Last updated: 2026-10-10
Chrysler vs Nissan: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Chrysler
3 models tracked
Nissan
12 models tracked
Nissan comes out ahead of Chrysler on reliability, with a clear edge. Owners file fewer complaints per car sold, and upkeep costs less. Both brands rate good, so the gap shows up in complaint rates, repair bills, and a few problem model years rather than in overall standing.
Is Chrysler More Reliable Than Nissan?
| Metric | Chrysler | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 77/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 12 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 888 | 531 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $642/yr | $523/yr |
Chrysler vs Nissan: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Nissan. Both brands hold a good standing, but Nissan draws 1 complaint per 1,000 sold against 1.7 for Chrysler. Upkeep also runs cheaper, at $523 a year versus $642 in independent repair-cost data.
Nissan also rates stronger on complaint severity and recall impact, even though its raw recall count is higher, 172 against 100. The spread of problems across systems is even, and electrical faults lead the complaints at both brands. Each brand shows an improving recent trend.
Where Chrysler and Nissan Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Chrysler | Nissan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 76/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 73/100Good | 85/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Nissan scores 12 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Chrysler vs Nissan: Strengths and Weaknesses
Chrysler
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($642/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 3 of 3 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 33 fire-related complaints across lineup
- 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 Chrysler and Nissan Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chrysler
Nissan
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chrysler or Nissan?
Based on independent repair cost data, Nissan is cheaper to maintain at an average of $523/year compared to $642/year for Chrysler. That's a difference of $119/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Chrysler Repair Cost Range
$631 – $647/yr
Average: $642/yr
Nissan Repair Cost Range
$456 – $748/yr
Average: $523/yr
Chrysler vs Nissan Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Chrysler | Nissan | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(1 vs 5 models) | 72/100 | 75/100 | Nissan |
Nissan wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Chrysler vs Nissan
| Component | Chrysler | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 27%648 | 23%1,283 |
| POWER TRAIN | 25%597 | 11%609 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%221 | 17%929 |
| ENGINE | 13%316 | 8%436 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%78 | 11%590 |
| STEERING | 9%226 | 5%272 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0%5 | 6%342 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%96 | 4%205 |
| HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%57 | — |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Chrysler vs Nissan Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Chrysler
80
Crash reports
33
Fire reports
60
Injury reports
Nissan
331
Crash reports
41
Fire reports
268
Injury reports
Every Chrysler and Nissan Model Ranked
Chrysler Models
Nissan Models
Chrysler vs Nissan Reliability Trend by Year
Chrysler's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100, 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 | Chrysler | Nissan | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 83/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2025 | 73/100(2) | 80/100(11) | Nissan |
| 2024 | 73/100(2) | 79/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2023 | 69/100(3) | 77/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2022 | 68/100(3) | 77/100(8) | Nissan |
| 2021 | 68/100(3) | 77/100(10) | Nissan |
| 2020 | 72/100(3) | 73/100(11) | Nissan |
| 2019 | 66/100(2) | 73/100(10) | Nissan |
| 2018 | 59/100(2) | 73/100(11) | Nissan |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Chrysler vs Nissan: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Chrysler and Nissan. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Chrysler vs Nissan?
If you need a minivan, Chrysler is your answer here, because no Nissan minivan is tracked. Target the Voyager, and look for a 2020. Skip the 2023, which collected six recalls. The Pacifica is the weaker of the two. Its 2024 is the site's pick, but avoid the 2018, which brings electrical fires and head gasket failures on the 3.6L V6. On any Pacifica, test for power steering that cuts out and for sudden stalls.
For nearly everyone else, lean Nissan. The Frontier truck and the Ariya SUV both rate excellent. Buy the Ariya as a 2024, not a 2023, which has reports of sudden loss of drive power. Be careful with the Leaf. Battery trouble defines it, and repairs run about $748 a year. If you want one, favor the 2021 and pass on the 2019 and 2020. Sedan shoppers can start with the Altima, since Nissan beats Chrysler on sedans overall.
The Bottom Line: Chrysler or Nissan?
Choose Nissan unless you specifically want a minivan. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Ariya, rated excellent, and the 2024 is the year to buy. The Frontier also rates excellent. Nissan averages $119 less per year in estimated repairs, which adds up to about $595 over five years. Take a Chrysler Voyager from 2020 if a minivan is the goal.
Chrysler vs Nissan: Common Questions
Is Chrysler more reliable than Nissan?
Which brand has more recalls, Chrysler or Nissan?
Which is cheaper to repair, Chrysler or Nissan?
What problems do Chrysler owners report most?
Which Nissan model years should I avoid?
Comparing Chrysler 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 Chrysler comparisons
How we score Chrysler 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.