NissanArmada2013Overview/nissan/armada/2013/base/

2013 Nissan Armada

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2013 Armada.

Body SUVTransmission Automatic 5-spd

The 2013 Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission and an engine that takes 6.5 quarts of 5W-30 API oil, returning EPA-estimated fuel economy of 13 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined. With 17 total owner complaints and two recalls, its most reported issue area is service brakes. In the broader model history spanning 2004 through 2026, the 2013 model year sits well below the peak complaint volume of 462 recorded for the 2004 debut year and above the low of just one complaint for 2016, indicating a mid-range reliability profile for this generation.

Model year202620252024202320222021202020192013

Quick specs

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

Engine oil capacity6.5 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque87-108 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy13/19/15 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. 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
Tail / brake / turnSTOPOEM · verified
Tire sizeP275-60R20OEM · verified
Wheel / rim8 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter152089E01A
Engine air filter165467S000
Spark plug22401ZJ51B alt 22401ZE01B
Battery24410ZZ50B alt 244109CA0B
Front wiper blades288909CA0A alt 288909FM0B
Serpentine belt117207S00A
Thermostat212001LA1A
Cabin air filter27277VP00A

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 5-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length206.7 in
Overall width78.7 in
Overall height78.7 in
Wheelbase123.2 in
Curb weight5847 lb
Track (front / rear)67.7 / 68.1 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)50/50

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined13 / 19 / 15 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular 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.

6.8–7.1 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.80 sec — 2008 LE
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2008LE 5.6L V86.80 sec15.30 sec317 hp4x4
2004LE 5.6L V87.00 sec15.50 sec305 hpRWD
2004SE 5.6L V87.00 sec15.50 sec305 hp4x4
2004SE 5.6L V87.00 sec15.15 sec305 hp4x4
2004SE 5.6L V87.00 sec15.50 sec305 hp4x4
2004SE 5.6L V87.10 sec15.34 sec305 hp4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

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

This engine holds 6.5 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, ATF 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 FluidNissan Matic-S
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity11.2
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear OilATF
Differential Gear Oil Capacity0 Pints
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity6.5 qt
Engine Oil5W-30 · API

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts65 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts6 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts25 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug22.0-26.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs8 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts87-108 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub101 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub135 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)650 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Ignition Coil Primary ResistanceExcept 0 or Between terminals 1 and 2 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary ResistanceExcept 0 Between terminals 1 and 3
Spark Plug ManufacturerNGK
Spark Plug TypePLFR5A-11
Spark Plug Gap0.043 in

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity2.27-2.49 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity9.80 oz
Standard BCI Group Number24F - EX TOW PKG.
Standard BCI Cranking Performance650 - EX TOW PKG. cca
Optional BCI Group Number27F - TOW PKG.

Service checks

Engine Compression192-220 PSI. 14 maximum variation PSI.
Engine Oil Pressure43 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM3000 rpm
Intake Valve Lash0.012-0.016 in
Exhaust Valve Lash0.012-0.017 in

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket53 ft-lbs / 24 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle155 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.039; Rear: 0.039 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0006 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.002 in / 0.001 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From0.551 in / 1.181 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To0.551 in / 1.181 in
Rotor Minimum Machining0.472 in / 1.122 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 9-121.4 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: Back off 360 degrees, Step 3: 11 ft. lbs., Step 4: 9022 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
169 ft. lbs., step 2: 9069 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages
133 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
270 degrees70 degrees
3loosen all bolts in reverse order
433 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
560 degrees60 degrees
660 degrees; Check diameter of bolts at two points, 12 mm and 55 mm from the end. Whenever the difference between these two points exceeds the limit of 0.23 mm, replace bolts. Apply new engine oil to threads and seating surface of mounting bolts.60 degrees
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-1029 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 at 105,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 105,000 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 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 7,500 miTire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Differential (inspect fluid level)
Every 30,000 miBody Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Drive Belt (replace) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
At 105,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 180,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

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 Nissan Armada experienced a significant decline in consumer complaints from early production peaks in 2004-2006 toward a period of relative stability between 2009 and 2015. The 2013 model falls directly into this low-complaint trough, recording 17 complaints and 2 recalls, mirroring the 17 complaints seen in 2012 and slightly exceeding the 12 complaints of 2014. While 2013 recorded 113 TSBs—the highest count for the 2004-2015 era—the primary complaint areas were limited to service brakes, air bags, seat belts, and electrical or fuel systems. There were 3 reported crash complaints and 1 fire complaint for this year, though the data does not specify the root causes of these incidents. Because this year sits at the bottom of the generation's complaint arc, it is a good year to buy.

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
113
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
17
Owner complaints
3 involved a crash · 1 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 17 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Service Brakes4
Air Bags3
Seat Belts2
Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System1
Wheels,Electronic Stability Control (Esc),Service Brakes1
Unknown Or Other1
Electrical System,Service Brakes1
Power Train1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

13V451000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Master CylinderReported 18/09/2013

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013 Titan and Armada vehicles manufactured February 22, 2013, through May 3, 2013. The affected vehicles have a brake master cylinder which may… Remedy: Nissan has notified owners, and dealers will replace the master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began on October 21, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

20V188000Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator ModuleReported 30/03/2020

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2012-2017 NV Cargo and NV Passenger Van, 2013-2015 Titan and Armada and 2011-2012 Infiniti QX56 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the air bag inflator may… Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 113 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
NTB09-131C2026-04-13StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB09-131C2026-04-13StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB13-107G2024-05-20Electrical SystemVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been…
NTB13-027D2024-05-20Electrical SystemCAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See…
NTB10-066C2024-05-20Electrical SystemCAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended…

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.

Reference guides

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

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2013 Armada take?

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

Does the 2013 Armada have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Armada get?

EPA figures are 13 city / 19 highway / 15 combined mpg.