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Nissan Maintenance Cost Guide

Nissan maintenance costs about $500 per year according to RepairPal, and this is cheaper than the industry average of $652 per year for all vehicles.

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By:
Brogan Woodburn
By: Brogan Woodburn Senior Writer

Brogan is a Motor1.com Senior Writer based in Central Oregon. He produces in-depth auto product guides on topics spanning from auto warranties and insurance to tips on how to sell a car.

Last Updated 01/16/2024

Motor1 Reviews Team Take:

  • Nissan vehicles have affordable maintenance and repair costs on average, according to RepairPal.
  • Maintenance and repair costs increase as Nissan vehicles age beyond 100,000 miles.
  • An extended warranty can help cover repair costs after the factory warranty expires.
Endurance
4.6
Industry Standing: 4.3/5.0
Coverage: 4.9/5.0
Cost: 4.6/5.0
Transparency: 4.8/5.0
Customer Service: 4.3/5.0
idée Endurance is our top pick for extended warranties.
  • Best Coverage
  • Maximum Mileage: Up to 200,000 miles
  • Money-Back Guarantee: 30 days for full refund
  • Longest Term: 8 years of coverage
  • Coverage Options: 6 plans including maintenance option
  • Discounts: $300 same-day signup discount, $250 shopping voucher, and others
Plan coverage includes Endurance Elite perks™
Exclusionary plan One-year membership for free
Powertrain plan Tire repair and replacement
Maintenance coverage with Endurance Advantage Key fob replacement
Roadside assistance Total loss protection
Towing Collision discount
Rental car $250 rewards voucher
Trip interruption coverage Endurance Protect app

According to RepairPal, regular Nissan maintenance and repairs cost owners an average of $500 each year. After the factory warranty expires, even a single major repair can cost $1,000 or more.

If you drive a Nissan vehicle and want to avoid paying for such expensive car repairs out of pocket, you could consider getting an extended warranty from a reputable third-party provider. Our team has reviewed more than a dozen of the best extended auto warranty companies and rated them on coverage, trustworthiness, affordability, and convenience to help you understand what to keep in mind while buying an extended warranty.


By following the recommended Nissan maintenance schedule, you can ensure that your new car will keep running in peak condition for many years. In addition, performing your scheduled repairs may also be a requisite for availing coverage if your car is under warranty.

While the general Nissan maintenance plan from Trophy Nissan is given below, specific automotive maintenance requirements may vary across Nissan models. Make sure to read your owner’s manual to determine the correct service schedule for your Nissan vehicle.

Service IntervalNissan Maintenance Recommendation
Every 6 months/5,000 milesReplace oil and rotate tires, inspect vital systems
Every 18 months/15,000 milesReplace cabin air filter and brake fluid
Every 3 years/30,000 milesReplace key battery and engine air filter

The dealer will inspect various systems at each interval, as well. These inspections can include:

  • Brake lines and cables
  • Brake pads and rotors
  • Transmission fluid
  • Exhaust system
  • Propeller shaft and drive shaft boots (AWD models)
  • Steering gear and linkage, axle and suspension parts
  • Transfer fluid and differential gear oil
  • Coolant fluid

As your car ages, you can expect to replace fluids and components in these systems instead of just having them inspected.

While you aren’t required to perform scheduled maintenance at the dealership or a Nissan service center, doing so will ensure that your vehicle will be worked on by factory-trained technicians.


How Much Does A Nissan Maintenance Plan Cost?

According to RepairPal, Nissan owners pay about $500 per year for maintenance and repairs on average. This is lower than the industry average of $562 per year for all automakers.

RepairPal also ranks Nissan in ninth place out of 32 car brands for reliability. This takes into account the average annual repair cost, repair frequency, and repair severity. Below, you can see how Nissan compares to the industry average on all of these.

NissanIndustry Average
Annual repair and maintenance cost$500$562
Repair severity13% of repairs are severe12% of repairs are severe
Repair frequency0.3 times per year0.4 times per year

Common Nissan Maintenance Costs

If you have a Nissan vehicle or plan to buy one soon, knowing what to expect in terms of annual maintenance costs can help you be prepared.

