Last updated: 2026-10-10
Hyundai vs Nissan: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Hyundai
10 models tracked
Nissan
12 models tracked
Nissan comes out ahead of Hyundai on reliability, with fewer complaints per car sold and fewer recalls. Both brands rate good and both are improving. Hyundai's most reported trouble is electrical and engine faults, while Nissan's is electrical.
Is Hyundai More Reliable Than Nissan?
| Metric | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 77/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 12 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 23 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1001 | 531 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $492/yr | $523/yr |
Hyundai vs Nissan: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Nissan. Owners filed 1 complaint per 1,000 cars sold, against 1.4 for Hyundai, and federal recall records show 172 recalls to Hyundai's 232. Complaints that involve fires are the sharpest gap: 41 for Nissan and 126 for Hyundai. Nissan also does better in SUVs and trucks, while sedans are even.
Cost is the one place Hyundai pulls back. Independent repair-cost data averages about $492 a year for Hyundai and $523 for Nissan. Both brands carry a good standing, so the gap shows up in the details, not in the headline rating.
Where Hyundai and Nissan Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 68/100Good | 76/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 76/100Good | 85/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Nissan scores 9 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Hyundai vs Nissan: Strengths and Weaknesses
Hyundai
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($492/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 10 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 126 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 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, Hyundai is cheaper to maintain at an average of $492/year compared to $523/year for Nissan. 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 – $748/yr
Average: $523/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 5 models) | 75/100 | 75/100 | Tie |
| SUVs(6 vs 6 models) | 67/100 | 77/100 | Nissan |
| Trucks(1 vs 1 models) | 68/100 | 80/100 | Nissan |
Nissan wins 2 out of 3 shared categories.
Common Problems: Hyundai vs Nissan
| Component | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%1,751 | 23%1,283 |
| ENGINE | 18%1,597 | 8%436 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%1,095 | 17%929 |
| POWER TRAIN | 15%1,289 | 11%609 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%745 | 11%590 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3%254 | 6%342 |
| STEERING | 3%226 | 5%272 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3%272 | 3%161 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 3%260 | 2%124 |
| SEAT BELTS | 4%330 | 0%18 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Hyundai vs Nissan Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Hyundai
407
Crash reports
126
Fire reports
342
Injury reports
Nissan
331
Crash reports
41
Fire reports
268
Injury reports
Every Hyundai and Nissan Model Ranked
Hyundai Models
Nissan Models
Hyundai vs Nissan Reliability Trend by Year
Hyundai's reliability is improving — recent model years average 75/100, 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 | Hyundai | Nissan | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 76/100(10) | 83/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2025 | 74/100(10) | 80/100(11) | Nissan |
| 2024 | 72/100(10) | 79/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2023 | 67/100(10) | 77/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2022 | 64/100(9) | 77/100(8) | Nissan |
| 2021 | 69/100(7) | 77/100(10) | Nissan |
| 2020 | 66/100(7) | 73/100(11) | Nissan |
| 2019 | 68/100(5) | 73/100(10) | Nissan |
| 2018 | 67/100(5) | 73/100(11) | Nissan |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
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:
Who Should Buy Hyundai vs Nissan?
If you want the lowest chance of a serious complaint, lean Nissan. The Frontier is the truck to target, since it is the only truck on either list that rates excellent. The Ariya is also rated excellent, but buy a 2024 and skip the 2023, which owners say can lose drive power with a "Service EV System" warning. Skip the Leaf unless you can live with battery trouble and repair costs near $748 a year. If you do buy one, the 2021 is the year to favor.
If you want a sedan and a lower yearly repair bill, lean Hyundai. The Elantra is the strongest of its lineup. Favor the 2024 and skip 2020 and 2022, because engine failure can arrive with no warning light first. Be careful with the Ioniq 5, which has a mixed standing. Owners trace sudden loss of drive power to the charging control unit, and the 2022 and 2023 years collect the most complaints. A 2024 is the better pick.
The Bottom Line: Hyundai or Nissan?
Choose Nissan if you want the stronger record, especially in an SUV or truck. Choose Hyundai if a lower yearly repair bill matters more. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Frontier, an excellent truck with no year warnings in the data. The $31 yearly gap in average repair cost adds up to about $155 over five years in Hyundai's favor.
Hyundai vs Nissan: Common Questions
Is Hyundai more reliable than Nissan?
Which brand has more recalls, Hyundai or Nissan?
Which is cheaper to repair, Hyundai or Nissan?
What is the biggest problem with used Hyundai models?
Are used Nissan electric cars a good buy?
Comparing Hyundai vs Nissan? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
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How we score Hyundai 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.