The Armada is Nissan’s full-size SUV, which has been consistently available in the American market since its debut for the 2004 model year. With up to three rows of seating, the Armada SUV can be a great alternative to the “traditional” minivan for larger families.
Still, what are some common Nissan Armada starting problems?
The Armada has not been without its faults over the years, and one issue owners are frequently complaining about has to do with difficult starting the vehicle due to:
- Faulty starters
- Engine issues
- Push-to-start problems
We’re covering these common complaints about the Nissan Armada starter below, so feel free to use this information as you research your next pre-owned vehicle purchase.
More about the Nissan Armada Starter
Earlier models of the Nissan Armada use a traditional key-and-ignition starter, although on some models made after 2010, you may instead find a push-to-start button in place of an ignition switch.
Models with this feature do not require keys to be inserted into the ignition, providing added convenience for drivers.
Regardless of what type of ignition your Nissan Armada may have, its starter function works in more or less the same way.
When the ignition switch is turned or the “push-to-start” button is depressed, a pinion is engaged with the flywheel gear, which then turns the engine.
You can find out more about how a car’s starter motor works in this YouTube video.
Common Nissan Armada Starting Problems
2005 Nissan Armada: Starter Failure
Source: Vehicle History Review
In a Vehicle History review by Ana H. in September of 2019, the reviewer writes that she has been having problems with her Armada’s starter that included the steering wheel locking up on her.
She has not mentioned whether this problem has been diagnosed or repaired by a service technician.
Often, when a vehicle won’t start and the steering wheel has become locked, the issue can be resolved by jerking the wheel from side to side while attempting to start the ignition.
2006 Nissan Armada: Vehicle Occasionally Won’t Start
Source: Vehicle History Review
On the 2006 Nissan Armada, it has been reported that the vehicle sometimes has issues with starting its ignition.
In one October 2018 review by Boun H., the reviewer claims that while there have not been any major issues with the 2006 Armada, “sometimes it does not start,” and nobody has been able to determine the exact cause of the problem.
2008 Nissan Armada: Issues with Push-to-Start Feature
Source: Vehicle History Review
An October 2018 review of the 2008 Armada posted by Emily B. reports that the vehicle has issues with its push-to-start system. However, she does not specify what the problem is or whether she has had the vehicle looked at by a Nissan service technician.
How to Troubleshoot Starter Issues on a Nissan Armada
If you run into an issue with a Nissan Armada not starting, there are a few possibilities to consider. Most often, an Armada that won’t start either needs a new battery or needs its battery jumped. In other cases, you might be looking at a bad starter or alternator.
If jumping your battery doesn’t do the trick, your best bet will be to bring your Armada to a Nissan dealer for an inspection. From there, you can get a repair diagnosis and a quote for your repair. And if your Armada is still under warranty, your costs might even be covered.
