Last updated: 2026-05-15
Nissan vs Ram: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Nissan
8 models tracked
Ram
3 models tracked
Comparing Nissan and Ram 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 57/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Nissan More Reliable Than Ram?
| Metric | Nissan | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 77/100 | 57/100 |
| Models Tracked | 8 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 53 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 683 | 1442 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $488/yr | $691/yr |
Ram Models
3 models ranked by reliability
Nissan vs Ram: The Verdict
The data is decisive here — Nissan pulls well ahead of Ram on reliability. Across 8 Nissan and 3 Ram models, Nissan averages 77/100 to 57/100 — a 20-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 $691/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $1015 in savings. That maintenance gap adds up — budget-conscious buyers should factor in that Nissan advantage.
Where Nissan and Ram Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Nissan | Ram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 69/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 78/100Good | 55/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 83/100Excellent | 61/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 81/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in repair costs, where Nissan scores 23 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Nissan vs Ram: Strengths and Weaknesses
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
Ram
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (57/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Reliability trending downward in recent model years
- 37 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Nissan and Ram Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Nissan
Ram
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Nissan or Ram?
Based on independent repair cost data, Nissan is cheaper to maintain at an average of $488/year compared to $691/year for Ram. That's a difference of $203/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Nissan Repair Cost Range
$456 – $542/yr
Average: $488/yr
Nissan vs Ram Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Nissan | Ram | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trucks(1 vs 3 models) | 80/100 | 43/100 | Nissan |
Nissan wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Nissan vs Ram
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Nissan | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%833 | 25%912 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 16%758 | 11%398 |
| POWER TRAIN | 12%554 | 14%530 |
| STEERING | 6%287 | 15%563 |
| ENGINE | 9%428 | 11%407 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%560 | 6%213 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 7%337 | 0%15 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%194 | 4%132 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%86 | 3%125 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Nissan vs Ram Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Nissan owners reported 297 crash-related, 35 fire-related, and 242 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Ram owners reported 171 crash-related, 37 fire-related, and 125 injury-related complaints. Ram 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.
Nissan
297
Crash reports
35
Fire reports
242
Injury reports
Ram
171
Crash reports
37
Fire reports
125
Injury reports
Every Nissan and Ram Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Nissan Models
Nissan vs Ram Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Nissan's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100, up from earlier years. Ram's reliability is declining in recent model years.
The trend lines are moving in opposite directions: Nissan is getting more reliable while Ram is sliding. That's worth watching if you're buying a newer model year.
| Model Year | Nissan | Ram | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 79/100(8) | 45/100(3) | Nissan |
| 2024 | 78/100(7) | 46/100(3) | Nissan |
| 2023 | 78/100(6) | 68/100(2) | Nissan |
| 2022 | 77/100(6) | 63/100(2) | Nissan |
| 2021 | 78/100(7) | 61/100(2) | Nissan |
| 2020 | 75/100(8) | 64/100(2) | Nissan |
| 2019 | 74/100(7) | 58/100(2) | Nissan |
| 2018 | 75/100(8) | 66/100(2) | Nissan |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Nissan or Ram?
The numbers make a strong case for Nissan — this is one of the larger make-level gaps in our database.
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 $691/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $1015 in savings.
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.
Nissan vs Ram: Common Questions
Is Nissan more reliable than Ram?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Nissan or Ram?
Which make has more recalls, Nissan or Ram?
What are the most reliable models from Nissan and Ram?
What are the least reliable models from Nissan and Ram?
What are the most common problems with Nissan and Ram vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Nissan or Ram?
How many Nissan and Ram models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Nissan or Ram?
Are Nissan and Ram getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Nissan or Ram?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Nissan or Ram?
Comparing Nissan vs Ram? 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.