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2008 Nissan Armada: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2008 Nissan Armada has six recalls on file, more than any other Armada model year in NHTSA's data[1]. The biggest complaint groups are brakes and structure, and owners also describe a fuel gauge that reads wrong[2][3][4].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 161 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Armada[5]. These are unverified reports. One complaint can name several components, so the group counts below add up to more than the total[5].
| Component group | Complaints | Median miles at failure | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes[2] | 67 | 92,000 | 0 |
| Structure[3] | 39 | 73,177 | 6 |
| Electrical system[7] | 23 | 70,250 | 0 |
| Unknown or other[8] | 18 | 93,036 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system[4] | 12 | 100,000 | 1 |
| Suspension[9] | 11 | 74,398 | 0 |
| Air bags[10] | 11 | 90,000 | 0 |
| Engine[11] | 5 | 83,000 | 0 |
Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so use them to compare Armada years, not different models. Engine has only 5 complaints[11], so we do not treat it as a common trouble spot.
We read a small sample of complaint texts in four of these groups. Here is what owners describe.
Brakes. In the 12 brake complaints we read, every one describes losing braking power or a soft pedal[2]. Eight mention grinding, screeching or crunching, and seven say turning the engine off and on brought the brakes back for a while[2]. Four say a shop pointed to the brake booster[2].
Structure. In the 12 structure complaints we read, nine describe an overhead console that cracked, came loose or fell, in some cases onto a passenger[3]. Two describe the rear liftgate releasing or its struts failing[3]. The group lists 6 injuries[3].
Electrical system. In the 12 electrical complaints we read, three describe a rear hatch or door that would not open, or front windows that lowered on their own[7]. Three describe weak or failing brakes, and two describe a falling overhead console, so the same kinds of trouble are filed under more than one group[7]. Two mention battery trouble or lost power[7]. The group lists 1 fire[7].
Fuel and propulsion. In the 12 fuel complaints we read, seven describe a fuel gauge or range display that showed fuel when the tank was nearly empty[4]. Six describe the vehicle stalling or shutting down without warning, sometimes with heavy steering afterward[4]. Four say the fuel gauge recall did not cover their VIN, had expired, or did not cure the problem[4]. A sample this small cannot tell us how common that is.
Recalls
NHTSA lists six recalls for this model year. Newest first:
- Driver air bag cover emblem (23V067). A resin emblem on the cover over the driver's air bag can crack and come off when the bag inflates[12].[12]. A loose emblem can fly through the cabin and hurt an occupant[12]. Dealers replace the driver's air bag cover, and owner letters went out in December 2023[12]. The recall covers 404,690 vehicles across several Nissan models[12].
- Side curtain air bag and A-pillar finisher (10V349). A front pillar trim piece made out of specification can get in the way of the side curtain air bag and keep it from inflating correctly[13]. That raises the injury risk in a crash[13]. Dealers replace both front pillar finishers free of charge[13]. Only 21 vehicles built in a one-week window in February 2007 are included[13].
- Fuel gauge (10V074). The fuel gauge can show about a quarter tank when the tank is empty[14]. The vehicle could run out of fuel and stall on the highway, which could lead to a crash[14]. Dealers replace the fuel sender unit with an improved one free of charge[14]. The recall covers 340,000 vehicles across several models[14].
- Brake pedal pivot pin (10V072). A pin in the brake pedal assembly was not formed to specification and could slide, letting the pedal partly come away from its bracket[15]. Drivers would notice a loose pedal and less braking force, which raises the risk of a crash[15]. Dealers inspect the pin and replace the pedal assembly if needed, free of charge[15]. The recall covers 179,383 vehicles across several models[15].
- Manual front seat track (08V187). On vehicles with manually adjusted front seats, the seat track may be out of specification, so the seat pawl may not fully engage[16]. That raises the injury risk in a crash[16]. Dealers inspect the track and replace the whole seat assembly free of charge[16]. The recall covers 1,126 vehicles across several models[16].
- Third-row seat belt bracket (07V449). The upper anchor bracket for the driver's side third-row seat belt may be cracked, so an occupant might not be held properly in a crash[17]. Dealers replace the bracket free of charge[17]. The recall covers 3,564 vehicles[17].
Every recall above lists a dealer remedy, and none is described as pending. A recall on the list does not mean it applies to a particular vehicle. Some owners in the complaint samples say their VIN was left out of a recall[2][4]. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a Nissan dealer to see which recalls apply and whether the work was done.
