Nissan's lineup has 972 recorded NHTSA recalls across 36 models (1981–2026) and averages 4.2/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Nissan's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Nissan — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Nissan, originating in Japan, is renowned for its innovative engineering and commitment to delivering reliable vehicles across a broad range of segments, from compact cars to robust trucks. They’ve long been a favorite among practical drivers seeking a blend of value and performance, and continue to be a popular choice for families and commuters. At ForCar.org, we can help you unlock the complete story of your Nissan by decoding any VIN – revealing details about its specifications, recall history, and much more.
Decode a Nissan VIN
Enter any 17-character Nissan VIN for its exact year, trim, engine and assembly plant — then its open recalls, safety ratings and original window sticker.
All Nissan models 36
Every Nissan model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Nissan SUVs & crossovers 7
Nissan Cars & sedans 9
Nissan Trucks 2
Nissan Minivans & vans 1
Nissan Wagons 1
Nissan More models 16
Nissan recalls
Across the Nissan lineup, ForCar tracks 972 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Nissan recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| Nissan model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan Altima | 137 | 4.5 /5 |
| Nissan Maxima | 108 | 4.5 /5 |
| Nissan Rogue | 83 | 4.5 /5 |
| Nissan Titan | 77 | 4.0 /5 |
| Nissan Sentra | 68 | 4.0 /5 |
| Nissan Versa | 68 | 4.5 /5 |
| Nissan Xterra | 58 | 4.0 /5 |
| Nissan Murano | 50 | 4.5 /5 |
| Nissan Leaf | 48 | 4.5 /5 |
| Nissan Armada | 46 | 4.0 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Nissan: Exterior Lighting. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Nissan reliable?
Across rated models, Nissan averages a 4.2/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 31 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Nissan competes in mass-market passenger and light-commercial segments against Toyota, Honda, Hyundai-Kia and Ford, with stronger US share in mid-size and compact SUVs than in pickups. Infiniti, Nissan's luxury division, has operated as a separate brand in North America since 1989. The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance shares platforms across the three brands but maintains separate dealership networks in most markets.
Nissan models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| Nissan model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan Altima | 15,559 | 4.5 /5 |
| Nissan Maxima | 7,153 | 4.5 /5 |
| Nissan Rogue | 6,966 | 4.5 /5 |
| Nissan Murano | 5,821 | 4.5 /5 |
| Nissan Versa | 3,431 | 4.5 /5 |
| Nissan Xterra | 3,140 | 4.0 /5 |
| Nissan Titan | 3,088 | 4.0 /5 |
| Nissan Pathfinder | 2,307 | 5.0 /5 |
| Nissan Quest | 2,259 | 4.0 /5 |
| Nissan Armada | 1,804 | 4.0 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Nissan models
The most fuel-efficient Nissan models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan Leaf | 121 mpg | Car |
| Nissan ARIYA | 101 mpg | Car |
| Nissan Sentra | 41 mpg | Car |
| Nissan Versa | 35 mpg | Car |
| Nissan Rogue | 34 mpg | Car |
| Nissan Altima | 34 mpg | Car |
| Nissan Kicks | 33 mpg | Car |
| Nissan GT-R | 32 mpg | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Safest Nissan models
Nissan models by NHTSA overall crash-test rating (5★ is best). Open a model for its frontal, side and rollover scores by year.
| Nissan model | NHTSA safety | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan Pathfinder | ★★★★★ | 5.0 /5 |
| Nissan ARIYA | ★★★★★ | 5.0 /5 |
| Nissan Rogue | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Nissan Altima | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Nissan Versa | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Nissan Murano | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Nissan Leaf | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Nissan Maxima | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
Best NHTSA overall 5-Star Safety rating per model (highest tested year). Source: NHTSA NCAP.
Nissan hybrids & electric models
Nissan's electrified lineup — 5 hybrids and 2 electric / plug-in. Click any model for its full powertrain, MPG and range by year.
Nissan hybrids 5
Nissan electric & plug-in 2
Electrified variants from EPA fueleconomy.gov powertrain data. A model may offer gas, hybrid and electric versions across years.
Get a Nissan window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Nissan's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Nissan window stickers →How to read a Nissan VIN
Every Nissan built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
| Positions | Section | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | WMI | World Manufacturer Identifier — country and that it's a Nissan |
| 4–8 | VDS | Model, body style, engine and trim |
| 9 | Check digit | Validates the VIN isn't mistyped |
| 10 | Model year | The exact year (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025) |
| 11 | Plant | The factory that assembled it |
| 12–17 | Serial | The unique production sequence number |
Where to find your Nissan VIN: the lower-left corner of the windshield, the driver's door jamb sticker, or your registration and insurance documents. Paste it into the decoder above to read it instantly.
About Nissan
Yoshisuke Aikawa founded Nihon Sangyo (Japan Industries) in 1928 as a holding company; the abbreviation Ni-San yielded the brand name when the firm acquired DAT Motors in 1933. The Datsun 510 (1968) and 240Z (1969) established Nissan as a credible Japanese alternative in the US market. The 1989 GT-R Skyline R32 introduced the ATTESA E-TS torque-vectoring AWD system that defined Nissan's performance image for the next 30 years.
| Founded | 1933 |
| Headquarters | Yokohama, Japan |
| Slogan | "Innovation That Excites" |
| Models tracked | 36 (1981–2026) |
Nissan — frequently asked
How do I decode a Nissan VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Nissan models are there?
ForCar tracks 36 Nissan models spanning 1981–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Nissan made?
Nissan is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, founded in 1933. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Nissan recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Nissan model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Nissan is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Nissan warranty?
New Nissan vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Nissan dealer.