While the exact schedule can differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, it is recommended to change the engine oil and filter regularly to protect internal engine components. Many modern cars have maintenance indicators that tell you when it’s time for an oil change. According to RepairPal data, if you have a Nissan Altima, you can expect to pay around $106 to $119 on labor and parts for an oil change. Taxes and fees will be extra.

Another common item on the maintenance schedule is tire rotation. This can cost around $35 to $44. While changing the in-cabin air filter will set you back by $53 to $71, removing and replacing the brake fluid will cost around $84 to $106.

Common Nissan Repair Costs

Along with maintenance, the cost of car repairs tends to rise as cars age. Once Nissan’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty (3 years/36,000 miles) and powertrain warranty (5 years/60,000 miles) end, you will have to pay for all repairs out-of-pocket.

Here are a few standard Nissan repair costs per RepairPal data:

ModelReplacementCost
SentraPurge valve replacement$238 to $295
SentraCylinder head replacement$2,515 to $2,791
SentraFuel pressure sensor replacement$327 to $380
RogueFuel level sending unit replacement$1,688 to $1,801
RogueVVT control solenoid replacement$247 to $318

What you pay for repairs over the time you own a Nissan can vary widely. But you should have a budget set aside for repairs especially if your car is over 10 years old or has more than 100,000 miles.

Our team spoke with the Director of Marketing at Endurance, Jessica Campbell, about the most common issues on older vehicles. She said transmission replacements are the most common breakdown the company sees in vehicles over 100,000 miles. As far as the reasons for a transmission breakdown go, she said:

“Worn-out clutches can cause transmission slipping, leading to transmission failure. Transmission fluid is essential for lubrication and cooling. If there are any leaks, it can cause the transmission to overheat and eventually fail. Internal components such as gears, bearings, and shafts can wear out or break over time.”


Nissan Maintenance Repair Cost Comparison

Fortunately, Nissan vehicles are very reliable, and their average repair costs are mostly on par or lower than that of other vehicles. Here’s how Nissan compares according to RepairPal to a few of its competitors like Honda and Toyota:

AutomakerAverage Annual Repair Cost
Honda$428
Toyota$441
Mazda462
Hyundai$468
Kia$474
Nissan$500
Acura$501
Lexus$551

While this may seem like good news for Nissan owners, repairs are inevitable for any car. If you end up needing an unexpected car repair tomorrow, are you prepared to pay for it?


How Does An Extended Warranty Help With Cost?

A vehicle service contract, or an extended auto warranty as it is commonly known, is not strictly a “warranty.” It applies when the original factory warranty is no longer in effect and helps pay for car repairs and mechanical breakdowns for a specified period of time or miles. This way, you can budget for a number of car repairs in small, convenient monthly installments instead of depleting your savings or taking out a loan to pay for a sudden, huge expense.

Most extended warranty companies also throw in additional perks like roadside assistance, towing, trip interruption, and rental reimbursement, which can be a huge benefit when you are on the road and need a repair.

Nissan Extended Warranty Cost

We surveyed 1,000 people in 2023 from across the country. All respondents had purchased an extended warranty from their car’s manufacturer. Out of 1,000 total, 78 respondents got Nissan extended warranties.

We asked survey participants what they paid for their warranties. Here’s what the Nissan owners said on our survey:

  • 13 percent paid under $1,000
  • 36 percent paid between $1,000 and $2,000
  • 24 percent paid between $2,000 and $3,000
  • 10 percent paid between $3,000 and $4,000
  • 10 percent paid above $4,000
  • 6 percent weren’t sure what they paid

You can use these figures to gauge whether a warranty quote is a good deal.

Overall, most drivers we polled were satisfied with Nissan extended warranty coverage. One driver with a Nissan Rogue with between 50,000 and 100,000 miles said, “I am moderately satisfied with their service and coverage. [It’s] just a time-consuming process. I once submitted a claim about some issue in [the] audio system. They took in the request, asked for details and papers, and then processed the request in 20 days.”


