Kia Forte vs Nissan Altima
For 2010–2022 models, the Kia Forte has 21.1 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 22.2 for the Nissan Altima. 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 (2010–2022), 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.
Kia Forte
21.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
about the same as the Nissan Altima
- Complaints
- 2,441
- Sold
- 1,154,385
- Recall campaigns
- 15
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2010, 2012 and 2014–2015. Fewest: 2016 and 2020–2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings)
Typically around 91,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 63,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 70,000 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 62,000 mi
-
Oil consumption and leaks
Typically around 83,511 mi
Nissan Altima
22.2 complaints per 10,000 sold
about the same as the Kia Forte
- Complaints
- 7,072
- Sold
- 3,186,321
- Recall campaigns
- 30
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2013–2014. Fewest: 2011, 2018 and 2021–2022. 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 Kia Forte or the Nissan Altima?
For 2010–2022 models, the Kia Forte has 21.1 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Nissan Altima has 22.2, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Kia Forte?
The most-reported problem on the Kia Forte is internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 91,000 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 Kia Forte and Nissan Altima years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Kia Forte: 2010, 2012 and 2014–2015; Nissan Altima: 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.