NHTSA Complaint #11667085 — 2020 NISSAN ARMADA

Component/System: Ignition system (brake switch/start button malfunction) and power door locks Available for inspection: Yes, both issues are ongoing and can be demonstrated at any time. Description of the Problem: My 2020 Nissan Armada Platinum is experiencing two serious and well-documented issues that I believe pose a clear safety threat, especially to families like mine. First, the push-button start system regularly fails. Despite pressing the brake, the vehicle won’t start unless I exit the car, lock it, and use remote start. This is a ridiculous, repeated workaround that I’ve had to normalize—sometimes in public places or when I’m in a rush with my children in the car. After doing research, I discovered this is directly tied to a faulty brake switch—a widely reported issue among Armada owners. The problem began sporadically in late 2023 and has become more frequent since. There are no warning lights, no diagnostic codes, no notice. Dealers acknowledge the issue but Nissan has refused to issue a recall. The second—and far more terrifying—issue is with the power door locks. In early 2024, both of my rear doors stopped locking and unlocking automatically at the exact same time. That is not normal wear and tear—that is a simultaneous systems failure. And these aren’t just any doors—these are the doors my children use every single day. This means that unless I manually check and lock them every time (which doesn’t always work), my children are sitting in unlocked back seats. Heaven forbid someone walks up to my car while I’m stopped at a red light and opens the door to snatch my child—because the door isn’t locked and the vehicle didn’t secure it like it should. This is completely avoidable one—if Nissan would take responsibility. The repair cost is $900 per door. It is clearly a manufacturer defect. The dealership confirmed both rear actuators have failed. What terrible tragedy has to happen before something is done?