Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Nissan Armada owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2005 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, his steering wheel was locked without warning. Due to the failure, the contact veered off the road and hit two parked vehicles. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact stated that a little girl was standing near one of the parked vehicles and was knocked into a tree and was airlifted to a child trauma center. The contact stated that from his knowledge, the girl was only treated for cuts and bruises. The contact stated that he was knocked out for a few minutes after impact but refused medical attention at the scene. He later went to the hospital and was treated for a concussion and whiplash. The contact stated that he believed that a police report was filed but was not certain. The vehicle was towed from the scene to an independent tow yard where it was deemed a total loss. …
The fuel shows that I have a quarter of a tank or a bit more left and the number mileage on the screen shows the same. My vehicle randomly stops without warning. This has happened 3 times. I had the vehicle repaired last year for the same reason and here I am again. I see there is a recall and my car was not included. I called Nissan and the representative told me told contact NHTSA to be more effective.....he acknowledged the problem with the trucks. I feel as though it is a definite safety hazard. We were lucky this time. My air bag light will not shut off either and he mentioned this was another recall.. Why did this VIN miss the recalls. It clearly has those issues. They want me to go to a dealer and I cannot afford to do that. The dealers are more expensive. Hopefully there is assistance. There is a rattle with the A/C fan. …
Break system failure has happened to me more than once. For some reason it sounds like they're are rocks in between my brakes and the rotors. I have to reset the system by shutting the car off and turning it back on. I almost had an accident on the freeway because of it and no indication other than the noise that it was happening. Also, when a passenger is in the seat the airbag light does not turn off. I and hasn't for over 5 years. The driver side and/or passenger side seat belts also do not get recognized as being used since the flash indicator on the dash keeps flashing. When I took t in to the dealer they said there are no recalls but it's a safety issue. The vehicle has less than 110000 miles on it and had less than 80000 when these issues started. I just want my vehicle to be safe and everyone else who has the same one. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Nissan Armada. While driving 70 MPH, smoke appeared from the engine compartment and the vehicle stalled. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that a pipe burst. The pipe was replaced. Several days later, while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the service engine and other warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated that the fuel gauge displayed between 1/4 to empty. The vehicle restarted once the contact placed fuel in the tank. The contact also stated that the front passenger seat air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for the air bag warning indicator or the fuel gauge misreading. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
I got this vehicle around dec 2013. I had them fix the air bag light because it is going on and off. Dealership is hudson Nissan. Fixed the harness. August 2014, I had the same problem fixed thru freehold Nissan. Now, July 2015, I have the same problem again but I am out of warranty. I asked Nissan corporate to look into the matter and if they can fix it for me without any fee because I felt this is not a moving part and the problem is persistent. This is a safety issue because I don't know if the air bag will engage upon an accident. Nissan corporate declined to fix it for free. Im just afraid that even if I have it repaired and pay for it, the same thing will happen after a while. Pls look into it.
Nissan states there are no recalls open for this VIN although nets states this make model and year has a recall out for the the fuel gauge. My gas tank incorrectly reads the gas which caused me to stall on the highway! I can drive around all day and will still show its full. Engine is also very loud during acceleration and overheats the car. Passenger airbag light will also not turn off, not sure if this is a recall, but car indicates no passenger is sitting when there is and shows the airbag will not deploy of a crash happens.
The driver side airbag is not working due to a faulty harness assembly. The fuel gauge does not measure fuel accurately. The ABS brake light comes on and the brakes stop working while you are driving. Nissan refuses to fix the issues without us paying over 3 grand even though these items were recalled on other nissans but there is no recall on this particular Nissan. This Nissan needs to be added to the recalls. We bought the car 5 months ago from go automotive and they also refused to fix the issues.
Brake booster malfunctions during normal driving causing unsafe breaking. Brakes almost lock up when pedal is depressed. You have to pull off the road,turn truck off and back on to work, and sometimes you have to do 2 or 3 times. Dealer wants $1K to fix booster and from what I have read, it does not always work fuel gauge malfunctioned, ran out of gas 2 times when gauge still shows 1/4 tank. This is a recall on newer vehicles but mine is a 2005. Airbag light is on and dealer states needs replacing
The instrument panel fuel gauge inaccurately displays that the vehicle still has some fuel, about one quarter tank, when the fuel tank is empty. The vehicle stop working on several occasions while I was driving on the road with my family in the truck. I did not now that it was because of the gas. Fortunately no-one was hurt but it could have produced a series car crash also, passenger airbag light comes on so dealer had to change the old one
I'm driving the car straight 5 to 10 minutes, after that the car start shaking the vdcoff and slip light turn on and the stirring wheel stay turn slightly sideway to drive the car straight I turn off the car for 1 or 2 minute and everything on the car become normal for 5 to 10 more minute I have no idea what is wrong with my car is been park in my garage for two years I dont drive it and can sell it with that problem
NHTSA investigations
Side air bag non-deployment
The subject vehicles are equipped with optional seat-mounted side air bags.all vehicles are equipped with standard frontal air bags and side air curtains.installation of the incorrect SRS diagnosis sensor unit does not impair deployment of the frontal air bag and side air curtain in the event of a crash.no reports of non-deployment of the subject seat-mounted side air bags have been received by the manufacturer or…
Airbag complaints in other Armada years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2005 Nissan Armada?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the air bags of the 2005 Nissan Armada, 9% of the model year's 373 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Nissan Armada airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2005 Nissan Armada, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Nissan Armada airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.