Verdict
2012 Nissan Armada: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2012 Nissan Armada — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Fewer reported complaints than most SUV.
Owners filed 17 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 80% of 2012 SUVs. Air Bags leads the reports (12%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2012 SUVs, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
17
Reports to NHTSA, 2012
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Not rated
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
14.5
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Fewer complaints than 80% of 2012 SUVs
The bar is this car's percentile among 2012 SUVs by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Air Bags issues lead owner complaints (12% of 17 reports), followed by electrical system (12%).
+ 3 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 17 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11516850, ODI 11042877.
Recalls(1)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
EquipmentApr 2012 · 12V143000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2012 Nissan Armada SUV RWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
2012 Nissan Armada SUV 4WD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armada 2WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 5-spd | 13 | 19 | 15 |
| Armada 2WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 5-spd | 13 | 19 | 15 |
| Armada 4WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 5-spd | 12 | 18 | 14 |
| Armada 4WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 5-spd | 12 | 18 | 14 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2012 Nissan Armada: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2012 Nissan Armada?
Owners filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the 2012 Nissan Armada — fewer complaints than 80% of comparable 2012 SUVs, so it sits toward the stronger end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2012 Nissan Armada?
The most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (12% of complaints) and electrical system (12%).
How many recalls does the 2012 Nissan Armada have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2012 Nissan Armada, covering components such as equipment. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Nissan Armada get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Nissan Armada between 14 and 15 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.