Last updated: 2026-05-15
Nissan vs Toyota: Reliability Compared
Nissan
8 models tracked
Toyota
16 models tracked
Comparing Nissan and Toyota 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 75/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Nissan More Reliable Than Toyota?
| Metric | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 77/100 | 75/100 |
| Models Tracked | 8 | 16 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 28 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 683 | 690 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $488/yr | $473/yr |
Nissan vs Toyota: The Verdict
Nissan edges out Toyota on reliability, though both makes have solid options. Across 8 Nissan and 16 Toyota models, Nissan averages 77/100 to 75/100 — a 2-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, Toyota is cheaper to maintain at $473/year versus $488/year.
Where Nissan and Toyota Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 69/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 78/100Good | 78/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 83/100Excellent | 77/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Nissan scores 6 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Nissan vs Toyota: 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
Toyota
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($473/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 16 of 16 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 93 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Nissan and Toyota Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Nissan
Toyota
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Nissan or Toyota?
Based on independent repair cost data, Toyota is cheaper to maintain at an average of $473/year compared to $488/year for Nissan. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Nissan Repair Cost Range
$456 – $542/yr
Average: $488/yr
Toyota Repair Cost Range
$362 – $606/yr
Average: $473/yr
Nissan vs Toyota Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Nissan | Toyota | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(3 vs 5 models) | 77/100 | 77/100 | Tie |
| Trucks(1 vs 2 models) | 80/100 | 65/100 | Nissan |
| SUVs(4 vs 7 models) | 76/100 | 77/100 | Toyota |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Nissan vs Toyota
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 12%554 | 17%1,593 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 16%758 | 14%1,321 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%833 | 13%1,214 |
| ENGINE | 9%428 | 10%965 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%560 | 8%792 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%194 | 9%890 |
| STEERING | 6%287 | 6%555 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%86 | 8%740 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 7%337 | 1%59 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Nissan vs Toyota 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. Toyota owners reported 672 crash-related, 93 fire-related, and 611 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
Toyota
672
Crash reports
93
Fire reports
611
Injury reports
Every Nissan and Toyota Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Nissan Models
Toyota Models
Nissan vs Toyota 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. Toyota's reliability is improving — recent model years average 77/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Nissan | Toyota | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 79/100(8) | 78/100(15) | Nissan |
| 2024 | 78/100(7) | 75/100(16) | Nissan |
| 2023 | 78/100(6) | 75/100(15) | Nissan |
| 2022 | 77/100(6) | 75/100(13) | Nissan |
| 2021 | 78/100(7) | 76/100(11) | Nissan |
| 2020 | 75/100(8) | 73/100(10) | Nissan |
| 2019 | 74/100(7) | 70/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2018 | 75/100(8) | 71/100(9) | Nissan |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Nissan vs Toyota: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Nissan and Toyota. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Nissan or Toyota?
Nissan comes out ahead on the numbers, though both makes can serve you well if you pick the right model.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Toyota Crown leads both lineups with a score of 84/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Toyota costs less to maintain — $473/year vs $488/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.
Nissan vs Toyota: Common Questions
Is Nissan more reliable than Toyota?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Nissan or Toyota?
Which make has more recalls, Nissan or Toyota?
What are the most reliable models from Nissan and Toyota?
What are the least reliable models from Nissan and Toyota?
What are the most common problems with Nissan and Toyota vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Nissan or Toyota?
How many Nissan and Toyota models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Nissan or Toyota?
Are Nissan and Toyota getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Nissan or Toyota?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Nissan or Toyota?
Comparing Nissan vs Toyota? 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.