Nissan Reliability & Common ProblemsRecalls, complaints & model-by-model NHTSA data
Is Nissan reliable? We aggregated 11,306 NHTSA owner complaints and 217 recall campaigns across 10 models so you can compare models, spot problem years, and know what to check before buying used.
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Brand stats show fleet-wide patterns. A VIN check shows the accident history, odometer records, and open recalls of the one you're actually looking at.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, Nissan has 11,306 owner complaints and 217 safety recalls across the 10 models tracked on VinSpectorAI. The most commonly reported issue area is CVT Transmission.
- Brand
- Nissan
- Reliability tier
- Average
- Safety score (0–100)
- 68
- Total NHTSA complaints (tracked models)
- 11,306
- Total safety recalls (tracked models)
- 217
- Models analyzed
- 10
- Top reported issues
- CVT Transmission, Engine Stalling, Airbag
Live NHTSA data
Nissan: which years to avoid and which to buy
Aggregated from official NHTSA owner complaints and recall campaigns across all tracked Nissan models (2015–2026).
These model years had the most NHTSA complaints across all Nissan models.
Fewest recorded complaints — generally the safest years to buy used.
Complaint trend (2015–2026)
Top complaint components
Analysis
Nissan reliability analysis
AI AnalysisNissan shows a high volume of complaints and recalls across multiple models, with transmission and engine issues being the most frequently reported problems. The brand's safety score of 37 (out of 100) and numerous crash-related complaints suggest significant reliability and safety concerns, particularly for older model years.
Used-car buyers should prioritize models from 2024 or later, as they have significantly fewer complaints. Verify that all recalls, especially those related to transmission and airbags, have been completed before purchase.
Top reported issues
Based on 11,306 NHTSA complaints collected 2015–2026. Source: nhtsa.gov.
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Look up any Nissan, year by year
Pick a model, then a year — you'll get that exact year's complaints, recalls, and most-reported problems.
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Before you buy a used Nissan, run the VIN
The data above shows brand-wide patterns. Enter a VIN to check the exact accident history, odometer records, open recalls, and title status of the specific Nissan you’re considering.
Nissan reliability — frequently asked questions
Is Nissan a reliable car brand?
Nissan has a Average reliability rating based on NHTSA data, with approximately 6,200 owner complaints and 71 recalls. Nissan's CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) has been the brand's biggest reliability issue, generating thousands of complaints across multiple models and years. The Sentra, Altima, and Versa are particularly affected.
What are common Nissan problems?
Most reported issues for Nissan: CVT Transmission, Engine Stalling, Airbag.
Should I buy a used Nissan?
The CVT transmission warranty was extended to 10 years/120,000 miles on many models — verify this applies. Consider Nissan models with traditional automatic transmissions for better long-term reliability.