Fuel economy
EPA rates the 2WD Armada at 12 city, 18 highway and 14 combined mpg[6]. The 4WD is rated at 12 city, 17 highway and 14 combined mpg[18]. Both use a 5.6L 8-cylinder engine with an Automatic 5-spd and regular gas[6][18]. EPA also lists both on Gasoline or E85 with the same mpg numbers[19][20].
EPA estimates the annual fuel cost at $4,800 for both[6][18]. That figure uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the vehicle was new[6].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 4-door 2008 Armada a rollover rating of 3 stars, with a rollover risk of 21.9%[21]. The rating covers the RWD and 4WD versions[21].
Engine and size
EPA lists a 5.6L 8-cylinder engine for both the 2WD and 4WD Armada[6][18]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications for the 4DR SUV 4WD LE, converted to inches and pounds, and can differ slightly from US models[22].
How 2008 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 373 | 3 |
| 2006 | 266 | 3 |
| 2007 | 86 | 2 |
| 2008 | 161 | 6 |
| 2009 | 23 | 3 |
| 2010 | 48 | 4 |
| 2011 | 40 | 1 |
| 2012 | 17 | 1 |
| 2013 | 17 | 2 |
| 2014 | 12 | 1 |
| 2015 | 21 | 3 |
| 2017 | 81 | 0 |
| 2018 | 75 | 1 |
| 2019 | 79 | 1 |
| 2020 | 27 | 2 |
| 2021 | 13 | 2 |
| 2022 | 9 | 1 |
| 2023 | 5 | 1 |
| 2024 | 4 | 1 |
| 2025 | 21 | 2 |
| 2026 | 9 | 2 |
The 2008 model year has 161 complaints and 6 recalls on file[1]. Two earlier years have more complaints, 373 for 2005 and 266 for 2006[1]. That makes 2008 the third highest of the years listed[1]. 2007 has 86 complaints and 2 recalls[1].
No year in the list has more recalls than 2008. The next highest is 2010 with 4[1]. Every year from 2009 on shows fewer complaints than 2008[1]. As noted above, these counts are not adjusted for sales, so they show how much was reported, not how likely a vehicle is to fail.
Should you buy a used 2008 Armada?
This model year has a long recall history, and the six recalls list dealer remedies[12][13][14][15][16][17]. In the complaint samples we read, owners describe losing braking power, overhead consoles coming loose and a fuel gauge that reads wrong[2][3][4]. These are unverified reports from a small sample, but they are the areas worth asking about. Before you decide, check which recalls were done on the exact vehicle and ask about its brake, console and fuel gauge history. Budget for fuel too, since EPA estimates $4,800 a year[6].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Nissan Armada?
- NHTSA has 161 complaints for this model year[5]. Brakes is the biggest group with 67 complaints and structure is next with 39[2][3]. In the sample texts we read, owners describe brake power loss and overhead consoles coming loose[2][3].
- Does the 2008 Nissan Armada have recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists six, covering the driver air bag cover (23V067), side curtain air bag trim (10V349), fuel gauge (10V074), brake pedal pivot pin (10V072), manual front seat track (08V187) and third-row seat belt bracket (07V449)[12][13][14][15][16][17]. Check your VIN to see which apply.
- How many miles per gallon does a 2008 Nissan Armada get?
- EPA rates the 2WD at 12 city, 18 highway and 14 combined mpg, and the 4WD at 12 city, 17 highway and 14 combined mpg[6][18].
- Is the 2008 Nissan Armada a reliable SUV?
- Our data cannot measure reliability directly. It shows 161 complaints, the third highest of the Armada years listed, and 6 recalls, the most of any year listed[1]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Nissan Armada model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 67 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 92,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 39 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 73,177). NHTSA vehicle records
- 12 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 100,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA has 161 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Nissan Armada (0 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 7 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Armada 2WD, 5.6L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 18 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 23 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,250). NHTSA vehicle records
- 18 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 93,036). NHTSA vehicle records
- 11 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,398). NHTSA vehicle records
- 11 complaints name the air bags component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 90,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 83,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 23V067, filed February 10, 2023: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 10V349, filed July 22, 2010: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 10V074, filed March 3, 2010: Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 10V072, filed March 2, 2010: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 08V187, filed April 24, 2008: Seats. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 07V449, filed September 25, 2007: Seat Belts › Rear / Other. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Armada 4WD, 5.6L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Armada 2WD, 5.6L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 18 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Armada 4WD, 5.6L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD/4WD: rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ARMADA 4DR SUV 4WD LE: length 207 in, width 79 in, height 79 in, wheelbase 123 in, curb weight 5,847 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov