Last updated: 2026-07-26

Most Reliable Nissan Models — Ranked in 2026

We ranked every Nissan model and year in our database by reliability score. The average Nissan scores 77/100 across all models and years. The 2026 Nissan Altima is the most reliable Nissan with a score of 88/100.

Nissan Reliability Rankings

#VehicleBest YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaints / 10kMaint. RatingEst. Repair Cost
12026 Nissan Altima202688/100Excellent04$483/yr
22026 Nissan Ariya202688/100Excellent04$500/yr
32025 Nissan Ariya202588/100Excellent04$500/yr
42024 Nissan Ariya202488/100Excellent04$500/yr
52026 Nissan Sentra202688/100Excellent04$491/yr
62025 Nissan Frontier202584/100Excellent00.04$470/yr
72021 Nissan Frontier202184/100Excellent00.04$470/yr
82025 Nissan Rogue202584/100Excellent14.74$467/yr
92023 Nissan Altima202384/100Excellent01.94$483/yr
102026 Nissan Rogue202683/100Excellent14$467/yr
112026 Nissan Kicks202683/100Excellent14
122022 Nissan Altima202283/100Excellent01.44$483/yr
132026 Nissan Pathfinder202682/100Excellent03.5$542/yr
142018 Nissan Murano201882/100Excellent03.5$507/yr
152022 Nissan Kicks202282/100Excellent03.54
162026 Nissan Murano202682/100Excellent03.5$507/yr
172023 Nissan Murano202382/100Excellent03.5$507/yr
182024 Nissan Altima202482/100Excellent12.74$483/yr
192022 Nissan Murano202282/100Excellent03.5$507/yr
202021 Nissan Murano202182/100Excellent03.5$507/yr
212024 Nissan Kicks202481/100Excellent12.64
222025 Nissan Versa202581/100Excellent01.84$456/yr
232023 Nissan Sentra202380/100Excellent11.34$491/yr
242023 Nissan Kicks202380/100Excellent13.44
252019 Nissan Frontier201980/100Excellent14.34$470/yr
262025 Nissan Leaf202579/100Good013.74$748/yr
272024 Nissan Rogue202479/100Good24.74$467/yr
282024 Nissan Sentra202479/100Good31.54$491/yr
292020 Nissan Rogue202079/100Good28.14$467/yr
302021 Nissan Altima202179/100Good25.14$483/yr
312018 Nissan Frontier201879/100Good23.14$470/yr
322020 Nissan Pathfinder202078/100Good08.93.5$542/yr
332025 Nissan Altima202578/100Good10.44$483/yr
342025 Nissan Sentra202578/100Good31.04$491/yr
352020 Nissan Frontier202078/100Good23.64$470/yr
362021 Nissan Kicks202178/100Good28.04
372025 Nissan Kicks202578/100Good32.34
382020 Nissan Kicks202078/100Good014.44
392025 Nissan Pathfinder202578/100Good12.63.5$542/yr
402024 Nissan Frontier202477/100Good32.04$470/yr
412022 Nissan Maxima202277/100Good07.03.5$540/yr
422022 Nissan Sentra202277/100Good29.34$491/yr
432021 Nissan Versa202177/100Good34.84$456/yr
442021 Nissan Maxima202177/100Good01.83.5$540/yr
452019 Nissan Murano201977/100Good13.5$507/yr
462023 Nissan Maxima202377/100Good01.03.5$540/yr
472026 Nissan Frontier202677/100Good10.94$470/yr
482018 Nissan Sentra201877/100Good28.54$491/yr
492018 Nissan Versa201876/100Good57.34$456/yr
502021 Nissan Sentra202176/100Good39.34$491/yr
512018 Nissan Altima201876/100Good210.44$483/yr
522019 Nissan Maxima201976/100Good15.13.5$540/yr
532023 Nissan Ariya202376/100Good44$500/yr
542019 Nissan Sentra201975/100Good211.54$491/yr
552022 Nissan Armada202275/100Good16.73.5$550/yr
562023 Nissan Armada202375/100Good12.43.5$550/yr
572024 Nissan Armada202475/100Good12.63.5$550/yr
582021 Nissan Armada202174/100Good25.33.5$550/yr
592024 Nissan Pathfinder202474/100Good25.13.5$542/yr
602020 Nissan Murano202074/100Good23.5$507/yr
612023 Nissan Pathfinder202374/100Good112.03.5$542/yr
622025 Nissan Murano202574/100Good23.5$507/yr
632026 Nissan Armada202674/100Good23.5$550/yr
642020 Nissan Versa202074/100Good212.44$456/yr
652020 Nissan Maxima202074/100Good111.63.5$540/yr
662019 Nissan Rogue201973/100Good611.74$467/yr
672024 Nissan Versa202473/100Good121.44$456/yr
682019 Nissan Kicks201973/100Good121.14
692025 Nissan Armada202573/100Good211.03.5$550/yr
702019 Nissan Altima201972/100Good811.04$483/yr
712019 Nissan Armada201972/100Good122.53.5$550/yr
722020 Nissan Armada202072/100Good213.23.5$550/yr
732018 Nissan Maxima201872/100Good28.53.5$540/yr
742018 Nissan Kicks201871/100Good133.54
752020 Nissan Altima202071/100Good611.74$483/yr
762019 Nissan Pathfinder201971/100Good210.83.5$542/yr
772020 Nissan Sentra202071/100Good420.44$491/yr
782018 Nissan Armada201870/100Good122.43.5$550/yr
792018 Nissan Rogue201870/100Good617.44$467/yr
802022 Nissan Rogue202270/100Good711.34$467/yr
812021 Nissan Rogue202170/100Good139.44$467/yr
822021 Nissan Leaf202170/100Good435.84$748/yr
832018 Nissan Pathfinder201868/100Good311.03.5$542/yr
842023 Nissan Rogue202368/100Good519.14$467/yr
852018 Nissan Leaf201867/100Good443.54$748/yr
862022 Nissan Pathfinder202266/100Good520.63.5$542/yr
872019 Nissan Leaf201958/100Mixed5203.04$748/yr
882020 Nissan Leaf202058/100Mixed6166.34$748/yr

