Nissan Warranty: Coverage And Terms
The Nissan warranty includes a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty plus roadside assistance.
With our #1 rated provider, 
Motor1 Reviews Team Take:
- Nissan’s 3-year/60,000-mile warranty is on par with manufacturers like Dodge and Honda but shorter than many others like Hyundai and Kia.
- Nissan offers roadside assistance for 3 years/36,000 miles.
- According to RepairPal, Nissan owners pay about $500 per year for maintenance and repairs after the warranty expires, which is cheaper than the industry average of $652.
Nissan has a long history of offering vehicles with solid value and dependability. It’s easy enough to compare Nissan vehicles to competitors in terms of performance, fuel economy, and safety features. But it’s also critical to consider a brand’s factory warranty coverage and extended warranty options.
All new Nissan vehicles have a limited factory warranty covering unexpected repairs and breakdowns. By understanding what’s covered under the Nissan warranty, you can potentially save yourself thousands in repair costs. This guide will explain everything you should know about Nissan’s factory warranty and why you might consider extended vehicle coverage. Looking at factors like coverage, customer service, and cost, we’ve reviewed the best third-party extended car warranty providers, such as Endurance and Carchex.
Nissan Factory Warranty
Nissan’s limited factory warranty is a little shorter and provides pretty basic coverage terms than most car warranties. The warranty includes 3 years/36,000 miles of basic bumper-to-bumper coverage and 5 years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage, which is similar to warranties offered by other mainstream brands.
Overall, it provides decent coverage for repairs or replacements caused by defective materials or workmanship. Labor and parts are also included using Genuine Nissan or Nissan-approved replacement parts.
| Nissan Warranty | Warranty Terms |
|---|---|
| Basic Coverage (Bumper-to-Bumper) | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Coverage | 5 years/60,000 miles |
Nissan also offers two fully electric models: the Leaf and Ariya. In addition to the New Vehicle Limited Nissan Warranty, EVs come with a 5-year/60,000-mile electric powertrain warranty, while the lithium-ion battery pack is covered by its own 96-month/100,000-mile warranty.
Additional Nissan Warranty Coverage
Like most new-vehicle warranties, Nissan’s warranty is pretty straightforward. The company will make repairs “needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship of all parts and components of each new Nissan.”
Nissan’s bumper-to-bumper Basic Coverage warranty essentially covers everything in the car, except for a small list of components as outlined in the contract. Bumper-to-bumper warranties only feature the car parts and services in their contracts that they don’t cover, so if you don’t see a part in your own contract, consider it covered under Nissan’s Basic Coverage.
The rest of Nissan’s Warranty Information Booklet includes several different types of coverage:
| Powertrain Coverage | 5 years/
60,000 miles | This covers the main parts of the powertrain – which are the engine, transmission, and drive axles. Powertrain warranties take care of the most vital parts of the car that are the most expensive to repair out of pocket. |
| Adjustment Coverage | 12 months/
12,000 miles | Examples of covered operations within this period include wheel alignment and wheel balancing. Batteries for the Intelligent Key and remote-entry key fobs are covered for 12 months, and even the original windshield wiper blade inserts are covered for 6 months. |
| Corrosion Coverage | 5 years/
unlimited miles | Nissan covers defects that result in corrosion perforation (rust-through) of the vehicle’s body sheet metal panels. It specifically does not cover the exhaust system. Also, any corrosion of exterior trim, such as body moldings, lasts for just 12 months/12,000 miles. |
| Seat Belt Warranty | 10 years/
unlimited miles | All defective parts of your seat belt system are covered. |
Emissions Control Limited Warranties
Emissions control warranties cover different parts of the emissions systems, such as the catalytic converter, fuel injection system, and ignition control module. However, regulations on reducing exhaust, smog, and fuel vary by state, and California has its own specific laws about these warranties.
Below are Nissan’s different emissions warranties at the California and federal levels:
| Federal Vehicle Emissions
Control Limited Warranties | Nissan includes a few federal emissions warranties:
• Performance: 2 years/24,000 miles • Defect: 3 years/36,000 miles • Long Term Defect: 8 years/80,000 miles |
| California Vehicle Emission
Control Warranties | If your vehicle falls under California’s emissions laws,
then the emissions warranties are: • Performance: 3 years/50,000 miles • Defect: 3 years/50,000 miles • Long Term Defect: 7 years/70,000 miles Coverage varies by model, so make sure to check your specific warranty for details. |
Nissan Battery Warranty
A Replacement Battery Limited Warranty is also included for new Nissans. Under this warranty, a replacement battery is provided at a “pro-rata adjustment” up to 84 months after the date of the battery’s purchase or installation, whichever is earlier.
For example, if you’ve used the battery for up to 24 months, the repair is free, but if it’s been in use for 72 months, then you pay 75 percent of the repair cost and 100 percent of the labor cost. The good news is the replacement battery will be covered for the remainder of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Nissan Roadside Assistance
Nissan’s factory warranty falls a bit short compared to some others is in roadside assistance, which runs 3 years/36,000 miles. Some mainstream brands, including Ford and Chevrolet, extend their roadside assistance to the same 5 years/60,000 miles as their powertrain warranties.
That’s not necessarily a reason to choose one brand over another, but it is something to put on your calendar as a reminder. Your insurance company may offer roadside assistance, and you can add it with a service like AAA. Nissan’s extended warranties, as well as third-party warranties, also include this useful service.
Roadside assistance will take care of you if your Nissan breaks down on the side of the road. Nissan’s roadside assistance covers:
- Battery jump-starts
- Tire replacements
- Fuel deliveries
- Lockout services
- One-way towing services
- Rental car reimbursement
Towing assistance is available a bit longer than the other features, and lasts for 5 years/60,000 miles. You’re also eligible for trip interruption services, such as meal or lodging reimbursement, if the mechanical breakdown happens more than 100 miles from your primary residence.
The Nissan GT-R Warranty
Affectionately known by its owners and fans as “Godzilla,” the Nissan GT-R is a limited-production, high-performance sports car that performs in the same league as top Porsches, but at a much lower price. That still means an MSRP of $120,990. Nissan sells under 1,000 per year, so this is not a big group. But owners are passionate about their GT-Rs’ power and performance.
The GT-R has its own warranty booklet, and while most of the coverage is the same as for other Nissan models, there are some notable exceptions:
- Racing: Nissan is more specific and emphatic about racing in the GT-R warranty, stating that damage will not be covered if it results from “racing and/or competitive driving of any sort whatsoever, and/or use on a track or driving on any airstrip.”
- Dynamometer tests: GT-R owners like to run their cars on a dynamometer to see if the engine is putting out the 565 horsepower Nissan claims (600 hp in the NISMO edition). Any damage caused while running the car on a dynamometer will not be covered, unless the purpose was to test for emissions compliance.
- Dealer checkups: To keep the GT-R’s warranty valid, Nissan requires that owners return to a Nissan GT-R Certified dealer for free Performance Optimization Services at the first 1,000 miles, and then at the 12-, 24-, and 36-month milestones. Nissan says GT-R owners can have this service performed at a “qualified repair facility,” but at their own cost.
What Is Not Covered Under Nissan Factory Warranty?
Like many other carmakers’ warranties, Nissan’s warranty does not cover normal maintenance services and wear and tear, including worn brake discs and pads. Also like most companies, Nissan includes a list of activities for which any resulting damage will not be repaired under warranty. These are similar to what you’ll see on other brands’ warranties, but there are some interesting references in Nissan’s warranty that bear mentioning.
First, Nissan cites “Misuse, including using the vehicle to tow” as one of those activities. Yet, the company provides a towing guide for its vehicles.
As one example, the Nissan Altima Owner’s Manual makes numerous references to using the car for towing but does not provide any specifications, such as a trailer weight limit. If you plan to use a Nissan vehicle to tow a trailer, check with your dealer first.
Damage caused by these activities also are not covered by the Nissan factory warranty:
- Racing and competitive driving
- Repairs performed by anyone other than a Nissan dealer
- Damage caused by any automated or manually operated car wash or by using a pressure washer
- Damage from lack of proper maintenance, such as oil changes, as outlined in your owner’s manual
- Damage from environmental factors, such as tree sap, UV damage, or hail
- Installation of non-Nissan approved accessories or components
Your Nissan warranty won’t cover tires, either. Instead, they’re protected by tire manufacturers such as Hankook, Michelin, Toyo, and Yokohama.
Nissan’s new car warranties are generally transferable to subsequent Nissan owners at any time, but if you sell the vehicle during the first six months, the factory warranty is void.
Nissan Aftermarket Warranty
As we’ve explained, your new Nissan is covered for several years, but the warranty does have an end date. An extended car warranty (also known as an aftermarket warranty) can provide the peace of mind that you won’t need to pay out of pocket for expensive or unexpected repairs after the factory Nissan warranty expires.
