Last updated: 2026-07-26
Buick vs Nissan: Reliability Compared
Buick
7 models tracked
Nissan
12 models tracked
Comparing Buick and Nissan on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Both makes currently share an average reliability score of 77/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Buick More Reliable Than Nissan?
| Metric | Buick | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 77/100 | 77/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 12 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 6 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 129 | 531 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $543/yr | $523/yr |
Buick vs Nissan: The Verdict
Buick and Nissan are neck and neck on reliability. Across 7 Buick and 12 Nissan models, Nissan averages 77/100 to 77/100 — a 0-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, Nissan is cheaper to maintain at $523/year versus $543/year.
Where Buick and Nissan Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Buick | Nissan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 70/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 73/100Good | 76/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 90/100Excellent | 85/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Buick scores 5 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Buick vs Nissan: Strengths and Weaknesses
Buick
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (77/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($543/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 7 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Nissan
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (77/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($523/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 12 of 12 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 42 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Buick and Nissan Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Buick
Nissan
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Buick or Nissan?
Based on independent repair cost data, Nissan is cheaper to maintain at an average of $523/year compared to $543/year for Buick. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Buick Repair Cost Range
$466 – $573/yr
Average: $543/yr
Nissan Repair Cost Range
$456 – $748/yr
Average: $523/yr
Buick vs Nissan Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Buick | Nissan | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 6 models) | 77/100 | 77/100 | Tie |
| Sedans(2 vs 5 models) | 75/100 | 75/100 | Tie |
Common Problems: Buick vs Nissan
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Buick | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 22%163 | 24%1,283 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 13%99 | 16%851 |
| POWER TRAIN | 18%134 | 11%617 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%86 | 11%600 |
| ENGINE | 14%105 | 8%447 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | — | 6%350 |
| STEERING | 4%33 | 5%294 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%28 | 4%205 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2%18 | 3%139 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Buick vs Nissan Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Buick owners reported 42 crash-related, 5 fire-related, and 37 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Nissan owners reported 324 crash-related, 42 fire-related, and 258 injury-related complaints. Buick has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
Buick
42
Crash reports
5
Fire reports
37
Injury reports
Nissan
324
Crash reports
42
Fire reports
258
Injury reports
Every Buick and Nissan Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Buick Models
Nissan Models
Buick vs Nissan Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Buick's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100, up from earlier years. Nissan's reliability is improving — recent model years average 82/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Buick | Nissan | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(4) | 83/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2025 | 80/100(4) | 80/100(11) | Tie |
| 2024 | 76/100(4) | 79/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2023 | 78/100(3) | 77/100(9) | Buick |
| 2022 | 76/100(4) | 77/100(8) | Nissan |
| 2021 | 76/100(4) | 77/100(10) | Nissan |
| 2020 | 74/100(5) | 73/100(11) | Buick |
| 2019 | 76/100(5) | 73/100(10) | Buick |
| 2018 | 76/100(5) | 73/100(11) | Buick |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Buick vs Nissan: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Buick and Nissan. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Buick or Nissan?
Make loyalty won't help you here — both lineups have reliable and unreliable models. Do your homework at the model level.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Nissan Ariya leads both lineups with a score of 85/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Nissan costs less to maintain — $523/year vs $543/year.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
Buick vs Nissan: Common Questions
Is Buick more reliable than Nissan?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Buick or Nissan?
Which make has more recalls, Buick or Nissan?
What are the most reliable models from Buick and Nissan?
What are the least reliable models from Buick and Nissan?
What are the most common problems with Buick and Nissan vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Buick or Nissan?
How many Buick and Nissan models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Buick or Nissan?
Are Buick and Nissan getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Buick or Nissan?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Buick or Nissan?
Comparing Buick vs Nissan? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
More Buick comparisons
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.