Nissan has been part of the American automotive scene since the late 1950s. You may even remember when the Datsun name changed to Nissan in 1981. Over the many decades, the automaker earned a reputation for offering credible alternatives to popular rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda Accord. The Nissan Altima, Sentra, and Rogue are just some of the models that take on Japanese competitors, often at a more affordable price.

However, Nissans generally don’t have the same reliability ratings as Toyotas and Hondas. In a recent Consumer Reports review of used-car dependability, the automaker ranked eighth out of 26 brands. Toyota and Honda ranked second and fourth, respectively. For new cars, Nissan ranked 12th, while Toyota and Honda ranked third and fourth, respectively. In short, Nissans may not hold as well as the competition. That’s an important consideration if you already have one in the driveway or are considering buying a Nissan without a factory warranty.

Repairs that fall outside of Nissan’s original auto warranty can be expensive, especially if there’s a problem with a core component like the engine or continuously variable transmission (CVT). It’s a worry that can be reduced with a Nissan extended warranty, available through the company or a third-party provider such as Endurance. Keep reading as we explore these options and what they mean for Nissan owners today and down the road.

What Is Covered Under Nissan’s Factory Warranty?

Before opting for an extended warranty, Nissan owners should understand what the factory coverage provides. Among mainstream brands, the company’s warranty program is quite typical with a three-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty (for the engine, transmission, and drive axles). When these safeguards expire, owners are responsible for repairs, which explains the popularity of a Nissan extended warranty.

What Is Covered By a Nissan Extended Warranty?

An extended warranty, also called a vehicle service contract (VSC), auto protection plan, or warranty plan, covers a mechanical breakdown after the factory warranty expires. You can choose a Nissan-branded program purchased through a dealer or an Endurance vehicle protection plan. Endurance contracts are sold directly to consumers, so there’s no dealer markup.

Nissan Plans

Nissan Security+Plus offers three coverage tiers:

• Powertrain Preferred Plan: As the name implies, this coverage includes the powertrain, along with the steering, suspension, electrical, air conditioning, and brakes.
• Silver Preferred Plan: This mid-range plan covers several hundred named parts across major systems but excludes some higher-tech electronics and convenience features.
• Gold Preferred Plan: Closest to the original factory warranty, this top-tier program has the fewest exclusions and protects most vehicle systems. Owners are responsible for maintenance services and specifically excluded components.

Extended warranties from Nissan are usually only available for vehicles ten model years old or newer. In addition, the company may require an inspection if the original powertrain warranty has expired.

Endurance Plans

Endurance offers several Nissan vehicle protection plans, including:

• Secure Plan: Powertrain protection for the engine, transmission, and drive axles.
• Secure Plus Plan: Expands the coverage umbrella by adding safeguards for the air conditioning, steering, and electrical system.
• Superior Plan: A higher-level plan with more extensive component coverage
• Advantage Plan: Available in three tiers, this program includes up to $3,500 in maintenance plan support.
• Supreme Plan: This top-level plan is most similar to a factory bumper-to-bumper warranty and has the fewest exclusions.
• Options: Endurance offers supplemental coverage for high-mileage models, modified vehicles (such as a lifted suspension or custom wheels), commercial-use cars, and even hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs).

Endurance covers many vehicles up to 20 years old and has programs with no mileage restrictions.

Nissan and Endurance plans include 24-hour emergency roadside assistance with towing, car rental reimbursement, and trip interruption benefits.

Expanded Coverage for Nissan EV & Hybrid Models

The availability of electrified Nissans has been somewhat of a rollercoaster ride. On the hybrid side, the 2007-2011 Altima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Pathfinder, and 2017-2019 Rogue Hybrid were sold in the U.S. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Rogue are expected for the 2026 model year. Meanwhile, the company helped advance the cause of affordable all-electric vehicles when it debuted the Nissan Leaf for 2011. The third-generation Leaf is hitting showrooms for 2026. The well-intended Ariya EV launched in 2023, but Nissan dropped the model after 2025.

Regardless of the model year, owning an electrified Nissan requires extra vigilance to ensure a trouble-free driving experience. Additional extended warranty coverage may be able to protect critical systems in Nissan hybrids and EVs.

Battery Pack & High-Voltage Components

Older Nissan Leafs are known for battery degradation, which dramatically decreases range. High-voltage wiring, inverters, onboard chargers, electric motors, and battery-management modules can be expensive to repair once factory coverage expires. Newer Nissan EVs have an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty on high-voltage batteries.

Software & Module Updates

The LEAF and Ariya rely heavily on software for thermal management, charging control, and driver-assistance systems. When these systems malfunction, updates or replacements can be more expensive than traditional mechanical repairs; service may need to be performed at a Nissan dealer.

Cooling System Considerations

With EVs, cooling is vital to prolonging the life and capacity of the high-voltage battery. Older Leafs relied on a passive system, leaving the vehicles vulnerable to temperature extremes. The latest version and the Ariya use more advanced technology that minimizes weather concerns, but requires periodic checks.

How Much Does a Nissan Extended Warranty Cost?

