Nissan Altima vs Volkswagen Jetta
For 2005–2022 models, the Nissan Altima has 25.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 27.7 for the Volkswagen Jetta. 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.
Nissan Altima
25.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
about the same as the Volkswagen Jetta
- 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
Volkswagen Jetta
27.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
about the same as the Nissan Altima
- Complaints
- 5,701
- Sold
- 2,059,976
- Recall campaigns
- 37
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2006, 2009–2010 and 2019. Fewest: 2018 and 2020. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 65,000 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 73,000 mi
-
Fuel pump and sending unit
Typically around 52,060 mi · repair $630–$1,700
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 36,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 46,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Nissan Altima or the Volkswagen Jetta?
For 2005–2022 models, the Nissan Altima has 25.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Volkswagen Jetta has 27.7, counting the same model years for both.
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.
What is the most common problem on the Volkswagen Jetta?
The most-reported problem on the Volkswagen Jetta is body control and other modules, typically around 65,000 miles.
Which Nissan Altima and Volkswagen Jetta years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Nissan Altima: 2008–2009 and 2013–2014; Volkswagen Jetta: 2006, 2009–2010 and 2019.
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.