What Used Nissan Has The Least Amount of Problems?

Nissan gained the reputation they have today in the 1960s. 

The automaker released the Datsun cars that motorists found to be practical. 

Since then, the automaker started producing several vehicles, including SUVs, minivans, and full-size trucks among others. 

Today, Nissan vehicles offer comfort, fuel economy, and affordability. 

But which Nissan vehicles are the most reliable?

What Used Nissan Has the Least Amount of Problems? 

The Nissan Altima has the least amount of problems among other Nissan cars, SUVs, and trucks. This is what makes the Altima one of the best-selling cars in the U.S. 

Nissan has a long list of reliable vehicles, including Altima, Cube, Maxima, Leaf, Murano, Frontier, Quest, and Rogue.

 Most of these models have proven their reliability after being on the market for a long time, but you still need to check whether some years have had recalls and major engine or transmission issues. 

Here is a list of some of the most reliable used Nissans:

Nissan Murano

The U.S. News and World Report ranked the 2016 Nissan Murano as the fourth most affordable midsize SUV that year. 

The SUV offers a roomy interior with an upscale cabin and advanced technology features. 

While the Murano doesn’t offer an athletic performance, it rides smoother than most other midsize SUVs in its class.

Murano has been on the market since 2003 and was meant to introduce Nissan to the midsize SUV market.

 After its release as the first crossover SUV from Nissan, it became an instant success.

 Its ample power combines with its luxurious interior to make it a favorite of many motorists. 

If you need a two-row crossover SUV for families, the Murano might be a good choice.

 The 2012 and 2013 models were among the most successful, and they are also among the most affordable models in the mid-size crossover category. 

The V6 engine in the 2012 model couples with the smooth continuously variable transmission to deliver a very smooth ride.

 For the 2013 model, Nissan made the Murano more fuel-efficient at 20 mpg combined city/highway economy with the front-wheel drive. 

Better still, 2013 and later models offer improved performance and agility and its nimble steering gives the crossover SUV great handling. 

You can opt for the hybrid models if you need to drive longer on gas.

 These have a fuel economy of up to 27 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. 

Some of the standard features in the 2016 Murano include a seven-inch display, dual-zone climate control, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, satellite radio, a six-speaker audio system, and a USB port.

 There are several available features, such as an 11-speaker Bose audio system, panoramic sunroof, navigation system, remote start, and an eight-inch screen. 

If you need a crossover SUV that offers sufficient passenger and cargo space for adventure, the Murano will be a good choice. 

Nissan Frontier

Nissan Frontier is Nissan’s impact truck. 

It is not one of the biggest sellers and neither is it popular with truckers, but it is a decent choice for truckers who need simplicity and performance. 

Four of the Frontier models (2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 models) are highly ranked on U.S. News, occupying the top four positions among compact trucks. 

The Frontier is an impressive choice when you need a truck that drives off the road, has a powerful engine and offers comfort during long drives. 

Given its small size, the Frontier is a capable truck.

 It can tow 6,500 pounds with the right equipment. 

Under its hood, it sports a V6 or a four-cylinder engine and comes in front-wheel or four-wheel drive configuration. 

Although all trim levels are impressive off-roaders, the PRO-4X Frontier sports a rugged construction so that you can take it where others won’t go. 

However, it doesn’t offer the comfort features you need in an off-road vehicle. 

The Frontier is not the most fuel-efficient compact truck.

 Its base four-cylinder engine offers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19/23 mpg with the manual transmission and 17/22 mpg with the automatic transmission. 

Although the 2016 Frontier had a recall for the starter motor wire harness, there are no serious engine or transmission issues to worry a buyer. 

Instead, buyers get a truck with a payload of up to 1,471 pounds and a towing capacity of up to 6,500 pounds. 

Inside, the Frontier feels comfortable.

 Its King Cab model accommodates four passengers while the Crew Cab accommodates five.

 Cloth upholstery is standard, but the interior still feels comfortable. 

Optional features include leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated front seats. 

Nissan Altima

The Altima is among the bestselling Nissan cars.

 It is a darling among motorists looking for a comfortable and smooth ride in a five-seater sedan. 

Altimas are reputable for their strong acceleration, ease of handling, great fuel economy, and top-of-the-line interior. 

Over the years, the Altima has improved in performance and comfort. 

Nissan has also addressed most of the issues the Altima may have previously had. 

