2008 Nissan Armada
Introduction
The 2008 Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV that offers a spacious and comfortable interior, powerful engine options, and a variety of features. It is available with two engine options: a 5.6-liter V8 and a 4.0-liter V6, and two transmission options: a 5-speed automatic transmission and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Owners of the 2008 Nissan Armada praise its powerful engine, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. However, some owners have reported issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical systems.
Engine
- 5.6-liter V8
- Timing Chain Guide Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The timing chain guide fails, causing the timing chain to jump or break, resulting in catastrophic engine damage. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, loss of power, and an illuminated check engine light.
- Solution: The timing chain guide and timing chain need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing Chain Guide Failure
- 4.0-liter V6
- Valve Cover Gasket Leak
- Description/Symptoms: The valve cover gasket fails, causing oil to leak out of the engine. Symptoms include oil on the engine and a burning oil smell.
- Solution: The valve cover gasket needs to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
- Recalls: None Found
- Valve Cover Gasket Leak
Transmission
- 5-speed Automatic Transmission
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The torque converter fails, causing the transmission to slip or shudder. Symptoms include transmission slipping, delayed shifting, and a burning smell.
- Solution: The torque converter needs to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- 6-speed Automatic Transmission
- Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The TCM fails, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not shift at all. Symptoms include rough shifting, delayed shifting, and a check engine light.
- Solution: The TCM needs to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
- Recalls: None Found
- Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure
Suspension
- Lower Control Arm Bushing Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The lower control arm bushings fail, causing the front end of the vehicle to shake or vibrate when driving over bumps. Symptoms include a vibration or shaking in the steering wheel, and a clunking noise from the front suspension.
- Solution: The lower control arm bushings need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: The battery drains prematurely, leaving the vehicle unable to start. Symptoms include difficulty starting the vehicle, dim lights, and a dead battery.
- Solution: The battery needs to be replaced and the electrical system needs to be inspected for parasitic drains.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: The dashboard cracks, often around the edges or near the defroster vents. Symptoms include visible cracks on the dashboard.
- Solution: The dashboard needs to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Headlight Condensation
- Description/Symptoms: Condensation forms inside the headlight assemblies, causing poor visibility at night. Symptoms include water droplets or fog inside the headlights.
- Solution: The headlight assemblies need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
Overall, the 2008 Nissan Armada is a reliable and capable SUV. However, some owners have reported issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical systems. The severity of these issues can vary, and the cost to fix them can be significant.