Mazda MAZDA3 vs Nissan Altima
For 2005–2022 models, the Mazda MAZDA3 has 16.8 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 25.7 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 (2005–2022), 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.
Mazda MAZDA3
16.8 complaints per 10,000 sold
35% fewer than the Nissan Altima
- Complaints
- 2,635
- Sold
- 1,565,366
- Recall campaigns
- 22
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2008 and 2010. Fewest: 2005 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 58,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 65,915 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 51,250 mi
-
Power steering pump, rack and lines
Typically around 52,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
TPMS sensors and warnings
Typically around 52,558 mi · repair $230–$430
Nissan Altima
25.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.5× the Mazda MAZDA3’s rate
- Complaints
- 11,394
- Sold
- 4,434,147
- Recall campaigns
- 30
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2008–2009 and 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 Mazda MAZDA3 or the Nissan Altima?
For 2005–2022 models, the Mazda MAZDA3 has 16.8 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Nissan Altima has 25.7, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Mazda MAZDA3?
The most-reported problem on the Mazda MAZDA3 is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 58,000 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 Mazda MAZDA3 and Nissan Altima years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Mazda MAZDA3: 2008 and 2010; 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.