Model-year record

2021 Nissan Armada
See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.
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The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.
Complaints filed
12
Reports to NHTSA, 2021
Safety recalls
2
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Not rated
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
15
EPA estimate
Known issues
Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (25% of 12 reports), followed by engine (25%).
Share of all 12 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11734259, ODI 11673217, ODI 11641694.
Individual complaint reports(12)
Showing the 12 most recent reportsElectrical SystemApr 2026 · ODI 11734259Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Armada. The contact stated that while driving, the engine overheated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was jump-started. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a low-voltage battery. The battery was replaced. After the battery was replaced, there was battery acid leaking from the battery. The battery was replaced a second and a third time; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 34,000.
- Reported
- Apr 2026
- Incident date
- Jan 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Forward Collision AvoidanceMar 2026 · ODI 11728005Details +Close −
My emergency breaking will come on and almost stop my vehicle driving down the road with no one near me. It’s very scary and it happens frequently. I will put my most recent incident below
- Reported
- Mar 2026
- Incident date
- Mar 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineDec 2025 · ODI 11705865Details +Close −
My family and I traveled to Ohio to visit family. After stopping for fuel, 6hrs into our drive, our 2021 nissan Armada started bucking, skipping, and eventually stalled 50 yards from the fuel station. Several attempts at restarting the vehicle resulted in a sputtering idle and stall. This put my family is grave danger as we were beginning our acceleration onto the interstate at 11pm eastern standard time. After some research, our vehicle doesnt fall under the recall for faulty pump. The pump assembly is $900 as well as a $700 tow bill. This is very dangerous and its evident their's more Armadas with the faulty pump than nissan originally recalled. My wife and I are extremely disappointed and frightened to drive this suv 10 hours back home once its fixed. Please review and consider our vehicle for reimbursement for the near miss situation. Best regards
- Reported
- Dec 2025
- Incident date
- Dec 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainSep 2025 · ODI 11687438Details +Close −
On April 5, 2023, I purchased a used 2021 Nissan Armada SL with 74,429 miles on it. On August 29, 2025, I took the vehicle in for front & rear differential and transmission fluid services. On August 31, 2025, I drove the SUV to Boston MA. The vehicle began a jerking motion and slow acceleration. I assumed it was due to a possible low grade of gas. I filled the vehicle with 93 octane gas. The issue continued. On September 15, 2025, I took the vehicle into Nissan for a further look and was told I needed to replace the entire transmission! After speaking with Nissan's Consumer Affairs, I was told there was nothing that can be done for this issue. The vehicle is less than 5 years old. I have owned the vehicle less than 3 of those years and drove it less than 40,000 miles and now Nissan wants me to pay $11,000 for a new transmission. There has been, no check engine or other warning light indicators alerting this issue or concern. There is no way this can be a normal for a powerhouse company who's reputable as built to last vehicles that their transmission is now only built to last barely past 100,000 miles. This has to be a factory defect in this vehicle. I am presently seeking legal actions concerning this matter. This is a very costly and risky issue that could have left me stranded and possibly caused a serious accident. There needs to be a factory recall for this issue and concern.
- Reported
- Sep 2025
- Incident date
- Sep 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJul 2025 · ODI 11673217Details +Close −
I purchased a 2021 Nissan Armana back in September 2024. The vehicle has been giving issues leaving me stranded and with my vehicle battery drained. I’ve purchased two batteries for my vehicle within a 9 months period that I’ve had the vehicle.
- Reported
- Jul 2025
- Incident date
- Jul 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineJun 2025 · ODI 11670051Details +Close −
Vehicle battery is being drained. The vehicle won’t start. Purchase a new battery on March 2025. Vehicle Car fax states a new battery was installed in vehicle in May 2024. I purchased the vehicle on September 4, 2024.
- Reported
- Jun 2025
- Incident date
- Jun 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherApr 2025 · ODI 11654010Details +Close −
Car started sputtering and code said misfire Dealership said it was the mass air sensor said they fixed it but symptoms continued when I picked up my vehicle Issue sounds like the recall reason of the fuel pump
- Reported
- Apr 2025
- Incident date
- Apr 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainMar 2025 · ODI 11646379Details +Close −
At 100,000 miles, my 2021 Nissan Armada experienced a complete transmission failure, requiring a full transmission replacement. The vehicle has been properly maintained. After researching, I’ve found multiple owners reporting similar transmission failures at relatively low mileage. I believe this could be a defect that needs to be investigated and could lead to a potential safety hazard. I am requesting the NHTSA to investigate this issue for a possible recall.
