Last updated: 2026-10-10
Lexus vs Nissan: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Lexus
7 models tracked
Nissan
12 models tracked
Lexus beats Nissan on reliability, and the edge is clear. Owners file far fewer complaints per car sold. Lexus also has fewer recalls and lower repair costs, while Nissan counters with a better spread of problems and an improving trend across its larger lineup.
Is Lexus More Reliable Than Nissan?
| Metric | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 82/100 | 77/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 12 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 18 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 186 | 531 |
Lexus vs Nissan: The Verdict
Reliability favors Lexus by a clear margin. It is stronger on complaint severity, repair costs and recall impact. Nissan drew 6368 owner complaints against 1303 for Lexus, and its rate per 1,000 sold is double, at 1 versus 0.5. Federal recall records show 172 recalls for Nissan and 125 for Lexus.
Nissan wins one category: how problems spread across systems. Its trend is also improving, while Lexus is stable. That makes a good Nissan a sound buy, but the odds favor Lexus.
Where Lexus and Nissan Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 73/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 85/100Excellent | 76/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 89/100Excellent | 85/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Lexus has a 9-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Lexus vs Nissan: Strengths and Weaknesses
Lexus
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (82/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 7 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
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 Lexus and Nissan Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Lexus
Nissan
Lexus vs Nissan Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Lexus | Nissan | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 5 models) | 83/100 | 75/100 | Lexus |
| SUVs(5 vs 6 models) | 81/100 | 77/100 | Lexus |
Lexus wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Lexus vs Nissan
| Component | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 15%87 | 23%1,283 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 18%102 | 17%929 |
| POWER TRAIN | 6%35 | 11%609 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 7%42 | 11%590 |
| ENGINE | 5%26 | 8%436 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0%2 | 6%342 |
| AIR BAGS | 17%100 | 4%205 |
| STEERING | 1%4 | 5%272 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 9%50 | 2%112 |
| STRUCTURE | 6%32 | 2%96 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Lexus vs Nissan Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Lexus
60
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
51
Injury reports
Nissan
331
Crash reports
41
Fire reports
268
Injury reports
Every Lexus and Nissan Model Ranked
Lexus Models
Nissan Models
Lexus vs Nissan Reliability Trend by Year
Lexus's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Nissan's reliability is improving — recent model years average 82/100.
| Model Year | Lexus | Nissan | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 87/100(6) | 83/100(9) | Lexus |
| 2025 | 80/100(7) | 80/100(11) | Tie |
| 2024 | 81/100(7) | 79/100(9) | Lexus |
| 2023 | 81/100(6) | 77/100(9) | Lexus |
| 2022 | 83/100(6) | 77/100(8) | Lexus |
| 2021 | 83/100(6) | 77/100(10) | Lexus |
| 2020 | 83/100(6) | 73/100(11) | Lexus |
| 2019 | 79/100(6) | 73/100(10) | Lexus |
| 2018 | 80/100(5) | 73/100(11) | Lexus |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Lexus vs Nissan: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Lexus and Nissan. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Lexus vs Nissan?
If you want the lowest risk, shop Lexus first. The RX is the one to target, and the 2022 is the year to favor because it has no recalls. On that year, watch for an instrument cluster that dims or goes blank. The NX is rated good rather than excellent. Pick the 2021 and check any 2024 closely, since it draws far more complaints than other years.
Lean Nissan if you need a truck or an electric SUV. The Frontier is rated excellent, and so is the Ariya. Take the 2024 Ariya over the 2023, which has reports of sudden loss of drive power. Be careful with the Leaf. Battery trouble defines it, and the 2019 and 2020 draw the most complaints, so aim for the 2021. Among Nissan sedans and crossovers, the Altima, Murano and Rogue all rate good.
The Bottom Line: Lexus or Nissan?
Choose Lexus if reliability is your first concern. The RX is the strongest single model across both lineups, and the 2022 is the year to look for. Nissan makes sense when you want a truck or an EV, and its Frontier and 2024 Ariya hold up well. On cost, Nissan upkeep averages $523 a year, and the Leaf runs about $748 a year. Independent repair-cost data favors Lexus.
Lexus vs Nissan: Common Questions
Is Lexus more reliable than Nissan?
Which brand has more recalls, Lexus or Nissan?
Which is cheaper to repair, Lexus or Nissan?
What is the most common problem on Nissan cars?
What is the best used model from each brand?
Comparing Lexus 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 Lexus 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.