Auto Warranty

Nissan extended warranty review

With our No. 1 rated provider, 

866-497-3948
Key points
  • Nissan extended warranty coverage lasts up to 8 years/120,000 miles.

  • You can choose from three coverage options, including basic and exclusionary.

  • Customers report paying up to $4,000 total for their Nissan extended coverage.

As a Nissan driver, your vehicle is the product of nearly 100 years of innovation. According to RepairPal, Nissan vehicles are in the top ten for reliability among 32 auto brands. However, you can still expect to encounter the occasional mechanical problem along the ride.

Nissan new vehicle factory warranty coverage lasts for three years or 36,000 miles, which you’ll find goes by quickly. If you’re like many Americans, you want to keep your car on the road for as long as possible. Investing in an extended warranty could protect your wallet in the event of a mechanical breakdown and provide peace of mind.

You can buy a Nissan extended warranty directly from the manufacturer or Nissan dealer at any time before your original car warranty coverage expires. You can also purchase extended protection plans from one of the top extended car warranty companies at any time.

What does the Nissan extended warranty cover?

Nissan’s extended warranty program is called Nissan Security Plus, and plans cover up to 8 years/120,000 miles. The lowest level of extended warranty coverage offered is a powertrain warranty, which covers a few critical components in the engine, transmission and drivetrain. Compare this basic coverage level with the company’s Gold Preferred Plan, which covers most parts and repairs and functions like a bumper-to-bumper warranty.

NissanExtended Warranty PlanCoverage Details
Gold Preferred PlanThis exclusionary coverage most closely resembles the bumper-to-bumper warranty and covers over 2,200 parts. Exclusions include routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, cosmetic damages and damages from misuse or neglect.
Silver Preferred PlanThis stated-component coverage covers over 1,500 parts including the engine, suspension, fuel system, transmission, steering and electrical components.
Powertrain Preferred PlanThis plan is stated-component coverage with over 840 covered parts including the engine, transmission and front, rear and four-wheel drive systems.

Nissan extended warranty benefits

All Nissan extended warranty contracts come with emergency roadside assistance coverage. If you purchase the Gold or Silver Preferred plans, you’ll also get trip interruption, rental reimbursement and supplemental towing coverage. Take a closer look at each coverage below:

  • Emergency roadside assistance: Nissan provides 24/7 roadside assistance services including battery jumpstart, lockout assistance, fuel delivery and flat tire replacement service. Claims are limited to $100 per instance for drivers with Silver and Powertrain Preferred coverage.
  • Trip interruption: This perk provides reimbursement for alternative transportation, such as taxis or Uber, meals and hotel stays, when a covered breakdown occurs 100 miles or more from home.
  • Rental reimbursement: Nissan will reimburse you up to $35 per day for five days for rental vehicles during a covered repair.
  • Towing: Towing coverage for Gold and Silver plans is limited to $100 per claim and is restricted to towing for breakdowns caused by covered repairs only. If your repair isn’t covered by your contract, your tow job won’t be, either.

Nissan extended warranty exclusions

Nissan’s extended warranty plans come with some exclusions, as does any warranty contract. Even the company’s most comprehensive coverage, the Gold Preferred Plan, won’t cover routine maintenance such as oil changes or filter replacements. You’ll need to maintain wiper blades, brake pads and tire tread.

Nissan extended warranty contracts won’t cover damage caused by any of the following:

  • Severe weather
  • Theft or vandalism
  • Vehicle accidents
  • Vehicle misuse
  • Aftermarket parts or modifications
  • Improper maintenance

Remember to keep up with routine maintenance such as tire rotations and fluid checks so you don’t accidentally void your warranty. If you want help with these services, you can check out Nissan’s line up of maintenance plans below.

Does Nissan offer a maintenance plan?

In addition to its extended warranty plans, Nissan offers a wide range of maintenance and cosmetic plans that enhance your coverage. The company’s prepaid maintenance programs are especially useful for staying on top of necessary tasks including oil changes, tire rotations and parts upkeep.

Nissan prepaid maintenance plans

You can choose from four levels of maintenance services ranging from oil change only to an all-inclusive plan that provides scheduled tire rotations, filter changes and a series of inspections for critical vehicle parts such as brake pads, rotors and fuel system components.

Other coverage available from Nissan

Nissan offers the following optional coverages that you can add on to your extended auto warranty.