One of the issues was with the rear doors, which would unlatch, and with the front passenger airbag. 

These issues were addressed, but you still need to ensure the used model you buy has these issues sorted out. 

When shopping for a used Altima, the fifth generation, which debuted in 2013, may be your best bet. 

In 2016, the model received an upgrade to include the latest tech features and make the car more comfortable.

 The 2018 model, which is still part of the fifth generation, introduces Apple CarPlay and Android Auto among other tech features. 

Under the hood, the Altima offers a choice of two engines; a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that makes 182 horses and a 3.5L V6 that makes 270 horses. 

Both engines come standard with continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive. 

The four-cylinder engine offers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27/39 mpg while the six-cylinder engine offers an estimated fuel economy of 22/31 mpg. 

The Altima seats five passengers and provides sufficient head- and legroom.

 It feels comfortable in its cloth seats, but leather seats are available if you need them.

 The cabin of this car remains quiet whether at low or high speeds while the interior materials offer a feel and look of quality. 

Although you will note a few plastic trims on the dash, the car generally has an upscale interior. 

Further, Nissan offers a list of standard features, including Bluetooth and a CD player. 

Models after 2016 and higher trims of the Altima offer standard features, such as a seven-inch touch screen, satellite radio, navigation system, and the updated NissanConnect system. 

Nissan Leaf

Electric cars may be the future.

 There is so much push from different organizations to create sustainable cars and that has led to the rise of electric cars. 

However, these electric cars are still relatively new and their longevity and resale values are still not predictable. 

When the Leaf debuted, it instantly became the most reliable all-electric car in the world.

 Although other all-electric cars have joined the market, the Leaf still remains popular and reliable. 

The small car offers up to 80 miles of all-electric range on a single charge. 

If you need a small car for city driving, the Leaf hatchback offers you the maneuverability and reliability you need. 

If you need a car for long family drives, it may not meet your driving needs.

 It offers great torque like other EV vehicles, which means it will offer you a spirited drive around the city. 

You can recharge your Leaf at home using a 240-volt charging station, which gives you up to 25 miles per hour. Its high roofline gives you more headroom. 

Newer models and higher trims have a higher driving range. 

Under its hood, the 2016 Nissan Leaf has a 107-horsepower motor that offers the acceleration you need for city driving. 

With a 110-volt charging station, you need at least 21 hours to fully charge the Leaf. 

With a 240-volt charging station, you need a few hours, and with the fast charge ports in public, you only need 30 mins to fill the battery to 80 percent. 

Inside, the Leaf has unimpressive plastic parts, but that is okay for its price.

 It, however, feels roomy for a compact hatchback. 

It offers standard features, such as Bluetooth, a four-speaker audio system, hands-free text messaging, rearview camera, satellite radio, push-button start, and NissanConnect infotainment system. 

Nissan Maxima

The Maxima is larger than the Altima. 

It offers a more upscale interior and focuses on performance and comfort.

 Its powerful engine and its zero-gravity seats make it a choice for many motorists. 

U.S. News ranked the 2016 Maxima the second most affordable large car of the year. 

Its upscale interior, sporty driving, and its excellent safety ratings make it an impressive choice for motorists. 

Over time, the Maxima has improved in performance and comfort. 

It has had a few recalls on airbags, brake fluid, and fuel leaks, but most years haven’t had any major problem, especially with their engine or transmission system. 

In 2016, Nissan fully redesigned the Maxima to offer better features and better performance. 

Before that, there was the 2014 model, which had a low safety rating. 

We advise that you avoid the 2014 or earlier models and go with a 2016 or later Maxima. 

The sedan features a 300-horsepower V6 engine that mates to a CVT transmission for quick acceleration and plenty of power on the highway. 

For a V6-powered car, it gets a good fuel economy rating of 22/30 mpg for city/highway driving. 

Some of the standard features in the car include Bluetooth, two USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, and NissanConnect infotainment system.

 You also get a long list of available features. 

Nissan Cube 

The Cube competes with KIA Soul and Honda Fit for the best-used hatchback position. 

It is an ideal car for people living in cities who need a car to drive to and from work without taking long-distance trips. 

If you need an affordable car that gets you from one point in the city to the next, the Cube will fill that spot. It doesn’t have an impressive style or remarkable performance, but the car is reliable for everyday driving. Inside, it is full of plastic materials, but for a car in its price point, you should not expect more. 

