The 2024 Nissan Armada is the best and most reliable Armada model year, with the 2023 at #2 and the 2022 at #3. NHTSA lists 4 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign for the 2024, versus 75 complaints for the 2018.
75 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Armada; 41 of them list the electrical system
Shoppers who want the first Platinum Reserve at an early second-generation price
Pick by what you want
Most reliable
2024 Nissan Armada (Y62)
Best value refreshed
2022 Nissan Armada (Y62)
Best value used
2020 Nissan Armada (Y62)
Best first generation
2014 Nissan Armada (TA60)
Newest generation
2025 Nissan Armada (Y63)
Most luxurious
2025 Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve (Y63)
The ranking
1
2024 Nissan Armada (Y62)
Answrs VerdictThe most reliable Armada year.
NHTSA complaints: 4 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2024 ArmadaNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed (certification label with an incorrect axle weight rating on trucks with 22-inch wheels)Price when new: $55,450 starting MSRP (SV 4x2), excluding $1,895 destination and handlingEngine: 5.6-liter Endurance V8 rated for 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 8,500 poundsEPA fuel economy: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined mpg (2WD)
The 2024 was one of the last V8 Armadas, with a 400 horsepower, 413 lb-ft Endurance V8 and up to 8,500 pounds of towing. It started at $55,450, and NHTSA lists just 4 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign, a certification label on trucks with 22-inch wheels.
Go ifUsed buyers who want the V8 Armada year with the fewest NHTSA complaints
Skip ifYou want the new twin-turbo V6 generation (the 2025)
Why #1 over #2: NHTSA lists 4 complaints for it versus 5 for the 2023.
2
2023 Nissan Armada (Y62)
Answrs VerdictThe near-twin of the 2024.
NHTSA complaints: 5 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 ArmadaNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed (certification label on trucks with 22-inch wheels)Price when new: $50,400 starting MSRP (S 4x2); destination and handling $1,895New for 2023: Amazon Alexa Built-in on SV, SL and Platinum; SV adds remote engine start and LED front fog lights; SL adds a heated steering wheelEPA fuel economy: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined mpg (2WD)
For 2023 Nissan added Amazon Alexa Built-in, and the SV gained remote engine start and LED fog lights. It started at $50,400 with the base S grade, and NHTSA lists 5 complaints and 1 recall campaign.
Go ifA late V8 Armada with the base S grade still offered and Alexa added
Skip ifYou want the fewest complaints of all (the 2024 lists 4)
Why #2 over #3: NHTSA lists 5 complaints for it versus 9 for the 2022.
3
2022 Nissan Armada (Y62)
Answrs VerdictThe value refreshed Armada.
NHTSA complaints: 9 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2022 ArmadaNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed (certification label on trucks with 22-inch wheels)Price when new: $48,900 starting MSRP (S 4x2); destination and handling $1,595Towing: Best-in-class 8,500-pound maximum towing capacity, with an available integrated Trailer Brake ControllerNew for 2022: Platinum adds a one-touch power-folding third-row seat
The 2022 started at $48,900 and kept the best-in-class 8,500-pound maximum towing capacity, while the Platinum gained a one-touch power-folding third row. NHTSA lists 9 complaints and 1 recall campaign.
Go ifFamilies who tow and want the refreshed Armada at a lower launch price than 2023
Skip ifYou want Alexa Built-in (added for 2023)
Why #3 over #4: NHTSA lists 9 complaints and 1 recall campaign for it versus 10 complaints and 2 recall campaigns for the 2020.
4
2020 Nissan Armada (Y62)
Answrs VerdictThe best-value used Armada.
NHTSA complaints: 10 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 ArmadaNHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed (fuel pump control module; certification label on trucks with 22-inch wheels)Price when new: $47,100 starting MSRP (SV 4x2); Platinum Reserve 4x2 $65,030; destination and handling $1,395Engine: 5.6-liter Endurance V8 with 390 horsepower and 8,500-pound towing in 4WD and 2WDGrades: SV, SL, Platinum and Platinum Reserve, with a new 22-inch Wheel Package for 2020
The 2020 was the last year before the refresh, with a 390 horsepower V8 and four grades up to the Platinum Reserve at $65,030. It started at $47,100, and NHTSA lists 10 complaints and 2 recall campaigns.
