How Long Do Nissans Last?
Nissans are usually very reliable, lasting up to 300,000 miles and 20 years with excellent maintenance. The Nissan Maxima may be the most reliable model of all.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Table of Contents
- Are Nissans reliable?
- The most reliable Nissan models
- The least reliable Nissan models
- How to make your Nissan last longer
- How to find affordable Nissan insurance
- FAQs
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Nissans may not have the street appeal of a BMW or a Cadillac, but they consistently rank as one the most reliable car brands. You can expect a Nissan to last around 250,000 miles and more than 15 years (at minimum) if you maintain the vehicle properly.
This article offers a quick overview of this Japanese brand’s reliability. We include statistics from J.D. Power on dependability, RepairPal data on shop visits, and consumer ratings for various Nissan models.
In short, Nissans are generally reliable. But not all models are made the same.
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Are Nissans reliable?
In short, yes.
In a recent study, RepairPal took an average reliability rating across 345 unique Nissan models. The Japanese brand ranked 9th out of 32 for reliability out of all car brands. Nissans visit the repair shop about 0.3 times per year.
Reliability ratings vary by model and year, of course. The best Nissans have amazing fuel economy, smooth handling, cutting-edge technology, and attractive styling. Previous generations of the Pathfinder were a bit slow but they’ve improved ratings in recent years, for instance.
The average annual maintenance cost for a Nissan is $500, which is slightly higher than the national average. If this doesn’t bother you, you can expect your Nissan to last longer than many other cars.
How many miles can a Nissan last?
On average, Nissans can last about 250,000 miles.
Most Nissan drivers report a lifespan of around 250,000 miles for their vehicles. Naturally, maintenance habits and driving history can push this number higher or lower. With excellent caretaking, your Nissan could easily last well beyond 300,000 miles.
How many years can a Nissan last?
The industry average lifespan of a car is 11 years—but Nissan blows that figure out of the water. The average lifespan of a Nissan is between 15 and 20 years.
Nissan has manufactured luxury vehicles (like its Infiniti line), sporty economy vehicles, and family-friendly sedans. It’s not uncommon to see a well-maintained 1990s Nissan (or Datsun, as it was known during previous decades) on the road today.
If you buy a Nissan today, it could last another 20 years if you take care of it!
Key Takeaway Depending on your vehicle’s model, age, and maintenance, your Nissan could last as long as 300,000 miles or 20 years—or even longer!
The most reliable Nissan models
Nissan is generally more reliable than its competitors. But Nissan produces a ton of different models, so which ones are the most reliable?
Our definition of reliability includes:
- Mechanical issues
- Recall rates
- Maintenance costs
This list is based on
J.D. Power’s
Quality & Reliability data as well as Edmunds.com’s
True Cost to Own® estimates. Using that information, we’ve put together a list of the three most reliable Nissan models, based on overall reliability and cost of ownership. 2021 Nissan Maxima
2021 starting price: $38,115
True cost to own (5 years): $60,703
J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 93/100
Ranked #1 by J.D. Power for Best Large Cars of 2021, the
Maxima
is the top-ranking
vehicle in the entire industry. It earned this distinction by having the least number of problems during the first 90 days of ownership. The Nissan Maxima is powerful and enjoyable to drive, and it offers a near-luxury interior.2021 Nissan Murano
2021 starting price: $34,035
True cost to own (5 years): $52,168
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 89/100
For midsize SUVs, the 2021 Nissan
Murano
once again excels. It was ranked #1 by J.D. Power in its category. It is also a Top Safety Pick, earning the IIHS’s award
. This five-passenger crossover is stylish and comfortable with a ton of valuable safety and driver-assistance features, thanks to Nissan’s Safety Shield 360
.2021 Nissan Sentra
2021 starting price: $20,535
True cost to own (5 years): $40,005
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 85/100
In the category of compact cars, Nissan once again takes the prize. The
Sentra
was ranked the #1 compact car of 2021 by J.D. Power. It was also awarded a Top Safety Pick in 2020 by the IIHS thanks to its improved headlight technology. Families love the Sentra because it received straight A’s in the 2021 Car Seat Fit Report Card
. If you’re looking for style, safety, and value, the Nissan Sentra is a great fit.The least reliable Nissan models
Not every Nissan model is chart-topping, unfortunately. Two of the least reliable Nissan models are the Nissan Altima and the Nissan Rogue.
Nissan Altima
2021 starting price: $25,575
True cost to own (5 years): $42,681
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: N/A
Out of all the Nissan models, the
Altima
has the dubious honor of having the most complaints on CarComplaints.com
. The most common category is engine problems. Owners have also reported trouble with the Altima’s continuously variable transmission, the catalytic converter, and the hood latch. This mid-size sedan is competent but not inspiring.Nissan Rogue
2021 starting price: $27,275
True cost to own (5 years): $45,745
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: N/A
The
Rogue
has had five safety recalls
for child seats, wheels, service breaks, and two for the fuel system. Experts expect the 2022 Rogue to be less reliable
than the average car. It does have impressive onboard technology and it’s well-styled. However, the Rogue just cannot edge out its competitors when it comes to delivering a safe and enjoyable driving experience. Key Takeaway The most reliable Nissan may be the Nissan Maxima, but you may wish to avoid the Altima and the Rogue which are associated with recalls and reliability challenges.
How to make your Nissan last longer
Buying the right make and model can help ensure a long life for your vehicle. However, the care you provide to your car will have the biggest influence on its lifespan. With time, money, and commitment to maintenance, you can help your Nissan live up to its potential.
- Schedule regular checkups in between services to spot unexpected problems
- Instead of off-market parts, choose OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts
- Clean your vehicle regularly (inside and out) to reduce wear and tear
- Drive safely to prevent accidents that could cut your Nissan’s life short
MORE: How to make your car last longer
How to find affordable Nissan insurance
Insurance is an unavoidable cost associated with car ownership—but it’s the best way to ensure that you have protection against the unknown. After all, not all vehicles are as safe as Nissans!
To find the most affordable Nissan insurance policy, use the
Jerry
app to quickly compare rates and coverage. Enter your information and Jerry will bring up personalized options. Within seconds, you can be browsing quotes from top companies. (Here’s an industry secret: You may want to add OEM coverage to ensure that all your Nissan’s repairs use approved parts!)When you find a policy you like, it’s easy to sign up. As a
licensed broker
, Jerry can even help you cancel your old policy. All of this happens directly inside the app. No phone calls, no paperwork, no confusing negotiations—just savings. “Jerrywas spot on. I’m young with one rear end on my record. Still, they dropped my monthly insurance rate from $468 to $250. This really saved me money.” —Jason M.
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FAQs
What is a high mileage for a Nissan?
Nissans can last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles. However, most dealers and buyers consider 75,000 or 100,000 miles to be high-mileage. Remember that mileage is not necessarily a defining characteristic. The maintenance record is equally, if not more, important when examining a car.
Are Nissans expensive to maintain?
A Nissan can cost about $500 per year to maintain. This price could be higher or lower if you have a luxury Nissan or a less reliable model. Repairs, insurance, and other ownership costs are not included in this fee.
Estimate your repair costs for free with GarageGuard™
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