Ford Fiesta vs Nissan Altima
For 2010–2020 models, the Nissan Altima has 23.8 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 56.1 for the Ford Fiesta. 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 (2010–2020), 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 Fiesta
56.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
2.4× the Nissan Altima’s rate
- Complaints
- 3,160
- Sold
- 562,951
- Recall campaigns
- 12
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2011–2014. Fewest: 2010, 2017–2018 and 2020. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 30,406 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 46,000 mi
-
Manual clutch, flywheel and hydraulics
Typically around 40,000 mi · repair $1,070–$1,980
-
Transmission control module and sensors
Typically around 65,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 59,000 mi
Nissan Altima
23.8 complaints per 10,000 sold
58% fewer than the Ford Fiesta
- Complaints
- 6,989
- Sold
- 2,942,589
- Recall campaigns
- 30
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 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 Fiesta or the Nissan Altima?
For 2010–2020 models, the Nissan Altima has 23.8 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Fiesta has 56.1, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Fiesta?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Fiesta is harsh, delayed or erratic shifting, typically around 30,406 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 Fiesta and Nissan Altima years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Fiesta: 2011–2014; 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.