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Mazda Mazda6 vs Nissan Altima

For 2005–2021 models, the Mazda Mazda6 has 25.0 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 26.7 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 (2005–2021), 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.

Mazda Mazda6

25.0 complaints per 10,000 sold

about the same as the Nissan Altima

Complaints
1,786
Sold
713,683
Recall campaigns
22
Open NHTSA investigations
2

Most complaints: 2009–2011. Fewest: 2013 and 2019–2021. Every year →

Most-reported problems

  1. Airbags, seatbelts and restraints

    Typically around 80,000 mi

  2. Subframe, cradle and frame corrosion

    Typically around 114,813 mi

  3. Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim

    Typically around 60,000 mi

  4. Body control and other modules

    Typically around 58,000 mi

  5. Wiring harness, grounds and connectors

    Typically around 66,000 mi

Estimate costs for a specific Mazda Mazda6 →

Nissan Altima

26.7 complaints per 10,000 sold

about the same as the Mazda Mazda6

Complaints
11,468
Sold
4,294,191
Recall campaigns
30
Open NHTSA investigations
2

Most complaints: 2008–2009 and 2013–2014. Fewest: 2011, 2018–2019 and 2021. Every year →

Most-reported problems

  1. Airbags, seatbelts and restraints

    Typically around 32,000 mi

  2. Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim

    Typically around 60,200 mi

  3. Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting

    Typically around 68,000 mi

  4. Body control and other modules

    Typically around 70,000 mi

  5. Wiring harness, grounds and connectors

    Typically around 72,000 mi

Estimate costs for a specific Nissan Altima →

Common questions

Which has fewer problems, the Mazda Mazda6 or the Nissan Altima?

For 2005–2021 models, the Mazda Mazda6 has 25.0 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Nissan Altima has 26.7, counting the same model years for both.

What is the most common problem on the Mazda Mazda6?

The most-reported problem on the Mazda Mazda6 is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 80,000 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 Mazda6 and Nissan Altima years have the most complaints?

Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Mazda Mazda6: 2009–2011; 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.