Last updated: 2026-05-15
Hyundai vs Nissan: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Hyundai
9 models tracked
Nissan
8 models tracked
Comparing Hyundai 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 68/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Hyundai More Reliable Than Nissan?
| Metric | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 68/100 | 77/100 |
| Models Tracked | 9 | 8 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 23 | 16 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1093 | 683 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $492/yr | $488/yr |
Hyundai vs Nissan: The Verdict
Nissan edges out Hyundai on reliability, though both makes have solid options. Across 9 Hyundai and 8 Nissan models, Nissan averages 77/100 to 68/100 — a 9-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, Nissan is cheaper to maintain at $488/year versus $492/year.
Where Hyundai and Nissan Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 69/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 69/100Good | 78/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 73/100Good | 83/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 84/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in complaint severity, where Nissan scores 10 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Hyundai vs Nissan: Strengths and Weaknesses
Hyundai
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (68/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($492/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 8 of 9 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 125 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
- Very affordable maintenance ($488/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 8 of 8 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 35 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Hyundai and Nissan Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Hyundai
Nissan
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Hyundai or Nissan?
Based on independent repair cost data, Nissan is cheaper to maintain at an average of $488/year compared to $492/year for Hyundai. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Hyundai Repair Cost Range
$426 – $573/yr
Average: $492/yr
Nissan Repair Cost Range
$456 – $542/yr
Average: $488/yr
Hyundai vs Nissan Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Hyundai | Nissan | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(3 vs 3 models) | 73/100 | 77/100 | Nissan |
| SUVs(5 vs 4 models) | 64/100 | 76/100 | Nissan |
| Trucks(1 vs 1 models) | 66/100 | 80/100 | Nissan |
Nissan wins 3 out of 3 shared categories.
Common Problems: Hyundai vs Nissan
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%1,717 | 18%833 |
| ENGINE | 19%1,626 | 9%428 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 13%1,105 | 16%758 |
| POWER TRAIN | 15%1,280 | 12%554 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 9%750 | 12%560 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3%271 | 7%337 |
| STEERING | 3%267 | 6%287 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3%297 | 4%165 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%135 | 4%194 |
| SEAT BELTS | 4%308 | 0%4 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Hyundai vs Nissan Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Hyundai owners reported 391 crash-related, 125 fire-related, and 326 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Nissan owners reported 297 crash-related, 35 fire-related, and 242 injury-related complaints. Nissan 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.
Hyundai
391
Crash reports
125
Fire reports
326
Injury reports
Nissan
297
Crash reports
35
Fire reports
242
Injury reports
Every Hyundai and Nissan Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Hyundai Models
Nissan Models
Hyundai vs Nissan Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Hyundai's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100, up from earlier years. Nissan's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Hyundai | Nissan | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 73/100(9) | 79/100(8) | Nissan |
| 2024 | 72/100(9) | 78/100(7) | Nissan |
| 2023 | 66/100(9) | 78/100(6) | Nissan |
| 2022 | 63/100(8) | 77/100(6) | Nissan |
| 2021 | 68/100(6) | 78/100(7) | Nissan |
| 2020 | 66/100(6) | 75/100(8) | Nissan |
| 2019 | 68/100(5) | 74/100(7) | Nissan |
| 2018 | 67/100(5) | 75/100(8) | Nissan |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Hyundai vs Nissan: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Hyundai and Nissan. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Hyundai 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 Frontier leads both lineups with a score of 80/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Nissan costs less to maintain — $488/year vs $492/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.
Hyundai vs Nissan: Common Questions
Is Hyundai more reliable than Nissan?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Hyundai or Nissan?
Which make has more recalls, Hyundai or Nissan?
What are the most reliable models from Hyundai and Nissan?
What are the least reliable models from Hyundai and Nissan?
What are the most common problems with Hyundai and Nissan vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Hyundai or Nissan?
How many Hyundai and Nissan models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Hyundai or Nissan?
Are Hyundai and Nissan getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Hyundai or Nissan?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Hyundai or Nissan?
Comparing Hyundai 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.