2018 Nissan Armada Safety Report

2018 Nissan Armada: Average Overall Safety with Notable Electrical and Backup System Concerns

70Complaints
1Recalls
★★★★☆Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
1Injuries
Most reported components: Electrical System (17)Power Train (5)Service Brakes (4)Exterior Lighting (4)Electrical System,Service Brakes (4)Electrical System,Service Brakes,Engine (3)Engine (3)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (2)Electrical System,Service Brakes,Back Over Prevention (2)Unknown Or Other (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Nissan Armada

The 2018 Nissan Armada presents a mixed safety picture based on NHTSA data. While it achieved a respectable 4-star overall safety rating, its frontal crash test performance was only 3 stars, and its rollover rating was also 3 stars, indicating potential vulnerabilities in these specific areas. Side impact protection, however, received a perfect 5-star rating. The vehicle has accumulated 70 total complaints, with 1 reported crash and 1 injury, but no fatalities or fires, which is a relatively low incident rate for a vehicle of its age and sales volume. Analysis of the complaint data reveals a significant pattern of electrical system issues, accounting for 17 complaints, often manifesting as no-start conditions, battery drain, and infotainment system malfunctions. Several complaints specifically mention the infotainment system going black, cycling, or failing, impacting features like the backup camera and climate controls. Another recurring theme is issues related to the 'BACK OVER PREVENTION' system, specifically the BCI (Backup Collision Intervention) malfunction, which can disable other safety features like ABS and traction control, and in some cases, cause the vehicle to stop abruptly. This aligns with the single recall issued for the vehicle, which addresses a back-up camera display issue that increases crash risk. Beyond electrical and BCI issues, there are notable complaints regarding the powertrain, including reports of the torque converter slipping and the vehicle losing motive power or stalling. Engine-related complaints, though fewer, include reports of engine failure at 68,000 miles due to cylinder scouring and stalling after refueling. The recall for the back-up camera system (NHTSA Campaign Number 19V654000) affects a broad range of Nissan vehicles, including the 2018 Armada, and directly addresses a safety concern related to visibility when reversing. Overall, while the Armada performs well in side impacts, its frontal and rollover ratings, combined with persistent electrical and BCI system complaints, suggest areas where caution is warranted.

Reliability Score

The 2018 Nissan Armada receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2018 Nissan Armada

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Nissan Armada:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Electrical System Malfunctions
Frequent complaints about no-start conditions, rapid battery drain, and issues with the infotainment system (black screen, cycling, unresponsiveness) affecting radio, navigation, and climate controls. Some reports indicate control module issues requiring new wiring.		 High Common varied miles
Backup Collision Intervention (Bci) Malfunction
Random 'BCI Malfunction' warnings, often disabling ABS, traction control, cruise control, and 4-wheel drive. In some cases, it causes the vehicle to stop abruptly or prevents shifting out of gear. This is related to the recall concerning the back-up camera.		 High Common varied miles
Infotainment System Failure
Display screen going black, unresponsiveness, frequent freezes/restarts, glitches with Bluetooth, and loss of backup camera functionality. This impacts critical information and safety features.		 Medium Common varied miles
Powertrain/Transmission Issues
Reports of torque converter slipping, RPM fluctuations at light throttle, and the vehicle losing motive power or stalling while driving. One complaint mentions the vehicle failing to respond when shifted into reverse.		 High Occasional 15000-68000 miles
Engine Stalling/Fuel System Issues
Vehicle stalling multiple times, particularly after refueling, with associated check engine lights and fuel pressure codes (P0087, P0090, P119C). One report of engine failure at 68,000 miles due to cylinder scouring.		 High Occasional varied miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Nissan Armada:

Electrical System 24% of complaints

The most frequent complaint category, with 17 reports, encompassing battery drain, no-start conditions, and widespread infotainment system failures.

Power Train 7% of complaints

5 complaints related to transmission issues like torque converter slip, loss of motive power, and stalling.

Service Brakes 6% of complaints

4 complaints, often linked to brake pressure sensor issues causing no-start conditions or inability to shift out of park.

Exterior Lighting 6% of complaints

4 complaints, though specific details are limited, some may relate to display issues affecting warning lights.

Back Over Prevention 3% of complaints

2 complaints specifically mentioning BCI malfunction, which is also the subject of the vehicle's only recall.

Engine 4% of complaints

3 complaints, including stalling, fuel pump issues, and one report of engine failure due to cylinder scouring.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Nissan Armada

Is the 2018 Nissan Armada safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Nissan Armada has an overall 4-star safety rating. It performed well in side impacts (5 stars) but received lower ratings for frontal crash (3 stars) and rollover (3 stars). There are 70 total complaints, with 1 crash and 1 injury reported, indicating some safety concerns, particularly with electrical and backup camera systems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Nissan Armada?

The most reported issues for the 2018 Nissan Armada are related to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (17 complaints), often manifesting as no-start conditions, battery drain, and infotainment system failures. POWER TRAIN issues (5 complaints) like torque converter slip and stalling are also noted. The 'BACK OVER PREVENTION' system, specifically BCI malfunctions, is a recurring concern and is linked to the vehicle's single recall.

Are there any recalls for the 2018 Nissan Armada?

Yes, the 2018 Nissan Armada has one recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 19V654000) concerning the BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. This recall addresses a lack of an image in the back-up camera display, which increases the risk of a crash.

How does the 2018 Nissan Armada perform in crash tests?

The 2018 Nissan Armada received an Overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. It scored 3 stars for Frontal crash protection, 5 stars for Side crash protection, and 3 stars for Rollover resistance.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2018 Nissan Armada?

When considering a used 2018 Nissan Armada, pay close attention to the electrical system, ensuring the infotainment screen functions correctly and there are no persistent battery drain or no-start issues. Verify that the backup camera and BCI system are fully operational, and check if the recall (19V654000) has been addressed. Also, listen for any signs of transmission slipping or engine irregularities.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the 4-star overall safety rating but notable electrical and BCI system complaints, potential buyers should prioritize a pre-purchase inspection focusing on these known issues and ensure all recall work has been completed.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Nissan Armada

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Nissan Armada. The data includes 70 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Nissan Armada an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 3 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 3 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.