Last updated: 2026-07-26
GMC vs Nissan: Which Make Is More Reliable?
GMC
5 models tracked
Nissan
12 models tracked
Comparing GMC 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.
Nissan currently leads with an average score of 77/100 compared to 71/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is GMC More Reliable Than Nissan?
| Metric | GMC | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 71/100 | 77/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 12 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 29 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1164 | 531 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $647/yr | $523/yr |
GMC Models
5 models ranked by reliability
GMC vs Nissan: The Verdict
The numbers favor Nissan here, but GMC isn't far behind. We scored 17 models between the two makes: GMC at 71/100 and Nissan at 77/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
On the cost front, Nissan is cheaper to maintain at $523/year versus $647/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $620 in savings. For buyers watching long-term costs, Nissan's lower maintenance bill is a real differentiator.
Where GMC and Nissan Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | GMC | Nissan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 66/100Good | 76/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 81/100Excellent | 85/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Nissan's advantage in repair costs (+10 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
GMC vs Nissan: Strengths and Weaknesses
GMC
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (71/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($647/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 34 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
- 42 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are GMC and Nissan Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
GMC
Nissan
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: GMC or Nissan?
Based on independent repair cost data, Nissan is cheaper to maintain at an average of $523/year compared to $647/year for GMC. That's a difference of $124/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
GMC Repair Cost Range
$548 – $747/yr
Average: $647/yr
Nissan Repair Cost Range
$456 – $748/yr
Average: $523/yr
GMC vs Nissan Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | GMC | Nissan | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 6 models) | 70/100 | 77/100 | Nissan |
| Trucks(2 vs 1 models) | 71/100 | 80/100 | Nissan |
Nissan wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: GMC vs Nissan
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | GMC | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 14%742 | 24%1,283 |
| ENGINE | 27%1,443 | 8%447 |
| POWER TRAIN | 22%1,163 | 11%617 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 7%372 | 16%851 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%410 | 11%600 |
| STEERING | 5%287 | 5%294 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 5%245 | 3%139 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1%34 | 6%350 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%72 | 4%205 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 3%169 | 1%40 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
GMC vs Nissan Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, GMC owners reported 128 crash-related, 34 fire-related, and 138 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Nissan owners reported 324 crash-related, 42 fire-related, and 258 injury-related complaints. GMC 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.
GMC
128
Crash reports
34
Fire reports
138
Injury reports
Nissan
324
Crash reports
42
Fire reports
258
Injury reports
Every GMC and Nissan Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
GMC Models
Nissan Models
GMC vs Nissan Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
GMC'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.
Interestingly, both GMC and Nissan show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | GMC | Nissan | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 80/100(5) | 83/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2025 | 76/100(5) | 80/100(11) | Nissan |
| 2024 | 75/100(5) | 79/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2023 | 67/100(5) | 77/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2022 | 67/100(5) | 77/100(8) | Nissan |
| 2021 | 66/100(5) | 77/100(10) | Nissan |
| 2020 | 68/100(5) | 73/100(11) | Nissan |
| 2019 | 69/100(4) | 73/100(10) | Nissan |
| 2018 | 68/100(5) | 73/100(11) | Nissan |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
GMC vs Nissan: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between GMC and Nissan. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: GMC or Nissan?
Nissan comes out ahead on the numbers, though both makes can serve you well if you pick the right model.
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 $647/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.
GMC vs Nissan: Common Questions
Is GMC more reliable than Nissan?
Which is cheaper to maintain, GMC or Nissan?
Which make has more recalls, GMC or Nissan?
What are the most reliable models from GMC and Nissan?
What are the least reliable models from GMC and Nissan?
What are the most common problems with GMC and Nissan vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, GMC or Nissan?
How many GMC and Nissan models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, GMC or Nissan?
Are GMC and Nissan getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, GMC or Nissan?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, GMC or Nissan?
Comparing GMC 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 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. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.