been reset but it stays on. The driver side window wont roll up half the time the electrical component has went out. Sometimes it rolls down by itself. Headlights have water in them and hard to keep out after replacing them. After only having it a few months had to replace the engine bc it kept smoking. Thank goodness for warranties and at 1st they wasnt going to replace it.

Filed May 5, 2016 · Electrical, Fuel system · 154,385 miles · TX

I recently learned of the safety recall 10v‑074 that described the exact situation I encountered in 2014. I was driving on expressway at 70 MPH when engine died. Luckily I was able to coast over to side of road, but was between an on ramp and off ramp--very dangerous. Fuel gauge showed 1/3 of a tank. Roadside assistance added a couple gallons of gas. I was able to start and drive to dealer. No recalls were identified for my VIN at the time so I was charged nearly $1000 to replace fuel pump/sender. I am bringing this to your attention because I have so far been unsuccessful in negotiating reimbursement from nissan. Based on the number of complaints I see on your website, I believe a non-VIN specific safety recall campaign must be initiated because this problem will most likely continue since these vehicles can last a long time--my armada had 154,000 miles on it at that time.

Related recalls

Engine and engine coolingReported October 28, 2010 · 747,480 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 armada, titan, infiniti qx56 and model year 2005-2006 frontier, pathfinder and xterra vehicles. The intelligent power distribution module (ipdm) assembly contains an engine control module (ECM) relay that has a diode for electrical current noise reduction. The ECM relay may allow silicon vapor to form and, over time, the silicon evaporates from the diode molding which causes silicon oxide to develop on the ECM relay contact due to arcing.
Risk
This could cause engine stalling increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the ECM relay inside the ipdm assembly. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on december 6, 2010. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.

Recall number 10V517000 · Recall details

Questions about the Nissan Armada engine failure

Which Nissan Armada years have engine failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2008 (4 complaints), 2005 (3 complaints) and 2006 (3 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix engine failure on the Nissan Armada?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Nissan Armada?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history