Pricing for a Nissan extended warranty depends heavily on a vehicle’s age, model, mileage, coverage tier, and contract length. Consumer Affairs’ research found a cost range of $830 to $4,336 for one to five additional years of protection beyond the basic warranty. An Endurance Warranty plan for a Nissan depends on your needs and contract specifics.

When Nissan’s Factory Warranty Ends — And What Happens Next

The factory coverage for most Nissan vehicles ends after three (bumper-to-bumper) or five (powertrain) years. If you drive as much as the average American motorist—13,500 miles per year—protection ends sooner. Here are the three decision points for Nissan owners:

Before Three Years or 36,000 Miles

The end of the basic factory warranty means you’ll be responsible for paying for repairs that don’t involve the powertrain. If the uncertainty of unpredictable financial expenses like an unexpected repair is a concern, then adding extended protection with minimal exclusions can come close to the original bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Before Five Years or 60,000 Miles

With the average engine replacement costing over $8,000, according to internal Endurance claims data, powertrain repairs can be significant. Even a new transmission runs nearly $5,000. While you may be less concerned about or can financially handle minor problems, many owners would find paying for a new powerplant or gearbox a hardship. At a minimum, adding a powertrain extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Over Eight Years or 100,000 Miles

If you’ve driven without warranty coverage, you might want to rethink your approach at this point. No matter how well-maintained and reliable your Nissan has been, there may be no escape from age-related problem areas such as the air conditioning, cooling, fuel system, alternator, and suspension. Once again, you’ll need to decide how much risk you’re willing to take. Could one extensive repair or several smaller repairs over a short period be too much of a hit to your wallet?

Average Nissan Repair Costs

Vehicle repair costs can add up very quickly, and even the most common Nissan repairs can set you back hundreds of dollars without a proper warranty. Let’s take a look at some of the most common Nissan Altima repair items and what consumers are paying for repairs without warranties.

Let’s look at one pricey repair scenario: replacing the head gasket in a Nissan Rogue with 120,000 miles. RepairPal estimates that the cost is between $2,841 and $3,788. The factory powertrain warranty has long since expired, which means a very expensive trip to the mechanic. To add insult to injury, you’ll also need to pay for a rental car or arrange alternative transportation. However, with an Endurance Warranty plan and an approved repair claim, you’re only on the hook for any deductible (either $0, $100, or $200). Plus, there’s a daily rental car reimbursement allowance for more substantial service work.

Nissan Recall History and Reliability Insights: What Owners of 2015-2022 Nissan Models Should Know

It seems that every week, an automaker announces a recall. It’s a fact of life for today’s car owners. These safety campaigns may not necessarily indicate long-term reliability, yet they remain areas of concern. Since 2015, Nissan has issued over 170 recalls for issues ranging from electrical problems to troubles with the brakes and steering.

Add in factors like Nissan’s trouble-plagued CVTs (most newer Nissans use a CVT), and owners have to stay on top of many areas to minimize driving disruptions. Of course, recall repairs are generally performed at no cost through the manufacturer, though the availability of parts and remedies can vary over time.

Shopping for an Extended Nissan Warranty

Nissan owners have two extended warranty routes: dealership-backed Security+Plus plans or third-party vehicle service contracts from Endurance. Besides the costs, here are other essentials to review before deciding:

• Deductibles: Examine different deductible options and decide whether you’d prefer to save more upfront by selecting a higher deductible or spend more initially in exchange for lower out-of-pocket expenses for a covered repair.
• Covered Components: Assess which systems are included in each plan tier, particularly electronics, sensors, A/C components, and drivetrain systems.
• Exclusion Lists: Every contract contains a list of parts not covered. Understanding these early prevents surprises later.
• Repair Network: Nissan’s plans require service at the dealership in most cases. Endurance allows covered repairs to be performed at any licensed facility, including dealers and specialty shops.
• Markup Pricing: Buying an extended warranty through a Nissan retailer means paying a dealer markup. Endurance is a direct-to-consumer warranty provider; there’s no middleman or inflated pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions: Nissan Extended Warranty

Where Can I Get My Nissan Service for Repairs?

One of the biggest benefits of an Endurance Warranty plan is the ability to take your car to any certified mechanic for repairs. Those with a Nissan warranty will most likely have to have their vehicle serviced at a Nissan dealership.

What Do Endurance Warranties Cover That Nissan Warranties Do Not?

This depends on the type of coverage you get from Endurance and what you are comparing it to from Nissan’s end. With many different coverage options, you can easily find the best plan for your needs. This plan provides emergency roadside assistance.

What Extended Warranty Covers the Most for the Best Price?

Finding the best warranty that fits your budget will depend on your specific needs. That is one of the reasons that Endurance offers numerous plans to fit everyone’s coverage and budget needs, or you can customize your own plan.

How Do I Get a Quote For an Extended Warranty?

Requesting a quote on Endurance coverage couldn’t be any easier. Simply fill out the quote request form with your information, and you can have a free quote in minutes!

Nissan Extended Warranty Or Third-Party Vehicle Protection?

Discover all the advantages of Endurance auto protection plans for your Nissan. Request a FREE quote or visit the Endurance online store for instant plan details and pricing. Our knowledgeable representatives can also walk you through all the details and custom coverage options. Just call (800) 253-8203.

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