• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

If you see a Nissan Armada behind you

R

RKS

Diamond Member
sorry about the long read/rant:

Cliffs: Heavy SUV can't stop and Nissan can't diagnose.


We have a 04 Armada and have put about 45K miles in just less than 7 years. Initially the pads, calipers, and rotors were replaced/redesigned because of warping in most of the Armadas. I believe we had 3 brake jobs before the redesign at about 3K miles.

Last year the brake pedal lost all feedback and the brakes did not respond and then randomly started locking up. My wife, kids, and I were driving through a light commercial area and were able to pull into a parking lot. After the car was off for a few minutes the brakes worked correctly. The dealership along with Nissan said the ECU had to be reprogrammed and charged us $300.

Last month the same problem happened again and we were told a Yaw sensor malfunctioned to the tune of $900.

Yesterday my wife had the same issue on the highway and almost had disastrous results at 60 MPH. She went immediately to the dealership and did not turn the car off. This allowed a tech and manager to get in the car and experience the malfunction for themselves.

Now the issue is some type of 'booster' that Nissan has agreed to replace free of charge. I think they still don't know WTF is going on with the brakes. I called NissanUSA and told them they were on notice about this issue and if we plowed into anyone, they would be hauled into any litigation as additional defendants.

We are going to sell the car as soon after it is fixed. It will suck to have a car note but it's better than killing someone. Anyone have experience with the GMC Acadia?
 
Wow that sucks. I would not drive that, fvck that. In fact I'd almost ask them to take it off your hands. Do you have good documentation on your previous complaints?

All the brake booster does is give you extra braking power. It absolutely should not CEASE all braking. Is that what happened?

You know now that you won't have confidence after they replace the booster about the safety of the vehicle.
 
Skoorb said:
Wow that sucks. I would not drive that, fvck that. In fact I'd almost ask them to take it off your hands. Do you have good documentation on your previous complaints?

All the brake booster does is give you extra braking power. It absolutely should not CEASE all braking. Is that what happened?

You know now that you won't have confidence after they replace the booster about the safety of the vehicle.
Click to expand...

I've looked into the Lemon Law statutes and my car is not within the time but there may be some other remedies. It's not like a total loss of braking it just either ON or OFF. They either don't work or lock-up randomly. It seems like user error but even the techs were puzzled about the brakes after they drove/experienced it.

All prior work was done by the same dealer and we have all copies. I think NissanUSA has been involved from the beginning as well. On the other hand my 02 Maxima is fine.
 
When they lock up does the peddle stick or can you just remove your foot and the brakes work again?

Are all 4 wheels locking up? Does it have ABS and has the light ever come on?
Could be ABS issue or a check valve not working somewhere. But with all the electronics tied to the brake system now it could be many things.


But everything I have read says the GMC Acadia is a good suv.
 
Marlin1975 said:
When they lock up does the peddle stick or can you just remove your foot and the brakes work again?

Are all 4 wheels locking up? Does it have ABS and has the light ever come on?
Could be ABS issue or a check valve not working somewhere. But with all the electronics tied to the brake system now it could be many things.


But everything I have read says the GMC Acadia is a good suv.
Click to expand...


The brake and ABS lights do come on. I don't think the peddle sticks, it has no feel then the all four wheels seem to lock up. I believe the dealer checked the ABS and found it to be okay. This was a ubiquitous "could not duplicate" pain-in-the-ass until yesterday when my wife was able to deliver the vehicle right in the middle of the lockups.
 
No insight on the Arnada, but I drove an Acadia from Dallas to Nantucket Island last year. It felt tight, it was large, and we managed to remain quite comfortable. I'd recommend them.
 
I had a coworker who had his ML350 in the shop for a week after an accident and was given a buick enclave (same thing) as a rental. He liked it so much he traded the ML in for the Buick a few months later.
 
They should have checked the brake booster in the first place.... lame dealers as usual.

Sounds like that is all the problem is...
 
Thats no more dangerous than a Honda handled by the average American driver.
I am always paranoid on the road, and its not because of modern build quality.
 
interesting. My sister had an Armada of that vintage. If I remember correctly, that thing went through tires and brakes at the rate of one set per 8000 miles. Can't vouch for her driving style, but even if someone rides the brakes a lot, that's pretty ridiculous
 
Brake issues were standard for 04-05 Armadas and Titans. Nissan redesigned the rotors and calipers and installed them under warranty for all vehicles affected. This issues is electrical and not a maintenance/wear problem.

As a bonus I do get a Chrysler Swagger Wagon for the rest of this week. When I drove home from Enterprise I was invisible to all drivers on the road. Only one honked and waved but them I realized it wasn't a friendly wave, it was someone waving a "L" for Loser, then I realized the someone was my wife. 🙂
 
There was another Nissan vehicle that exhibited extreme fade in testing. One of the FX models. The brakes were great for a couple of stops, and then bam, massive fade and very long stopping distances. Like a switch had been thrown.
 
Nissan has had brake issues across a lot of models.

As a quick update I have dealership's GM and Nissan N.A. investigating the issue. I told them even if the issue is resolved this time; I'm still not confidant that the correct part was replaced and will not be happy/secure about putting my family in the car. I reiterated (and followed-up with a letter) putting them on notice regarding my concerns and their shared liability if I hit someone due to this issue. I also started a claim with the OH A.G. and the NHTSA.
 
I've been digging around for a while and cant find what I'm looking for. Doesnt Consumer Reports publish a list every year on braking distances for current model vehicles?
 
RKS said:
Nissan has had brake issues across a lot of models.

As a quick update I have dealership's GM and Nissan N.A. investigating the issue. I told them even if the issue is resolved this time; I'm still not confidant that the correct part was replaced and will not be happy/secure about putting my family in the car. I reiterated (and followed-up with a letter) putting them on notice regarding my concerns and their shared liability if I hit someone due to this issue. I also started a claim with the OH A.G. and the NHTSA.
Click to expand...


Why GM? Did they make the brake system for that or something?
 
Might be a pad issue. Pads can be a little weird, because they feel great right up to failure.

I haven't seen any issues with the '10 Armadas and Titans, though once summer hits and folk take my brand new trucks up the mountains, I'll have a better idea. Most people don't utilize engine braking, especially those people from sea-level cities, so our vehicles take a shitload of brake damage.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top