Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 33% | 4,000 miles |
| 2025 | 2 | 10% | — |
| 2023 | 2 | 40% | — |
| 2021 | 2 | 15% | — |
| 2019 | 4 | 5% | — |
| 2018 | 7 | 9% | 48,000 miles |
| 2017 | 17 | 21% | 36,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 17% | — |
| 2013 | 2 | 12% | 22,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 6% | 24,000 miles |
| 2011 | 2 | 5% | 78,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 6% | 63,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 13% | 110,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% | 109,000 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% | 130,000 miles |
| 2006 | 9 | 3% | 90,000 miles |
| 2005 | 16 | 4% | 83,000 miles |
| 2004 | 19 | 4% | 89,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2026 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the infotainment center independently blinked on and off. The rear-view camera displayed an error message of the rear wheels. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving forward or while reversing. Additionally, the transmission was sluggish. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failure of the radio. The contact was informed that an unknown recall was performed prior to the contact purchasing the vehicle. The contact was informed that the recall repair was improperly performed and had caused the failure of the AWD system. The contact was informed that a software update was needed, and the AWD system needed to be reset. …
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.
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. …
I was driving on the Mass Pike (Rte 90) when exiting the highway the vehicle lurched and the engine started racing. Then the vehicle had no acceleration and would not go above 20 mph. I towed it to a mechanic who stated the transmission was shot. Six weeks later the vehicle was fixed and the transmission was replaced for a LOT of money!! There was no warning before the transmission broke.
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while shifted in reverse, the vehicle failed to respond; however, the vehicle was able to drive forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic, who was a former mechanic with Nissan, informed the contact that it was known failure with the Nissan transmission, and that the shifter was unable to shift into reverse. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the transmission replacement was not covered under warranty or recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
On 5 separate occasions 2 on the same trip, whn traveling down interstate vehicle will not pull, like its stuck in a gear and will not shift . Happens around 80 MPH. Creating a dangerous situation when vehicle will not speed up and slows down from 80 MPH to 65 and will not gain any speed, this has almost caused a wreck 3 times all on the interstate. This vehicle has been to dealer 3 times for same issue, 1st time nothing found per them, second time replaced transmission valve body, 3rd time replaced transmission. Still not repaired
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while driving 30-40 MPH, she noticed increased friction on the tires, and they were not rotating properly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle, and restarted it. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle with no issues; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that she noticed that the rear tires were significantly close to the top of the wheel well. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while driving at low rates of speed, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop with the check engine and ABS warning lights illuminated. The contact was forced to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was initially informed that the output speed sensor was defective; however, later the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was not yet repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2015 Nissan Armada vehicles manufactured September 15, 2014, to October 14, 2014. Due to interference between the parking rod and the transmission housing, the parking pawl may not fully engage.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the casting date stamp on the transmission housing and replace the affected transmissions, free of charge. The recall began January 19, 2015.
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Armada years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (19), 2017 (17), 2005 (16), 2006 (9) and 2018 (7) model years. Transmission complaints make up 4% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Nissan Armada transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 14V-803 (automatic transmission, Dec 19, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Nissan Armada transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles; 37% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (12 mentions), followed by the driveline › differential unit (2).
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.