Nissan may not always be top-of-mind when listing the most beloved car brands, but it’s far from insignificant. The brand has pushed forward with innovation, notably stepping back from investing in gasoline engines.
However, for many drivers, reliability remains a more crucial factor than innovation. Fortunately, Nissan does offer several models that have built a reputation for being dependable.
While the brand itself generally ranks well in reliability, the individual model performance varies. This summary will highlight the ten most reliable Nissan vehicles over the years, with a focus on recent model performance based on J.D. Power ratings.
1. Nissan Versa: Small Car, Big Consistency
The Nissan Versa has earned a reputation as a budget-friendly car that doesn’t sacrifice reliability. It remains in production and has maintained consistent scores—most notably, the 2022 model scored 82/100 on J.D. Power’s reliability scale.
While recent models fare well, earlier versions, especially around 2018, suffered from quality concerns and a lackluster driving experience. Despite older complaints, Versa’s value shines in newer models, combining great fuel economy with respectable performance.
Buyers are advised to look for post-2020 versions to avoid the common pitfalls. For entry-level buyers prioritizing dependability without a big spend, the Versa is a solid contender.
2. Nissan Rogue: Improving Over Time
The Nissan Rogue is a crossover SUV that has grown in reliability and popularity. Its 2023 model earned a solid 83/100 rating from J.D. Power. Past years, like 2014, dipped in reliability, but more recent models—such as 2022 and 2025—have impressed with strong safety features, comfort, and tech.
Issues like the 2021 crash-test performance have been corrected in newer versions. While not flawless, the Rogue has improved significantly and is a strong option for buyers who want a reliable SUV. Its evolution shows Nissan’s commitment to refining its lineup in response to both user feedback and safety concerns.
3. Nissan Kicks: Youthful Design with a Caveat
The Nissan Kicks, a newer subcompact SUV, shows great promise in terms of reliability, achieving an 82/100 rating for the 2025 model. Its late-2010s launch gave it a fresh start, free from legacy design flaws.
However, the model’s history includes a significant 2023 recall due to faulty cruise control and cover issues, which impacted over a million vehicles.
While recent Kicks models haven’t shown ongoing problems, caution is advised when shopping for used versions from earlier years. Despite these setbacks, the Kicks remains a strong choice in its class, especially for buyers seeking affordability, efficiency, and modern tech.
4. Nissan 370Z: Mixed Feedback, Solid Core
The Nissan 370Z, a part of the brand’s performance-oriented “Z” line, launched in 2009 and stayed relevant for over a decade. It holds an 84/100 reliability rating for its 2010 model, though later models weren’t rated by J.D. Power. Despite complaints about sparse features and harsh handling, the car has developed a cult following.
Some owners have faced issues like steering lock failures, but many others report long-term satisfaction. Given its strong reliability in select years and improved design in later releases, the 370Z remains a viable option for enthusiasts seeking style and performance with decent dependability.
5. Nissan Frontier: Rugged and Reliable
The Nissan Frontier stands out as the only truck on this list, scoring an 84/100 reliability rating for its 2023 model. Unlike some Nissan trucks that struggled with longevity, the Frontier shines, particularly models from the past decade.
The 2024 model earned praise as the best-value midsize pickup by Cars.com, emphasizing its capability and reliability. Pre-2010 Frontiers may pose some concerns, but more recent versions are dependable with few mechanical issues.
Though not known for luxury or comfort, the Frontier delivers on toughness and practicality, making it a dependable workhorse and an appealing option for truck buyers.
Also Read: 10 Best Electric SUVs in 2025 With Bulletproof Engineering & Luxury
6. Nissan Altima: Balanced and Dependable
The Altima, Nissan’s midsize sedan, combines comfort, efficiency, and safety. From 2020 onward, it has consistently scored above 80 in reliability, reaching 85/100 in its latest model year.
With high safety ratings and modern features, the Altima is both practical and reassuring. However, its track record from 2013 to 2019 includes weaker reliability, so buyers eyeing older models should be cautious.
Newer Altimas offer advanced infotainment systems, efficient engines, and robust build quality. Despite being slightly more expensive than some rivals, the Altima justifies its price with reliable performance, making it one of Nissan’s most consistently dependable sedans.
7. Nissan Rogue Sport: Short-Lived Yet Steady
Though discontinued after 2022, the Nissan Rogue Sport earned high marks in reliability, with its 2020 model scoring 86/100. Despite its limited run, the Rogue Sport proved to be a dependable SUV with few mechanical issues across its lifecycle.
The car’s end was primarily due to underwhelming market performance rather than any failure in quality. While not as flashy or performance-focused as competitors, it offered practical design and consistent dependability.
If you’re in the used car market, a Rogue Sport from recent years could be a great find—just be mindful of the phasing out of manufacturer support over time.
8. Nissan Sentra: A Budget Winner
The Sentra combines low price with impressive reliability in recent models, scoring 86/100 in its latest iteration. However, older Sentras—especially those before 2020—suffered from a problematic CVT transmission that undermined their dependability.
Starting in 2020, Nissan introduced major improvements to the Sentra’s tech, safety, and stability, turning it into a standout compact car. Thanks to these upgrades, the Sentra evolved from being a risk-prone economy car to a strong value proposition.
Buyers on a tight budget looking for a reliable and safe ride would do well to consider post-2020 Sentras, which are both affordable and durable.
9. Nissan Murano: The SUV Benchmark
The Nissan Murano boasts one of the highest reliability scores among Nissan’s SUVs, hitting 91/100 for its 2024 model. This luxury-leaning midsize SUV stands out for its consistently dependable newer models.
That said, older versions—especially pre-2020—were not as reliable and occasionally faced mechanical and tech-related issues. Though expensive with a starting price over $38,000, the Murano delivers on quality, making it a worthy investment for those prioritizing reliability.
Performance critics may argue that it lacks excitement and towing power, but for a quiet, safe, and reliable family SUV, the Murano remains a top-tier choice in Nissan’s portfolio.
10. Nissan Maxima: The Crown Jewel of Reliability
The now-discontinued Nissan Maxima earns the top spot with a near-perfect reliability score of 93/100 in its final 2023 model year. Unlike many Nissan models that only improved recently, the Maxima maintained strong reliability for more than a decade.
While some pre-2010 models had issues, vehicles made after that point consistently performed well. The Maxima’s discontinuation was part of Nissan’s pivot to electric vehicles, not a reflection on its quality.
Its lasting legacy is that of a premium sedan that delivered reliability, comfort, and power. It remains one of the most dependable vehicles not just within Nissan’s lineup, but industry-wide.
Nissan’s track record with reliability has been inconsistent across its lineup, but standout models demonstrate the brand’s ability to produce dependable vehicles. Cars like the Maxima, Murano, and Sentra show that Nissan can compete with top-tier manufacturers in this category.
However, reliability often hinges on choosing the right model year, with many improvements occurring post-2020. Used car buyers should exercise caution when considering older versions, while newer models offer promising longevity.
While Nissan may not always lead in performance or luxury, it proves that with the right pick, reliability doesn’t have to come at a premium.
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