Last updated: 2026-03-04
Most Reliable Nissan Models — Ranked in 2026
We ranked every Nissan model and year in our database by reliability score. The average Nissan scores 76/100 across all models and years. The 2025 Nissan Rogue is the most reliable Nissan with a score of 84/100.
Nissan Reliability Rankings
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2025 Nissan Rogue | 2025 | 84/100 | Excellent | 1 | 4.7 | 4 | $467/yr |
| 2 | 2023 Nissan Altima | 2023 | 84/100 | Excellent | 0 | 1.9 | 4 | $483/yr |
| 3 | 2022 Nissan Altima | 2022 | 83/100 | Excellent | 0 | 1.4 | 4 | $483/yr |
| 4 | 2024 Nissan Altima | 2024 | 82/100 | Excellent | 1 | 2.7 | 4 | $483/yr |
| 5 | 2022 Nissan Kicks | 2022 | 82/100 | Excellent | 0 | 3.5 | 4 | |
| 6 | 2024 Nissan Kicks | 2024 | 81/100 | Excellent | 1 | 2.6 | 4 | |
| 7 | 2023 Nissan Sentra | 2023 | 80/100 | Excellent | 1 | 1.3 | 4 | $491/yr |
| 8 | 2023 Nissan Kicks | 2023 | 80/100 | Excellent | 1 | 3.4 | 4 | |
| 9 | 2021 Nissan Altima | 2021 | 79/100 | Good | 2 | 5.1 | 4 | $483/yr |
| 10 | 2024 Nissan Rogue | 2024 | 79/100 | Good | 2 | 4.7 | 4 | $467/yr |
| 11 | 2024 Nissan Sentra | 2024 | 79/100 | Good | 3 | 1.5 | 4 | $491/yr |
| 12 | 2020 Nissan Rogue | 2020 | 79/100 | Good | 2 | 8.1 | 4 | $467/yr |
| 13 | 2025 Nissan Kicks | 2025 | 78/100 | Good | 3 | 2.3 | 4 | |
| 14 | 2025 Nissan Sentra | 2025 | 78/100 | Good | 3 | 1.0 | 4 | $491/yr |
| 15 | 2025 Nissan Altima | 2025 | 78/100 | Good | 1 | 0.4 | 4 | $483/yr |
| 16 | 2020 Nissan Pathfinder | 2020 | 78/100 | Good | 0 | 8.9 | 3.5 | $542/yr |
| 17 | 2025 Nissan Pathfinder | 2025 | 78/100 | Good | 1 | 2.6 | 3.5 | $542/yr |
| 18 | 2020 Nissan Kicks | 2020 | 78/100 | Good | 0 | 14.4 | 4 | |
| 19 | 2021 Nissan Kicks | 2021 | 78/100 | Good | 2 | 8.0 | 4 | |
| 20 | 2022 Nissan Sentra | 2022 | 77/100 | Good | 2 | 9.3 | 4 | $491/yr |
| 21 | 2018 Nissan Sentra | 2018 | 77/100 | Good | 2 | 8.5 | 4 | $491/yr |
| 22 | 2018 Nissan Altima | 2018 | 76/100 | Good | 2 | 10.4 | 4 | $483/yr |
| 23 | 2021 Nissan Sentra | 2021 | 76/100 | Good | 3 | 9.3 | 4 | $491/yr |
| 24 | 2019 Nissan Sentra | 2019 | 75/100 | Good | 2 | 11.5 | 4 | $491/yr |
| 25 | 2023 Nissan Pathfinder | 2023 | 74/100 | Good | 1 | 12.0 | 3.5 | $542/yr |
| 26 | 2024 Nissan Pathfinder | 2024 | 74/100 | Good | 2 | 5.1 | 3.5 | $542/yr |
| 27 | 2019 Nissan Kicks | 2019 | 73/100 | Good | 1 | 21.1 | 4 | |
| 28 | 2019 Nissan Rogue | 2019 | 73/100 | Good | 6 | 11.7 | 4 | $467/yr |
| 29 | 2019 Nissan Altima | 2019 | 72/100 | Good | 8 | 11.0 | 4 | $483/yr |
| 30 | 2020 Nissan Altima | 2020 | 71/100 | Good | 6 | 11.7 | 4 | $483/yr |
| 31 | 2019 Nissan Pathfinder | 2019 | 71/100 | Good | 2 | 10.8 | 3.5 | $542/yr |
| 32 | 2020 Nissan Sentra | 2020 | 71/100 | Good | 4 | 20.4 | 4 | $491/yr |
| 33 | 2018 Nissan Kicks | 2018 | 71/100 | Good | 1 | 33.5 | 4 | |
| 34 | 2022 Nissan Rogue | 2022 | 70/100 | Good | 7 | 11.3 | 4 | $467/yr |
| 35 | 2018 Nissan Rogue | 2018 | 70/100 | Good | 6 | 17.4 | 4 | $467/yr |
| 36 | 2021 Nissan Rogue | 2021 | 70/100 | Good | 13 | 9.4 | 4 | $467/yr |
| 37 | 2023 Nissan Rogue | 2023 | 68/100 | Good | 5 | 19.1 | 4 | $467/yr |
| 38 | 2018 Nissan Pathfinder | 2018 | 68/100 | Good | 3 | 11.0 | 3.5 | $542/yr |
| 39 | 2022 Nissan Pathfinder | 2022 | 66/100 | Good | 5 | 20.6 | 3.5 | $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 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 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: 2020 (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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most reliable Nissan?
- Based on our data, the 2025 Nissan Rogue is the most reliable Nissan with a score of 84/100 ("Excellent"). It has 1 recalls and 103 owner complaints.
- Are Nissan vehicles reliable?
- Nissan vehicles have an average reliability score of 76/100 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 Altima (71/100), 2020 Sentra (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
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.
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