Key insights
Nissans cost $500 per year on average to maintain, according to RepairPal.
Jump to insightNissans tend to have above-average reliability, according to reports from RepairPal and J.D. Power.
Jump to insightNissan offers several extended warranties and prepaid maintenance plans that can help you afford the upkeep on your vehicle.
Jump to insightAre Nissans expensive to maintain?
Nissans average $500 per year in maintenance and repair costs, according to RepairPal. This annual cost is below the industry average of $652 per year. RepairPal also gave Nissan a reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which is an above-average rating.
In terms of the severity of repairs, RepairPal data shows about 13% of Nissan repairs are considered severe. This average is slightly higher than the industry average of 12%.
How Nissan compares with other automakers
The table below shows the annual costs of maintaining a Nissan compared with some other major brands like Honda, Toyota, Ford and BMW.
| Make | Average maintenance and repair costs |
|---|---|
| Nissan | $500 per year |
| Honda | $428 per year |
| Toyota | $441 per year |
| Ford | $775 per year |
| BMW | $968 per year |
| Audi | $987 per year |
Nissan maintenance and repair costs by model
The cost to maintain and repair a Nissan can vary depending on the model, primarily because of different vehicle designs, complexity, technology and parts availability. Maintenance and repair costs will also depend on local labor rates and driving conditions.
In the table below, you can see how the estimated annual maintenance costs change based on the Nissan model you choose.
| Model | Average maintenance and repair costs |
|---|---|
| Nissan Altima | $483 |
| Nissan Sentra | $491 |
| Nissan Rogue | $467 |
Nissan maintenance cost and schedule
Nissan vehicles are generally considered to have moderate maintenance costs compared with other brands, but this can vary depending on the specific model, age, condition and services required.
Nissan maintenance costs
RepairPal’s $500-per-year figure combines statistics for every Nissan model across multiple years and covers both scheduled maintenance visits and unexpected breakdowns. Some models and years might require far less maintenance, while others might be more expensive.
Example: 2024 Nissan Rogue
The table below shows what you can expect to pay for various maintenance items over time for a 2024 Nissan Rogue located in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
| Service | Cost estimate |
|---|---|
| Tire rotation | $49 to $72 |
| Oil and filter change | $184 to $207 |
| Transmission fluid and filter change | $244 to $301 |
| Spark plug replacement | $226 to $283 |
| Air filter replacement | $77 to $94 |
Nissan maintenance schedule
Nissan’s maintenance schedules vary from model to model. You can check your owner’s manual or visit Nissan's website for your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule.
In general, you can likely expect to schedule a maintenance visit around the following mileage milestones:
Every 5,000 miles: Oil change and tire rotation
Every 10,000 miles: Air filter replacement and fluid checks
Every 15,000 miles: Cabin air filter replacement and inspection
» MORE: Recommended maintenance schedule by mileage
Example: 2024 Nissan Rogue
While every model’s maintenance schedule varies, the table below shows selected maintenance items for a 2023 Nissan Rogue.
| Service | Standard schedule |
|---|---|
| Tire rotation | Every 3,750 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first |
| Change oil and filter | Every 7,500 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first |
| Brake line and cable inspection | Every 7,500 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first |
| Brake fluid replacement | Every 15,000 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first |
| Axle and suspension system inspection | Every 15,000 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first |
| Exhaust system inspection | Every 15,000 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first |
| Engine air filter replacement | Every 30,000 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first |
| Spark plugs replacement | Every 60,000 miles or 8 years, whichever comes first |
Nissan maintenance schedule for severe driving conditions
Nissan lists different recommended maintenance intervals for severe driving conditions, which it defines as:
Vehicles driven in severe conditions generally require more frequent maintenance.
Repeated drives of five miles or less
Repeated drives under 10 miles during freezing temperatures
Driving in stop-and-go traffic during hot temperatures
Extensive idling or low-speed driving
Driving on dusty, muddy, rough or de-iced roads
Driving with cargo on your vehicle’s roof
Towing a trailer
Vehicles driven in severe conditions generally require more frequent maintenance, and they may also need upgraded parts or components. For example, a Nissan technician may recommend synthetic oil over conventional oil or heavy-duty brakes over standard brakes.
Example: 2024 Nissan Rogue
The table below shows how selected items from Nissan’s recommended maintenance schedule for a 2024 Nissan Rogue differ for severe driving conditions.
| Service | Severe driving schedule |
|---|---|
| Tire rotation | Same as standard schedule |
| Change oil and filter | Same as standard schedule |
| Brake line and cable inspection | Same as standard schedule |
| Brake fluid replacement | Every 7,500 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first |
| Axle and suspension system inspection | Every 3,750 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first |
| Exhaust system inspection | Every 3,750 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first |
| Engine air filter replacement | Same as standard schedule |
| Spark plugs replacement | Same as standard schedule |
How to schedule Nissan maintenance
Nissan drivers can register and log into the MyNISSAN owner portal to access and track their vehicle's maintenance schedule. The MyNISSAN owner portal can also send you service reminders and provide past dealer service records.
Depending on the model, you may also have access to the in-vehicle Nissan Service app. From this app, you can schedule a service appointment with a licensed Nissan dealer in your area.
If your Nissan is still under warranty, you may need to schedule service visits with an authorized Nissan dealer in order remain compliant with the warranty terms. It's a good idea to keep detailed maintenance records in case you ever need to provide proof of service when making a warranty claim.
Nissan repair costs
Nissan’s factory warranty provides bumper-to-bumper coverage for three years or 36,000 miles and powertrain coverage for five years or 60,000 miles. However, any repairs outside of this period that aren’t covered by your auto insurance will be your responsibility to pay for.