Model Summaries

Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima, covering model years 2018 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 83/100, indicating excellent reliability overall. Common issues reported include electrical system malfunctions, particularly with door lock actuators, and problems with the automatic emergency braking system, especially in earlier models. With an estimated annual repair cost of $483, which is below the midsize car average, the Altima suits those looking for a reliable midsize sedan with manageable maintenance expenses.

Average score: 79/100. Best year: 2026 (88/100). 9 years tracked.

Nissan Ariya

The Nissan Ariya, covering model years 2023 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 85/100, indicating an excellent reliability rating overall. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system failures, particularly in the 2023 model, which had 19 complaints and 4 recalls, while later models show improvement with fewer complaints and no recalls. With an estimated annual repair cost of $500 and a medium reliability rating of 4/5, the Ariya may appeal to those seeking a reliable electric vehicle, though potential buyers should be aware of historical electrical system concerns.

Average score: 85/100. Best year: 2026 (88/100). 4 years tracked.

Nissan Armada

The Nissan Armada, covering model years 2018 through 2026, has an average reliability score of 73/100, categorized as "Good" according to Auto Reliability Index standards. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system failures, particularly battery drainage, and power train concerns, such as transmission performance and control failures. With an estimated annual repair cost of $550, which is below the full-size SUV average of $784, the Armada presents a moderate reliability profile, appealing to buyers aware of its recurring mechanical issues.

Average score: 73/100. Best year: 2022 (75/100). 9 years tracked.

Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier, with an average reliability score of 79/100, demonstrates consistent performance across several model years, with notable improvements in 2021 when it achieved a score of 84/100 and zero complaints per 10,000 sold. Common issues reported by owners include power train concerns, especially in 2019 and 2020, and some electrical system problems, while the estimated annual repair cost of $470 is below the midsize truck average. This vehicle may suit those seeking a midsize truck with generally good reliability and lower-than-average repair costs, although prospective buyers should be aware of recurring power train issues in certain years.

Average score: 80/100. Best year: 2025 (84/100). 7 years tracked.

Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks, spanning model years 2018 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 78 out of 100, indicating good reliability. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system malfunctions and transmission problems, particularly in earlier models, while more recent years show improvements with lower complaint rates and scores reaching up to 83 in 2026. With a reliability rating of 4 out of 5 and moderate repair costs, the Kicks may suit buyers seeking a compact vehicle with a generally reliable track record, although attention to specific model year concerns is advised.

Average score: 78/100. Best year: 2026 (83/100). 9 years tracked.

Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf, covering model years 2018 to 2025, shows a varied reliability performance with scores ranging from 58/100 to 79/100, indicating generally good reliability with some mixed results in earlier years. Common issues reported by owners include problems with the electrical system, particularly involving battery performance and charging capabilities, with notable improvements in the 2025 model year, which has a lower complaint rate of 13.7 per 10,000 sold. With an estimated annual repair cost of $748, higher than the average for alternative fuel vehicles, the Leaf is suited for buyers who prioritize electric vehicle benefits but should be aware of potential repair costs and specific model year concerns.

Average score: 66/100. Best year: 2025 (79/100). 5 years tracked.

Nissan Maxima

The Nissan Maxima, covering model years 2018 to 2023, holds an average reliability score of 76 out of 100, indicating a generally good reliability standing. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system failures, forward collision avoidance problems, and structural concerns, particularly in the 2018 and 2020 models. With an estimated annual repair cost of $540, slightly below the full-size car average, the Maxima may appeal to those prioritizing moderate maintenance expenses, though potential buyers should be aware of the specific problem areas noted in earlier model years.

Average score: 76/100. Best year: 2022 (77/100). 6 years tracked.

Nissan Murano

The Nissan Murano, covering model years 2018 to 2026, shows a consistent reliability score averaging 79/100, classified as "Good" on the Auto Reliability Index. Common issues reported by owners include problems with the forward collision avoidance system, electrical components, and unexpected sunroof shattering, particularly in earlier models. With an estimated annual repair cost of $507, slightly below the compact SUV average, the Murano's reliability and cost-effectiveness may appeal to those prioritizing a balanced budget and safety features.

Average score: 79/100. Best year: 2018 (82/100). 8 years tracked.

Nissan Pathfinder

Covering model years from 2018 to 2026, the Nissan Pathfinder holds an average reliability score of 66 out of 100, categorized as "Good" on the Auto Reliability Index. While the Pathfinder shows improvement over time, with 2024 and 2025 models reaching scores of 77, frequent complaints center on the electrical system and power train. Ideal for families needing a reliable mid-size SUV, potential buyers should be aware of specific issues in earlier models, such as service brakes and unknown system complaints, especially in 2022.

Average score: 74/100. Best year: 2026 (82/100). 8 years tracked.

Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue, covering model years 2018 to 2026, maintains an average reliability score of 80/100, indicating a generally good reliability reputation. Common issues reported by owners include service brakes and electrical system problems, with repair costs estimated at $467 annually, below the compact SUV average. With a medium reliability rating of 4/5 and a decreasing trend in complaints per 10,000 sold, it is suitable for those seeking a compact SUV with a balanced reliability profile.

Average score: 75/100. Best year: 2025 (84/100). 9 years tracked.

Nissan Sentra

The Nissan Sentra, covering model years 2018 through 2026, has an average reliability score of 83/100, indicating an excellent reliability rating. Common issues reported include power train and electrical system problems, particularly with the CVT transmission and automatic emergency braking system, although recent models show fewer complaints. With an estimated annual repair cost of $491, which is below the compact car average, the Sentra may appeal to budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable compact sedan.

Average score: 78/100. Best year: 2026 (88/100). 9 years tracked.

Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa, with an average reliability score of 76/100, is positioned in the "Good" category according to Auto Reliability Index data. Common issues reported by owners include power train and electrical system problems, particularly in the 2020 and 2024 models, with complaint rates peaking at 21.4 per 10,000 vehicles sold in 2024. Repair costs align with the subcompact car average at $456 annually, making it a viable option for buyers prioritizing cost-effective maintenance, though prospective owners should consider potential transmission and electrical concerns in certain model years.

Average score: 76/100. Best year: 2025 (81/100). 5 years tracked.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most reliable Nissan?
Based on our data, the 2026 Nissan Altima is the most reliable Nissan with a score of 88/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints.
Are Nissan vehicles reliable?
Nissan vehicles have an average reliability score of 77/100 across all models and years in our database. Individual models vary, so checking the specific model year you're considering is important.
Which Nissan models should I avoid?
Based on our data, these Nissan model-years are statistical outliers within their lines: 2023 Ariya (76/100), 2020 Murano (74/100), 2025 Murano (74/100), 2019 Kicks (73/100), 2018 Kicks (71/100), 2020 Altima (71/100), 2020 Sentra (71/100), 2022 Rogue (70/100), 2018 Pathfinder (68/100), 2023 Rogue (68/100), 2022 Pathfinder (66/100), 2019 Leaf (58/100), 2020 Leaf (58/100). These have higher recall counts and complaint volumes relative to their siblings.
How do Nissan repair costs compare?
Repair costs vary by model. Check the detailed rankings table above for estimated annual repair costs for each Nissan model year.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

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