Last updated: 2026-07-26
Jeep vs Nissan: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Jeep
7 models tracked
Nissan
12 models tracked
Comparing Jeep 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 67/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Jeep More Reliable Than Nissan?
| Metric | Jeep | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 67/100 | 77/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 12 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 54 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 2336 | 531 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $615/yr | $523/yr |
Jeep vs Nissan: The Verdict
The data is decisive here — Nissan pulls well ahead of Jeep on reliability. Across 7 Jeep and 12 Nissan models, Nissan averages 77/100 to 67/100 — a 10-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, Nissan is cheaper to maintain at $523/year versus $615/year. That maintenance gap adds up — budget-conscious buyers should factor in that Nissan advantage.
Where Jeep and Nissan Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Jeep | Nissan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 69/100Good | 76/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 68/100Good | 85/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Nissan scores 17 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Jeep vs Nissan: Strengths and Weaknesses
Jeep
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (67/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($615/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 6 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 210 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 Jeep and Nissan Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Jeep
Nissan
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Jeep or Nissan?
Based on independent repair cost data, Nissan is cheaper to maintain at an average of $523/year compared to $615/year for Jeep. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Jeep Repair Cost Range
$498 – $784/yr
Average: $615/yr
Nissan Repair Cost Range
$456 – $748/yr
Average: $523/yr
Jeep vs Nissan Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Jeep | Nissan | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(6 vs 6 models) | 69/100 | 77/100 | Nissan |
| Trucks(1 vs 1 models) | 55/100 | 80/100 | Nissan |
Nissan wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Jeep vs Nissan
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Jeep | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 28%4,241 | 24%1,283 |
| STEERING | 21%3,206 | 5%294 |
| POWER TRAIN | 18%2,666 | 11%617 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 10%1,451 | 16%851 |
| ENGINE | 8%1,266 | 8%447 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%578 | 11%600 |
| SUSPENSION | 3%453 | 1%43 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%267 | 4%205 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1%78 | 6%350 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Jeep vs Nissan Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Jeep owners reported 536 crash-related, 210 fire-related, and 355 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Nissan owners reported 324 crash-related, 42 fire-related, and 258 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.
Jeep
536
Crash reports
210
Fire reports
355
Injury reports
Nissan
324
Crash reports
42
Fire reports
258
Injury reports
Every Jeep and Nissan Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Jeep Models
Nissan Models
Jeep vs Nissan Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Jeep's reliability is improving — recent model years average 74/100, 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 | Jeep | Nissan | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 73/100(4) | 83/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2025 | 74/100(6) | 80/100(11) | Nissan |
| 2024 | 66/100(6) | 79/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2023 | 65/100(7) | 77/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2022 | 62/100(6) | 77/100(8) | Nissan |
| 2021 | 65/100(6) | 77/100(10) | Nissan |
| 2020 | 68/100(6) | 73/100(11) | Nissan |
| 2019 | 68/100(5) | 73/100(10) | Nissan |
| 2018 | 62/100(5) | 73/100(11) | Nissan |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Jeep vs Nissan: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Jeep and Nissan. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Jeep or Nissan?
Nissan is the clear reliability pick here, and the data backs it up across most metrics.
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 $615/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.
Jeep vs Nissan: Common Questions
Is Jeep more reliable than Nissan?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Jeep or Nissan?
Which make has more recalls, Jeep or Nissan?
What are the most reliable models from Jeep and Nissan?
What are the least reliable models from Jeep and Nissan?
What are the most common problems with Jeep and Nissan vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Jeep or Nissan?
How many Jeep and Nissan models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Jeep or Nissan?
Are Jeep and Nissan getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Jeep or Nissan?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Jeep or Nissan?
Comparing Jeep 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.