RepairPal’s data shows that Nissan vehicles tend to visit the shop slightly less than average. However, the severity of their repairs tends to be slightly higher than average, meaning when you do go to the mechanic, you might see a higher bill.
Data from J.D. Power aligns with RepairPal's findings. Its 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study ranks Nissan No. 10 out of 28 car brands. Nissan earns a score of 194 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), which is slightly less than the study average of 204 PP100.
» MORE: See the most expensive car repairs and what they cost
Example: 2024 Nissan Rogue
In contrast to maintenance, which is needed on a regular schedule, repairs are only needed when something fails or malfunctions. Some repairs are simple, such as replacing brake pads, while others can be much more intensive and expensive, such as rebuilding a transmission. Because repairs are more unpredictable, repair costs can be a little harder to anticipate.
The table below shows some typical repair costs for a 2024 Nissan Rogue. All quotes are for Tulsa, Oklahoma.
| Service | Cost estimate |
|---|---|
| Front brake pad replacement, both sides | $411 to $468 |
| Fuel pump replacement | $1,511 to $1,574 |
| Alternator replacement | $1,403 to $1,575 |
| Starter replacement | $1,144 to $1,373 |
Nissan drivers' repair experience
The most common issues reported by Nissan drivers include problems with the crankshaft and camshaft sensors, catalytic converter and fuel pump. If you own a Nissan, you should periodically check whether there are any open recalls by entering your vehicle identification number (VIN) on Nissan's website.
JJ, a reviewer from Minnesota, needed a transmission replacement right around the time their factory warranty was running out.
“Transmission on [Nissan] Rogue went out at just over [100,000] miles in less than 6 years of owning it new,” JJ said. “Highway miles[,] driven easy. A vehicle bought in the last 5 years new[,] the [transmission] should last at least [190,000] miles.”
With any luck, you’ll never have to pay for a major repair on your vehicle, but it’s worth making sure that you’re financially able to handle a large repair bill, just in case. Otherwise, you could be without reliable transportation until you figure out what to do.
How can an extended warranty help?
Extended auto warranties, also known as vehicle service contracts, can protect you from unexpected auto repair costs by providing protection that is similar to, if not better than, your factory warranty.
An extended warranty isn’t right for everyone, but if you don’t have enough savings to pay for a large repair bill out of pocket, it’s worth doing a little research to see if buying one might benefit you long term.
Nissan extended warranties
Nissan offers three extended warranty plans through its Security+Plus program:
Gold Preferred: Offers exclusionary coverage with only a few vehicle components listed as exclusions
Silver Preferred: Covers everything noted in the Powertrain Preferred plan plus more than 690 additional vehicle components
Powertrain Preferred: Covers more than 950 components related to the vehicle's suspension, engine, transmission and more.
You can get coverage through one of these plans for up to eight years or 120,000 miles.
» MORE: Compare Nissan extended warranty coverage and costs
Nissan pre-paid maintenance plans
Nissan also sells pre-paid maintenance plans as a part of its Security+Plus program. These pre-paid maintenance plans cover a number of routine services, oil changes, tire rotations, fluid replacements and more. Nissan's pre-paid maintenance plans are available in four tiers:
Scheduled Maintenance Plan
Basic
Basic+Plus
Oil Change Only
By paying for maintenance services ahead of time, you may be able to save money in the long run.
Third-party extended warranties
You can find additional extended warranty options from third-party extended warranty companies, which may provide broader or more affordable coverage. This route will provide you with more options for choosing a coverage level and warranty term that matches your risk tolerance and budget.
FAQ
How much does it cost to change the oil in a Nissan?
It typically costs anywhere from around $100 to $200 to change the oil in a Nissan, according to RepairPal. How much you’ll pay generally depends on where you live and where you go for service, such as a dealer, quick-service auto shop or local mechanic.
Does Nissan offer a free maintenance plan?
Nissan doesn’t offer free maintenance plans for new vehicles, though it does offer pre-paid maintenance plans. However, some dealerships offer their own complimentary maintenance programs, so it’s worth asking your Nissan dealer if they have anything like that.
Can you transfer a Nissan extended warranty?
Nissan extended warranty plans are transferable to a new owner, though a transfer fee may apply. If you have a third-party plan, plans may be transferrable, though it’s best to check your contract to confirm transferability.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
J.D. Power, “Vehicle Dependability Still Suffering Due to Pandemic Aftershocks, J.D. Power Finds.” Accessed Sept. 28, 2026.
RepairPal, “Nissan Reliability Rating.” Accessed Sept. 28, 2026.
RepairPal, “Nissan Repair & Maintenance Costs.” Accessed Sept. 28, 2026.
RepairPal, “Get a Free Car Repair Estimate.” Accessed Sept. 28, 2026.
RepairPal, “Nissan Altima Repair & Maintenance Costs.” Accessed Sept. 28, 2026.
RepairPal, “Nissan Sentra Repair & Maintenance Costs.” Accessed Sept. 28, 2026.
RepairPal, “Nissan Rogue Repair & Maintenance Costs.” Accessed Sept. 28, 2026.
Nissan, "Nissan Maintenance Schedule." Accessed Sept. 28, 2026.
Nissan, "Nissan Ownership." Accessed Sept. 28, 2026.
Nissan, "Nissan Service Intervals by Model." Accessed Sept. 28, 2026.
Nissan, "Warranty & Extended Protection." Accessed Sept. 28, 2026.