Nissan has three extended warranty options that range from powertrain coverage to bumper-to-bumper coverage. We’ll cover more about the Nissan extended warranty from the manufacturer and third-party companies in detail below.
Nissan Extended Warranty
If you’re purchasing a new Nissan, it’s likely the sales representative will offer you a Nissan extended warranty on the day you sign for your new vehicle. Nissan offers vehicle service contracts (VSCs)* called Security+Plus® Extended Protection Plans for new and pre-owned vehicles. There are three levels of coverage: Powertrain Preferred, Silver Preferred, and Gold Preferred. These programs can last up to 8 years or 120,000 miles.
Here’s more information on each of the following extended warranties offered by Nissan:
Nissan Gold Preferred Plan
Nissan explains the Gold Preferred plan, covers virtually all major components, except for normal maintenance services and a few parts listed in the contract.
Nissan Silver Preferred Plan
To that coverage, Silver Preferred adds more than 680 more items, including a long list of electrical and electronic systems and components throughout the vehicle. In addition, Silver Preferred provides additional benefits, including:
- Trip interruption reimbursement for repairs needed more than 100 miles from home
- Car rental assistance
- Towing allowance
Nissan Powertrain Preferred Plan
The Powertrain Preferred plan is a powertrain-plus warranty, which means it covers far more than just the engine and transmission – including:
- Front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive components
- Suspension system components
- Fuel injection system
- Electrical components, including starter, alternator, ignition system parts, and more
- Air conditioning system
- Brakes (certain components)
- Roadside assistance
For further context of Nissan extended warranty options, the graphic below shows the major differences between the two most popular coverage choices in the extended warranty industry: the bumper-to-bumper contract and the powertrain plan.
All Nissan extended warranty plans are transferable to future owners and come with 24/7 roadside assistance and access to 24-hour customer assistance. One downside is that Nissan only offers two deductible copay options: $0 or $100. Nissan does pay directly for repairs, so you don’t have to pay up front and wait for reimbursement, but you’re required to have your car serviced at an authorized Nissan dealership.
Keep in mind that with a Nissan extended warranty, you’re locked in to having covered repairs performed at a Nissan dealer. In a mechanical breakdown situation, you need to have the vehicle towed to a Nissan dealership for repairs.
Is A Nissan Extended Warranty Worth It?
As we’ve explained, your new Nissan is covered for several years, but the warranty does have an end date. An extended car warranty can provide the peace of mind that you won’t need to pay out of pocket for expensive or unexpected repairs after the factory Nissan warranty expires.
Nissan Reliability
While Nissan’s vehicles are consistently ranked as some of the most reliable, coming in ninth out of 32 car brands on RepairPal, no car is perfect. You can also see how the manufacturer measures up against other brands in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study℠.
Nissan ranked 10th out of 32 brands, putting itself above the industry average for dependability. This means that Nissan vehicles are less likely to break down on the side of the road or suffer mechanical issues compared to 22 other automakers.
Nissan Repair Costs
While Nissan has relatively good reliability, the need for potentially expensive repairs becomes more likely for any vehicle as it ages. Most new car buyers are likely to still be making loan payments after the original factory Nissan warranty expires – so it pays to consider some typical repair costs of some older Nissan models. At RepairPal, you can enter any model and view repair costs for many repairs and vehicle services.
Here are a few of the common problems and associated repair costs Nissans have had in recent years:
| Nissan Model | Part Replacement | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan Pathfinder | Head gasket replacement | $2,296 to $2,721 |
| Nissan Sentra | Starter replacement | $515 to $692 |
| Nissan Altima | Water pump replacement | $523 to $569 |
| Nissan Murano | Power seat control module replacement | $849 to $867 |
Notably, Nissan’s own information for replacement costs for several components and systems on the 2017 Rogue include the following examples:
- Steering: $1,272
- Transmission: $3,325
- Air conditioning: $915
- Brake caliper: $455
- Fuel pump: $607
The data above shows that while the average annual maintenance cost of a Nissan is roughly just $500, according to RepairPal, this is just an estimate and doesn’t account for unexpected, high-cost issues and repairs.
Our team asked the Director of Marketing at Endurance Warranty, Jessica Campbell, what the most common breakdowns are on cars over 100,000 miles. Here’s what she said:
“Transmissions are the most common repair claim, followed by water pumps. Repair costs can vary widely depending on several factors, including vehicle type, model, age, and the complexity of the individual repair.”