Nissan appearance and dent coverage

Nissan’s appearance protection is available for new and pre-owned vehicles. This plan functions like a renewable limited warranty and includes protections for paint, fabric, carpet leather and vinyl surfaces.

Nissan GAP coverage

Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) coverage helps you cover the remaining balance on a car loan in the event of a total loss of the vehicle. This coverage also helps protect you from reduced insurance payouts due to vehicle depreciation.

Nissan extended warranty terms and conditions

If you want extended warranty coverage backed by Nissan, you need to purchase your plan before your Nissan factory warranty expires. Nissan new vehicle factory coverage lasts for just three years or 36,000 miles, so explore your options before this time is up.

Nissan extended warranty plans can be transferred or canceled at any time by contacting the dealership that sold you the warranty. Terms vary by dealership, but many offer a prorated or full refund if you cancel within a certain period, typically 30–60 days.

What is Nissan’s factory warranty?

Nissan’s factory warranty offers two key types of coverage, including a bumper-to-bumper new vehicle limited warranty that lasts for 3 years/36,000 miles. This warranty covers most parts and repairs minus maintenance and select damages. You’ll also get powertrain coverage for 5 years/60,000 miles, which covers parts and repairs for critical components in the engine, transmission and drive axles. 

Depending on where you buy and drive your Nissan and which vehicle model you choose, you may also get one or more of the following coverages:

  • EV system coverage
  • Battery coverage
  • Roadside assistance
  • Corrosion coverages
  • Emissions performance warranty
  • Emissions defect warranty
  • California emissions performance and defect coverage
  • California emissions long-term defect coverage
  • Seat belt warranty

How much does a Nissan extended warranty cost?

How much you’ll pay for a Nissan extended vehicle service contract varies by dealership. We looked at what customers are saying on Reddit about the cost of their vehicle service contracts and found that costs can range between $1,200 and $4,000 per contract.

Your total costs also depend on which deductible you choose. Nissan offers the option of $0 or $100 deductibles with its plans. If you choose the $0 deductible, you’ll pay less when it’s time for repairs but a higher total for the coverage itself.

As a note, many third-party warranty companies offer payment plans for their coverage contracts. If you don’t want to pay a lump sum upfront, you can often choose monthly installments with an initial down payment.

What does the average extended warranty cost?

We gathered quotes from top extended warranty providers for a few vehicle profiles with various mileage amounts. Based on those quotes, you can expect to pay between $2,804 and $3,151 total for an extended car warranty through a third-party provider, depending on your vehicle, coverage level and choice of provider.

Nissan’s extended warranty costs seem comparatively high based on customer experience — especially considering the coverage ends at just 120,000 miles. Many third-party extended car warranties last for up to 250,000 miles.

Below, you can compare the average total cost for a third-party extended warranty by coverage level.

Extended Warranty TypeTotal Cost
Bumper-to-bumper$2,804
Midlevel$3,151
Powertrain$2,807

Is a Nissan extended warranty worth it?

Nissan is ranked above average and No. 9 out of 32 vehicle manufacturers for reliability, according to RepairPal.

However, as any car ages, the likelihood of it needing repairs increases. The annual cost of repairs across all Nissan models is $500, according to RepairPal. While this is lower than annual repair estimates for some other vehicle makes, this amount doesn’t reflect the cost of individual repairs, which may be higher.

With Nissan’s high reliability rating and lower average repair costs, a manufacturer’s extended warranty might not be worth it. But your vehicle model and further research can help you decide whether it benefits you.

Are Nissans reliable?

In the J.D. Power 2024 Vehicle Dependability Study, Nissan vehicles placed No. 15 out of 29 automakers and below the study-wide average. Nissan owners reported 199 issues per 100 vehicles. This is a significant slip from the company’s No. 10 position in the same study from 2023, with 170 issues per 100 vehicles, showing a decline in long-term dependability across Nissan vehicles.

If you’d like to get the most life out of your vehicle as it ages, an extended warranty could help you do it without breaking your budget with sudden repair costs.

How much are Nissan repairs?

The average repair cost for Nissan cars and trucks is $500 per year, according to RepairPal. That’s pretty affordable compared with the $652 yearly average across all vehicle makes and models.

For some drivers, budgeting for $500 in repair costs may not be an issue. However, individual repairs could cost more than this average, which is where warranty coverage comes in handy.

Below, we look at the cost of repairs for different issues with popular Nissan vehicles. Use these estimates to consider what kind of coverage you may need down the road.

