Last updated: 2026-10-10
Cadillac vs Nissan: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Cadillac
5 models tracked
Nissan
12 models tracked
Nissan comes out ahead of Cadillac on reliability, with a clear edge. Cheaper upkeep and lighter recall impact decide it. Cadillac draws fewer complaints per car sold, but it costs more to keep running. Both brands rate good overall.
Is Cadillac More Reliable Than Nissan?
| Metric | Cadillac | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 77/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 12 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 19 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 201 | 531 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $866/yr | $523/yr |
Cadillac vs Nissan: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Nissan, and the money is the biggest reason. Independent repair-cost data puts its upkeep at about $523 a year, against $866 for Cadillac. Its recall impact rates stronger, and so does its SUV lineup.
The rest is close. Crash, fire and injury complaints rate even, and so does the spread of problems across systems. Cadillac actually draws fewer complaints per 1,000 sold, 0.6 against 1. Nissan's recent trend is improving, while Cadillac's is stable.
Where Cadillac and Nissan Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Cadillac | Nissan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 61/100Good | 76/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 82/100Excellent | 85/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Nissan has a 15-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Cadillac vs Nissan: Strengths and Weaknesses
Cadillac
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($866/year avg)
- 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
- 41 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Cadillac and Nissan Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Cadillac
Nissan
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Cadillac or Nissan?
Based on independent repair cost data, Nissan is cheaper to maintain at an average of $523/year compared to $866/year for Cadillac. That's a difference of $343/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Cadillac Repair Cost Range
$783 – $1007/yr
Average: $866/yr
Nissan Repair Cost Range
$456 – $748/yr
Average: $523/yr
Cadillac vs Nissan Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Cadillac | Nissan | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 6 models) | 70/100 | 77/100 | Nissan |
Nissan wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Cadillac vs Nissan
| Component | Cadillac | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 16%147 | 23%1,283 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 6%60 | 17%929 |
| POWER TRAIN | 16%147 | 11%609 |
| ENGINE | 31%288 | 8%436 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%47 | 11%590 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 2%20 | 6%342 |
| STEERING | 4%38 | 5%272 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%5 | 4%205 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 5%49 | 2%128 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 4%37 | 1%52 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Cadillac vs Nissan Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Cadillac
43
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
26
Injury reports
Nissan
331
Crash reports
41
Fire reports
268
Injury reports
Every Cadillac and Nissan Model Ranked
Cadillac Models
Nissan Models
Cadillac vs Nissan Reliability Trend by Year
Cadillac's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Nissan's reliability is improving — recent model years average 82/100.
| Model Year | Cadillac | Nissan | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 75/100(4) | 83/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2025 | 73/100(5) | 80/100(11) | Nissan |
| 2024 | 69/100(5) | 79/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2023 | 69/100(5) | 77/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2022 | 68/100(3) | 77/100(8) | Nissan |
| 2021 | 68/100(4) | 77/100(10) | Nissan |
| 2020 | 69/100(4) | 73/100(11) | Nissan |
| 2019 | 71/100(3) | 73/100(10) | Nissan |
| 2018 | 77/100(1) | 73/100(11) | Cadillac |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Cadillac vs Nissan: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Cadillac and Nissan. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Cadillac vs Nissan?
If you want a Cadillac, target the 2019 XT5. It has no recalls on record. Watch for a "Steering Assist is Reduced" warning, which dealers often trace to a failed thermostat, and ask about any engine that quit while driving. Skip the 2021 Escalade. Sudden engine failure is the reason, and lifter and camshaft repairs on the Escalade can reach about $15,000. The 2020 Escalade is the better pick.
If lower running costs matter most, lean Nissan. The Frontier rates excellent, and so does the Ariya, but only buy the 2024 Ariya. The 2023 has owner reports of sudden loss of drive power and a "Service EV System" warning. Be careful with the Leaf. Battery trouble defines it, with the charge reading collapsing on the highway. If you buy one, favor the 2021 and avoid 2019 and 2020. Repair costs on the Leaf run about $748 a year.
The Bottom Line: Cadillac or Nissan?
Choose Nissan if you want the safer bet on cost and recalls. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Ariya, which rates excellent, and the 2024 is the year to buy. Nissan's upkeep runs about $343 a year less than Cadillac's, roughly $1,715 over five years. Cadillac still suits you if you want an XT5 from 2019 and can accept higher repair bills.
Cadillac vs Nissan: Common Questions
Is Cadillac more reliable than Nissan?
Which brand has more recalls, Cadillac or Nissan?
Which is cheaper to repair, Cadillac or Nissan?
What is the biggest known problem with a used Cadillac Escalade?
Should I buy a used Nissan Leaf or Ariya?
Comparing Cadillac vs Nissan? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How we score Cadillac and Nissan models
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.