Go ifThe best pre-refresh Armada, with a Platinum Reserve grade still offered
Skip ifYou want the 2021 refresh with the 12.3-inch screen and standard Safety Shield 360
Why #4 over #5: NHTSA lists 10 complaints for it versus 12 for the 2014, and its V8 makes 390 horsepower versus 317.
5
2014 Nissan Armada (TA60)
Photo: Cutlass / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe best first-generation Armada.
NHTSA complaints: 12 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 ArmadaNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed (driver air bag inflator)Price when new: $37,885 (SV 4x2) including a $995 destination and handling feeEngine: 5.6-liter V8 with 317 horsepower and a 5-speed automaticDesign: First-generation (TA60) Armada, sold for the 2004-2015 model years and built in Canton, Mississippi; its facelift was introduced for the 2008 model year
The 2014 is the first-generation Armada with the fewest complaints: NHTSA lists 12 and 1 recall campaign. It used a 317 horsepower 5.6-liter V8 with a 5-speed automatic and started at $37,885 including destination.
Go ifBudget buyers who want the first-generation Armada year with the fewest complaints
Skip ifYou want the 390 hp second generation and its 7-speed automatic
Why #5 over #6: NHTSA lists 12 complaints and 1 recall campaign for it versus 13 complaints and 2 recall campaigns for the 2021.
6
2021 Nissan Armada (Y62)
Answrs VerdictThe first refreshed year.
NHTSA complaints: 13 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 ArmadaNHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed (fuel pump control module; certification label on trucks with 22-inch wheels)2021 refresh: Slight power bump, new standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning, and a larger infotainment screenPrice when new: $48,895 (Armada S, 2WD); 4WD adds $3,000EPA fuel economy: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined mpg (2WD)
The 2021 refresh brought a slight power bump, standard automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning, and a larger infotainment screen. It started at $48,895 for the S 2WD; NHTSA lists 13 complaints and 2 recall campaigns.
Go ifShoppers who want the refreshed look and cabin at the lowest used price
Skip ifYou want fewer complaints (the 2022 lists 9)
Why #6 over #7: NHTSA lists 13 complaints for it versus 17 for the 2012.
7
2012 Nissan Armada (TA60)
Photo: IFCAR / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe budget first-generation pick.
NHTSA complaints: 17 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 ArmadaNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed (certification label missing rim size information)Price when new: $38,490 MSRP (4x2 SV); 4x4 Platinum $53,950Engine: 317-hp 5.6-liter V8 with a five-speed automaticEPA fuel economy: 13 city / 19 highway / 15 combined mpg (2WD)
The 2012 Armada started at $38,490 for the 4x2 SV with a 317-hp V8 and five-speed automatic. NHTSA lists 17 complaints and a single recall campaign, for a certification label missing rim size information.
Go ifThe lowest-cost way into an Armada with a short recall list
Skip ifYou want fewer complaints in the same generation (the 2014 lists 12)
Why #7 over #8: NHTSA lists 17 complaints for it versus 21 for the 2025.
8
2025 Nissan Armada (Y63)
Answrs VerdictThe best new-generation Armada.
NHTSA complaints: 21 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2025 ArmadaNHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed (rearview camera image may not display; certification label on trucks with 22-inch wheels)Engine: Twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 rated for 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a 9-speed automaticSafety: IIHS 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ ratingPrice when new: $56,520 MSRP (SV 4x2); PRO-4X $73,740; destination and handling $1,895
The all-new 2025 Armada swapped the V8 for a 425 horsepower, 516 lb-ft twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with a 9-speed automatic, and earned an IIHS 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+. It started at $56,520; NHTSA lists 21 complaints and 2 recall campaigns.
