Ford Fusion vs Nissan Altima
For 2005–2021 models, the Nissan Altima has 26.5 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 69.3 for the Ford Fusion. 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 (2005–2021), 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 Fusion
69.3 complaints per 10,000 sold
2.6× the Nissan Altima’s rate
- Complaints
- 22,212
- Sold
- 3,207,373
- Recall campaigns
- 46
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2008 and 2010–2012. Fewest: 2005 and 2019–2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 75,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 52,000 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 91,500 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Power steering pump, rack and lines
Typically around 90,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 67,927 mi
Nissan Altima
26.5 complaints per 10,000 sold
62% fewer than the Ford Fusion
- Complaints
- 11,364
- Sold
- 4,294,191
- Recall campaigns
- 30
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2008–2009 and 2013–2014. Fewest: 2011, 2018 and 2021. 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 Fusion or the Nissan Altima?
For 2005–2021 models, the Nissan Altima has 26.5 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Fusion has 69.3, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Fusion?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Fusion is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 75,000 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 Fusion and Nissan Altima years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Fusion: 2008 and 2010–2012; 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.