Our Recommendations For Third-Party Providers

Bar graph depicting the four most popular extended auto warranty companies, as reported by respondents in our 2023 customer survey.

You can buy an extended warranty from the dealer or a third-party provider, but the latter will give you more flexibility in terms of choice of repair shops and coverages. Some dealer warranties are only available for cars within the original factory warranty. 

However, you can buy a third-party warranty almost anytime, such as when your car is 15 years old or has more than 100,000 miles on the odometer. Third-party auto warranties are also typically more affordable, which can make it easier for you to choose a plan that fits your budget. Our team secret shopped with more than 40 independent providers and found monthly rates to be between $120 and $135 on average. We included many popular makes and models in our research, including Nissan vehicles.

There are dozens of third-party companies in the market today, but we’ve found a few rise above the rest. Our top three companies are Endurance, CarShield, and Carchex – which also happen to be the most popular providers among consumers we have surveyed who have purchased extended auto warranties. Each of them offer high mileage limits and a variety of perks.

Our recent review of the best auto warranty companies is a smart way to kickstart your extended warranty research. Shopping around will give you an opportunity to compare quotes from different providers and select a plan that will give you the most value for your money.

Compare the top Nissan extended warranty options below to help lower your out-of-pocket vehicle ownership costs.

Endurance
4.6
Industry Standing: 4.3/5.0
Coverage: 4.9/5.0
Cost: 4.6/5.0
Transparency: 4.8/5.0
Customer Service: 4.3/5.0
idée Endurance is our top pick for extended warranties.
  • Best Coverage
  • Maximum Mileage: Up to 200,000 miles
  • Money-Back Guarantee: 30 days for full refund
  • Longest Term: 8 years of coverage
  • Coverage Options: 6 plans including maintenance option
  • Discounts: $300 same-day signup discount, $250 shopping voucher, and others
Plan coverage includes Endurance Elite perks™
Exclusionary plan One-year membership for free
Powertrain plan Tire repair and replacement
Maintenance coverage with Endurance Advantage Key fob replacement
Roadside assistance Total loss protection
Towing Collision discount
Rental car $250 rewards voucher
Trip interruption coverage Endurance Protect app

Nissan Maintenance Cost: Conclusion

Nissan vehicles are reliable, but you should still budget for repairs and maintenance after the factory warranty expires. Consider third-party protection plans for flexible coverage options.


FAQ: Nissan Maintenance Costs

Here are some frequent questions about Nissan maintenance costs:

Is Nissan maintenance expensive?

Nissan maintenance costs are on par with other similar vehicles and cost around $500 per year.

How much does scheduled maintenance cost?

Scheduled maintenance costs vary with the make, model, age, and mileage of the vehicle, and the location. You can use tools like Edmund.com’s Car Maintenance Guide to calculate the approximate costs for your vehicle.

How much does 100,000-mile maintenance cost?

According to RepairPal, the average cost of a 100,000-mile scheduled maintenance service averages between $224 and $323, excluding taxes and fees. However, this number is only an estimate. Your final cost can vary depending on your location, the make and model of your vehicle, and the type of engine.

What is the average cost of car maintenance per year?

The average cost of maintenance and repair across all vehicle models is around $652. On average, owners take their cars in for repairs 0.4 times a year, and there is a 12 percent chance that the repair could be severe.


Methodology

In an effort to provide accurate and unbiased information to consumers, our expert review team collects data from dozens of extended auto warranty companies to formulate rankings of the best providers. Companies receive a score in each of the following categories, as well as an overall weighted score out of 5.0 stars.

  • Industry Standing: Warranty providers with a history of strong business practices and endorsements from experts receive the highest scores in this category.
  • Coverage: This rating is based on types of extended warranty plans available, coverage terms, and added benefits like roadside assistance.
  • Cost: Our research team reviews sample quotes for a variety of plans and vehicles. Companies with lower prices per year of coverage receive the best scores.
  • Transparency: This score takes into account contract transparency and the availability of a money-back guarantee.
  • Customer Service: We comb through customer reviews and perform our own shopper analysis to get a sense of the responsiveness and helpfulness of each warranty company.

*Data accurate at time of publication.