Go ifBuyers who want the all-new generation, its 425 horsepower V6 and the PRO-4X off-roader
Skip ifYou want the V8 and fewer owner complaints (2022-2024)
Why #8 over #9: It starts at $56,520 versus $76,990 for the Platinum Reserve.
9
2025 Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve (Y63)
Answrs VerdictThe luxury pick.
NHTSA complaints: 21 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2025 Armada (all grades)NHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed for the 2025 ArmadaPrice when new: $76,990 MSRP (Platinum Reserve 4x2); $79,990 for 4x4Luxury features: Massaging front seats, Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension and 22-inch wheelsTowing: Integrated Trailer Brake Controller added on PRO-4X and Platinum Reserve; dual 14.3-inch displays
The 2025 Platinum Reserve is the top grade of the new Armada, with massaging front seats, Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension, 22-inch wheels and dual 14.3-inch displays. It started at $76,990, or $79,990 with 4x4.
Go ifBuyers who want the most luxurious Armada ever offered
Skip ifYou want to spend less: the 2025 SV started at $56,520
Why #9 over #10: NHTSA lists 21 complaints for the 2025 versus 75 for the 2018.
10
2018 Nissan Armada (Y62)
Answrs VerdictThe first Platinum Reserve year.
NHTSA complaints: 75 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Armada; 41 of them list the electrical systemNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed (rearview camera)Platinum Reserve debut: New Platinum Reserve trim for 2018, priced from $62,985 including destination (2WD), with dark chrome trim and 20-inch Dark Chrome wheelsEngine: Second-generation (Y62) Armada, sold for the 2017-2024 model years, with a VK56VD Endurance V8 of 390 hp and a seven-speed transmissionEPA fuel economy: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined mpg (2WD)
The 2018 Armada introduced the Platinum Reserve trim, priced from $62,985 including destination, with dark chrome trim and 20-inch Dark Chrome wheels. NHTSA lists 75 complaints, 41 of them for the electrical system, and 1 recall campaign.
Go ifShoppers who want the first Platinum Reserve at an early second-generation price
Skip ifYou want fewer complaints in the same design (the 2020 lists 10)
How we ranked these
We ranked Armada model years and trims on what they give a used buyer today: NHTSA owner complaint and recall counts first, then price, power and EPA fuel economy, using NHTSA, fueleconomy.gov, Nissan press releases, Kelley Blue Book and AutoGuide. We kept one pick for each era of the original list, so the 2013 and 2015 are covered in the FAQ. Generation codes follow the Wikipedia record: TA60 (2004-2015), Y62 (2017-2024, refreshed for 2021) and Y63 (2025 on). Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the most reliable Nissan Armada year?
By NHTSA records, the 2024 Armada: NHTSA lists 4 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign for it. The 2023 lists 5 complaints.
Which Nissan Armada years should you avoid?
Be most careful with the early first-generation years: NHTSA lists 463 complaints for the 2004 Armada, 373 for the 2005 and 266 for the 2006. Check any used Armada for open recalls by VIN.
What engine does the new Armada use?
From 2025 the Armada uses a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 rated for 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, which Nissan says is 25 horsepower and 103 lb-ft more than the outgoing V8.
When did the Armada Platinum Reserve trim arrive?
Nissan added the Platinum Reserve as a new trim for the 2018 model year, priced from $62,985 including destination for the 2WD model, with dark chrome exterior trim and 20-inch Dark Chrome wheels.
NHTSA complaints by model year (as listed) at a glance
2024 Nissan Armada (Y62)4 complaints
2023 Nissan Armada (Y62)5 complaints
2022 Nissan Armada (Y62)9 complaints
2020 Nissan Armada (Y62)10 complaints
2014 Nissan Armada (TA60)12 complaints
2021 Nissan Armada (Y62)13 complaints
2012 Nissan Armada (TA60)17 complaints
2025 Nissan Armada (Y63)21 complaints
2018 Nissan Armada (Y62)75 complaints
NHTSA complaints by model year (as listed), as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