- Reported
- Mar 2025
- Incident date
- Jan 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemFeb 2025 · ODI 11641694Details +Close −
I’m reaching out with an urgent issue regarding my 2021 Nissan Armada Platinum, which is part of our ongoing lemon law case, Case # 2023-1489 Division B (Avoyelles Parish, La.) I began experiencing electrical issues with the vehicle early on, around 10,000 miles. The initial problems included all the screens going black and remaining unresponsive for extended periods. Additionally, the sensors would malfunction when backing up or pulling forward, causing the vehicle to brake hard and stop unexpectedly. The situation has now become significantly more dangerous. The sensors are sporadically activating while I’m driving at highway speeds, causing the car to brake extremely hard without warning. This puts me, my passengers, and others on the road at serious risk of an accident. I contacted the dealership, but they refuse to service the vehicle due to the open lemon law case. I’ve also documented the issue with notes and photos to support this claim. Given the severity of this safety concern, I urgently request your guidance on: Seeking immediate relief from the court or expediting the trial process. Pressuring the manufacturer to address this safety hazard or provide a loaner vehicle. Exploring any additional legal remedies to resolve the immediate safety risk. Please let me know the next steps as soon as possible. This is a time-sensitive, life-threatening issue, and I’m very concerned about driving the vehicle any further. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
- Reported
- Feb 2025
- Incident date
- Feb 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherDec 2022 · ODI 11498361Details +Close −
I purchased this vehicle about a month ago and when trying to activate the Nissan Connect Services to get the advanced safety and convivence features I was told that I cannot do so because the Armada is a Canadian vehicle. The SUV I purchased in USA was built for Canada and the connect service that does some of the security and convenience features will not work because of the cell service built in to the SUV will not work in the USA and Nissan does not have a part replacement to make it work. I have contacted Nissan USA and Nissan Canada and keep getting the run around and each pointing at the other to try to get it resolved. I was finally told that there is not option to replace parts to make the features work in the US. If a car is built for one country and the safety features will not work in another country then it should be illegal to sell those cars across boarders. I now have a $70k that does not give me the advanced safety and convenience services that is advertised to have. I have looked any many Nissan websites and do not find anywhere that these features will not work and I do not know anyone that when buying a car asks where it was manufactured. I am also told that since this is a Canada VIN I could have issues getting recall notifications in the US. I am not sure if that is true as I don't think that I have any recalls open.
- Reported
- Dec 2022
- Incident date
- Nov 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineSep 2022 · ODI 11486263Details +Close −
Loud engine noise like military tank. RPM rapidly up and down between 1000 and 3000 with noise.
- Reported
- Sep 2022
- Incident date
- Aug 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsJan 2022 · ODI 11447227 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +Close −
I was driving a RENTED 2021 Nissan Armada. The brakes of this vehicle locked up when I was trying to avoid rear ending a car that had suddenly jumped in front of me. Instead of being able to control the braking, once I put the brake on, I tried to let up a little to see if I could stop the vehicle from skidding. However once I put my foot down on the brake it continued to stay depressed. I noticed that the vehicle was sliding and the steering wheel was also locked. I couldn't swerve to the left or right. I hit the van in front of me, the air bags deployed--driver's side air bag broke open and let out noxious gas. I have never driven a vehicle with such AEB troubles. If this is how the 2021 Nissan Armada acts, then other will find themselves not being able to avoid an accident as well. - Cheryl D., Frederick, MD, US
- Reported
- Jan 2022
- Incident date
- Dec 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash 1 injuries
Recalls(2)
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.
Fuel System · 21V373000Details +Close −
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Nissan Armada and 2020-2021 INFINITI QX80 vehicles equipped with V8 engines. The impeller can swell and bind within the fuel pump module, causing it to fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R21A2. Owners may contact INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200. INFINITI's number for this recall is R21A3.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Equipment · 26V455000Details +Close −
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Nissan Armada, 2011-2013 Infiniti QX56, and 2014-2027 QX80 vehicles equipped with 22" wheels. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install new labels, free of charge. Additionally, Nissan will mail replacement labels to owners. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 4, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R26B1 and R26B2. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Open full NHTSA recall record →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
2021 Nissan Armada SUV RWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
2021 Nissan Armada SUV AWD 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 (S7) | 14 | 19 | 16 |
| Armada 4WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S7) | 13 | 18 | 15 |
| Armada 4WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S7) | 13 | 18 | 15 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
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2021 Nissan Armada: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2021 Nissan Armada?
Owners filed 12 NHTSA complaints about the 2021 Nissan Armada. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.
What are the most common problems on the 2021 Nissan Armada?
The most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (25% of complaints) and engine (25%).
How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Armada have?
2 recalls have been issued that affect the 2021 Nissan Armada, covering components such as fuel system. 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 2021 Nissan Armada get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Nissan Armada between 15 and 16 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.