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2008 Nissan Armada

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2008 Armada.

Body SUVTransmission Automatic 5-spd

The 2008 Nissan Armada is an SUV equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission and an engine requiring 6.6 quarts of 5W-30 API oil, a combination yielding an EPA-estimated 12 city and 18 highway mpg. Beyond its mechanical specifications, this model year occupies a turbulent middle ground in the Armada's reliability history, accumulating 161 owner complaints and 7 recalls heavily concentrated on the service brakes. Although it represents a step up from the troubled 2004 launch year that peaked at 462 complaints, it falls far short of the 2016 model's record-low of just one, meaning researchers must carefully scrutinize its brake vulnerabilities when evaluating this specific year.

Model year2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2008

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.6 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque87-108 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy12/18/14 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 24F - EX TOW PKG. · 650 - EX TOW PKG. CCA battery, OE oil filter 152089E01A. Note the factory front wiper blades is now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 24F - EX TOW PKG. · 650 - EX TOW PKG. CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP265-70R18OEM · verified

Wheel / rim8 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	152089E01A
Engine air filter	165467S000
Spark plug	22401ZJ51B alt 22401ZE01B
Front wiper blades	28890ZC31A discontinued · alt 28890ZC30A
Serpentine belt	117207S00A
Thermostat	212001LA1A
Cabin air filter	27277VP00A

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic 5-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	206.7 in
Overall width	78.7 in
Overall height	78.7 in
Wheelbase	123.2 in
Curb weight	5847 lb
Track (front / rear)	67.7 / 68.1 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	50/50

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	12 / 18 / 14 mpg
Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuel	Regular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Armada of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.8 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.80 sec — 2008 LE

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2008	LE 5.6L V8	6.80 sec	15.30 sec	317 hp	4x4
2004	LE 5.6L V8	7.00 sec	15.50 sec	305 hp	RWD
2004	SE 5.6L V8	7.00 sec	15.50 sec	305 hp	4x4
2004	SE 5.6L V8	7.00 sec	15.15 sec	305 hp	4x4
2004	SE 5.6L V8	7.00 sec	15.50 sec	305 hp	4x4
2004	SE 5.6L V8	7.10 sec	15.34 sec	305 hp	4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.6 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 87-108 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 22.0-26.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	Nissan Matic-S
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	11.2
Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	3.8 Pints
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	6.6 qt
Power Steering Fluid	ATF

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts	65 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	6 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	25 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	22.0-26.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	8 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	87-108 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	101 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub	170 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	650 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	50 rpm
Spark Plug Manufacturer	NGK
Spark Plug Type	PLFR5A-11
Spark Plug Gap	0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque	18 ft-lbs
Ignition Timing	15, Not adjustable degrees

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	2.27-2.49 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	9.80 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	24F - EX TOW PKG.
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	650 - EX TOW PKG. cca
Optional BCI Group Number	27F - TOW PKG.

Service checks

Pressure Test	20 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	176-183 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (Without Vacuum)	51.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	51.0 psi
Engine Compression	192-220 PSI. 14 maximum variation PSI.
Engine Oil Pressure	43 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM	3000 rpm

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	32 ft-lbs / 24 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	155 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.039; Rear: 0.039 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0006 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.002 in / 0.001 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	0.551 in / 1.024 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To	0.551 in / 1.024 in
Rotor Minimum Machining	0.472 in / 0.965 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

Bolts 9-12

1.4 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

22 ft. lbs., Step 2: Back off 360 degrees, Step 3: 11 ft. lbs., Step 4: 90

22 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

69 ft. lbs., step 2: 90

69 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

1	72 ft. lbs.	72 ft. lbs
2	loosen all bolts
3	33 ft. lbs.	33 ft. lbs
4	70 degrees; Check diameter of bolts at two point, 12 mm and 55 mm from the end. Whenever the difference between these two point exceed the limit of 0.23 mm, replace bolts.; Apply new engine oil to threads and seating surface of mounting bolts.	70 degrees

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

Bolts 1-10

29 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 3,750 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant every 3,750 mi. The big-interval services (every 3,750 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 3,750 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 7,500 mi	Battery (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Steering Gear Box Assembly (inspect)
Every 15,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning System (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Drive Belt (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect) · Fuel System (inspect)
At 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 mi	Radiator Hose (replace)
At 105,000 mi	Spark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2008 Armada stands out as a high-risk year within its generation. After complaints dropped sharply from 2006 (266) to 2007 (85), the 2008 model reversed that trend with 161 complaints—the second-highest total in the entire dataset after 2004. More critically, its 7 recalls are the most of any model year in the record, while the preceding and following years (2007 and 2009) each had only 3 and 4 recalls respectively. The top complaint areas—Service Brakes (45) and Structure (33)—point to two major systems, though the data does not specify root causes. Given this spike in both complaints and recalls relative to the surrounding years, the 2008 Armada is a notably worse choice than the 2007 or 2009 models, and you should avoid it in favor of a lower-risk year.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

161

Owner complaints

0 involved a crash · 1 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’04 ’05 ’06 ’07’08’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20 ’21 ’22 ’23 ’24 ’25 ’26

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 161 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Service Brakes45

Structure33

Unknown Or Other10

Service Brakes, Hydraulic9

Fuel/Propulsion System5

Electrical System5

Air Bags4

Electrical System,Service Brakes4

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 7 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

10E019000Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower ArmReported 20/05/2010

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT AND REAR LOWER LINKS, P/NOS. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, SOLD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25, 2009… Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED LOWER LINK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

10V072000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Pedals And LinkagesReported 02/03/2010

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND INFINITI QX56, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 NISSAN QUEST VEHICLES. THE BRAKE PEDAL PIVOT PIN END WAS NOT SPIN-FORMED TO SPECIFICATION DURING THE… Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THE PIVOT PIN HAD BEEN FORMED PROPERLY AND WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 22…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 93 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
NTB09-131C	2026-04-13	Structure	CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB09-131C	2026-04-13	Structure	CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB23-080D	2024-09-04	Air Bags	VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 2004-2012 ARMADA, TITAN, AND 2004-2009 QUEST; DRIVER AIR…
NTB13-107G	2024-05-20	Electrical System	VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been…
NTB13-027D	2024-05-20	Electrical System	CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Armada. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 24F battery Vehicles taking 6.6 qt Engine oil filter 152089E01A Engine air filter 165467S000 Spark plug 22401ZJ51B Front wiper blades 28890ZC31A

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2008 Armada take?

6.6 qt of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2008 Armada have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Armada get?

EPA figures are 12 city / 18 highway / 14 combined mpg.