Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2020 Nissan ArmadaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 10 owner complaints for the 2020 Nissan Armada. Most complaints involve electrical system (5) and forward collision avoidance (3). The EPA rates it 15–16 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
15–16mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Jul 2026
Owner complaints
10
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$4,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Equipment: labels

Remedy pending

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."

EquipmentReported Jul 15, 2026NHTSA 26V455000

Fuel system

Free remedy

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.

Fuel system, gasolineReported May 20, 2021NHTSA 21V373000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

10 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2023 – Aug 2026
  1. Electrical system5
  2. Forward collision avoidance3
  3. Service brakes2
  4. Exterior lighting1
  5. Air bags1
  6. Fuel/propulsion system1
  7. Other / unknown1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Armada model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2005373
2006266
200786
2008161
200923
201048
201140
201217
201317
201413
201521
201781
201876
201979
202010
202113
202210
20235
20244
202521
20269
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

5 reports1 fire
“Safety Defect Complaint – 2020 Nissan Armada I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2020 Nissan Armada with approximately 90,000 miles. On August 6, 2026, the right/passenger-side exterior mirror suddenly became extremely hot and then exploded/broke. The failure also caused damage to the surrounding area near the side of the windshield/side guard. This happened unexpectedly and created a serious safety concern. I am concerned that an electrical or heating problem with the mirror may have caused it to become excessively hot and break. I am also concerned that this could happen to other Nissan Armada owners. I am requesting that this incident be investigated as a possible safety defect and that Nissan and NHTSA determine whether this problem is related to a recall, known defect, or electrical/heating issue. Vehicle: 2020 Nissan Armada Mileage: Approximately 90,000 miles Incident date: August 6, 2026 Affected area: Right/passenger-side exterior mirror and surrounding windshield/side-guard area I have photographs of the damage and can provide additional documentation, repair estimates, and vehicle information if needed. I would appreciate an…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 10, 2026Electrical systemFire reportedODI 11755988

Forward collision avoidance

3 reports
“When driving home from work my car disengage cruise controlle and started flashing in my center concel BCI Malfunction. Since I makes it hard to start my car from time to time and it will randomly continue to flash BCI Malfunction”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 24, 2025Unknown or other, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11675801

Service brakes

2 reports
“BCI Malfunction out of nowhere on a newly dealer-purchased 2020 Nissan Armada with less than 80,000 miles, which is a KNOWN AND FREQUENT ISSUE on Nissan Armadas...and causes unsafe conditions such as random braking, failure to start, rough engine, rough shifting...and lights up the dashboard with BCI malfunction light, intelligent key warning light, vehicle dynamic control indicator light, BSI light, forward emergency braking warning light.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 29, 2023Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11535234
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
5.6L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S7)
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Armada 2WD
Auto (S7), 8 cyl, 5.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
141916$4,000553
Armada 4WD
Auto (S7), 8 cyl, 5.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive
131815$4,300593
  • Armada 2WD
    Auto (S7), 8 cyl, 5.6 L
    14 city · 19 hwy · $4,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • Armada 4WD
    Auto (S7), 8 cyl, 5.6 L
    13 city · 18 hwy · $4,300/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Nissan Armada SUV AWD
Frontal crash
3 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.9%
Overall
4 / 5
Nissan Armada SUV RWD
Frontal crash
3 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
23.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 27, 2026Vehicle 14529Vehicle 14512
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2020 Armada questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Armada have?

2 safety recalls as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2020 Nissan Armada problems?

Owners filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (5), forward collision avoidance (3), service brakes (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2020 Nissan Armada get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Nissan Armada at 15–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2020 Nissan Armada?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Nissan Armada 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026