Last updated: 2026-04-20

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 2023 Nissan Altima is the most reliable Nissan with a score of 84/100.

Nissan Reliability Rankings

#VehicleBest YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaints / 10kMaint. RatingEst. Repair Cost
12023 Nissan Altima202384/100Excellent01.94$483/yr
22021 Nissan Frontier202184/100Excellent00.04$470/yr
32025 Nissan Rogue202584/100Excellent14.74$467/yr
42025 Nissan Frontier202584/100Excellent00.04$470/yr
52022 Nissan Altima202283/100Excellent01.44$483/yr
62024 Nissan Altima202482/100Excellent12.74$483/yr
72023 Nissan Murano202382/100Excellent03.5$507/yr
82022 Nissan Murano202282/100Excellent03.5$507/yr
92021 Nissan Murano202182/100Excellent03.5$507/yr
102018 Nissan Murano201882/100Excellent03.5$507/yr
112022 Nissan Kicks202282/100Excellent03.54
122024 Nissan Kicks202481/100Excellent12.64
132025 Nissan Versa202581/100Excellent01.84$456/yr
142019 Nissan Frontier201980/100Excellent14.34$470/yr
152023 Nissan Sentra202380/100Excellent11.34$491/yr
162023 Nissan Kicks202380/100Excellent13.44
172024 Nissan Sentra202479/100Good31.54$491/yr
182020 Nissan Rogue202079/100Good28.14$467/yr
192024 Nissan Rogue202479/100Good24.74$467/yr
202021 Nissan Altima202179/100Good25.14$483/yr
212018 Nissan Frontier201879/100Good23.14$470/yr
222021 Nissan Kicks202178/100Good28.04
232025 Nissan Pathfinder202578/100Good12.63.5$542/yr
242020 Nissan Pathfinder202078/100Good08.93.5$542/yr
252025 Nissan Kicks202578/100Good32.34
262025 Nissan Altima202578/100Good10.44$483/yr
272025 Nissan Sentra202578/100Good31.04$491/yr
282020 Nissan Frontier202078/100Good23.64$470/yr
292020 Nissan Kicks202078/100Good014.44
302018 Nissan Sentra201877/100Good28.54$491/yr
312021 Nissan Versa202177/100Good34.84$456/yr
322019 Nissan Murano201977/100Good13.5$507/yr
332024 Nissan Frontier202477/100Good32.04$470/yr
342022 Nissan Sentra202277/100Good29.34$491/yr
352021 Nissan Sentra202176/100Good39.34$491/yr
362018 Nissan Altima201876/100Good210.44$483/yr
372018 Nissan Versa201876/100Good57.34$456/yr
382019 Nissan Sentra201975/100Good211.54$491/yr
392023 Nissan Pathfinder202374/100Good112.03.5$542/yr
402020 Nissan Murano202074/100Good23.5$507/yr
412025 Nissan Murano202574/100Good23.5$507/yr
422020 Nissan Versa202074/100Good212.44$456/yr
432024 Nissan Pathfinder202474/100Good25.13.5$542/yr
442019 Nissan Kicks201973/100Good121.14
452019 Nissan Rogue201973/100Good611.74$467/yr
462024 Nissan Versa202473/100Good121.44$456/yr
472019 Nissan Altima201972/100Good811.04$483/yr
482020 Nissan Sentra202071/100Good420.44$491/yr
492019 Nissan Pathfinder201971/100Good210.83.5$542/yr
502020 Nissan Altima202071/100Good611.74$483/yr
512018 Nissan Kicks201871/100Good133.54
522018 Nissan Rogue201870/100Good617.44$467/yr
532022 Nissan Rogue202270/100Good711.34$467/yr
542021 Nissan Rogue202170/100Good139.44$467/yr
552023 Nissan Rogue202368/100Good519.14$467/yr
562018 Nissan Pathfinder201868/100Good311.03.5$542/yr
572022 Nissan Pathfinder202266/100Good520.63.5$542/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: 78/100. Best year: 2023 (84/100). 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: 2021 (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: 2022 (82/100). 9 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: 2023 (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: 73/100. Best year: 2025 (78/100). 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: 74/100. 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: 77/100. Best year: 2023 (80/100). 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.

Also Compare

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most reliable Nissan?
Based on our data, the 2023 Nissan Altima is the most reliable Nissan with a score of 84/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 24 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: 2019 Altima (72/100), 2020 Sentra (71/100), 2020 Altima (71/100), 2018 Kicks (71/100), 2023 Rogue (68/100), 2022 Pathfinder (66/100). 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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