Under the hood, the Cube sports a four-cylinder engine that offers sufficient acceleration for most driving conditions. 

However, its acceleration on the highway is lackluster and sluggish.

 This engine mates to a six-speed manual transmission and there is an available automatic transmission that offers a smoother ride. 

Unlike its competitors, the Cube offers plenty of headroom, legroom, and cargo space.

 It also has a long list of standard features, including Bluetooth, six-speaker stereo, iPod interface, audio cruise on the steering wheel, and keyless entry. 

Optional features include automatic climate control, push button start, USB port, and satellite radio among others. 

Nissan Quest

Nissan Quest is a minivan, one that is no longer in production, and so many automakers have stopped producing minivans. 

It is not a top seller, but the  2013 and 2014 models are among the best used minivans, according to the U.S. News and World Report. 

The comfortable interior, strong brakes, firm steering, and sufficient passenger and cargo space make this model stand out among other minivans. 

Its interior offers higher quality materials than the competitor.

 Further, the V6 engine and the smooth-shifting CVT transmission offer a smooth ride to motorists. 

The 3.5L V6 engine makes 260 horsepower. Its CVT offers quick response and delivers a smooth ride in the city and on the highway. 

You will also love its impressive driving dynamics and maneuverability.

 This engine offers a fuel economy of 20/27 mpg for city/highway driving. 

The suspension is highly advanced, and it soaks up potholes and bumps for added comfort. 

However, it tends to sway more, thanks to the tall flat sides. 

You can bring a used Nissan Quest on an adventure, thanks to its power and cabin SPAC. 

It can also tow up to 3,500 pounds. 

Standard features in the car include keyless entry and a CD player while available features include Bluetooth, navigation system, rearview camera, USB port, and five- and eight-inch infotainment screens. 

Nissan Rogue

If you are looking for an affordable compact SUV, the Nissan Rogue can be a good choice for you. 

You can have it in two rows or three rows of seats. Although the third row doesn’t offer much space, it allows you to bring more people on adventures. 

Although it is a good option when you need affordability, it is not a performance vehicle as the engine is a bit sluggish.

Nevertheless, it returns good fuel economy and has a high-end interior for comfort during long drives. 

Further, it has ample cargo space and enough passenger space. 

The 2016 model comes with Siri Eyes Free, automatic emergency braking, and an emergency telematics system. 

The Rogue comes with a 170-hp four-cylinder engine that pairs with a CVT. 

Although this engine feels powerful when driven around town, it strains when overtaking other cars on the highway or climbing hills. 

Rogue competes with other models, such as Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4, which have turbocharged engines for fast acceleration and to handle steep hills with ease. 

But unlike these models, the Rogue has a high fuel economy at 26/32 mpg for city/highway driving. 

It seats five people in two rows, but the available third row increases capacity to seven people. 

You will have access to standard technologies, such as rearview camera and Bluetooth. 

The available NissanConnect infotainment system offers smartphone integration and can also connect to different apps, such as Facebook and TripAdvisor. 

Are Nissan Vehicles Reliable? 

Most used Nissan vehicles are reliable. The automaker focuses on creating vehicles for different markets and different budgets.

 Their cars last more than 200,000 miles with some lasting for more than 300,000 miles with good maintenance.

You will, therefore, have your Nissan for about 10 years before you start experiencing any major problems. 

If you follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, your Nissan can stay for up to 15 years before major issues.

According to Consumer Reports, Nissans have an overall rating of four out of five.

 They have excellent safety features and excellent interiors for comfort. 

You can go for a Nissan when you need a fuel efficient model and when you need affordability. 

Some Nissan vehicles may have had recalls and some years have a host of reported problems, but Nissan is generally reliable. 

Consumer Reports ranks Nissan as the ninth best automaker out of 32 ranked automakers. 

Closing Thoughts

The Nissan models above are among the best.

 However, even these have had recalls and a few issues that needed addressing. 

If you choose any of the models above, research the best model year for the model selected. 

Check whether there was a recall for the model year you choose and whether the recall was addressed.

 This way, you will end up with a used Nissan that doesn’t require costly repairs. 

Like other Japanese cars, Nissans are not costly to maintain. 

Repairs and routine maintenance are relatively affordable.

 This, however, is no reason for you to forego research on the model you intend to buy. 

Even models not mentioned here may have years where they performed exemplary.