The Lemon Index
201920222nd generation
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 19,640 in the U.S. in 2020 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 12 complaints in its first 3 years.
12 owner complaints, first 3 years 15–16 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2020 Chevrolet Tahoe 232020 Ford Expedition 1542020 Chevrolet Suburban 35
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 26V455000 (equipment) and 21V373000 (fuel system, gasoline) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Has it ever braked hard for no reason? Ask whether the safety-system software was updated.
- Nissan sent dealers 77 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “OIL LEAK AT REAR OF TRANSMISSION SERVICE INFORMATION When diagnosing an oil leak at the rear”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Nissan's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 12 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
Problems Nissan told dealers about
Nissan sent dealers 77 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- OIL LEAK AT REAR OF TRANSMISSION SERVICE INFORMATION When diagnosing an oil leak at the rear
- AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING WARNING LIGHT BLINKING APPLIED SYSTEMS: Vehicles equipped with a…
- 2019-2020 armada; windshield wipers activate during remote engine start using phone app if you…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 2
- Equipment · recall issued 2026 New: most likely still open
The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded.
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2021
The impeller can swell and bind within the fuel pump module, causing it to fail.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Armada SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Nissan Armada SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3,750–$4,000 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 5.6L 8-cyl.
Every Nissan Armada year. 2020 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2020 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/nissan-armada/?y=2020" title="Nissan Armada reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="353" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/nissan-armada/2020/">Lemon Index</a> (2020 Nissan Armada reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2020 Nissan Armada reliable?
We can't score it: only 19,640 were sold in the U.S. in 2020 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2020 Nissan Armada problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (33%), brakes (33%) and automatic emergency braking (25%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Armada have?
2 safety recalls (latest: equipment). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Nissan Armada get?
15 to 16 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 Nissan Armada safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2020 Nissan Armada have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2020 Nissan Armada cost in fuel a year?
About $3,750 to $4,000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Nissan Armada have?
5.6L 8-cyl.
What Nissan Armada year is better than the 2020?
Nearby, the 2017 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about half as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works