Ford Focus vs Nissan Altima
For 2005–2019 models, the Nissan Altima has 27.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 54.0 for the Ford Focus. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2019), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Ford Focus
54.0 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.9× the Nissan Altima’s rate
- Complaints
- 14,134
- Sold
- 2,619,091
- Recall campaigns
- 27
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2012–2014 and 2018. Fewest: 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2019. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 40,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 62,872 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 60,000 mi
-
Manual clutch, flywheel and hydraulics
Typically around 56,081 mi · repair $1,070–$1,980
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 77,777 mi · repair $750–$2,230
Nissan Altima
27.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
49% fewer than the Ford Focus
- Complaints
- 11,241
- Sold
- 4,052,427
- Recall campaigns
- 27
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2008–2009 and 2013–2014. Fewest: 2011 and 2018–2019. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 32,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 60,200 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 68,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 70,000 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 72,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Ford Focus or the Nissan Altima?
For 2005–2019 models, the Nissan Altima has 27.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Focus has 54.0, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Focus?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Focus is harsh, delayed or erratic shifting, typically around 40,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Nissan Altima?
The most-reported problem on the Nissan Altima is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 32,000 miles.
Which Ford Focus and Nissan Altima years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Focus: 2012–2014 and 2018; Nissan Altima: 2008–2009 and 2013–2014.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.