Extended warranties offset these costs and make affording expensive repairs or replacements more manageable. They’re also usually transferable, which can help increase the resale value of your Nissan should you decide to sell it. Not all Nissan models are the same, so be sure to do additional research about your particular Nissan before making a decision about an extended warranty.
What Nissan Customers Say
In 2023, our team surveyed 1,000 consumers who had purchased an extended warranty from the manufacturer. Out of the total, 78 people had Nissan extended warranties. Respondents were fairly satisfied on the whole. Here are a few examples:
- “I’m very satisfied as they always make sure my needs are met.”
- “I was extremely satisfied. It kept up with its word. There were two pretty major repairs that I needed for the car and the warranty covered almost all expenses even though one repair could have been self-caused.”
- “I have no issues with it, I’ve used the coverage and had no problems making claims.”
That said, some customers encountered issues. Here are a few examples:
- “I’m not satisfied. I feel like I overpaid.”
- “I wasn’t satisfied at all… when I needed work they wouldn’t do it.”
- “It was a waste of money.”
Looking at that last point, there’s always the chance an extended warranty won’t cover its value in claims, so that’s something to consider.
Third-Party Extended Warranty Companies
After conducting extensive research, we think Nissan extended warranties sold by the dealer lack the flexibility, value, and added benefits that can be found when purchasing a vehicle service contract (VSC) from a third-party provider.
You can buy a VSC from a third-party provider anytime after your limited factory warranty expires after 3 years/36,000 miles. That gives you plenty of time to evaluate your options, including third-party warranties. Benefits of such contracts include:
- Purchasing an extended warranty after the Nissan factory warranty expires
- Lower cost than the factory extended warranties
- Wide choice of coverage plans
- Choice of tens of thousands of repair facilities, including Nissan dealers
- Other benefits like those of the Nissan extended warranties, including roadside assistance, trip interruption reimbursement, and towing and rental car allowances
We recommend getting a minimum of three quotes from third-party companies, as pricing will vary based on your location, vehicle, and more. Then, you can make an informed decision.
Both Carchex and Endurance offer these benefits:
- You have more coverage options and contracts from which to choose (everything from basic powertrain warranty coverage to full bumper-to-bumper protection), so it’s easier to find the best plan for your specific vehicle.
- When you need a repair, you have the choice of over 30,000 repair facilities certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence®.
- Between month-to-month contracts, monthly or annual payment options, and a variety of deductibles, you can make your extended coverage work for your budget.
- You don’t miss out on roadside assistance, as it’s included in most plans.
- Payments are made directly to the repair facility. That way, you don’t have to pay for an expensive repair or wait to be reimbursed.
- Plans are transferable to subsequent owners.
Nissan Factory Warranty: Bottom Line
Nissan’s factory warranty is relatively standard in the industry, at 3 years/36,000 miles for its bumper-to-bumper coverage and 5 years/60,000 miles for its powertrain warranty. Nissan’s are relatively reliable cars, but like all vehicles, still susceptible to mechanical breakdown.
Nissan’s three extended warranty plans at 8 years/120,000 miles all provide good coverage options for your car, but you can more options at likely lower costs from independent warranty providers like Endurance and CarShield. It’s important to look at average repair costs and compare quotes from Nissan dealerships and multiple companies before making a decision about whether you want extended coverage.
Nissan Car Warranty: FAQ
Here are frequently asked questions about the Nissan warranty.
How long are Nissans under warranty?
All new Nissan vehicles come with a 3-year/36,000-mile limited factory warranty and a 5-year limited powertrain warranty. You can purchase extended coverage from the manufacturer or a third-party warranty provider.
Does Nissan have a 100,000-mile warranty?
Yes, Nissan does offer an extended warranty through the manufacturer known as Security+Plus®, which can protect vehicle systems up to 8 years or 120,000 miles once the factory warranty expires.
Does Nissan have a 5-year warranty?
Yes, all new Nissan vehicles come with a limited powertrain warranty that lasts for 5 years or 60,000 miles – whichever comes first. Under this warranty, components like the engine, transmission, transaxle, drivetrain, and restraint system are covered in the event of a mechanical breakdown.
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.
*VSCs are technically not extended warranties, but serve the same function. VSCs are often created by separate companies (though offered and sold through dealerships) – and have their own regulations. However, VSCs can be considered as extended warranties when offered by auto manufacturers.