Common Nissan RepairsAverage Cost Estimate
Frontier throttle position sensor replacement$189–$244
Pathfinder AC compressor replacement$947–$1,403
Pathfinder Armada suspension shock or strut replacement$536–$570
Leaf engine oil light diagnostics$88–$111
Kicks wheel hub assembly replacement$312–$326

What Nissan owners say

Nissan extended warranty plans are offered through Nissan Extended Services North America. The company has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has held accreditation on the platform since 2015. However, its BBB customer rating is just 1.2 out of 5 stars.

Customer complaints primarily focus on denial of coverage. One customer on BBB indicated that the company refused coverage for a repair based on improper maintenance, even though she provided proof of regular oil changes and other upkeep. Another customer notes difficulty canceling his policy and a lack of contact from the company’s customer service representatives.

Where should you buy a Nissan extended warranty?

You can buy a Nissan extended car warranty directly from your local Nissan dealership. By working with a Nissan representative, you can compare your coverage details, term options and deductible choices. You’ll also learn how much each manufacturer-backed service plan will cost.

If you’re unsure whether you like Nissan’s prices or coverage, it can’t hurt to compare it against quotes and coverage choices from third-party providers. Some companies, such as Endurance, may offer longer mileage limits or lower overall prices.

Nissan vs. third-party extended warranties

While Nissan does offer solid options for vehicle service contracts, you’ll notice third-party companies provide more choices. Also, a third-party warranty company often has higher maximum mileages and longer available contract terms.

In the chart below, you’ll also see that some companies offer higher deductible options, which may lower your monthly payments.

NissanEnduranceCarShieldCarchex
Availability50 states49 states (no CA)49 states (no CA)50 states
Number of Plans3665
Coverage LengthUp to 120,000 milesUp to 200,000 milesUp to 300,000 milesUp to 250,000 miles
Deductible$0 to $100$0, $50, $100, $200$0, $50, $100, $200$0, $50, $100
TransferabilityYes, fee may applyYes, for $50Yes, for $50Yes, for $50
Roadside AssistanceIncludedIncludedIncludedIncluded
Cancellation PolicyRefund within 60 days, fee may applyFull refund within 30 daysFull refund within 30 daysFull refund within 30 days

What’s next?

Nissan’s extended warranty options offer customizable coverage for drivers. The company’s maintenance and cosmetic coverages are uncommon, and they can further help protect your investment. However, Nissan’s extended vehicle service contracts are only good for up to 120,000 miles, while some extended warranty companies offer coverage for up to 300,000 miles.

If you’re considering a Nissan extended warranty plan, compare costs and coverage options with free quotes from the providers below.

4.5
Limited time offer: Get $300 off with code SAVE300

Endurance offers coverage for up to 8 years or 200,000 miles, but it only offers long-term plans.

  • Our top pick for auto warranty
  • Mileage covered: Up to 200,000 miles
  • Longest term: Up to 8 years
  • Money-back guarantee: 30 days
  • Coverage options: 6 plans
  • Discounts: First-time applicant discount
Pros
  • Six coverage plans
  • Mechanical breakdown and maintenance benefits
  • First-time application discount
Cons
  • No unlimited or month-to-month plans
  • Elite benefits only free for the first year
  • BBB pattern of complaints for delay of claims

Our rating methodology for auto warranty companies

We analyze, rate and rank top vehicle service contract providers to help you discover the right one for your needs. The best auto service contract companies offer transparency, affordability and expansive coverage options, among other qualities.

We rate companies using our objective scoring methodology. We assess brands on factors that are important to consumers like you — including cost, coverage, market standing, trustworthiness and customer experience. After scoring companies on a 100-point scale, we simplify final scores into the 5-star ratings you see in our content.

BBB scores are accurate as of March 2024.

Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.

Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Go Back to Top
More on this topic...
Best extended car warranties
Man looking at his broken down car wishing he had an extended car warranty
How much does an extended car warranty cost?
red car driving down freeway
What does a car warranty cover?
red suv parked at dealership
Is an extended car warranty worth it?
Line of parked cars
Advertiser disclosure

TEST Our editorial team is committed to creating independent and objective content focused on helping our readers make informed decisions. To help support these efforts we receive compensation from companies that advertise with us.

The compensation we receive from these companies may impact how and where products appear on this site. This compensation does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides within our content. We do not include all companies, products or offers that may be available.