VehicleVerdict

2012 Nissan Armada problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 24 complaints on file for the 2012 Nissan Armada — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

24

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Armada years?

Armada NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted636 complaints2004: 636 complaints2005: 501 complaints2006: 329 complaints2007: 103 complaints2008: 206 complaints2009: 39 complaints2010: 63 complaints2011: 60 complaints2012: 24 complaints2013: 26 complaints2014: 17 complaints2015: 27 complaints2016: 3 complaints2017: 131 complaints2018: 115 complaints2019: 113 complaints2020: 38 complaints2021: 20 complaints2022: 14 complaints2023: 10 complaints2024: 8 complaints2025: 31 complaints2026: 11 complaints
Armada NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Armada years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Nissan Armada problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure417%
Brakes417%
Electrical System417%
Fuel System417%
Other313%
Airbags28%
Suspension14%
Transmission14%
Visibility & Wipers14%

Does the 2012 Nissan Armada have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

12V143000OtherApril 4, 2012 · 26,626 units

Defect

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 TITAN AND ARMADA VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 12, 2011, THROUGH MARCH 13, 2012. THE PART 567 CERTIFICATION LABELS ON THE VEHICLES DO NOT CONTAIN RIM SIZE INFORMATION. THUS, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, “TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS.”

Consequence

THE OMISSION OF THE RIM SIZE MAY LEAD TO AN INCORRECT TIRE/WHEEL COMBINATION WHICH MAY INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF A CRASH.

Remedy

NISSAN WILL SUPPLY OWNERS WITH A NEW LABEL AND INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW INSTALL THE LABEL OR THE OWNER WILL HAVE THE OPTION OF TAKING THEIR VEHICLE TO A NISSAN DEALER TO HAVE THE NEW LABEL INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 28, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-615-725-1000.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VERY LIGHT BRAKE PEDAL, PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BEFORE THE TRUCK STARTS TO SLOW DOWN. THE BRAKE AND VDC LIGHTS COME AND THE BRAKES SKIP AND TRUCK SLIDES. TOOK TO NISSAN DEALERSHIP THEY SAID IT WAS MY BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER CAUSING THE ISSUE, I HAD ITEMS REPLACED AND THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 28, 2019

“THE REAR LIFT GATE HOUSING IS CRACKED AND COMPRISES THE INTEGRITY OF KEEPING THE REAR DOOR FROM OPENING FROM THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE TO INCLUDE THE GLASS WINDOW PORTION. I DISCOVERED THE CRACKED LIFT GATE HOUSING AS THE REAR LATCH IS NOT FULLY OPERATIONAL.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · December 30, 2020

“I have a 2012 Nissan armada and a 2013 Nissan armada and both cars o2 sensors have went out on each of them. This must be a common problem and the financial strain shouldn’t be left for the customers buying an already expensive vehicles. Very odd that both my armadas are having the same issues…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 11, 2025

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 NISSAN ARMADA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE THE CONTACT'S PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT, AN EXPLOSION WAS HEARD. THE CONTACT EXITED THE BUILDING AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM HER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OPENED THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR AND NOTICED FLAMES UNDER THE STEERING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 20, 2017 · fire

“Ignition doesn't respond when key is inserted and turned to start. Sometimes it does it, sometimes it doesn't. When it doesn't work, it usually takes about 10 or 15 times trying and then it eventually starts.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 13, 2024

2012 Nissan Armada — common questions

Is the 2012 Nissan Armada reliable?

The record is thin — 24 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2012 Armada problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (4 complaints), brakes (4 complaints), body & structure (4 complaints).

Does the 2012 Nissan Armada have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Nissan Armada. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan Armada years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Armada years to avoid are 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2007, 2010, 2011. The cleanest record among Armada years belongs to 2016.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.