Japanese carmakers built their reputations on bulletproof dependability, but heading into 2026, three big names are grappling with reliability crises that cut to the core of that image. I look at how specific engines, transmissions, and model lines are generating complaints, recalls, and financial pressure, and why these failures matter for buyers who once treated Japanese badges as a safety net.
Nissan
Nissan is facing a multi front reliability storm, from long running CVT complaints to fresh problems on new crossovers. Owners of the 2026 Nissan Rogue Platinum are already reporting a Manufacturer Recall tagged R25D1, listed with NHTSA Recall Number 25V-437 and Recall Status marked Incomplete, a worrying sign for a vehicle that just reached driveways in Nov. At the same time, broader coverage notes that Nissan’s Transmission Troubles Continue to Plague Owners, with chronic failures eroding confidence and feeding into questions about long term durability.
Under the hood, That VC Turbo 3 Cylinder in the latest Rogue is described by one owner as “a ticking time bomb,” with They alleging recalls and engine failures “left and right” and Dealerships resorting to full replacements. Financial analysts have linked these quality issues to broader strain, noting that Nissan’s Transmission Troubles Continue and Plague Owners while Even Moody has responded with a downgrade tied partly to warranty and repair costs. For shoppers, the implication is stark, a brand once sold on low drama ownership now carries a real risk of expensive post warranty surprises.
Infiniti
Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury offshoot, is being pulled into the same reliability undertow, with its own customers feeling what one analysis calls a betrayal of the brand promise. Reports on Infiniti Shares Nissan’s highlight how shared platforms and drivetrains, including the same troubled CVT and related components, are dragging down a marque that charges premium prices. When Nissan’s Transmission Troubles Continue and Plague Owners, the same underlying hardware often sits beneath Infiniti sheet metal, turning what should be a step up into a lateral move on dependability.
The stakes are particularly high because Infiniti competes directly with German and Asian rivals that now test better in some reliability rankings. One breakdown of 3 Japanese car brands named the least reliable of 2025 singles out Infiniti alongside other Asian luxury players, undercutting the long held belief that Asian engineering automatically means fewer headaches. For buyers, that means a costly lease or finance deal may come with the same repair anxieties as a mainstream Nissan, but with higher parts and labor bills, a combination that can quickly sour loyalty and depress resale values.
Mazda
Mazda, long praised for driver focused engineering, is discovering that ambitious new platforms can carry serious reliability risk. An in depth look at the least reliable Japanese cars flags the Mazda CX-90 and Mazda CX-70 as standout trouble spots, noting that both Mazda CX crossovers sit near the bottom of the 2025 CR rankings. The report bluntly asks, “What is this?” before explaining that On the latest rung of the Japanese reliability ladder, these large SUVs are dragging down Mazda’s overall score and raising questions about its rapid move upmarket.
Problems range from drivetrain and electronics complaints to build quality issues that feel out of step with Mazda’s past reputation. As larger Japanese three row models like the CX-90 and CX-70 become family haulers and road trip staples, persistent defects can mean repeated dealer visits, rental car costs, and long waits for parts. For a brand that once sold itself as a smart alternative to premium badges, being grouped among the least reliable Japanese offerings risks blurring its identity and pushing cautious shoppers back toward more conservative choices.
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