Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Nissan Armada owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
BCI (Back-up Collision Intervention) Malfunction. It's random when this comes up on the dashboard warning lights. It lights up several other things as well. It doesn't allow you to use the cruise control, or the 4-wheel drive. It disables the ABS and traction control. I don't know how this is not a recall, because I see several forums talking about this issue for this vehicle specifically in this year. We took it to the dealership, and they brushed it off, and claimed they didn't know how to fix it. It has caused multiple problems and has put my family at harms risk due to it disabling the safety features.
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that the lights needed to illuminate the speedometer and tachometer were inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced and it was a known failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall associated to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the multi-AV display control unit would not display an image, and the driver was unable to control the front windshield defroster. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the control unit was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
My 2018 Nissan Armada (VIN: [redacted] ) has been experiencing no-start issues consistently for the past three years. Two years ago, I purchased a new battery from a Nissan dealership after being told the existing one had failed. Despite that replacement, the problem persisted and continues to this day. The vehicle intermittently fails to start, often producing only a click sound even though the battery, alternator, and starter test as functional. I now have to jump my car at least five times a week just to drive it. Through research and online forums, I've found that many other owners of this model report identical issues, which appear linked to the brake lamp switch or Body Control Module (BCM). While Nissan has issued Technical Service Bulletins for these concerns, no formal recall has been offered. …
The start hesitation started about 2 years ago, but my Armada never did not start. Then about a year so ago the Armada would not start, and it would not start in Dover, DE, and I had to call Geico to get a jump. I had a brand-new battery installed thinking that was the issue months prior, but my Armada would not start again. I took it to the dealership, and they charged me diagnostic but could not find any issues. After numerous times of my Armada not starting, I bought portable jumper whenever this happens. Just last week I was in Milford and went to start my Armada and it would not start. It clicked and then no power anywhere... the same as other times. I called Geico roadside and while waiting about 10 minutes, my Armada started, and I drove it straight home. I tried to start it the next day, and it started with a slight hesitation, but it started. …
The Display Control Unit (DCU) has failed in my 18 Armada. My VIN is not part of the recall with the other 18 Armada models. The safety features of the collision warning system does not work because the DCU has failed. This is a pedestrian safety issue. The Navigation system does not work because the DCU has failed. None of the control panel buttons on dash or the steering wheels work because the DCU has failed including the cruise control. The Nissan dealership has confirmed it is the DCU but it is not under the recall with my VIN, however it appears all 18 Armada's have been recalled due to the same issue. No warning lights appears, the display screen stopped working only displaying the Nissan symbol. I would like my VIN added to the recall list for the DCU so the vehicle can become safe to myself and others. …
The Display Control Unit (DCU) has failed in my 18 Armada. My VIN is not part of the recall with the other 18 Armada models. The safety features of the collision warning system does not work because the DCU has failed. The back up camera does not work because the DCU has failed. This is a pedestrian safety issue. The Navigation system does not work because the DCU has failed. None of the control panel buttons on dash or the steering wheels work because the DCU has failed including the cruise control. The Nissan dealership has confirmed it is the DCU but it is not under the recall with my VIN, however it appears all 18 Armada's have been recalled due to the same issue. No warning lights appears, the display screen stopped working only displaying the Nissan symbol. I would like my VIN added to the recall list for the DCU so the vehicle can become safe to myself and others.
We have had to replace the brake switch multiple times for this vehicle. The brake switch controls starting the vehicle, break collision intervention sytem, vehicle operation, etc. The brake switch goes out with no warning. The brake switch has also gone out during vehicle operation on the road (i.e. vehicle dies while driving). Being stranded with no warning and vehicle stop working while driving are serious safety concerns. The vehicle has been inspected by a Nissan dealership and they reported no other problems with the vehicle other than needing to replace brake switch. The Nissan dealership could not give a reason as to why the brake switch keeps going out. Google searches indicates may owners of this same vehicle have the same issue and is a major problem that Nissan will not address.
The display is not working properly, the low window washer fluid comes on and then goes off. The light in the back of the display wants to come on but doesn't. The sensors are lighting up when there is a vehicle next to you but no warning signal. also there is no radio and the buttons on top do not work. I researched this and there was a recall for a DCU in 2018-2019 and that seems like the problem again. I have had nothing but issues with this car since i bought it. Nissan says its the battery which is highly doubtful because they just changed that and the brake switches a million times. BCM came up a bunch of times also in the past but Nissan cant recreate the problem which I am starting be frustrated with and dont even want this car anymore although it was my dream car
The back up camera shuts down while in reverse, disabling the view for safety. The infotainment system continually reboots itself. It cycles over & over. Research on line shows this is a problem for Nissan Armada's and Infiniti QX80 models. On February 17, 2024, the dealership stated the vehicle is out of warranty therefore the owner must replace the assembly unit for an internal fault. I contacted NISSAN HQ, on March 11, 2024, inquiring about the safety issue and was told that its the owner's responsibility to complete all repairs. The reverse camera is not a safety issue for Nissan to be concerned about. I conducted a VIN search for recalls. My vehicle VIN does not reflect any open recalls but there a recall campaign for the backup cameras.
Electrical complaints in other Armada years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2018 Nissan Armada?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 Nissan Armada, 55% of the model year's 75 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Nissan Armada electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2018 Nissan Armada, though it has 1 recall 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 2018 Nissan Armada electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 44,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.