Head-to-head safety comparison of Nissan vs Toyota. Compare total recalls, complaints, reliability scores, and NHTSA safety ratings across all models.
Choosing between Nissan and Toyota is one of the most common decisions car buyers face. Both manufacturers have loyal followings, but their vehicles differ significantly in terms of safety track record, recall frequency, and long-term reliability. This comparison uses official NHTSA data — including consumer complaints, manufacturer recalls, crash test safety ratings, and computed reliability scores — to give you an objective, data-driven look at how these two brands stack up. Whether you are cross-shopping specific models or evaluating brand-level reliability, the numbers below can help inform your decision.
Nissan vehicles have accumulated 14309 total consumer complaints and 314 recalls across 44 tracked models in the NHTSA database. Toyota, by comparison, has 16783 complaints and 505 recalls across 58 models. On a per-model basis, Nissan averages roughly 325 complaints per model while Toyota averages about 289 complaints per model. Raw complaint volume alone does not tell the whole story — a manufacturer that sells more vehicles will naturally receive more reports — but the ratio of complaints to models tracked provides a useful benchmark for brand-level reliability.
In NHTSA crash test ratings, Nissan vehicles average 4.6 out of 5 stars compared to Toyota's 4.7 stars. Our computed reliability score — which factors in complaint frequency, severity, and safety outcomes like crashes, fires, and injuries — gives Nissan an average of 65/100 versus Toyota's 72/100. These metrics help distinguish between brands that have many minor complaints and those with fewer but more serious safety concerns. Review the detailed table below for the full side-by-side metric breakdown, then explore individual model pages for the most specific data.
| Metric | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Models Tracked | 44 | 58 |
| Total Complaints | 14309 | 16783 |
| Total Recalls | 314 | 505 |
| Avg Reliability | 65/100 | 72/100 |
| Avg Safety Rating | ★★★★½ | ★★★★½ |
Nissan has fewer total safety issues (14623 combined complaints + recalls) compared to Toyota (17288), suggesting better overall reliability.
Based on NHTSA data, Nissan has 14309 complaints and 314 recalls across 44 models, while Toyota has 16783 complaints and 505 recalls across 58 models. Nissan has fewer total safety issues. Review individual model pages for year-specific comparisons.
Nissan has 314 total recalls compared to Toyota's 505 recalls in the NHTSA database. However, recall counts alone do not determine overall safety — a proactive manufacturer may issue more recalls while addressing problems faster.
Our computed reliability score gives Nissan 65/100 versus Toyota's 72/100. Reliability varies significantly across models and years within both brands. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data.
This comparison uses official NHTSA data including consumer complaints, manufacturer recalls, crash test safety ratings, and our computed reliability score. The reliability score factors in complaint frequency, severity, and safety outcomes like crashes, fires, and injuries reported to NHTSA.