Last updated: 2026-10-10
Infiniti vs Nissan: Reliability Compared
Infiniti
1 models tracked
Nissan
12 models tracked
Nissan edges out Infiniti on reliability. Lower repair costs are the main reason. The lead is slight: both brands rate good, and they tie on complaint severity and recall impact. Infiniti has only one model tracked, the QX60, while Nissan has twelve.
Is Infiniti More Reliable Than Nissan?
| Metric | Infiniti | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 77/100 |
| Models Tracked | 1 | 12 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 13 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 182 | 531 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $639/yr | $523/yr |
Infiniti vs Nissan: The Verdict
On overall reliability, Nissan leads, but only by a slight edge. Both brands stand at good, and both show an improving recent trend. The deciding difference is upkeep. Independent repair-cost data puts Nissan at about $523 a year and Infiniti at about $639.
Complaint severity and recall impact come out even. Infiniti does better at keeping problems spread across systems, while Nissan's complaints lean toward the electrical system. Nissan's recall count is far higher, 172 to 13, but it covers twelve models against one, so the raw gap says little on its own.
Where Infiniti and Nissan Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Infiniti | Nissan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 68/100Good | 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% | 84/100Excellent | 85/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and repair costs stands out — Nissan outscores by 6 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Infiniti vs Nissan: Strengths and Weaknesses
Infiniti
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($639/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 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
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Infiniti or Nissan?
Based on independent repair cost data, Nissan is cheaper to maintain at an average of $523/year compared to $639/year for Infiniti. That's a difference of $116/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Nissan Repair Cost Range
$456 – $748/yr
Average: $523/yr
Infiniti vs Nissan Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Infiniti | Nissan | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 6 models) | 75/100 | 77/100 | Nissan |
Nissan wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Infiniti vs Nissan
| Component | Infiniti | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%27 | 23%1,283 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 18%24 | 17%929 |
| POWER TRAIN | 23%32 | 11%609 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%11 | 11%590 |
| ENGINE | 13%18 | 8%436 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | — | 6%342 |
| STEERING | 1%2 | 5%272 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%2 | 4%205 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%4 | 2%112 |
| SEATS | 3%4 | 1%35 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Infiniti vs Nissan Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Infiniti
5
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
8
Injury reports
Nissan
331
Crash reports
41
Fire reports
268
Injury reports
Every Infiniti and Nissan Model Ranked
Infiniti Models
Nissan Models
Infiniti vs Nissan Reliability Trend by Year
Infiniti's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100, 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 | Infiniti | Nissan | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(1) | 83/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2025 | 76/100(1) | 80/100(11) | Nissan |
| 2024 | 73/100(1) | 79/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2023 | 72/100(1) | 77/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2022 | 73/100(1) | 77/100(8) | Nissan |
| 2021 | 81/100(1) | 77/100(10) | Infiniti |
| 2020 | 74/100(1) | 73/100(11) | Infiniti |
| 2019 | 71/100(1) | 73/100(10) | Nissan |
| 2018 | 72/100(1) | 73/100(11) | Nissan |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Infiniti vs Nissan: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Infiniti and Nissan. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Infiniti vs Nissan?
If you want a midsize SUV and a more upscale badge, the QX60 is the only Infiniti in the data. Aim for the 2021 model year. Look hard at the 2019 and 2023, the two lowest rated. Test drive for CVT shudder or hesitation, because that problem does not always respond to repair.
If you care more about cost or want choices, lean to Nissan. The Frontier is the pick for a truck, and the Altima suits a sedan shopper. For an electric SUV, choose the 2024 Ariya over the 2023, which has reports of sudden loss of drive power. Skip the Leaf unless a battery check comes back clean. Owners describe a charge reading that collapses on the highway, and 2019 and 2020 draw the most complaints. The 2021 is the year to favor. The Leaf also carries the highest upkeep estimate among the Nissans, about $748 a year.
The Bottom Line: Infiniti or Nissan?
For most shoppers, Nissan is the safer pick, mainly because it costs less to keep running and offers more models to choose from. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Ariya, with the 2024 year the better used buy. Over five years, the roughly $116 a year gap adds up to about $580 in Nissan's favor. Pick the QX60 only if you want that SUV and can find a 2021.
Infiniti vs Nissan: Common Questions
Is Infiniti more reliable than Nissan?
Which brand has more recalls, Infiniti or Nissan?
Which is cheaper to repair, Infiniti or Nissan?
What is the main problem with the Infiniti QX60?
Is the Nissan Leaf a reliable used car?
Comparing Infiniti 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 Infiniti 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.