The Most Common 2011 Nissan Armada Problems

If you’re driving a 2011 Nissan Armada, you should know about its common exhaust manifold problem—plus a handful of other issues.
Written by Macy Fouse
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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The 2011 Nissan Armada receives average reliability ratings, but drivers have reported issues with the exhaust manifold, brakes, and electrical components. 
The hulking-yet-nimble 2011 Nissan Armada is the answer for drivers looking for a full-size SUV that doesn’t feel as large as its rivals. With its average market price under $13,000 used, it’s also a good option for those needing capability and space without a massive price tag. The 2011 Armada is far from perfect, though—and its common mechanical issues prove it.
Jerry—the licensed broker and
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comparison tool—is here with the 2011 Nissan Armada problems you should know about. Keep reading to learn about common issues, customer complaints, and tips to cut down on your
Nissan Armada insurance costs
!
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The most common 2011 Nissan Armada problems

The 2011 Nissan Armada is spacious and capable, but that doesn’t exempt it from having some issues… and some are pretty serious. 
While the 2011 Armada hasn’t ever been recalled, there have been 35 official customer complaints made to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for a wide range of problems. Most areas—like the seats, tires, wheels, suspension, and steering components—only received two or three complaints each. 
However, the most common issues drivers have with the 2011 Armada involve the engine and brakes—two of a vehicle’s most important components.

Engine

Engine complaints were the most common for the 2011 Armada, but this doesn’t mean the engine itself was the main issue in all of these cases. Some customers had trouble with a faulty transmission sensor, a cracked catalytic converter, or oil leaks due to faulty parts. In most of these cases, however, it was a cracked exhaust manifold that was to blame. 
A cracked exhaust manifold can cause a whole range of problems, like accelerating improperly, stalling, and leaking toxic exhaust fumes into the cabin. Some Armada owners noticed a persistent ticking noise from the engine beforehand, so this could be a sign to get your exhaust manifold checked out. 
Nissan reportedly knows about this issue but has never issued a recall. 

Brakes

The second-most common problems with the 2011 Armada are the brakes—both the service brakes and the parking brake. In several cases, the Armada failed to brake properly, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. This was caused by a few different issues, like a broken
emergency brake cable
or a faulty brake sensor. 
Other drivers reported their Armada shaking when braking with no discernible cause.

Electrical system

Customers also report various issues with the Armada’s electrical components, including the following parts: 
  • Steering
  • Radio and controls
  • Horn
  • Airbag sensor
  • Cruise control
  • Window regulator
  • Air conditioning motor
  • Windshield wipers
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Is the 2011 Nissan Armada reliable?

Even with these problems, the 2011 Nissan Armada is a decent vehicle. While the model only earned a “fair” rating of 67/100 from J.D. Power for quality and reliability, RepairPal gave the 2011 Armada a reliability rating of 3.5/5
RepairPal also reported that the Armada’s average annual repair cost of $550 is lower than normal for its class—though the frequency of repairs is right at average compared to other vehicles. The Nissan Armada does, however, experience slightly fewer severe repairs than other full-size SUVs.
MORE:How to find vehicle safety ratings

How to simplify car insurance shopping (and still optimize coverage!) 

The 2011 Nissan Armada has a lot going for it—but one thing it doesn’t have? Good fuel economy. In fact, the 2011 model gets a combined 13 mpg on average. With a gas guzzler like that, you’ll want to make sure you cut costs where you can. 
Don’t know where to start? Let
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