Last updated: 2026-05-15
Nissan vs Tesla: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Nissan
8 models tracked
Tesla
5 models tracked
Comparing Nissan and Tesla 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 52/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Nissan More Reliable Than Tesla?
| Metric | Nissan | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 77/100 | 52/100 |
| Models Tracked | 8 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 101 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 683 | 2526 |
Tesla Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Nissan vs Tesla: The Verdict
Nissan has a commanding reliability lead over Tesla, and it shows across multiple metrics. We scored 13 models between the two makes: Nissan at 77/100 and Tesla at 52/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
Where Nissan and Tesla Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Nissan | Tesla |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 69/100Good | 49/100Mixed |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 78/100Good | 40/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 83/100Excellent | 57/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 74/100Good |
Nissan's advantage in repair costs (+38 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Nissan vs Tesla: 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
Tesla
Strengths
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
Weaknesses
- 5 of 5 models rated Mixed or Poor
- 73 fire-related complaints across lineup
How Reliable Are Nissan and Tesla Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Nissan
Tesla
Nissan vs Tesla Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Nissan | Tesla | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(3 vs 2 models) | 77/100 | 47/100 | Nissan |
| Trucks(1 vs 1 models) | 80/100 | 59/100 | Nissan |
| SUVs(4 vs 2 models) | 76/100 | 56/100 | Nissan |
Nissan wins 3 out of 3 shared categories.
Common Problems: Nissan vs Tesla
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Nissan | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 7%337 | 25%2,734 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 16%758 | 13%1,412 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%833 | 12%1,331 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 4%165 | 14%1,504 |
| STEERING | 6%287 | 12%1,303 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%560 | 8%898 |
| POWER TRAIN | 12%554 | 2%238 |
| SUSPENSION | 1%35 | 6%708 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%194 | 4%426 |
| ENGINE | 9%428 | 0%9 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Nissan vs Tesla 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. Tesla owners reported 1,306 crash-related, 73 fire-related, and 868 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.
Nissan
297
Crash reports
35
Fire reports
242
Injury reports
Tesla
1,306
Crash reports
73
Fire reports
868
Injury reports
Every Nissan and Tesla Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Nissan Models
Nissan vs Tesla 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. Tesla's reliability is improving — recent model years average 60/100.
Interestingly, both Nissan and Tesla show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Nissan | Tesla | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 79/100(8) | 64/100(5) | Nissan |
| 2024 | 78/100(7) | 56/100(5) | Nissan |
| 2023 | 78/100(6) | 47/100(4) | Nissan |
| 2022 | 77/100(6) | 54/100(4) | Nissan |
| 2021 | 78/100(7) | 43/100(4) | Nissan |
| 2020 | 75/100(8) | 47/100(4) | Nissan |
| 2019 | 74/100(7) | 50/100(3) | Nissan |
| 2018 | 75/100(8) | 48/100(3) | Nissan |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Nissan vs Tesla: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Nissan and Tesla. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Nissan or Tesla?
If reliability is a top priority, Nissan deserves serious consideration over its rival.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Nissan Frontier leads both lineups with a score of 80/100.
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 Tesla: Common Questions
Is Nissan more reliable than Tesla?
Which make has more recalls, Nissan or Tesla?
What are the most reliable models from Nissan and Tesla?
What are the least reliable models from Nissan and Tesla?
What are the most common problems with Nissan and Tesla vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Nissan or Tesla?
How many Nissan and Tesla models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Nissan or Tesla?
Are Nissan and Tesla getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Nissan or Tesla?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Nissan or Tesla?
Comparing Nissan vs Tesla? 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.